What Size Range Hood Do I Need? A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Fit

When you’re upgrading your kitchen or replacing an old range hood, one question often pops up: What size range hood do I need? It’s a critical decision that impacts not just the aesthetics of your kitchen but also its functionality—think air quality, odor control, and grease management. Picking the right size isn’t as simple as matching it to your stove’s width. Factors like cooking habits, kitchen layout, and ventilation power all come into play. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to choose the perfect range hood size for your space, ensuring it performs efficiently while complementing your kitchen design.

Why Range Hood Size Matters

A range hood’s primary job is to remove smoke, steam, grease, and cooking odors from your kitchen. If it’s too small, it won’t capture everything, leaving your space smoky and sticky. Too large, and you might overpower your kitchen’s airflow or waste energy. The right size balances performance and practicality, aligning with your stove or cooktop’s dimensions and your cooking style. Whether you’re a casual cook or a culinary enthusiast who loves sizzling stir-fries, size directly ties to how well your range hood ventilates.

Matching Range Hood Width to Your Cooktop

The first rule of thumb for sizing a range hood is width. Your range hood should be at least as wide as your stove or cooktop to effectively capture airborne particles. Standard cooktop widths are 30 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches, and occasionally 60 inches for professional-grade setups. Here’s the baseline:

• 30-inch cooktop: Opt for a 30-inch range hood minimum.
• 36-inch cooktop: Choose a 36-inch range hood or larger.
• 48-inch cooktop: Go for a 48-inch range hood or wider.

But here’s the kicker: for optimal performance, many experts recommend going wider than your cooktop—typically 6 inches broader (3 inches on each side). Why? Cooking vapors naturally spread outward, and a wider hood ensures better capture. So, for a 36-inch stove, a 42-inch range hood could be ideal, especially if you frequently cook with high heat or strong aromas like garlic or fish.

Depth Considerations for Range Hoods

Width gets most of the attention, but depth matters too. Range hoods typically range from 18 to 24 inches deep, depending on the style—under-cabinet, wall-mounted, or island models. Your kitchen layout dictates this:

• Under-cabinet range hoods: Usually 18–20 inches deep to fit snugly beneath cabinets.
• Wall-mounted or island hoods: Often 24 inches deep for broader coverage.

Measure your cooktop’s depth and ensure the hood extends slightly beyond the cooking surface. For gas stoves with back burners that kick out extra heat, a deeper hood (closer to 24 inches) can improve efficiency.

Height and Placement Impact on Size

Height isn’t about the hood’s physical size but its installation height above the cooktop, which ties into performance. Manufacturers specify a range—typically 24 to 30 inches for electric stoves and 30 to 36 inches for gas stoves due to higher heat output. Too low, and you risk fire hazards or restricted workspace; too high, and capture efficiency drops. Check your hood’s manual for exact specs, as this affects how wide or powerful your hood needs to be to compensate for distance.

CFM: The Power Factor in Sizing

Size isn’t just about dimensions—it’s about airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). CFM tells you how much air the range hood can move, and it’s directly tied to your cooking needs and kitchen size. Here’s how to calculate the right CFM:

1. Measure your kitchen’s volume: Length x Width x Height (in feet) = cubic feet.
2. Determine air changes per hour: Aim for 15 air changes per hour for heavy cooking (e.g., frying, grilling) or 10 for lighter cooking.
3. Calculate minimum CFM: Kitchen volume x air changes ÷ 60 minutes.

For example, a 10x10x8-foot kitchen (800 cubic feet) with 15 air changes needs 800 x 15 ÷ 60 = 200 CFM minimum. However, cooktop heat output also matters:

• Electric stoves: 100 CFM per 10,000 BTUs of heat.
• Gas stoves: 100 CFM per 10,000 BTUs (check your stove’s BTU rating).

A 36-inch gas range with 60,000 BTUs needs at least 600 CFM. For wider hoods or intense cooking, bump it up—800 CFM or more isn’t uncommon for 48-inch setups.

Ducted vs. Ductless: Does It Affect Size?

Yes, ventilation type influences sizing decisions. Ducted range hoods vent air outside, requiring sufficient CFM and width to handle exhaust efficiently. Ductless (recirculating) hoods filter and return air, often needing less CFM but still requiring adequate width for capture. If your kitchen lacks ducting, don’t skimp on width—focus on a model with strong filtration and a slightly higher CFM to compensate.

Kitchen Layout and Hood Style

Your kitchen’s design shapes your size choice:

• Wall-mounted hoods: Best for stoves against a wall; width and CFM are key.
• Island hoods: Need to be wider (e.g., 42 inches for a 36-inch cooktop) since vapors rise freely in open spaces.
• Under-cabinet hoods: Limited by cabinet space, so depth and CFM matter more.

Small kitchens benefit from compact, high-CFM models, while open-plan spaces demand larger, more powerful hoods to tackle dispersed odors.

Cooking Habits and Size Needs

How you cook changes the equation. Casual cooks boiling pasta or steaming veggies can get by with a 30-inch hood and 300–400 CFM. But if you’re searing steaks, frying bacon, or using a wok, you’ll need more—think 36–48 inches wide and 600+ CFM. High-heat cooking produces more grease and smoke, so oversizing your hood (in width and power) pays off.

Noise Levels and Size Correlation

Bigger hoods with higher CFM can get loud—measured in sones (1 sone = a quiet refrigerator). A 600 CFM hood might hit 6–8 sones on high, while a 300 CFM model stays around 3–4 sones. Check product specs if noise is a concern, and balance size with comfort.

Aesthetic Fit in Your Kitchen

Functionality rules, but looks matter. A 60-inch stainless steel hood over a 30-inch stove might work but could overwhelm your space. Match the hood’s finish (stainless, black, custom) and style (modern, traditional) to your kitchen while keeping size proportional.

Installation Tips for the Right Fit

Before buying, measure:

• Cooktop width and depth.
• Space between cabinets or walls.
• Ceiling height for taller hoods.
• Ducting path (if applicable).

Ensure electrical or ducting setups align with your chosen size. Professional installation is worth it for larger models to guarantee airflow and safety.

Common Range Hood Sizes and Examples

• 30-inch: 300–450 CFM, ideal for small electric ranges.
• 36-inch: 400–600 CFM, suits most standard kitchens.
• 48-inch: 600–1200 CFM, great for gas ranges or big families.
• 60-inch: 1000+ CFM, pro-level for large cooktops.

Brands like Broan, Zephyr, and Cosmo offer options across these ranges—check CFM, width, and reviews to match your needs.

Final Thoughts: Picking Your Perfect Range Hood Size

So, what size range hood do you need? Start with your cooktop’s width, add 6 inches for better capture, and scale CFM to your cooking style and kitchen volume. A 36-inch cooktop with moderate use might thrive with a 42-inch, 600-CFM hood, while a 48-inch gas range could demand a 54-inch, 900-CFM beast. Factor in layout, ventilation type, and aesthetics, and you’ll land on a size that keeps your kitchen fresh and functional. Ready to shop? Measure twice, check BTUs, and pick a hood that fits your life—one vent at a time.