Range hoods, or vent hoods, help clear out grease smells, moisture and heat to keep your kitchen smelling like home. Finding the right fit shouldn’t be hard: range hood sizes are fairly standardized and based on the size of the cooking surface below. Whether you’re remodeling or just upgrading, use this guide to identify a hood type and size that’s right for your space and cooking habits.

What are standard range hood dimensions?

Range hoods often come in widths of either 24", 30" or 36". Depending on your cooktop fuel type, vent hoods should be installed 20–30" away from your cooktop.

What size range hood do I need?

At a minimum, your range hood should be as wide as your stovetop. You can also opt for a range hood that is around 6" wider than your cooktop. Keep in mind that other factors like the venting strength will play a role in which hood you choose

How wide should a range hood be?

Your new vent hood should always be at least the exact width as your kitchen’s cooking surface. Preferably, your hood should be 3" wider on either side of the cooking surface in order to capture any additional exhaust during use. 

How high should a range hood be above a stove? 

If you have an electric cooktop, range hoods should be 20–24" above the heat source. For gas cooktops, your range hood should be installed 24–30" above the stove. Always refer to your product’s manual for specific clearance measurements.

How deep should a range hood be?

Your range hood should extend to cover at least the back burners and half of the front burners on your cooking station. Preferably, your new vent hood is deep enough to cover the entire surface of your cooktop. The depth should be about 2–3" less than the depth of your cooktop.

How far can you vent a range hood?

Range hood ducts can be as long as 35" if it’s a straight run, and less if it includes one or two elbows. It is not recommended to vent with more than two elbows. The installation instructions for your model should include a formula to calculate the distance you need. If your duct is too long, venting will not reach the outside and will instead cycle the air back into your kitchen.

What are the different sizes of kitchen hoods?

When you’re shopping for a new range hood, consider which size and style will best suit your kitchen’s layout and design. Discover the different types of vent hoods below.

Wall-mount canopy hood 

Wall-mounted canopy hoods can be installed over your range or cooktop against the wall. You may need to remodel cabinets if your kitchen wasn’t designed with one in mind. Typically, canopy vent hoods come in either 30" or 36" widths. Canopy range hoods should be at least the same width as the cooking surface below. This can also be about 6" larger than your cooktop with three additional inches on either side.

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Island canopy hood dimensions

Canopy hoods can also be installed over a kitchen island. They are different from wall-mounted hoods because they’re finished on all sides rather than just three sides. As with the wall-mount canopy hood, this style vent hood should be the same size or up to 6" wider than your cooking surface. Common dimensions for the canopy hood are are between 30–36" width, 24–26" depth and a height of about 28".

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Under-cabinet hood dimensions

These hoods can be installed under a cabinet. They are much smaller than a canopy hood but still offer powerful venting. Under-cabinet hoods should fit snug between cabinets and come in similar widths to canopy hoods. They extend past cabinet depths in order to provide adequate coverage for all the burners on the range or cooktop below. Look for easy installation systems like the FIT System by Whirlpool brand which helps reduce measuring, cutting and trim.1 Under-cabinet vent hoods are typically 30" or 36" wide with heights ranging from 24–30" and depths ranging from 12–15".

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Over-the-range microwave hood combination dimensions

A microwave hood combination can also be used to vent kitchen air. Microwave hood combinations, such as our low profile microwave hoods, can be mounted below cabinets to allow for more storage space and, of course, will also cook food. Over-the-range microwave sizes will be determined by the cabinet space you have. Learn more about dimensions in our microwave sizes guide.

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Retractable downdraft hood dimensions

Downdraft hoods are installed directly into countertops and vent air down into ductwork beneath the floor. They should fit flush with countertops but are raised up when it’s time to cook. Downdraft hoods often match the width of the cooking surface and are only a few inches deep. However, they will rise up around 14 to 18 inches behind the range or cooktop. Learn more about the different types of range hoods.

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How to measure for a new vent hood

Before you make your range hood selection, you have to ensure that you’re choosing the right size for your kitchen. Follow these step-by-step instructions below to properly measure for your new range hood.

Step 1: Measure the width of your cooking surface

The majority of residential ranges and cooktops are 30 to 36 inches wide, though some smaller kitchens may use a 24-inch cooking surface. If you’re measuring for a downdraft hood, the hood should match your range width exactly and be installed directly behind it.

Step 2: Measure the width of the area between the cabinets

Measure the width of the area over the range or cooktop. Range hoods often come in 24", 30" or 36" widths. The hood should be at least as wide as the cooking surface, but preferably should be 6" wider. Under-cabinet hoods and over-the-range microwave hoods should fit snug between cabinets while canopy hoods can be installed either snug or with a couple inches of space on either side of the hood before the cabinets.

Step 3: Measure the height of the space above the cooking surface

Make sure you have enough space between the cooking surface and bottom of the hood. Be sure to consult local building codes and the manufacturer's recommended installation heights for your cooking appliance. Here are some typical clearances for reference:

• 20 inches minimum for an electric range or cooktop

• 24 inches minimum for a gas range or cooktop

• No more than 36 inches for both gas and electric cooking surfaces

If you’re installing your hood under a cabinet, it’s okay if it’s not flush with the bottom of cabinets as long as the correct distance to the cooking surface is retained. For retractable downdraft hoods, make sure there is enough unobstructed space above the cooking surface for the vent to extend fully. If you have limited space above the range but would like a microwave hood combination, check out the Low Profile Microwave Hood Combination by Whirlpool brand, a shorter over-the-range microwave that can fit in the same space as an under-cabinet hood.²

Step 4: Measure the depth of the cooking surface

Measure the cook surface front-to-back excluding the control panel or trim. Vent hoods should be deep enough to provide adequate coverage for the front and rear burners. Commercial and oversized ranges may require custom or specialized range hoods. If installing a downdraft vent, make sure the cabinet below is at least 24 inches deep. Some installations may require a countertop depth greater than 25 inches.

What to consider other than range hood dimensions

Once you’ve determined which size range hood will best fit in your kitchen, consider the following features to find the option that will work for you.

Venting strength (CFM Motor Class)

Venting strength, or airflow capacity, is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A higher number indicates a higher capacity to replace kitchen air at a higher frequency. 200 to 300 CFM Motor Class is a good number to aim for if you’re cooking everyday meals and have a residential range. Oversized or commercial-style ranges may require higher venting capabilities. 

To make sure you get the right venting strength, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your cooking appliance. Also keep in mind your cooking habits, the overall size of your kitchen and local construction code requirements.

Style

Canopy-style hoods will come in a variety of shapes and styles. They are often shaped like an upside-down funnel or capital T, but sometimes can have more of a dome shape. Some models include glass canopies, LED accents and other stylized elements.

Recirculating vs. external venting

Some range hoods vent externally, which means they vent kitchen air outside and require ductwork in the wall, ceiling or floor. Ductwork needs to be professionally installed if it doesn’t already exist. Ductless or recirculating venting filters air then pushes it back out into the kitchen. These can be installed anywhere, but the filter will need to be cleaned at least twice a year or more frequently to maintain optimal performance depending on your cooking habits. Some hoods are convertible and can vent externally or through recirculation.

Most decorative hoods, like these Whirlpool brand canopy and downdraft styles, vent externally. Most under-cabinet and microwave hood combinations come factory set to recirculate air in the kitchen. Always check the appliance’s owner’s manual or specifications to understand how it vents and if it’s convertible. Also, it is important to take a look into kitchen hood liners and blowers as they sit within the ducts of your vent hood to draw smoke and odors out and help keep your ventilation system running smoothly. Learn about other parts and accessories for range hoods.

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