Range Hood Depth -- Your hood should be shallower than your cooking surface. Ideally, its depth will cover the back burners and approximately one-half of the front burners.
STANDARD RANGE HOOD DEPTH
Your range hood should be deep enough to cover all rear and front burners to most effectively vent your cooking space. For most range hoods, you can plan on a depth of about 18 inches to 22 inches for full coverage.
Measure the width of the area over the range or cooktop. Range hoods often come in 24, 30 or 36 inch widths. The hood should be at least as wide as the cooking surface, but preferably should be 6 inches wider.
If you have an electric cooktop, range hoods should typically be 20–24 inches above the heat source. For gas cooktops, your range hood should be around 24–30 inches above the stove. Range hoods are a great way to complement your cooktop or range and can help clear the air while you cook.
The standard range hood dimensions for most range hoods follow the 3-inch rule, whereby the width should be 3 inches wider than the range on both sides. So, if your cooktop is 30 inches wide, you would need a range hood that is 36 inches wide.
Australian standard 5601.1:2022, clause 6.10. 1.1, outlines clearances to range hood and exhaust fans. For a new installation, the clearance between the cooking support surface for the cooking vessels and the rangehood shall not be less than 650mm.
If your range top is 30 inches wide, go for a ventilation hood that's 36 inches wide. That way, you'll have an even overhang of 3 inches on each side. You always want your range hood to cover as much space over your range top as possible.
What happens if your hood is mounted at the wrong height? If your hood is too close to the cooktop, you could risk damaging the hood with how much heat the stove produces, decreasing the motor's longevity. You will also need to clean your hood more frequently or even risk starting a fire.
Ventilation to the Outdoors (IRC M1503. 1): Residential range hoods should vent to the outside to effectively expel smoke, grease, and cooking odors, maintaining the home's air quality. This requirement is crucial for preventing the recirculation of contaminants within the home.
Right distance gas cooktop
The minimum distance between your gas cooktop and range hood is 65cm. This is to ensure your safety because of the gas and fire.
You ideally want a rangehood that is exactly the same width as your cooktop or slightly larger. As it will need to be able to easily extract smoke and fumes whilst you are cooking.
For a 30-inch cooktop, it is best to purchase a range hood that is between 36 and 42 inches wide.
It should be centered above your cooktop or range, and positioned at a height that allows for effective ventilation. We recommend leaving 24 to 30 inches of space above an electric stove top. For a gas range, you'll need 30 inches.
Wall-Mounted Width: The most common widths are 30” and 36”. The range hood should be equal to or slightly larger than the range top.
At a minimum, the hood should extend to about the middle of the front burners. Under-cabinet range hoods are not as deep as wall or island models. A range hood should not extend beyond the outer edge of the cooktop.
Typically, for electric stoves, range hoods should be installed 20 to 24 inches above the cooktop, and for gas stoves, the recommended distance is 24 to 30 inches. Proper range hood height ensures effective smoke, grease, and heat removal while maintaining safety standards.
If you have an electric cooktop, range hoods should be 20–24 inches above the heat source. For gas cooktops, your range hood should be 24–30 inches above the stove. Range hoods have multiple functions such as complementing your cooktop or range and helping clear the air of smoke while you cook.
Using flexible duct for a range hood is generally not recommended. Range hoods are designed to effectively remove smoke, odors, and grease particles from the cooking area, and using the right type of ducting is crucial for optimal performance and safety.
A vented range hood, aka a ducted range hood, pulls in air and leads it outside either through the exterior wall or the roof. Going through the exterior wall of your house requires less waterproofing. If you decide to vent through the roof, make sure the vent goes all the way outside and not just into the attic.
The minimum clearance requirements between a gas cooktop and a range hood have increased from 600 mm to 650 mm in accordance with the new edition of AS/NZS 5601.1: 2022 Gas installations Part 1: General installations that was published 30 September 2022.
Such hoods shall be installed with a clearance of not less than 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) between the hood and the underside of combustible material and cabinets. A clearance of not less than 24 inches (610 mm) shall be maintained between the cooking surface and combustible material and cabinets.
The lifespan of your range hood will be dependent on the individual model, quality, and use. Most range hoods last 12 to 18 years, about 15 years on average. Want your range hood to last longer? Follow these simple maintenance tips to keep it in tip-top shape.
Opting for a 36” range hood offers several advantages, even for those with a 30-inch stove, such as: Greater Airflow: A 36 inch hood can move more air at once than smaller models, quickly dealing with cooking smells and keeping your kitchen fresh and healthy.
For most home kitchens, a 400 CFM range hood suffices. But if your cooking involves high heat or your stove has a high BTU output, consider a higher CFM.
A 30-inch hood over a 36-inch cooktop is not recommended, as it may not effectively capture smoke and odors. For proper ventilation, the hood should be at least 36 inches wide.