Range Hood vs. Vent Hood: Understanding the Key Differences

When it comes to maintaining a clean and odor-free kitchen, having proper ventilation is crucial. Range hoods and vent hoods play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

However, many homeowners often use these terms interchangeably without fully understanding their differences.

Although they might seem the same, range hoods and vent hoods are actually different. Both are connected to ducts that take the kitchen air outside. The big difference is how they handle the air: vent hoods pull air into the system, while range hoods use a fan to push air out.

In this article, we'll break down the disparities between range hoods and vent hoods and help you make an informed choice for your kitchen.

We'll also provide some essential tips on selecting the best range hood for your needs.

Differences Between a Range Hood vs. Vent Hood: Summary Table

Range Hood vs. Vent Hood: What's the Difference? 

1. Function

The primary difference between a range hood and a vent hood lies in their functions:

Range Hood: A range hood is designed primarily for removing cooking odors, smoke, and airborne grease particles. It is typically placed above the cooktop or stove to capture and expel these pollutants outside or through a filtration system.

Vent Hood: A vent hood, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to any type of kitchen hood designed to vent air. It can include both range hoods and exhaust fans. Vent hoods can be used for various purposes, such as removing heat, moisture, and pollutants from the kitchen.

2. Installation

The installation of range hoods and vent hoods can differ significantly:

Range Hood: Range hoods are typically installed directly above the cooking surface, ensuring efficient capture of cooking byproducts. They come in various styles, including wall-mounted, under-cabinet, and island range hoods.

Vent Hood: Vent hoods can be installed in different locations within the kitchen, depending on their intended purpose. For instance, an exhaust fan may be mounted on the wall or ceiling to remove excess heat and moisture. 

3. Air Disposal

The way these hoods dispose of air varies:

Range Hood: Range hoods are designed to either recirculate filtered air back into the kitchen or exhaust it outside through a duct system. The choice between these options depends on the hood's design and your kitchen setup.

Vent Hood: Vent hoods, including exhaust fans, typically exhaust air directly outside, ensuring a continuous flow of fresh air. They are particularly useful for removing heat and steam from the kitchen.

Tips for Choosing the Best Range Hood

Now that we've clarified the differences between range hoods and vent hoods, let's focus on selecting the best range hood for your kitchen. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Size: Choose a range hood that adequately covers your cooking surface. The width of the hood should match or exceed the width of your stove or cooktop.

2. Airflow Capacity: Consider the airflow capacity, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A higher CFM rating is suitable for larger kitchens or those with heavy cooking demands.

3. Ducted vs. Ductless: Decide whether you want a ducted or ductless range hood. Ducted hoods are more efficient at removing pollutants, while ductless ones recirculate filtered air. Your kitchen's layout and the feasibility of duct installation will influence this choice.

4. Design and Style: Range hoods come in various styles, from sleek and modern to classic and traditional. Choose a design that complements your kitchen's aesthetics.

5. Noise Level: Consider the noise level of the range hood's operation. Quieter hoods are preferable for a more pleasant cooking experience.

6. Features: Look for additional features such as adjustable fan speeds, built-in lighting, and timer functions to enhance the hood's functionality.

Also read our guide: What To Look for When Buying a Rangehood 

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ducted and ductless (or unducted) range hoods?

Ducted range hoods, also known as vented range hoods, extract the air from your kitchen and vent it outside your home. This makes them highly effective at removing heat, smoke, and kitchen odors. However, they require ductwork for installation.

Ductless range hoods, on the other hand, recirculate the air through filters to trap grease and odors before releasing the air back into the kitchen. They're easier to install since they don't require ducts, but the filters need regular replacement to maintain effectiveness.

Does a range hood need to vent outside?

Not all range hoods need to vent outside. While ducted range hoods do vent externally and are generally more effective at removing air contaminants, ductless range hoods are an alternative that filters and then recirculates air back into the kitchen.

The choice between ducted and non-ducted can depend on your kitchen's layout, your cooking habits, and installation feasibility.

Which is better, a range hood or an exhaust fan?

A range hood is typically better than an exhaust fan for use over a stove because it is designed to capture and remove airborne grease, combustion products, fumes, smoke, odors, and steam. Range hoods also often come with lighting and can be more stylish. Exhaust fans can be used in a kitchen but generally provide more generalized ventilation for the entire room rather than targeted capture above the cooking surface.

Should the vent hood be bigger than the range?

Ideally, the vent hood should extend slightly beyond the width of the range to effectively capture the fumes from all the burners. It doesn't have to be much larger, but having it at least the same size or a few inches wider on each side ensures that it can catch the rising smoke and grease, which can spread as they rise.

A larger hood provides a larger capture area, which helps to improve the overall efficiency of the ventilation system.

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