Which is better, rigid or flexible duct for range hood?

Author: Mr. Demario Bayer  |  Last update: Tuesday, August 12, 2025

However, the best ducting for your kitchen hood is rigid. It's the most durable option because higher quality materials are used to produce them. Rigid ducts are generally made from stainless steel whereas semi-rigid or flexible ducts are made using plastic or aluminum.

What is the best ductwork for a range hood?

A range hood should last you 10+ years, but flex duct simply won't hold up that long. Rigid duct is much more durable. It's your best option. Rigid duct systems will also encounter less air resistance than flex duct systems, so all the greasy kitchen air will move smoothly to the outside.

Is rigid ducting better than flexible?

Rigid ducts are made from galvanized steel or aluminum. They can be either rectangular or cylindrical in shape. Rigid ducts are more durable than flexible ducts and can withstand extreme temperatures.

Is it OK to use flexible duct for range hood?

All ducting material from the range hood should be rigid. Flex duct is dangerous and not allowed. It? s not smooth inside and will trap grease inside the ridges and become a potential fire hazard. Flex duct also causes severe air turbulence and will significantly reduce the efficiency of the hood by 50%.

What is the disadvantage of flex ducts?

Disadvantages of Flex Duct

Flexible ducts are more prone to air leakage around the seams, which can lead to lower HVAC system performance. Additionally, the pliable nature of flex duct tends to make them prone to tangling or crushing when they pass through tight spaces or fixtures.

Ventilation Training - Flexible Ducting vs Rigid Ducting - Episode 3

Which type of ductwork is best?

Sheet metal ductwork is the most common type because it's tough and long-lasting. Plus, it has a smooth surface for easy cleaning.

Can you use a semi-rigid duct for a range hood?

Is a semi-rigid duct okay for a range hood? Yes, semi-rigid ducts made from metals are the recommended range hood vent ductwork. Note that there are other semi-rigid ducts made from polyethylene or PVC and these products are not suggested for use in and around kitchen hoods.

What is the best vent pipe for a range hood?

Rigid duct is the best type of duct to vent your range hood. It requires a one-time installation and little to no maintenance as long as you clean your range hood filters. Most rigid ductwork is made from durable stainless steel, as opposed to rigid ductwork which is aluminum or flimsy plastic.

Does range hood duct need to be rigid?

A semi-rigid duct offers more durability than a flexible duct. However, the best ducting for your kitchen hood is rigid. It's the most durable option because higher quality materials are used to produce them.

What is the code for range hood venting?

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.

What is the lifespan of a flexible duct system?

The longevity of HVAC flex ductwork hinges on several key factors, including material quality, installation, and maintenance. Typically, well-installed and properly maintained flex ductwork can endure for 15 to 25 years.

Should I replace a metal duct with a flexible?

Flexible ducts are an increasingly popular option due to their simple installation process and lower cost compared to metal ducts. They are created with materials like fiberglass, vinyl, or reinforced fabric, making them lightweight yet durable enough for most residential applications.

How long does rigid ductwork last?

Sheet metal ductwork: The most common type available, sheet metal ductwork is used for a range of structures and lasts roughly 20 to 30 years. Fiberglass: This rigid form of ductwork is used to meet specific space needs and is designed to provide a high thermal performance. It lasts around 15 to 20 years.

What is the best airflow for a range hood?

For a family of three/four people who cook a variety of dishes, the model should have an airflow capacity equal to 400-500 m3/h. some exotic recipes, the hood capacity should be over 500 m3/h. to low speed and keep the hood on for a further 5-10 min.

What to look for in a ducted range hood?

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A RANGE HOOD
  • Size and fit: The width of your range hood should be the same as the cooking surface that it's covering. ...
  • Venting strength: Venting power is measured in terms of cubic feet per minute (CFM). ...
  • Quietness: Decibels (dBAs) measure the noise level of a range hood.

How much does it cost to install ductwork for a range hood?

If you need to install ductwork along with your range hood, it usually costs around $500 (for both the materials and professional installation). However, installing longer ducts or winding ductwork with multiple turns will increase your price.

Is rigid ducting quieter than flexible?

Quieter than Flexible Ductwork

Rigid ducting is quieter than its flexible counterpart. Due to its shape, sound waves are smoothly channeled and directed by the material. On the other hand, flexible ductwork is often noisy as its walls expand and contract due to air pressure and temperature changes.

What type of ductwork is needed for a range hood?

Rigid duct is the ideal duct for range hoods. It is the most durable and efficient option. Rigid duct fulfills requirements proposed by the IRC (International Residential Code) for range hood ductwork.

Should I use rigid or flexible dryer duct?

What is the best type of dryer vent hose? A rigid metal duct tends to be the best type of dryer vent hose. This tube provides a straight, direct line to the outside.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 vent hood?

The Type I hoods are important for cooking houses with pizza ovens, fryers, and ovens. Type ii hoods work well with coffee machines, non-conveying pizza ovens, and commercial dishwashers in a commercial kitchen.

What is the best way to vent a range hood?

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. When venting the range hood through an outside wall, make sure you're not going into a soffit or any other obstruction.

What type of duct should the exhaust system use?

Rigid ducting should be used wherever possible in a ventilation system, so to minimise duct resistance and bends in the system.

Is semi rigid duct good?

Semi-rigid duct is more durable than flex duct, but rigid duct is the best for your range hood. Rigid duct is the most durable and generally made of higher-quality materials compared to flexible duct.

What kind of ducting do I need for a cooker hood?

Metal ducting is ideal for ventilation systems set up in hotter environments, an example being a cooker hood.

What kind of roof vent for range hood?

Use smooth metal hard pipe or flexible aluminum HVAC ductwork designed for range hoods. Get the right duct diameter — usually 6-inch for residential hoods.

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