Quick answer: Pick a range hood that is at least as wide as your range. Going 3 to 6 inches wider catches more smoke. For airflow, HVI suggests about 100 CFM per foot of range width for a wall hood and 150 CFM per foot for an island hood. For a gas range, you can also divide its total BTU by 100.
Shopping for a hood can feel like a math test. It does not have to be. You only need two numbers: how wide the hood should be and how much air it should move. This guide walks through both, plus the extras that trip people up, like ductless kits, island hoods, and freight delivery.
How wide should my range hood be?
Your hood should never be narrower than your range. ZLINE's range hood manual says to go at least one size larger, about 3 to 6 inches wider, and to match the range width at the very least. A wider hood catches the smoke and steam that drift out past the edges of the pans.
Here is how that looks in real life:
- A 30 inch range pairs well with a 30 to 36 inch hood.
- A 36 inch range pairs well with a 36 to 42 inch hood.
- A 48 inch range pairs well with a 48 to 54 inch hood.
ZLINE gives the same 30 and 36 inch pairings in its guide to buying a new range. One more tip from the ZLINE manual: a hood sold as "30 inch" is often a hair smaller. For example, the Victory Twister 30 inch wall hood measures 29.75 inches side to side. That is normal.
How many CFM does my range hood need?
CFM means cubic feet per minute. It tells you how much air the fan can pull out of your kitchen. The Home Ventilating Institute (HVI) gives a simple starting point in its guide to kitchen ventilation:
- Wall hoods: about 100 CFM per linear foot of range width.
- Island hoods: about 150 CFM per linear foot, because air flows in from every side.
This table puts those numbers next to the hood widths above. The CFM numbers are HVI starting points, not hard limits.
| Range width | Hood width to shop | Starting CFM, wall hood | Starting CFM, island hood |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 inches | 30 to 36 inches | 250 CFM | 375 CFM |
| 36 inches | 36 to 42 inches | 300 CFM | 450 CFM |
| 48 inches | 48 to 54 inches | 400 CFM | 600 CFM |
Many shoppers buy more CFM than the starting point, and that is fine. A hood with several fan speeds lets you run it low for a pot of pasta and high for a seared steak.
Does a gas range need more CFM?
Often, yes. Gas burners put out a lot of heat. HVI says to follow the cooktop maker's advice for these ranges. ZLINE's manual and Broan's hood guide both use the same easy rule: divide the range's total BTU by 100.
- A 35,000 BTU range works out to about 350 CFM.
- A 60,000 BTU range works out to about 600 CFM.
- The Forno Galiano 36 inch gas range has 83,000 BTU on the cooktop, which works out to about 830 CFM.
That is why the Forno Galiano 36 inch kitchen package pairs that range with the Forno Orvieto 36 inch wall hood. The Orvieto is rated at 1200 CFM and is built for high BTU ranges. Electric and induction ranges do not burn fuel, so the HVI width numbers are usually the place to start.
Do I need makeup air for a big range hood?
You might. A strong hood pulls a lot of air out of the house, and that air has to be replaced. The International Residential Code (IRC) covers this in section M1503.6. It says that an exhaust system that can move more than 400 CFM needs makeup air at about the same rate. This rule applies when the home has a fuel burning appliance inside the air barrier that is not direct vent and does not use mechanical draft venting. Think of an older gas water heater or furnace.
Local codes vary, and your city may have its own version of this rule. Ask your installer or local building department before you buy a hood over 400 CFM. Want to learn more about how air moves in and out of a home? Read our guide on whether mini splits bring in fresh air.
Should I get a ducted or ductless range hood?
A ducted hood sends smoke, grease, and heat outside through a duct. A ductless hood, also called recirculating, pulls air through filters and blows it back into the kitchen. HVI puts it plainly: recirculating hoods provide no actual ventilation. They catch grease and cut some odor, but heat and moisture stay in the room.
Ducted is the better choice when you can run a duct to the outside. Ductless works for condos and apartments where a duct is not possible. Many hoods can do both. These are called convertible hoods. The ZLINE KB-42 wall hood is one example. It runs at 120, 240, 320, or 400 CFM and can be vented outside or set up as ductless.
Some hoods are ducted only. The Victory Twister series is one of them, so plan on a duct to the outside. Victory also says not to shrink the duct size, since a smaller duct means less airflow.
Wall, island, or under cabinet: which hood style fits my kitchen?
The style depends on where your range sits.
- Wall mount hoods hang on the wall above a range that sits against a wall. They have a chimney that runs up to the ceiling.
- Island hoods hang from the ceiling over a cooktop in an island. They need more CFM because air flows in from all sides. The Victory Twister Island 42 inch hood moves up to 750 CFM. The ZLINE GL2I-42 island hood moves up to 400 CFM and is convertible.
- Under cabinet hoods mount to the bottom of the cabinet above the range. They save space and cost less. The Forno Cappa 30 inch under cabinet hood moves 200 CFM and is convertible.
Mounting height matters too. ZLINE's manual sets 30 to 36 inches above the cooktop. Victory's Twister manual sets 24 to 30 inches, with at least 25 inches over a gas range. Always follow the manual for your exact hood.
What comes with a range hood, and what is sold separately?
Every hood is a little different, so read the "What's included" list on the product page. Here is what we found on a few listings:
- Victory Twister hoods come with both a 6 inch and an 8 inch duct connector. They plug into a standard 120 volt outlet.
- ZLINE convertible hoods need charcoal filters to run ductless. Those filters are not included and are sold as model CF1.
- The Forno Cappa comes with the hood and its filters.
Plan to buy duct pipe and a wall or roof cap unless the listing says they are in the box. Many hood listings also call for professional installation, so build that into your budget.
How is a range hood delivered?
Large hoods and kitchen packages often ship by freight truck instead of a regular parcel van. Forno's kitchen packages ship together by LTL freight with curbside delivery. That means the driver brings the boxes to the curb, not into your kitchen. Have a helper ready to move them inside.
Check every box before you sign. ZLINE asks buyers to inspect the hood at delivery and note any damage on the delivery receipt before signing. Forno's listings say the same thing.
Frequently asked questions
Can my range hood be the same width as my range?
Yes. Matching the range width is the minimum. Going 3 to 6 inches wider catches more smoke at the edges, so choose a wider hood when your space allows it.
Is more CFM always better?
Not always. More CFM pulls more air, but it can be louder. A hood over 400 CFM may also need makeup air under the IRC. Pick enough CFM for your range and look for several fan speeds.
How many CFM do I need for a 30 inch range?
HVI's starting point is 250 CFM for a 30 inch wall hood and 375 CFM for a 30 inch island hood. A gas range may need more. Divide its total BTU by 100 to check.
How many CFM do I need for a 36 inch range?
HVI's starting point is 300 CFM for a wall hood and 450 CFM for an island hood. A 36 inch gas range like the Forno Galiano has 83,000 BTU, so the BTU rule points to about 830 CFM.
Do ductless range hoods work?
They catch grease and some odor with charcoal filters. HVI says recirculating hoods provide no actual ventilation, since heat and moisture go right back into the room. Ducted hoods do a better job when a duct is possible.
How high should a range hood be above the stove?
Most hoods mount somewhere between 24 and 36 inches above the cooktop. ZLINE says 30 to 36 inches. Victory's Twister says 24 to 30 inches, with 25 inches minimum over gas. Your hood's manual has the final word.
Do I need a professional to install a range hood?
Many hood listings, including Forno's, say professional installation is required. A pro can run the duct, handle the wiring, and check local code, including makeup air rules.
Still shopping?
Now that you know your width and CFM, it is time to compare hoods. Start with these collections:
- Victory range hoods
- ZLINE range hoods
- Forno range hoods
- All Forno appliances
- Forno kitchen packages with a range and hood that match
Not sure which hood fits your range? Call the Chill experts at (888) 231-8920. We can help you match the width and CFM to your kitchen. Chill Mini Splits holds a 4.81 star rating from 3,402 Judge.me reviews.
