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What is a Range Hood Insert?

by From Our Experts

modern kitchen with oven and range hood ventilation

At a Glance

Understanding CFM - Cubic Feet Per Minute

Do You Need a Large Range Hood?

Top Range Hood Insert Models

FAQ

Why Trust East Coast Appliance?

 

A range hood insert is a custom appliance that fits above your range. Even the most careful chefs can prepare meals that generate smoke, spread grease, and create odors that travel through the home. These air pollutants can trigger the allergens or asthma symptoms of family members while leaving unwanted smells in your living space. A range hood fits above your stove and filters the air. If you have ever triggered a smoke alarm when you burned something in the oven, you know how useful a range hood can be.

A range hood insert, in particular, refers to the metal part that fits into an existing hood. Most of these appliances fit into existing ductwork; however, you can buy a ductless range hood insert if your kitchen doesn’t already have one. These appliances are meant to take up as little space as possible while filtering the air effectively. Learn more about the benefits of adding a range hood insert into your home and get to know a few popular models. 

Understanding CFM - Cubic Feet Per Minute

One of the biggest metrics that you will encourage when shopping for a range hood insert is CFM or cubic feet per minute. This essentially reports how much airflow the appliance can filter in a minute’s time. The higher the CFM number, the more powerful the range hood.

For example, if the dish you are preparing is smoking and spitting grease, you need to run your range hood at a high level. This will prevent your kitchen from filling with smoke and creating an unsafe breathing environment. When you run your range hood, filters catch grease and other air particular that are traveling through the air. The clean air is then pumped back into your kitchen. As a result, the dirty smoke quickly gets sucked away and replaced by odorless, safe air.

Most homeowners don’t always need the highest CFM levels when cooking. This is why modern range hoods have at least two settings (high and low) while some have up to four settings at different CFM levels. Running your range hood can limit the spread of cooking odors and reduce the amount of grease you need to wipe up in the kitchen.

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Range Hood Inserts

Do You Need a Large Range Hood?

One of the benefits of measuring range hoods by CFM is that you don’t need a large or bulky appliance to remove smoke from the air. Many hoods can filter the air effectively without taking up much space in your kitchen. This is a relief for homeowners who don’t have much space for storage and need cabinetry above their stovetops.

However, your insert range hood should at least match the width of your cooktop. Most range hoods come in standard sizes that match cooktop models. You can find a 30-inch range hood, 36-inch range hood, or 48-inch insert range hood easily depending on your cooktop size.  

Top Range Hood Insert Models

The first thing to consider when shopping for a range hood insert is the size. Measure your existing cooktop and filter different ranges by the width you need. Once you have the right size, you can choose a brand you like and the power you need in CFM. Here are a few top brands to consider and size examples for each one. Get to know the features, pricing, and customer reviews of each model.

Fisher & Paykel Series 5 36" Stainless Steel Range Hood

Stainless Steel Range Hood

If you are looking for one of the top model range hoods on the market, consider this option by Fisher & Paykel. The range hood insert has four different fan speeds to choose from based on what you are cooking. You can choose the maximum speed if you are frying food for dinner or set the minimum speed if your meal isn’t smokey, but prone to generating odors.

This model comes with a 600 CFM airflow, providing powerful filtration that immediately starts cleaning your air. You will no longer need to air out your kitchen or use candles to mask odors. The 36 range hood insert is compliant with California Title 24 regulations, which set requirements for energy efficiency and fire safety.

You can buy this insert in stainless steel for residential or commercial purposes. It is powerful but not visible – with a height of only 13.75 inches. Read customer reviews to learn why homeowners love this range hood.

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Bertazzoni 34" Professional Series Stainless Steel Insert Range Hood

Stainless Steel Range Hood

Another popular option for insert range hood models is this item by Bertazzoni. This is ideal for a 34-inch space to prevent smoke and grease from traveling through your house. The motor can reach a level of 560CFM with three different power settings. This makes the range hood slightly less powerful than the Fisher & Paykel, but only by a little. The smaller airflow settings run at 395 CFM and 295 CFM if you need a more delicate system.

Bertazzoni also promises a quiet performance for its range hood inserts. At its lowest setting, this appliance only runs at 1.5 sones, so you can filter the air without yelling over a fan or turning up the TV to watch your favorite shows while cooking.

This model also comes with an optional ADA-compliant remote control. You won’t have to reach to turn on the hood or stick your hand over the range to use it. The aluminum mesh filters can easily be washed in the dishwasher to prevent buildup and extend their use. Learn more about it by reading customer reviews.

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GE® 30" Stainless Steel Insert Range Hood

Stainless Steel Insert Range Hood

Consider this model by GE if you want a standard range hood in your home. It has three settings, with the highest providing 610 CFM of power. From there, the lower settings run at 370 or 290 CFM. You can hook up this range hood to the Wi-Fi for easy control or you can use your voice control system (like Amazon Alexa or Google Home) to turn the range on or off.

This insert range hood comes with LED modules and bright lighting that can be adjusted based on your power needs. The lights can also sync with the needs of the range and learn your personal lighting preferences. You don’t always need the brightest settings and can set your lighting to appropriate levels. This model comes with indicator lights so you know if the system is running and at the exact speed. 

Customers have very positive things to say about this range hood insert. The online reviews mention that it has all the features they need and performs well. It also doesn’t take up too much space in the kitchen. 

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FAQ

How do you measure range hood power?

When you shop for range hood inserts, you will notice that they are rated by CFM or cubic feet per minute. This highlights the amount of air the range hood can process and filter. A hood range with a high CFM (usually around 600) is more powerful and can clean your air faster. If you set your hood range at a lower CFM (below 300) it will filter the air slower.

What is California Title 24?

California Title 24 refers to the state’s building and efficiency standards. All new construction needs to meet certain limits for energy efficiency while minimizing the effect the build has on the environment. If you live in California, you may need to look for this certification when buying appliances. However, this is not relevant for Virginia shoppers unless you care about energy efficiency.

Why Trust East Coast Appliance?

Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.

Shop Range Hood Inserts at East Coast

There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop range hood inserts online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find the perfect range hood insert for your kitchen, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!

Learn More: How to Choose a Range Hood for Your Kitchen