When planning a kitchen remodel, there’s one element that often gets overlooked — the range hood (also known as a kitchen exhaust fan or vent hood). But in reality, it’s one of the most important appliances for both functionality and design.
So, how do you choose the perfect range hood for your kitchen? 🤔 Let’s break it down.
🧠 Why a Range Hood Matters
A quality range hood does more than just remove steam — it filters grease, smoke, heat, and odors from the air while you cook. Whether you love frying, boiling, baking, or grilling, a good hood keeps your kitchen air clean and prevents sticky residue on your walls and cabinets.
Benefits of a Range Hood:
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🚫 Removes cooking odors and grease
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💨 Improves air circulation and ventilation
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💎 Enhances the aesthetic of your kitchen
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🔥 Prevents heat buildup while cooking
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🛡️ Protects cabinets and ceilings from grime
If you’re investing in kitchen remodeling in Chicago, a high-quality hood should be on your checklist.
📏 Step 1: Choose the Right Size
Your range hood should be at least as wide as your cooktop — and ideally 3 inches wider on each side.
| Cooktop Width | Recommended Hood Width |
|---|---|
| 30 inches | 36 inches |
| 36 inches | 42 inches |
This ensures maximum smoke and odor capture, especially when using multiple burners at once.
🔌 Step 2: Vented or Ductless?
One of the biggest decisions: ducted or ductless?
✅ Ducted (Vented) Range Hoods
These hoods pull air from the kitchen and vent it outside your home through ducts.
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✔ Best for heavy cooking, frying, grilling
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✔ Removes heat and humidity
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✔ More efficient at odor control
Perfect for full kitchen renovations where ductwork can be added or replaced.
✅ Ductless (Recirculating) Range Hoods
These use charcoal filters to clean the air and recirculate it back into the kitchen.
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✔ Easier and cheaper to install
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✔ Ideal for apartments or condos
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✔ Requires regular filter replacement
If you’re doing a partial kitchen remodel or don’t want to install new ductwork, ductless might work better.
💪 Step 3: Know the Power (CFM Rating)
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute — how much air your range hood can move.
General Rule:
100 CFM per 10 inches of stove width
So for a 30-inch stove, you need at least 300 CFM
Higher CFM = Better ventilation
But keep in mind:
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🧱 High CFM hoods may require a make-up air system (especially in Chicago due to local codes)
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🔊 Higher CFM may mean more noise
🔇 Step 4: Consider Noise Levels
Nobody wants to cook next to a jet engine. ✈️
Hood noise is measured in sones — the lower, the quieter.
| Noise Level | Sones |
|---|---|
| Quiet | 1–3 |
| Moderate | 4–6 |
| Loud | 7+ |
Look for a range hood under 5 sones for a pleasant cooking experience.
Pro tip: Models with multiple speed settings let you control noise better.
🧱 Step 5: Pick the Right Mounting Style
Depending on your kitchen layout, you’ll choose one of the following:
1. Under-Cabinet Range Hoods
Most common. Fits under cabinets above the stove.
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✔ Compact and affordable
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✔ Great for smaller kitchens
2. Wall-Mounted Range Hoods
Mounted on the wall, often a centerpiece design.
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✔ Stylish and powerful
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✔ Requires cabinet adjustment or removal
3. Island Range Hoods
Hangs from the ceiling over a cooktop on a kitchen island.
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✔ Eye-catching, modern
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✔ Needs strong ductwork and support
4. Insert or Built-In Hoods
Installed inside custom cabinetry for a seamless look.
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✔ Invisible integration
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✔ Perfect for high-end kitchen designs
🎨 Step 6: Match Style & Finish
Your range hood should match your overall kitchen design.
Popular materials:
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🧼 Stainless steel (modern, sleek, easy to clean)
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⚫ Matte black (bold, trendy)
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🤍 White or custom panels (blends with cabinets)
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🪵 Wood trim or cover hoods (farmhouse or rustic kitchens)
At Easy Remodeling, we help homeowners in Chicago match their range hoods to countertops, backsplashes, and lighting for a harmonious kitchen look.
🧹 Step 7: Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Every hood needs cleaning and maintenance, but some are easier than others.
Look for:
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🧽 Dishwasher-safe metal filters
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🛑 Easy-to-replace charcoal filters (for ductless models)
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🧼 Smooth surfaces that don’t trap grease
Avoid hoods with complicated grooves or hard-to-reach filters — especially if you cook often.
💡 Bonus: Smart Features to Consider
Modern hoods come with cool extras:
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🌡️ Built-in heat sensors
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🕹️ Touch controls or remote controls
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💡 LED lighting
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🧠 Smart integration with other kitchen appliances
If you’re investing in a modern kitchen remodel in Chicago, these upgrades are worth considering.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right range hood isn’t just about design — it’s about creating a cleaner, healthier, and more enjoyable cooking space.
Consider these 7 steps:
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Match the size to your cooktop
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Choose between ducted or ductless
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Check the CFM rating
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Keep noise levels in mind
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Pick a mounting style that fits your layout
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Match the finish with your design
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Look for easy cleaning and smart features
A high-quality range hood is a key ingredient in any successful kitchen remodel — and at Easy Remodeling, we’re here to help you choose the perfect one for your home in Chicago.
📞 Ready to upgrade your kitchen?
Contact us for a free consultation and let our experts guide you through the best choices in ventilation, layout, design, and installation.
