can you run the duct work to an outside wall inbetween the joists? the motor you pick (along with the recommended duct size) will result in a "maximum recommended duct length" per the manufac. Also, addding 90 bends to the duct will "add" a variable amount of resistance (equiv. to 10 feet of duct length for my 7" installation). again, you might ask a contractor about running the duct between floor joist in the ceiling, to an exterior wall. you would probably need some drywall work on the ceiling, some messing with the cross members between the joists, but it might be easier than running something up to the roof..depends on your layout

I think the reality is that many low or mid powered ducted hood fans is not enough for high power ranges. It looks like yours need something like 900 CFM or up. If you could not change the cooking style, I guess you need sacrifice something else. For example, is it possible to route the duct just under the ceiling to the window? You could warp the duct with bulkhead. It does not look the best, but you at least have the proper ventilation for your high-end range. Otherwise, you would find grease over the kitchen and maybe other rooms in no time. Having said that, I am not sure how well Vent-a-Hood Duct Free range hoods (http://www.ventahood.com/ductfree2.jsp) work. It looks like the technology used in those is a bit more sophisticated than the common peers. They are still for light cooking though. You may need a 42" if possible. ps: please read through this thread: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/appl/msg1214301011894.html about the vent-a-hood ars This post was edited by shimheric on Wed, Oct 22, 14 at 13:19

By 'double brick', do you mean that your wall is solid brick, 2 courses thick instead of brick veneer? If so, it may not be a big deal. Mine is 3 courses, 13" thick & I had a mason who deals with historic brick cut through it with a saw; just don't let someone use a hammer drill if it's old brick. It's been 6-7 years but I think I paid about $200, mostly because the hole is 16' above ground & scaffolding had to be hung.

I would not use a low end vent with light, personally. In a relatively small place like a NY apartment, I would probably go for the most effective option. However, these seem to be in the $900-1400 range with the typical 30" at the low end of this. How often do you have to replace that pleated filter? I did see a NY apartment that used a ducted hood and had the duct run into the bathroom where it came out right next to the ventilation duct in the bathroom which pulled some of the cooking smells out since these have some "chimney" effect. I don't know how much the bathroom smelled like food because they ate out a lot like many Manhattanites.