Comprehensive Guide to Range Hood Mounting Height

Many homeowners are unsure of the optimal height for installing their new range hood. Installing your range hood correctly is essential for optimal performance, and height is a fundamental aspect of placement. In this article, we will discuss standard installation guidelines for all types of range hoods and the importance of doing so. 

Range Hood Mounting Height Detailed Instructions 

For maximum effectiveness, install your indoor range hood between 28 and 36 inches from the cooktop and your outdoor range hood between 36 and 42 inches from the cooktop. 

How high should I mount my (or my client’s) range hood is one of the most frequent questions we receive at Proline Range Hoods from homeowners and contractors. The height of indoor and outdoor range hoods differs. 

This height must be measured accurately. The optimal range of hood height increases the efficiency and durability of the hood. However, if it is too close or too far from the cooktop, performance and durability may be compromised. 

Also, range hoods aren’t exactly easy to move after installation, so you’re stuck with that height. We are here to ensure that it is installed at the optimal distance from the cooktop. 

Before we begin, remember… 

The range hood height does not depend on fan size. 

Indoor range hoods must be mounted between 28 and 36 inches above the cooktop, while outdoor range hoods must be mounted between 36 and 42 inches above the cooktop. 

The height of a kitchen hood does not depend on the height of your range hood. In addition to size, range hood mounting height has no bearing on the installation height. 

However, indoor and outdoor hoods have different installation heights, which will be discussed further. 

Standard Range Hood Height 

The standard range hood height for gas and electric ranges is 28 and 36 inches from the cooktop. 28 inches is the minimum acceptable height. If the hood is brought any closer, it could be damaged. Any distance beyond 36 inches will render your hood ineffective at removing air from your cooktop. This applies to range hoods that are wall-mounted, island-mounted, and inserts. 

Most range hood manufacturers recommend mounting your range hood between 20 and 24 inches above your kitchen range, but for our professional-grade, powerful vent hoods, we recommend at least 28 inches. 

How far above the stove should an indoor range hood be mounted? 

Indoor range hoods must be installed 28 to 36 inches from the cooktop. 

How far above the stove should an outdoor range hood be mounted? 

Outdoor range hoods must be installed 36 to 42 inches from the cooktop. Due to the intense heat of outdoor grills, additional space is required. 

What happens if the hood is mounted too close to the cooktop? 

Your hood may become damaged. 

Ovens generate a great deal of heat. This heat may cause damage to the exterior and interior circuitry of your stainless-steel range hood. This damage may be irreparable if subjected to intense heat for too long. 

If your hood is too close to your cooktop, you must be extra cautious about what you cook and how often you cook. 

You might cause a fire. 

If your range hood is too close to your cooktop, the intense heat could start a fire in your kitchen, causing damage to your stove, cabinets, and other nearby objects. This could be a significant financial burden, as you would need to replace your hood and repair the surrounding kitchen damage. 

Your vent hood will need to be cleaned more frequently. 

Your ventilation hood will be closer to the cooking surface, which will cause cooking residue to adhere to nearby surfaces. You will likely need to clean the exterior stainless steel of your hood every couple of weeks instead of once per month. 

Your motor’s durability is reduced. 

When a hood is placed too close to the cooktop, the blower and other internal components are subjected to extreme strain. The intense heat and fumes must be quickly filtered out, which may cause your motor to overwork. 

The maximum height for an indoor range hood is 36 inches, while the maximum for an outdoor range hood is 42 inches. 

Should a range hood be flush with the stove’s front? 

Yes, for optimal ventilation and coverage, your range hood should be flush with the front of your stove. It must reach at least the center of your front burners. 

What happens if I install my hood too far from my range? 

Some of the undesirable air in your kitchen will enter your cooking area. 

There is a good chance that you will turn on your vent hood and, as you continue to cook, observe smoke building up in the room. Over time, grease may accumulate on nearby cooking surfaces, such as the walls and ceiling. 

This is since some cooking fumes will escape into the kitchen rather than traveling through the ductwork and outside the house. This is hugely undesirable! It defeats the purpose of a functional vent hood. Then it is only decorative in your kitchen. 

The “effective capture area” does not encompass the distance between your cooktop and range hood. 

The effective capture area is the area surrounding your fan that effectively captures all grease, dirt, and other cooking fumes. 

Below is a diagram illustrating the effective capture area. The area shaded in gray is the capture area, where, as the name implies, unwanted air is captured and directed through the ductwork. 

Here’s the catch: 

If your hood is mounted too far from the cooktop, the additional few inches that the air must travel are not included in this effective capture area. The extra distance drastically reduces the hood’s effectiveness, which is why the ideal height is crucial. 

You will frequently use the higher speeds, which will shorten the life of your motor. 

Because unwanted air is escaping, you may need to increase the speed of your hood to compensate. If you constantly operate it at maximum speed, it will deteriorate. 

The heated and cooled air may escape your home, incurring unnecessary costs. 

If you use the higher speeds too frequently, you may also remove heated or cooled air from the kitchen. Consequently, you will need to restart your home’s heater or air conditioner to cool/heat more air. 

You can solve this issue and save money by mounting your hood at the correct height from the start. This will allow you to operate the fan at a lower speed and extract the ideal amount of air from your home. 

You may require makeup air. 

Frequently operating your hood at maximum speed may also necessitate using makeup air. Even though it may filter all unwanted contaminants from your cooking out of the kitchen when set to maximum, that air must go somewhere. 

If you wear your hood for too long, you may experience shortness of breath. Not enough air replaces the air that leaves your kitchen, indicating that you need a makeup air kit. 

Try opening a door or cracking a window before investing in makeup air to improve the ventilation in your kitchen. 

Where is a vent hood mounted? 

Now that you know the optimal installation height, you may wonder where I should mount my vent hood? The fact that it is mounted above a stove should go without saying. 

However, there are three possible mounting locations for a vent hood in your kitchen: on the wall, over the kitchen island, and beneath the kitchen cabinets. 

Typically, wall and under-cabinet hoods vent horizontally or vertically, whereas island hoods always vent through the ceiling. 

How is a wall-mounted range hood mounted? 

Most range hoods include mounting brackets that are simple to install. Insert screws through the bracket’s holes and leave about 1/4″ of space. This is the location where your hood will rest. 

Examine the simplified instructions for mounting your wall-mounted range hood. 

Note: The following information is available in our installation guide. 

• Drill two holes in the location where you intend to mount your new range hood. 
• Install wall anchors within the wall. 
• Drill two screws into the anchors in the wall. Allow approximately a quarter-inch space for the hood to rest on the screws. 

Refer to Step 3 below for details. 

However, step three of our installation procedure is the attachment of your hood. Before you can hang the installation, there are a few steps you must take if you’re just getting started. Here are the installation instructions for your wall-mounted range hood. 

Installation of a Range Hood Insert 

Inserts for range hoods are technically not mounted to your wall but installed within your custom cabinetry. Installing your insert is a straightforward four-step process; see here for details. 

How can a hood be mounted without a mounting bracket? 

Several of our range hoods do not include a mounting bracket. This is not an issue.  

Drill through the back of your range hood and into the studs in your wall. Comprehensive Guide to Range Hood Mounting Height For additional support, use drywall screws. These are not required, but this is the best option if you cannot locate a stud. 

Why It Is Crucial 

Does it matter where the range hood is mounted? In a single word: yes, there are several potential consequences if the appliance is installed too low or too high. Establishing the range hood below the minimum recommended height could result in fire and cooktop damage. It can also damage the interior components and exterior surfaces of range hoods. 

If the range hood is mounted above the recommended height, it will not be able to remove the odors. This will necessitate more frequent cleaning of the range hood, cooktop, countertops, and cabinets. In other words, your range hood will not operate as intended. Incorrect installation can also reduce the motor’s lifespan, as it must work harder to perform its function. 

Check out our buyer’s guide for more information on correctly installing your new range hood.