The Ideal Distance Between Range and Hood: A Comprehensive Guide for Your Kitchen

When designing or upgrading your kitchen, every detail matters—especially the placement of your range hood. The distance between your range and hood isn’t just a random measurement; it’s a critical factor that impacts safety, efficiency, and the overall cooking experience. Whether you’re installing a new gas stove or revamping an electric cooktop setup, understanding this spacing can make or break your kitchen’s ventilation system. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what this distance means, why it matters, and how to get it right for your specific setup—while sprinkling in practical tips to elevate your kitchen game.

Why the Distance Between Range and Hood Matters

A range hood’s primary job is to whisk away smoke, steam, grease, and odors from your cooking surface. But if it’s too close or too far from the range, its performance takes a hit. Too low, and you risk safety hazards like fire or discomfort while cooking. Too high, and it fails to capture fumes effectively, leaving your kitchen smoky and greasy. The sweet spot—known as the range-hood clearance—depends on your cooktop type, hood design, and even your kitchen’s layout. Getting this right ensures cleaner air, a safer environment, and a more enjoyable cooking process.

This spacing isn’t just about function; it ties into aesthetics and ergonomics too. A well-placed hood complements your kitchen’s design while keeping it practical for daily use. So, let’s break it down and explore the ideal measurements, factors to consider, and pro tips to optimize your setup.

Standard Distance Guidelines: Gas vs. Electric Ranges

The distance between your range and hood varies based on whether you’re cooking with gas or electricity. Here’s the breakdown:

Gas Ranges

For gas stoves, the recommended distance is typically 24 to 30 inches from the cooktop surface to the bottom of the hood. Why the extra caution? Gas burners produce open flames and higher levels of heat and combustion byproducts like carbon monoxide. A hood that’s too close (below 24 inches) could overheat or even catch fire, especially with high-BTU burners. On the flip side, exceeding 30 inches reduces capture efficiency, letting smoke and grease escape into your kitchen.

Electric and Induction Ranges

Electric cooktops, including induction models, generate less heat and no open flames, so they’re a bit more forgiving. The ideal range-hood height here is 20 to 24 inches. This closer placement works because there’s less risk of fire, and the hood can still effectively trap steam and odors. However, going beyond 24 inches might weaken its suction power, depending on the hood’s CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating.

Outdoor Ranges

If you’re setting up an outdoor kitchen, the rules shift. Outdoor grills pump out intense heat and smoke, so the hood should sit 36 to 42 inches above the cooking surface. This extra clearance protects the hood from damage while ensuring it can handle the heavy-duty ventilation needs of outdoor cooking.

These are general benchmarks, but always check your manufacturer’s manual. Specific models might tweak these numbers based on their design, power, and safety standards.

Key Factors That Influence the Range-Hood Distance

The “perfect” distance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Several variables come into play, and understanding them helps you tailor the setup to your kitchen. Let’s explore these factors:

1. Cooktop Type and Power

Gas ranges, with their flames and higher BTU output, need more breathing room than electric or induction cooktops. A high-powered gas range (say, 56,000 BTUs) demands a hood with strong airflow (at least 560 CFM) and a height that balances safety and performance—usually closer to 30 inches.

2. Range Hood CFM Rating

CFM measures how much air your hood moves per minute. A low-CFM hood (e.g., 300 CFM) needs to be closer to the range (20-24 inches) to work effectively. A high-CFM model (e.g., 900-1200 CFM) can sit higher (up to 36 inches) and still pull in fumes efficiently. Match your hood’s power to your cooking habits—frequent frying or grilling calls for more CFM.

3. Kitchen Layout and Ceiling Height

An island range hood in an open-plan kitchen with 12-foot ceilings operates differently than an under-cabinet hood in a cozy space. Higher ceilings might push you toward the upper end of the recommended range (e.g., 30-36 inches) to maintain a clean look and functionality. In contrast, a low ceiling might limit you to 24 inches for practical installation.

4. User Height and Comfort

If you’re tall, a hood at 20 inches might feel cramped or even bonk your head when you lean over the back burners. Raising it to 28-30 inches can improve comfort without sacrificing too much efficiency—especially with a powerful hood. Test the height with a mock-up (like cardboard) before drilling holes.

5. Hood Design and Capture Area

Wall-mounted, island, and under-cabinet hoods each have unique capture zones—the area where they suck up fumes. A wider hood (e.g., 36 inches over a 30-inch range) can sit higher and still perform well because it covers more surface area. Depth matters too; a 24-inch-deep hood captures more than a shallow one.

6. Local Building Codes

Some regions enforce minimum clearance rules for safety—often 18 inches as a baseline. Check your local regulations to avoid fines or redo work. High-CFM hoods (above 400 CFM) might also require a makeup air system to balance indoor pressure, which could influence placement.

How to Measure the Distance Correctly

Precision is everything when installing your range hood. Here’s a step-by-step guide to nail the measurement:

1. Locate the Starting Point: Measure from the top of your cooktop (the burners or surface), not the countertop or floor. This is where heat and fumes originate.
2. Identify the Hood’s Bottom: The distance goes to the lowest edge of the hood—the part closest to the range.
3. Use a Tape Measure: Stretch it vertically from the cooktop to your desired height (e.g., 24 inches). Mark the spot on the wall or ceiling.
4. Double-Check Width: Ensure the hood is at least as wide as your range (preferably 3-6 inches wider) for full coverage.
5. Account for Ducting: If it’s a ducted hood, confirm the vent path won’t interfere with the height. Rigid ducting is best to avoid grease buildup.

Pro tip: Mock up the placement with painter’s tape or a cardboard cutout to visualize how it fits your space and feels in action.

What Happens If the Distance Is Off?

Getting the range-hood spacing wrong can lead to practical headaches. Here’s what to watch for:

Too Low

• Safety Risks: A hood below the minimum (e.g., 20 inches for electric, 24 for gas) could overheat, catch fire, or disrupt gas burner flames by pulling air too aggressively.
• Cooking Discomfort: It might block your view, crowd your workspace, or bump your head—especially for taller cooks.
• Damage: Grease and heat can degrade the hood’s finish or internal components over time.

Too High

• Poor Ventilation: Beyond the max (e.g., 30 inches for gas, 24 for electric), the hood struggles to capture fumes, leaving your kitchen smoky and greasy.
• Overworked Motor: The fan works harder to compensate, shortening its lifespan and hiking energy costs.
• Aesthetic Clash: A sky-high hood might look awkward, disrupting your kitchen’s visual flow.

Extra Tips to Optimize Your Range-Hood Setup

Beyond nailing the distance, these pointers add value to your installation:

• Boost CFM for Heavy Cooking: If you stir-fry or grill often, aim for 100 CFM per 10,000 BTUs (gas) or 1 CFM per 100 watts (electric). Add 100 CFM for every 3 inches above the standard max height.
• Widen the Hood: A hood 6 inches wider than your range (e.g., 36 inches for a 30-inch stove) improves capture without needing to lower it.
• Consider Recessed Hoods: For high ceilings, a recessed ceiling hood (like a “Savona” model) can sit farther from the range and still ventilate the room—though it’s slower at clearing heavy smoke.
• Test Before Finalizing: Cook something smoky (like bacon) post-installation to ensure the hood performs as expected.
• Maintain It: Clean filters monthly and inspect ducting yearly to keep airflow strong, regardless of height.

Common Questions About Range-Hood Distance

Can I Adjust the Height After Installation?

Some hoods offer adjustable mounts, but major changes might require professional help or new ductwork. Plan ahead to avoid this hassle.

Does Hood Type Affect the Distance?

Yes—island hoods often sit higher (30-36 inches) due to their canopy design, while under-cabinet models stick to 20-24 inches for compactness. Wall-mounted hoods fall in between.

What If My Ceiling Is Too Low?

For ceilings under 8 feet, prioritize the minimum clearance (20-24 inches) and opt for a slim, powerful hood to maximize headroom.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Range-Hood Balance

The distance between your range and hood isn’t a trivial detail—it’s the backbone of a functional, safe, and stylish kitchen. Stick to 24-30 inches for gas, 20-24 inches for electric, or 36-42 inches for outdoor setups as your starting point. Then, tweak based on your hood’s CFM, your cooking style, and your space’s quirks. Measure carefully, consult your manual, and don’t shy away from expert input if you’re unsure.