What is a range hood & do I need range hood venting?

What is a range hood?

A range hood, also known as a vent hood or kitchen hood, is an appliance typically mounted above ranges or cooktops that helps to capture, filter or vent out cooking grease and steam above your cooking surface. Range hoods feature an integrated fan and sometimes include lights to help illuminate your cooktop.

Range hoods are available in different types and sizes to match your cooking appliance and kitchen setup. You can find options that vent air outside the home via ducts, or ductless range hood options that filter and recirculate the air back into your kitchen.

Learn more about range hood types and sizes and ducted vs. ductless options. Whirlpool brand offers canopy hoods, under cabinet hoods, downdraft hoods, convertible range hoods and kitchen hood liners and blowers.

How does a range hood work?

While cooking, the hood draws in moisture, smoke and grease via a fan. Hoods with outside ventilation pull that air out of the home through ductwork. Recirculating range hoods use a series of filters before returning the air to the room.

Running your kitchen hood fan for several minutes before you start cooking may help create suction so there is no delay in venting. Running the fan for several minutes after cooking can also help clear any additional smoke and odor from the air.

If you opt for a ductless range hood that recirculates air, you’ll need to clean the filter on a regular basis. Learn more about cleaning over-the-range microwave filters. Find out more about filters and other parts of range hoods.

Do you need a range hood?

When you cook on any type of stove—including gas or electric ranges—particles of grease, food, water and smoke evaporate into the air. In the short term, this can decrease air quality and fill your home with odors. In the long term, these particles can end up leaving grime throughout your kitchen.

A vent hood may be required by code, depending on where you live. But regardless of requirements, most people can benefit from a range hood, even those who rarely cook or only do light cooking, like steaming vegetables. If you frequently fry, sear meats and proteins, or sauté vegetables, your need for a range hood may be even greater. Consider models that move air in a higher cubic feet-per-minute rate (CFM) to help filter out the increased grease and smoke.

Shop Whirlpool^® Range Hoods with 400 CFM

Shop range hoods from Whirlpool brand with multiple fan speeds that help provide the right amount of ventilation for every meal you prepare.

Are there alternative kitchen ventilation options?

In addition to the traditional range hood mounted above your cooking surface, there are also microwave-hood combinations that do double duty and downdraft ventilation systems that rise up from the countertop when needed. 

Read on to see if one of these alternatives from Whirlpool brand is the right choice for you.

Microwave hood combinations

People who need to fit in more function above their range might be interested in a microwave hood combination with built-in recirculating ventilation. If you’re limited on space, consider a Whirlpool^® Low Profile Microwave Hood Combination, a two-in-one solution that fits in the same space as an under cabinet hood.¹ As with traditional hoods, remember to pair the size of your venting solution with your cooktop size.

Find out more about the differences between range hoods and over-the-range microwaves.

Shop Whirlpool^® Over-The-Range Microwaves

Whirlpool^® Over-the-Range Microwaves can help centralize your cooking appliances to one spot in your kitchen. Select models can double as a microwave and range hood, combining two useful appliances in one.

Downdraft ventilation

If you don’t like the look of a hood or your cooking surface is installed in an island, downdraft ventilation is also an option that helps maintain clean lines in open-concept kitchens. 

There are generally two types of downdraft ventilation to consider: retractable downdraft vents and downdraft cooktops. Retractable vents rise from the countertop or stovetop when needed and retract out of sight when not in use, offering flexibility and minimal visual impact. Downdraft cooktops have built-in ventilation systems—typically in the center of the cooktop—that draw air directly from the cooking surface. Whichever option you choose, ensure the downdraft system is powerful enough to match the output of your cooktop.

Learn more with this guide on the different types of range hoods.

Shop Whirlpool^® Downdraft Vent Hoods

Whirlpool^® Retractable Downdraft Range Hoods offer a minimalist style, becoming a seamless part of your home to help clear the air in the kitchen, where your family loves to gather.

What to consider when buying a range hood

There are many different types and sizes of range hoods designed to fit the way you cook, your cooking surface and your kitchen setup. When choosing a range hood, make sure you match it to your home and lifestyle. 

Learn more about how to choose a range hood with these considerations:

Shop Whirlpool^® Range Hoods

Whirlpool brand offers a variety of range hoods, from island mount to retractable downdraft options. Shop black and stainless steel options to find the right range hood for your kitchen.