When designing your dream kitchen, deciding how to choose range hood ventilation is just as important as the style of the hood itself. The right ventilation system determines how effectively your home clears out smoke and odors, and—more importantly—how much noise it makes while doing so.
There are three primary ways to configure your ventilation. Here is a breakdown of how they work and which one is right for you.
1. Internal Motor Ventilation (Motor in the Hood)
Internal ventilation is the most common and convenient option for residential range hoods. In this setup, the motor is built directly into the hood body.
-How it works: The internal motor draws air directly from the kitchen and pushes it through a duct system to the exterior of the house.
-Best for: Standard kitchen remodels and homeowners who want an "all-in-one" easy installation.
-Pros: Straightforward installation; easy access for maintenance.
-Cons: Since the motor is right in front of you, it is generally louder than remote options.
2. Remote Ventilation (Motor Installed in the Attic)
If you want a high-power kitchen without the roar of a loud fan, remote ventilation (also known as a Remote Blower) is the premium choice.
-How it works: The motor is located away from the range hood, typically installed in the attic or within the ductwork. The ductwork runs from this remote motor down to the hood.
-Best for: Homeowners who prioritize a quiet kitchen and those who have professional-grade cooktops requiring high CFM (airflow).
-Pros: Significantly quieter. By moving the "noise source" to the attic, you only hear the sound of air moving, not the mechanical grind of the motor.
-Cons: Requires more complex installation and attic space access.
3. Ductless Ventilation (Recirculating Air)
Ductless ventilation is the perfect solution for kitchens where it is impossible to run ductwork to the outside, such as in certain apartments or condos.
-How it works: Instead of venting air outside, this system uses a ductless conversion kit. It draws air in, passes it through charcoal filters to trap grease and neutralize odors, and then recirculates the purified air back into the kitchen.
-Best for: Apartments, condos, or interior kitchen walls where exterior venting is structurally impossible.
-Pros: No ductwork required; highly flexible installation.
-Cons: Generally less powerful than vented options; requires periodic charcoal filter replacements to remain effective.
Which Ventilation Type Should You Choose?
When choosing, consider your cooking style. If you do a lot of high-heat searing or frying, a Vented (Internal or Remote) system is highly recommended. If you live in a high-rise where you cannot cut through the wall, Ductless is your go-to solution.
How to Choose the Right CFM (Airflow Power)
CFM measures how much air the range hood can move in one minute. Choosing the right CFM ensures your ventilation system can keep up with your cooking style.
The Standard Rules for CFM:
-For Electric Cooktops: You need at least 100 CFM for every 10 inches of stove width.
Example: A 30-inch electric stove needs at least 300 CFM.
-For Gas Cooktops: Gas stoves produce more heat and fumes. You should have 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs of total burner output.
Example: If your total burner output is 60,000 BTUs, you need at least 600 CFM.
Which CFM is right for you?
*300 - 600 CFM: Perfect for everyday home cooking, boiling, and light frying.
*600 - 900 CFM: Ideal for frequent cooking, high-heat searing, and gas ranges with high BTU outputs.
*900 - 1200+ CFM: Recommended for professional-grade kitchens, heavy frying, or Asian-style wok cooking.
Specifications & Installation Guide
Proper installation is crucial to ensure the optimal performance of your custom range hood. Here’s what you need to know:
-Download Internal Motor Installation Guide
-Download Remote Motor Installation Guide
-Download Ductless Ventilation Installation Guide
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your custom range hood performing efficiently. Follow these maintenance steps to ensure your range hood stays in top shape.
