At a Glance:
What is the Average Range Hood Installation Cost?
How Much CFM Do I Need for a Range Hood?
How Wide Should a Range Hood Be?
How High Should a Range Hood Be?
What is a Ducted vs Ductless Range Hood?
Top Range Hoods for Your Kitchen
A range hood is an essential piece of equipment in any kitchen. One of these appliances can absorb smoke, steam, and odors, preventing them from traveling through your home and creating uncomfortable living environments. With the switch of a button, a range hood can help you and your family breathe in clean air, and you won’t have to worry about the smells from meals lingering for hours after you enjoy them.
However, not all homes were made with range hoods in mind. Range hood installation can be a complicated process if you don’t know what to do. Luckily, we’re here to help with our very own range hood installation guide. Read what’s inside to understand the cost, process, and requirements to effectively add ventilation to your home.
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Shop NowWhat is the Average Range Hood Installation Cost?
Along with budgeting for a range hood itself, make sure you set aside funds for the installation cost. The median price to install a range hood is $750, but your bill can range from $400 to $1,500, depending on your location. If you happen to know how to install a vent hood, you can save yourself some money, but typically, we recommend having a professional do any kind of installation that involves elctrical.
Keep in mind that different range hoods come with different price tags. For instance, a wall-mounted range hood might be slightly less than an island range hood. Additionally, if you are building ductwork in your home or have the existing framework, it might cost more to purchase a ducted range hood and having a professional connect it will also add to the overall cost.
✅ Pro Tip: Consider receiving quotes on kitchen ventilation installation before you buy a range hood so you are prepared for this extra cost.
How Much CFM Do I Need for a Range Hood?
CFM refers to the cubic feet per minute of air that your range hood filters. The higher the CFM, the faster the hood cleans the air—but the more CFMs typically means a higher price. By calculating the CFMs you need, you can maintain a safe kitchen without overspending on a model.
A common question is, “Do you need a range hood for an electric stove?” and the answer is yes. Range hoods don’t just absorb wasted gas; they also collect smoke and grease from whatever you are cooking. Stay safe and invest in proper ventilation.
If you have an electric stove, make sure you have 100 CFM for every 10 inches in width. For example, if your stove is 36 inches across, you will need at least 360 CFMs.
If you have a gas stove or range, add up the BTU of all of your burners and divide it by 100. If you have four burners at 12,000 BTUs maximum each, then you would have 48,000 BTUs total and need to plan for range hood installation of at least 480 CFM.
How Wide Should a Range Hood Be?
Another common question that homeowners have is, “What size range hood do I need?” It is possible to find powerful hoods that are also small, but these might not be effective. Appliance experts generally encourage homeowners to install range hoods that are three inches longer on each side. This means you would need a 42” hood for a 36” stove.
How High Should a Range Hood Be?
Placement is also a key part of ventilation. If you have an electric range, try to place the ventilation source between 20–24 inches above the heat source. This should give you enough space to cook while still collecting the smoke and heat. The range hood height above a gas stove should be between 24–30 inches.
What is a Ducted vs Ductless Range Hood?
Just like air conditioning systems, you can choose whether you want a ductless range hood installation or whether you want ducts in your home. As the name sounds, ducted range hoods push air through a series of ductwork to outside of your house. Using a ducted range hood, smoke and grease are completely removed through your ductwork.
Ductless range hoods filter the air and release it back into the kitchen after it has been cleaned. If you don’t already have a ventilation system and ductwork, then ductless range hood installation might be your easiest and most affordable option.
Top Range Hoods for Your Kitchen
Once you have a plan for range hood installation, you can choose the top products for your kitchen. Here are just a few highly rated options from our range hood selection guide to consider.
GE® 36" Stainless Steel Wall Hood
Shop This GE Wall Mounted Range Hood
This range hood comes with two options to clean the air: recirculation, which returns the air to your kitchen, or external venting, which brings the air outside. That makes it especially simple to install in any kitchen remodel without having to worry about paying more for special installation. At 350 CFMs, this beautiful number is powerful enough to ventilate heat from a 35,000 BTU gas range, and it also has easy DIY installation for quick setup. We also like the double halogen lights that provide the right atmosphere and task lighting while preparing meals.
Featured GE JVW5361SJSS review: “This is exactly what we wanted to tie the kitchen together. It looks fantastic above the matching oven. Sleek, but not too much of a focal point either.”
Monogram® 36" Slide Out Ventilation
This ventilation hood can fit below most cabinets and offers up to 460 CFM of filtration. There are four total speeds on this hood, so you can run it at its lowest when you are simmering a sauce and then increase the power for smokier dishes. The standout feature of this range hood is the slide-out glass canopy. The extra reach it provides is ideal for capturing smoke and heat that would otherwise escape from the sides of a cooking appliance.
Frigidaire® 42" Stainless Steel Canopy Island Ventilation
Shop This Frigidaire Canopy Range Hood
Frigidaire also has a ventilation system that you can add to your home. The glass canopy design of this model complements design trends of today’s kitchens and creates a timeless look to go with looks that change with the seasons. Dishwasher-safe filters and halogen lighting are convenient upgrades, and with a 400-CFM rating, you won’t compromise looks for power.
Featured Frigidaire FHPC4260LS review: “This was installed in our newly built house and it just completes the look of our kitchen. It works as it should and is super quiet. Love it!”
At East Coast Appliance, we carry the best range hoods for gas stoves, electric ranges, and induction cooktops in the Virginia Beach area. We know that you need a range hood as soon as you design your kitchen, which is why we keep a large supply in stock.
Our team will also do their best to help you save money so you can choose the best ventilation hood and still have enough money left over to cover the installation costs. Check out our promotions on range hoods and our items on clearance to find steeply discounted products.
Our goal is to make sure you have a safe kitchen setup where your whole family can come together for quality meals. Let us answer any ventilation questions you have so you choose the best possible hood.
FAQs
Do I need a range hood for a gas stove?
Yes. Any kitchen stovetop or range should have a ventilation system of some kind. This will catch any smoke, steam, grease, and odors that come from your cooking. Modern-day ventilation hoods are quiet and efficient, so you might not even notice they are on.
How often should kitchen hoods be cleaned?
Range hood maintenance depends largely on how often you cook. Cleaning the exterior after every meal is an easy way to keep the appearance taken care of. A general rule of thumb is to clean range hood filters every three months.
What are the basic styles of range hood design?
Range hoods come in a variety of styles, including under-cabinet range hoods, wall mounted range hoods, island range hoods, insert range hoods, and downdraft range hoods.
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 Hoods at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop range hoods online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you with range hood installation so you have a safe 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!
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