If you look at the Modern-Aire site, they have several shapes where the front tapers at the top to the depth of an upper cabinet, and the sides are straight so as to butt up to, and cover, the yellow cabinet sides you mentioned. Their typical sizes are 18" and 30" high, but you could get a 24" custom one if your budget allows. Or you could get an 18" and have a box made for above it to cover that area and to which you could attach replacement moulding. The box could be made of either wood matching your moulding or sheetrock. Vent-a-hood has a stainless direct replacement if you decide to stick with the same size you now have. I'm attaching the link to the Modern-Aire page that shows their shapes. PS-10, PS-11, and PS-26 all have the characteristics I was talking about above. Here is a link that might be useful: Modern-Aire Hoods

Hi, I'm really interested in this discussion. Did you find out who made the better range hoods between Cavalier or Windster? Or AKDY? Thank you!

Check out Kobe hoods, which give a lot of bang for the buck. My preference is baffle filters instead of mesh filters. The Costco Summit hood you linked has mesh filters. Mesh filters tend to clog with grease which diminishes the hood's efficiency quickly. Baffle filter hoods typically cost more, but I believe the added expense is very worthwhile. You mention you are replacing a fan in the ceiling. Does that mean you will be installing new ductwork for this wall-mount chimney hood? If so, try to install an exhaust duct that is 8". Most hoods (though not all) with 600 cfms or more require an 8" duct. If your duct is smaller than that, your hood will be less effective and more noisy through no fault of the hood. Having said that, there are hoods that are made to fit 6" ducts, just not as many of them.

I guess it's done per the comment above?? I was wondering about cracking too! I see photos all the time of what looks like one large tile slab w/ a wall mounted range hood on it, but wasn't sure. Thanks both of you + have a nice weekend!:)