Is it code to have a vent over the stove?

Author: Prof. Kristy Windler IV  |  Last update: Sunday, September 7, 2025

Location of Range Hood It should be centrally located above the cooking area to effectively capture and remove contaminants. Additionally, the range hood must vent to the outside to prevent the recirculation of pollutants within the kitchen, which is mandated by most building codes.

Is a vent over the stove required?

Though you may not be required to install a hood over your stove, it is generally recommended for the best cooking experience. Without one, smoke and fumes may build up in your kitchen. Range hoods also help to reduce heat and moisture while cooking so you may not even break a sweat when cooking dinner for your family.

Is it illegal to not have a fan above the stove?

In most cases, it's not illegal to have no range hood in your kitchen; however, local building codes may require one depending on factors like the type of appliance being used (gas vs electric) or whether there are windows nearby that can provide adequate ventilation when opened during cooking activities.

What is the code for venting a gas cooktop?

M1503.

Domestic cooking exhaust equipment shall discharge to the outdoors through a duct.

Do I need a vent in a room with a stove?

Every indoor stove should have a vent to the outside. Carbon monoxide can build up in your house whenever there is any type of combustion. If you have a gas stove you should definitely have an excellent indoor to outdoor vented hood.

The Cost Of Operating An Illegal Wood Stove

Does a stove need a vent by code?

There are no codes requiring the installation of a vent. It is up to the individual having the cooktop installed to decide on whether to put a vent in.

Can you cook on a stove without a vent?

No, not at all. Using a gas stove without a vent or vent alternative allows Carbon Monoxide and other poisonous gasses to build up in your home. That build-up can lead to your death.

Do you need a vent for a gas stove?

That's right! Because all cooking — no matter what type of stove you have (natural gas, propane or electric) — creates airborne emissions from the cooking process. Therefore, it is important to use your hood fan to remove airborne emissions from the home.

Do all cooktops need to be vented?

In terms of ventilation, both electric and induction cooktops generate heat and cooking emissions that require proper ventilation.

Do ductless range hoods meet code?

However, ductless models are permitted as an exception to this rule. Kitchens must be vented with a minimum of 25 CFM of continuous air or 100 CFM intermittent air. This is so little CFM that you don't need a range hood to reach this threshold. In fact, residential exhaust fans can reach up to 2000 CFM.

Are there ventless range hoods?

You can install a ductless range hood without venting. This type of hood can be placed in various locations around your kitchen and works by filtering the air instead of directing it outside.

What's the fan above the stove called?

A range hood, also known as a vent hood or kitchen hood, is an appliance typically mounted above ranges or cooktops that helps to capture, filter or vent out cooking grease and steam above your cooking surface. Range hoods feature an integrated fan and sometimes include lights to help illuminate your cooktop.

Do electric stoves need to be vented outside?

'. The short answer here is yes, they do need to be vented and there are many reasons for this.

Are ductless range hoods any good?

The "better" option really depends on your situation. Ducted range hoods are generally more efficient as they vent kitchen air outside. However, they require a venting system which can be costly to install. Ductless hoods, on the other hand, are easier to install but may not remove odors as effectively.

Why have a hood over the stove?

Hoods are designed to remove odors, smoke, grease and other pollutants that are released into the air while cooking. The polluted air is sucked through a motorized fan and is either carried outside or filtered and re-circulated.

What are the different venting options for stove tops?

There are two types of range hood ventilation systems: external venting and recirculating venting. A convertible range hood can convert from one to another depending on the ductwork that is or isn't present in your kitchen.

What happens if you don't have a vent over your stove?

An electric cooktop still produces heat, and whatever you're cooking will still release grease, fumes, smoke, and other pollutants into the air. A kitchen hood will suck up this hot air and various pollutants to keep your kitchen surfaces and air cleaner.

Are you supposed to have a vent over your stove?

Most kitchen vent hoods are designed to remove grease from cooking fumes. Having a vent hood in your kitchen has many advantages. First and foremost, it will decrease the possibility of a leak of the dangerous chemical carbon monoxide. Additionally, vent hoods will improve the quality of the air within the structure.

Which is better, a ducted or ductless range hood?

Ducted hoods are more effective at keeping your kitchen air clean, removing other airborne particles, dissipating heat, and reducing kitchen humidity than ductless range hoods. If clean air is a must for medical reasons or personal preferences, then ducted range hoods are the safer option.

Do cooktops require venting?

The ventilation of gas appliances, such as your gas cooktop, is not just necessary but also essential for maintaining a healthy and safe kitchen environment. Gas burners produce byproducts like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde during the combustion process.

Do gas stoves need a flue?

Standard gas stoves

A regular gas stove does need a chimney or flue. As gas doesn't produce any heavy smoke, as a wood burning stove would, they don't require you to have a Class 1 brick chimney - though they usually can be installed into one of these without any issues.

Do you need a vent with a gas fireplace?

Ventless gas fireplaces are deemed to operate within the range of safety for cycling these combusted gases back into the home's interior. By contrast, vented gas fireplaces create a dangerously high amount of combustion exhaust and therefore must be vented to the outdoors.

What to do if your stove doesn't have a vent?

Use a Window Fan

Firstly, it helps with ventilation by creating a flow of fresh air. When you're cooking, steam, smoke, and lingering odors can fill the air. But a window fan comes to the rescue by pulling out all that stuff and bringing in fresh air from outside.

Do you have to have a vent for gas stove?

Across the United States, the majority of residential homes cooking with gas do not need to vent their range. However, just because you don't have to does not mean that you shouldn't. If you use a commercial-style range, then you will be required to do so.

Is there a stove that doesn't need a vent?

A downdraft range or cooktop integrates the ventilation system directly into the cooking surface, eliminating the need for an overhead vent.

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