skip to main content

Really confused about range hoods

13 years ago

One of the last things I have to pick out is a range hood. My husband and I are just unsure about how much CFM's we need. We will be venting to the outside, I know that makes a difference.

Can you all give me some options on range hoods that are under 700 and will preform well?

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

jtkaybean
13 years ago
Hi,
Which range do you have? I think as long as it isn't a WOLF, Dacor etc you should be fine with 700cfm & under.

I got a Zephyr Tempest 1 & per my contractor it is quality hood! In our last house we also had a Zephyr (different model though) and it worked really, really good--cleared out all our coffee roasting smells not a problem (thus the reason I'm getting another Zephyr).

My contractor just installed our tempest & haven't used it yet but it looks really nice, and love the baffle vents on the underside (looks a little more professional IMO).
Here is a pic of what we got

you can buy a kit to bump it up to 1200 cfm.
for us that would be overkill, we just have a ge cafe range so 600 cfm will be fin.
weissman
13 years ago
Check out Kobe hoods - lots of good reviews on them. Unless you have a grill on your cooktop, you'll most likely be fine with 600 CFMs regardless of what brand of range you have.
Related Discussions
Very confused on the hood for my range. Need Help...
Q
Comments (8)
Your post is consistent with your confusion. Hopefully we can figure this out! The main issue is that you say you are looking at a Prestige insert--but then say they don't make a liner. Issue is that often a liner and an insert are the same thing. In either case, these are typically metal "boxes" that are placed ("inserted") inside a decorative hood surround, like the wooden one you are contemplating. So, if you are going to use the wooden surround, you need the metal "guts" to go inside. That's typically referred to as a liner, but also can be called an insert. I'm sure Prestige makes a liner that would work for you. Perhaps the confusion comes in that some manufacturers sell the actual hood itself (the big stainless steel box) separately from the fans that blow the fumes away (the "blower"). Sometimes, they refer to the fan(s) and the metal frame that holds them as a "power pack" or similar term. I think that is what you're calling an insert. So in that case, you'd need the liner plus the power pack. I suspect there is just some confusion over nomenclature as I'm sure you can get what you want from Prestige. OK, here's the (unpaid) commercial pitch. I think you should consider the Modern Aire option very carefully. Why? Because 1) they make a fabulous product 2) they can custom build it to exactly match your size and specifications 3) they are often LESS expensive than the "big" companies 4) they will work with you on every possible detail to get it right. Here's why I think you're nuts to try and buy your hood liner from your appliance store: the fact that you've had such confusion over the purchase tells me that your appliance store sales guy is equally clueless. Any half competent "expert" could have explained this to you clearly. Why would you trust someone who obviously doesn't know his hood from a hole in the wall? Consider Modern Aire: cheaper, better, and much easier. So...if you want my two cents worth: I'd call Modern Aire. Ask to speak with Jeff Herman, my hood guru. Explain to Jeff that you got a recommendation to touch base with him on Garden Web, and then explain exactly what you want to do. He will give you great advice and help walk you through the whole process. my beloved Modern Aire hood liner
...See More
Confused about horizontal range hood baffles
Q
Comments (4)
Hi Texas Gal, My hood is the RA0236SQB-1 model, a chimney-style that seems to be phased out in favor of a newer model. Overall, I'm very happy with it, although it may not mean much as prior to installing it last April I had no active ventilation in my kitchen. After the rotary switches failed and were replaced (within the warranty window), there has been no issue with this hood. I also don't expect any, as it's a simple, mechanical appliance, a fan driven by a brush-less AC motor installed in a steel box. Having sad this, I think that you're looking at a different hood: http://www.koberangehoods.com/product/RA-028SQB-WM-1.html. If that's right, then you're talking about a different animal. The depth is only 19.5", which means poor effluent capture. The baffles look different too and I couldn't find a picture showing the underside so it's not obvious how much is covered by baffles. Did you look at the CH-122SQB-1 model? At least it's 22" deep. Cheers, P.S. How does one send private email via gardenweb?
...See More
Range Hoods - How can I STILL be confused???
Q
Comments (10)
We've had posts in the past on this Forum where people have reported Builders recommending against a kitchen exhaust with its ductwork going to the outside. Usually because the builder doesn't feel like installing the ductwork, although it's not difficult. What Clinresga said is exactly on the mark. Please install a dedicated exhaust for your kitchen. And while you're at it, make sure your builder uses an 8" or 10" duct for the kitchen exhaust, which is what most good kitchen exhausts require. I myself am stuck with a 6" duct, and wish I had the luxury, like you have, of installing the ductwork from the getgo. Also, while you're at it, have the builder install the kitchen duct with as few bends, and as short of a run to the outside, as possible. Like I said, you have the luxury to get the ductwork the way you want it, since you're still in the construction stage.
...See More
more questions on range hoods -- hopelessly confused about MUA
Q
Comments (2)
First, you should consult your local code inspectors, preferably talking to a real person who can tell you what is required in your jurisdiction. If you decide you must have MUA, it is probably best to hire an HVAC company, who has experience in these kinds of installations. There have been a lot of home-brew DIY type systems discussed, especially over on the Appliance Forum, but whatever you do must be acceptable to the code guys. Don't expect the appliance manufacturer or sales person to give you adequate advice - they will never risk killing a sale by admitting that a MUA system is required which may be more expensive than the range and vent hood combined. The capacity of your vent hood is generally determined by the type of cooking you do, and what you can afford. In my jurisdiction, the code guy looked at what my range's manufacturer recommended for venting. If all you do is simmer, poach, roast, or reheat take-out, the 100-200 cfm recommended by that GreenBuildingAdvisor may be enough. But if you want to stir-fry, sear, or grill indoors, you will need every single cfm you can afford to clear out the smoke and grease from your living space. I really don't think you can grill indoors unless you have a hood that extracts much more than 400 cfm - probably requires 1000 cfm or greater. As for the size of the vent hood relative to your range, the 6" wider recommendation is for optimum performance. But in the real world, many of us have to compromise due to space or budget issues. My particular work-around is to do my high heat searing or stir-frying on a burner that is centred under my hood - at least my cook top affords me that choice, with several burners of the same output. Hope this helps.
...See More
jejvtr
13 years ago
Nikki

First step in range hoods is - what range, cook top you are installing - size/burners/grill/griddle configuration

2nd - What type of cooking do you typically do - Grills & Woks will require greater CFM's than simple sautes

3rd - Is said range/cooktop on exterior wall & have the capacity to vent straight out? - no plumbing, electric, framing, etc that would make that impossible.

4th - What style are you going for

Once that has been answered you will get more information as to what is available
avesmor
13 years ago
Normally you select a range hood based on the BTUs of the booktop or range it's over, and the width of the same.

The size of your kitchen and the way the range hood is ducted matter, too - as done the type of cooking you normally do, but duidn't so much to me (I'm not a professional chef, I just like to cook fun family meals).

The general guideline our appliance guru recommended was total BTUs / 100 = CFMs.

We have a 36" Kitchenaid cooktop with 51,000 total BTUs (18k, 6k, 7k, 10k, 10k). Our guideline was a minimum CFM of 51,000/100 or 510. We went with a Zephyr Cyclone @ 650 CFMs. I would have gone a bit higher if I had done much woking, sauteeing, etc.

Ours vents straight out, not up and no bends.

We have no issues with smells lingering. You can really tell the hood is on when we have the window open. :) After years and years with an OTR microwave, I can REALLY tell a huge difference. No "ring around the ceiling," no greasy cabinets or lights, etc.
itsallaboutthefood
13 years ago
Are you replacing an existing range hood? If so, you should find out what size ducting you have already. We had 6" ducting so we bought a range hood which worked with 6" ducting. If you buy a range hood which requires 8" ducting, you will have to replace your ducting which could add to your overall cost. We bought a Kobe which works with 6" ducting.
friedajune
13 years ago
Nikkipetey - there is a thread on the Appliances Forum about a Kobe hood selling at Costco right now. The hood goes up to 640 cfms, has baffle filters, can use a 6" duct (if that's what you have), comes with a 2 year warranty from Kobe, plus you have the Costco return policy. You didn't say what width is your range. The one at Costco comes in 30" and 36" sizes. I'll link the thread, and there is a link within the thread to the Brillia hood at Costco.

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread about Brillia Hood by Kobe at Costco
jgopp
13 years ago
I have a 600CFM fan in my Viking hood. I really have absolutely no need for anything larger 600 is PLENTY of power for me. It clears the kitchen out extremely quickly and I can feel cool air coming in from the other rooms. While I like the way my hood looks, it is too loud, and had a couple issues which have been taking forever to get fixed. I wouldn't recommend a Viking hood.
lee676
13 years ago
How many CFMs you need is heavily dependent on the size, length, and path of the ductwork run to the outdoors. Longer, twistier ductwork runs need more forceful fans.

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Stay Cool About Picking the Right Refrigerator

By KitchenLab Interiors

If all the options for refrigeration leave you hot under the collar, this guide to choosing a fridge and freezer will help you chill out

5 Stunning Modern Range Hoods

Today's kitchen range hoods can look like sleek sculptures. Here's what to look for when you go shopping for one

KITCHEN APPLIANCES What to Consider When Adding a Range Hood

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Get to know the types, styles and why you may want to skip a hood altogether

KITCHEN DESIGN Wood Range Hoods Naturally Fit Kitchen Style

By Rachel Grace

Bring warmth and beauty into the heart of your home with a range hood crafted from nature's bounty

GREEN BUILDING What's LEED All About, Anyway?

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

If you're looking for a sustainable, energy-efficient home, look into LEED certification. Learn about the program and its rating system here

BUDGETING YOUR PROJECT Construction Contracts: What to Know About Estimates vs. Bids

By Ventana Construction LLC

Understanding how contractors bill for services can help you keep costs down and your project on track

ARCHITECTURE 10 Things to Know About Prefab Homes

By Laura Gaskill

Are prefab homes less costly, faster to build and greener than homes constructed onsite? Here are answers to those questions and more

BUDGETING YOUR PROJECT Houzz Call: What Did Your Kitchen Renovation Teach You About Budgeting?

By Erin Carlyle

Cost is often the biggest shocker in a home renovation project. Share your wisdom to help your fellow Houzzers

LIGHTING What to Know About Switching to LED Lightbulbs

By Karen Egly-Thompson

If you’ve been thinking about changing over to LEDs but aren't sure how to do it and which to buy, this story is for you

REMODELING GUIDES What to Know About Budgeting for Your Home Remodel

By Incite Design

Plan early and be realistic to pull off a home construction project smoothly

Sponsored

More Discussions

Nuage Quartzite - any water issues?

14

hello , what are your thoughts on two tone countertops?

5

kitchen countertops

2

Need help with kitchen remodel

1

I am working on the kitchen of an investment house we are refurbishing

1