Kitchen Exhaust Fan Types - Our Guide Has You Covered
Having an effective kitchen exhaust fan is critical for eliminating cooking pollutants like grease, smoke, and odors. With so many types of range hoods and fans available, it can be tricky to determine which is best suited for your needs.
Whether you need ventilation for a home or commercial kitchen, our exhaust fan recommendations have you covered.
Wall-Mounted Canopy Hoods
Wall-mounted canopy range hoods are one of the most popular styles of kitchen vent fans. As the name suggests, these units mount to the wall behind your cooktop and feature a sloped hood covering the cooking surface below.
Description and Key Features
Canopy hoods effectively draw in smoke, grease, and other cooking byproducts thanks to their proximity to the source. They come in a range of widths spanning 30 inches to 48 inches or more. Many models feature built-in LED lamps to illuminate your cooking area.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Wall-mounted canopy fans offer exceptional ventilation coverage and efficiency in removing airborne grease and residue. On the downside, they require adequate wall space and ducting for installation.
Ideal Applications and Usage Tips
We recommend canopy range hoods for home cooks needing maximum venting power. Go for higher CFM levels if your kitchen sees extensive frying or stir-frying. And install the fan 24 to 30 inches above cooktops for optimal performance.
Under-Cabinet Range Hoods
Description and Key Features
Under-cabinet kitchen hoods install beneath your wall-mounted cabinets, right around countertop level. They feature a flat hood casing with integrated grease filters and a vent at the rear for ducting.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The main advantage of under-cabinet fans is their space-saving low-profile design. However, their lower mounting height makes them less efficient at capturing rising cooking smoke and odors.
Ideal Applications and Usage Tips
These compact range hoods work well for light duty home cooking. Opt for the highest CFM model that will fit your cabinetry. And install as close to your cooking surface as possible for best coverage.
Microwave Range Hoods
Description and Key Features
Microwave range hood combinations cram a high-powered microwave oven and vent fan into a single unit. Many models also integrate lighting, exhaust vents, filters, and other handy features.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Microwave range hoods offer a convenient 2-in-1 cooking appliance for the ultimate kitchen multitasker. The main limitations are their relatively lower airflow capacity and limited mounting locations.
Ideal Applications and Usage Tips
These combo microwaves work well for apartments and condos with vent restrictions. Look for the highest rated CFM model with integrated lighting that meets your design needs.
Downdraft Range Hoods
Description and Key Features
Downdraft range hoods feature a vent built flush into your cooktop surface. With the push of a button, the fan pops up to capture and redirect rising cooking pollutants.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Retractable downdraft fans provide a sleek built-in look and conserve space. But their venting power is generally lower compared to traditional canopy and under-cabinet models.
Ideal Applications and Usage Tips
These unique flush-mount fans allow flexible placement anywhere in your kitchen. Look for CFM ratings of at least 300-400 for adequate smoke and odor removal from your cooking.
Island Range Hoods
Description and Key Features
Island range hoods install directly over your kitchen island cooktop to capture and remove contaminants. They typically feature a decorative hood casing with integrated lighting and induction-safe designs.
Benefits and Drawbacks
Island hoods effectively eliminate cooking odors from the center of large open kitchens. Since they lack nearby wall duct access, venting generally routes below floors to exterior wall or ceiling vents.
Ideal Applications and Usage Tips
Island range hoods work perfectly for open kitchen layouts allowing the range to live independently. Look for 800-1200 CFM models to properly vent your commercial-grade island cooktop.
Ceiling Insert Fans
Description and Key Features
Ceiling insert fans feature modular units that mount into your ceiling cavity to blend seamlessly into your kitchen's architecture. They typically include dampers, lights, and filters behind a sleek grill.
Benefits and Drawbacks
The main advantage of ceiling fans is their hidden integrated design. However, filters may be trickier to access if mounted too high overhead. Lower CFM ratings also often lag more powerful hoods.
Ideal Applications and Usage Tips
Insert fans supplement other range hood varieties in larger kitchen spaces. With any ceiling unit, installing the insert as close to cooking surfaces as possible optimizes airflow capture.
Ventilation Fans vs. Exhaust Fans
Key Differences
Now that we've covered kitchen exhaust hood varieties, it helps to understand how they differ from ventilation fans.
- Ventilation fans bring fresh outdoor air into a space, while exhaust fans remove indoor contaminants.
- Range hoods utilize exhaust fans to funnel pollutants outside through ductwork.
- Exhaust fans employ higher static pressure for removing dense cooking smoke and odors.
When to Use Each Type
For cooking environments, you need an exhaust hood fan to eliminate byproducts like grease residue. Starved for fresh air? Open some windows or install a ventilation fan instead.
Special Considerations
Beyond just fan type, several key factors impact overall performance. We break down the critical details to consider when selecting your kitchen exhaust system.
Airflow Capacity (CFM)
Importance for Smoke and Odor Removal
An exhaust fan's airflow rating in CFM (cubic feet per minute) indicates its venting power. Matching CFM to your cooking levels prevents buildup of cooking odors.
Recommended CFM for Home Kitchens
- Light Cooking: 150-300 CFM
- Medium Cooking: 300-400 CFM
- Heavy Cooking: Greater than 400 CFM
Sound Ratings
Fan Noise Levels (sones)
Sone ratings indicate perceived loudness. While a bit noisier, look for range hoods rated up to 6 sones to drown out cooking sounds.
Tips for Quieter Operation
To reduce noise, opt for units with multiple fan speeds. Only use higher settings when necessary. Remote mounted inline fans installed outside the kitchen also minimize perceived sounds.
Venting Options
Ductless or Ducted
Ducted range hoods route contaminants outside via exhaust tubing. Ductless models filter and recirculate indoor air.
Filter Types and Maintenance
Metal mesh grease filters trap residues and require regular cleaning. Charcoal filters used in ductless fans aid odor control but need replacing every few months.
Aesthetic Design
Available Styles and Finishes
Range hood styles span modern, classic, and industrial designs in stainless steel, painted metal, and wood cabinet finishes.
Integrating Exhaust Hood into Kitchen Decor
Consider factors like mounting location, filter visibility, and lighting placement when matching your perfect hood to your overall kitchen aesthetic.
Key Takeaways on Exhaust Fan Types
From downdraft to island models, exhaust fan varieties suit any kitchen layout and cooking needs. Consider airflow capacity, sound levels, venting configurations, and aesthetics when deciding on the best solution.
Final Tips for Selection and Installation
- Select hood CFM ratings 1.5 times greater than total BTU output of cooking equipment
- Install exhaust hood 24 to 30 inches above cooktop
- Run rigid round duct wherever possible for best airflow
- Slope duct slightly down toward exterior to allow grease drainage
Equipped with this comprehensive overview, you now have the knowledge to upgrade your kitchen with a high-powered and stylish exhaust fan matching your space and cooking level.
Dual Zone Exhaust Fans
These exhaust fans are designed for larger kitchens with multiple cooking zones. They have separate exhaust areas for each zone, allowing for better airflow and reduced odor and smoke buildup.
Ducted Range Hoods
These exhaust fans are connected to a duct system that vents the air outside the building. They are ideal for homes with poor air quality or high humidity levels, as they effectively remove moisture and pollutants from the air.
Quiet Operation Exhaust Fans
As the name suggests, these exhaust fans are designed to operate quietly, making them ideal for homes with open floor plans or shared walls. They are typically equipped with advanced noise reduction technology that minimizes noise levels during operation.
Energy-Efficient Exhaust Fans
These exhaust fans are designed to consume less energy during operation, resulting in lower utility bills. They are equipped with advanced motor technology that reduces energy consumption without compromising on performance.
Wireless Exhaust Fans
These exhaust fans are equipped with wireless connectivity, allowing them to be controlled via a smartphone app or voice assistant. They offer added convenience and flexibility, as they can be operated remotely.
Integrated Exhaust Fans
These exhaust fans are designed to be seamlessly integrated into the kitchen design, offering a sleek and modern look. They are typically equipped with advanced features such as touch controls, LED lighting, and customizable filters.
Motion Sensor Exhaust Fans
These exhaust fans are equipped with motion sensors that automatically turn on when someone enters the kitchen and turn off when the area is empty. They offer added convenience and energy efficiency, as they only operate when needed.
Multi-Function Exhaust Fans
These exhaust fans offer additional features beyond just ventilation, such as built-in lighting, filters, and even storage compartments. They offer added functionality and convenience, making them ideal for homes with limited counter space.
Smart Exhaust Fans
These exhaust fans are equipped with advanced sensors and technology that allow them to learn and adapt to the user's preferences and cooking habits. They offer added convenience and flexibility, as they can be customized to suit the user's needs.
These exhaust fans are designed for heavy-duty use in commercial kitchens, meeting higher airflow and grease handling capacities.