Range hood installation: what to know

Types of range hood

• Wall-mounted canopy: fixed to the wall above the cooktop, with a chimney cover. Very common.
• Undermount: built into the cabinetry above the cooktop, so only the underside shows.
• Slide-out: a compact unit that pulls forward when cooking. Common in older kitchens and apartments.
• Island hood: hangs from the ceiling over an island cooktop.
• Integrated or downdraft: built into the cooktop or bench. Less common and needs careful planning.

Ducted or recirculating

A ducted range hood pulls air out of the kitchen and vents it outside through the roof or a wall. It removes smoke, steam and cooking smells properly and is generally the better choice.

A recirculating hood filters the air through carbon filters and returns it to the kitchen. It's easier to install where ducting isn't practical, such as in some apartments, but the filters need regular replacement and it doesn't remove moisture.

Ducting routes

For ducted hoods, plan the shortest, straightest route outside. Long runs with several bends reduce how well the hood works. In a single-storey home, ducting usually goes up through the ceiling and out through the roof or eave. Venting into the roof space rather than outside is not a good idea, because moisture and grease build up in the roof.

Mounting height

Each maker specifies a minimum height between the cooktop and the hood, which is often different for gas and electric cooktops. Too low is a safety concern. Too high and the hood won't capture the steam well. Check the manual before the cabinets are finalised.

Power supply

Most range hoods plug into a power point in the cabinet or wall above them, hidden behind the chimney cover or inside the cupboard. If there's no power there, a new point needs to be installed. Positioning it correctly before the hood goes up saves hassle.

Some larger hoods with powerful motors or built-in lighting may need their own circuit, so check the specifications.

Size and extraction

A hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop, ideally a little wider. Extraction rate is measured in cubic metres per hour. Bigger isn't always better. A very powerful hood in a small, sealed kitchen can be noisy and won't perform well without fresh air coming in.

Noise

Range hoods vary a lot in noise. If your kitchen is part of an open-plan living area, as in many newer homes around Shell Cove and Calderwood, a quieter hood matters more. Some models offer remote-mounted motors, which shift the noise away from the kitchen.

Replacing an old hood

Upgrading an old slide-out or canopy hood is a common job. Check whether the new hood fits the existing cabinetry and ducting. Different sizes may need cabinet modifications or a new duct connection.

Keeping it working well

Clean or replace the grease filters regularly. Many metal filters can go through the dishwasher. A clogged filter reduces extraction and puts more strain on the motor, and built-up grease is a fire risk above a cooktop.

What customers have told us

Customers have told us we fitted a range hood with a competitive quote given up front, so they knew exactly what to expect. That's how we prefer to work: clear about the job before we start.

Planning with a cooktop

If you're replacing the cooktop at the same time, especially switching to induction, sort out the cooktop circuit along with the hood. See our range hood and cooktop installation page and our appliance installation page. For whole kitchen renovations, our renovation electrical work covers the lot.

Call or text Kalani on 0424 400 346. A photo of the existing hood and the model you're looking at helps us give you a clear answer.