For those who want to independently understand the nuances of kitchen ventilation, I will immediately answer two sensitive questions: the height of the hood above a gas stove is recommended by household appliance manufacturers at 75-85 and 55-65 cm, while the installation height of the hood above an electric stove is reduced to 65-75 and 35-45 cm.
The first range of distances is given for horizontal umbrellas, and the second one is for devices inclined and vertical type.
In this article, I'll explain in detail what standards determine the distance from the hood to the stove, what are the consequences of choosing the wrong height and installing the hood incorrectly, and how to perform calculations. I'll also provide examples of correct and incorrect hood installations and answer frequently asked questions.
- Selecting the installation height above an electric or gas stove
- Consequences of incorrectly maintained distance
- Installation height according to regulatory documents
- Dependence of installation height on the type of ventilation hood
- Optimal distance from the hob to the hood
- Examples of correct and incorrect installation of the hood
- Answers to frequently asked questions
- Video about installing a range hood
Selecting the installation height above an electric or gas stove
The basic design of all types of range hoods is theoretically the same: housing, fan, filter, and operating mode control unit. However, in practice, the devices differ dramatically.
Kitchens are always at a premium, but to ensure adequate ventilation, it's important to maintain the proper distance from the gas stove to the hood and select ventilation equipment that meets the required technical specifications.
By shape, exhaust equipment can be:
By installation type:
By location above the hob:
By the method of removing dirty air:
- flow-through with removal of dirty flows through air ducts to the street or to the general building ventilation;
- recirculation without connecting air ducts with cleaning of dirty flows through a filter and return to the kitchen.
Maintaining the required distance from the cooktop to the hood is challenging because each type of appliance must be installed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. These recommendations often conflict with the property owner's wishes and the specific kitchen layout.
Common installation issues that prevent the hood from reaching the standard height above the stove:
- Difficulty in attaching an umbrellaFor example, you want a beautiful built-in model, but need to install a dome hood based on the parameters of your electric or gas stove.
- Difficulty of laying air ductsThere is a long distance from the flow-through hood to the opening to the street or to the general building ventilation system, and there are obstacles.
- Lack of air flow in the kitchen fresh air.
- Size mismatch exhaust dome with a gas or electric hob.
- Performance mismatch ventilation equipment with the power of electric and gas stoves, number of burners.
- Inspector prohibits connection flow-through exhaust ducts into the common ventilation system of an apartment building.
- Misalignment of the alignment the exhaust hood with the working surface of an electric or gas stove due to improper layout of the kitchen furniture.
These problems are easily resolved by installing a different type of ventilation equipment with suitable technical parameters. However, kitchen owners don't always choose the wisest approach.
Consequences of incorrectly maintained distance
If you're unsure how high to hang the hood above the cooktop, consult a professional installer. Incorrect installation height during operation will lead to unpleasant consequences.
If the exhaust hood is suspended below the norm:
- the risk of fire or meltdown of the electrical equipment of the exhaust hood will increase;
- on the coarse filter, the fat deposits that have settled will ignite or begin to melt from the high temperature and flow into the food being cooked;
- The umbrella will cover the work surface, which will make it inconvenient for a tall person to cook.
If the exhaust hood is suspended higher than normal:
- the umbrella dome will not be able to capture all the dirty air;
- To remove steam and soot, the fan will have to be turned on at higher power, which will lead to increased energy consumption and rapid wear of the equipment;
- Grease deposits that are not caught by the high-hanging hood will appear around the hood on adjacent kitchen cabinets and on the ceiling.
There are no strict height requirements for kitchen range hood installation according to regulatory documents. The manufacturer's specified heights are advisory, but it is recommended to adhere to them.
Installation height according to regulatory documents
The installation of ventilation and air conditioning systems is subject to the current GOST R 59972-2021. Air exchange standards for rooms of different purposes in residential buildings are prescribed in SNiP 41-01-2003And SP 60.13330.2010.
Manufacturers produce kitchen equipment in accordance with regulatory documentation. For each model, the instructions specify the height at which the range hood should be hung above both electric and gas cooktops.
The parameters specified by the kitchen equipment manufacturer are based on calculations. The exhaust hood, taking into account the cabinet size and fan power, must be capable of removing exhaust air in accordance with established sanitary standards.
The manufacturer also considers the safety of its products. Umbrellas are equipped with electrical components, mechanical or electronic controls, and plastic and metal parts.
The recommended distance according to standards for horizontally suspended exhaust devices is measured from the bottom plane of the body to the hob:
- For a stove with gas burners, the minimum and maximum height is from 75 to 85 cm;
- for an electric stove the installation height is reduced – from 65 to 75 cm.
Vertical and inclined range hoods are less effective at capturing dirty air because they are offset from the cooktop surface to the back wall of the stove. A different standard distance is established for equipment. The distance is measured from the bottom of the range hood to the cooktop surface:
- For a gas stove, the minimum distance to the burners is 55, and the maximum is 65 cm;
- for electric and induction hobs the minimum height is reduced to 35, and the maximum is up to 45 cm.
Electric and induction cooktops do not have an open flame source. Installation of the range hood is permitted at a lower height, as the risk of damage to components is minimal.
Gas stove burners are sources of open flame. To prevent damage to the components, the clearance for installing the hood has been increased.
Dependence of installation height on the type of ventilation hood
The basic recommended installation standards for ventilation hoods are generalized. Equipment varies in design and configuration. Manufacturers make adjustments to the installation height, but these are usually minor:
- It is recommended to install a T-shaped hood over a gas stove at a height of no less than 65 cm. The minimum height of a hood over an electric stove or induction hob is 55 cm.
- A recirculation exhaust system without a ducted connection to the ventilation system is recommended for electric and induction cooktops. However, installing a filter unit above a gas stove is permitted when ductwork is not possible. The distance should be maintained between 55-65 cm.
- Built-in stationary and retractable telescopic exhaust hoods over a gas stove should be hung at least 65 cm high. The minimum installation height over an electric stove is 43-55 cm.
- Island hoods are considered suspended hoods due to their mounting type. They are placed in kitchens where the layout allows for the work area to be located in the middle of the room (on an island). A minimum hanging height of 65 cm over a gas stove is recommended. The minimum installation height over an electric stove is 55 cm.
Optimal distance from the hob to the hood
A home kitchen requires not only well-functioning ventilation but also a conveniently arranged work area for cooking. A home cook chooses a stove based on her needs. Appliances vary in size and number of burners. Stoves come in electric and gas versions, as well as combinations.
The recommended installation heights for ventilation equipment aren't always convenient. The first example is for an induction hob: The distance from the countertop to the hood must be 43 cmThe second example for a combination stove is The height of the umbrella installation above the work area is 65-70 cm.
For a tall cook, it's inconvenient to bend over and peer under the range hood when preparing food. You can increase comfort by slightly adjusting the ventilation unit by 10 cm, but only upward. The hood should not be hung below the manufacturer's recommended minimum settings.
Minimum installation height parameters are recommended for small kitchens up to 10 m2.2Industrial cooktops are used in catering establishments. Modern home kitchens with impressive square footage also feature larger cooktops.
Dome-shaped (chimney-type) exhaust hoods of appropriate dimensions are suspended above the work area. To ensure the large hood does not interfere with cooking, minimum and maximum dimensions are not adhered to during installation.
Examples of correct and incorrect installation of the hood
Whether or not a properly installed exhaust hood can be installed depends on the ceiling height, the size and layout of the kitchen, and the location of the common building ventilation duct on the wall. Often, technical feasibility does not align with the homeowner's wishes.
We have to look for alternative solutions.
An example of correctly installed exhaust equipment:
- The length of the air ducts of the flow-through device and the number of turns that create resistance to the removal of dirty air have been reduced to a minimum.
- The installation height recommended by the ventilation equipment manufacturer has been maintained.
- The coaxial position of the hood and the hob surface is maintained without any displacement to the side.
- The dimensions of the umbrella correspond to or are 5 cm larger than the dimensions of the stove.
- The dome does not obscure the cooktop, allowing the user to easily access all burners.
Household ventilation units have a power output of less than 1 kW and operate from a 220-volt outlet. Changing the dome's location or height due to a short cord is unwise.
Plan the electrical outlet before installing the ventilation unit in a convenient location. If the renovation is complete and you don't want to drill holes in the walls, extend the power cord.
The extractor hood is installed correctly when the recommended height above the stove and the appliance's performance match:
- Model with a capacity of 200-300 m3/hour is suitable for a stove with 2 burners or a small kitchen where you cook food in small quantities.
- Model with a capacity of 300-400 m3/hour is suitable for a stove with 2-3 burners, where a family of 3-4 people cooks meals every day.
- Model with a capacity of 500-600 m3/hour is suitable for a spacious modern kitchen where more than four burners are used daily. This option is ideal for a large family preparing large quantities of food.
If the rules and regulations are followed, the exhaust dome will always be installed correctly.
An example of incorrect installation – when the ventilation equipment manufacturer's recommendations are violated. Errors include:
- the hood is shifted away from the stove; the selected model does not match in design and performance;
- Incorrect installation of the device is considered to be failure to maintain the distance from the countertop;
- increased length of air ducts and number of turns.
Answers to frequently asked questions
The range hood can be hung if its dimensions match or exceed the stove's dimensions by up to 5 cm. The recommended distance of 55-65 cm applies to inclined and vertical models.
For a gas stove, a flow-through model with a duct connection is ideal.
The installation height of a horizontal umbrella is from 65 to 75 cm, and for a vertical and inclined umbrella – from 35 to 55 cm.
The minimum installation height for a horizontal umbrella is 65 cm, for a vertical and inclined umbrella – 35 cm.
If there is no outlet to the common building ventilation system or through the wall to the street, a recirculation model without connection to air ducts will do.
High temperatures and fire will melt electrical equipment. A low-hanging dome will cover the cooktop.
The exhaust hood should be aligned with the stovetop and match or exceed its dimensions by 5 cm. It is important to maintain the installation height recommended by the appliance manufacturer.
Height standards for a horizontal hood and: gas stove 75-85 cm, electric – 65-75 cm. Height standards for a vertical and inclined hood and: gas stove 55-65 cm, electric – 35-45 cm.
Video about installing a range hood
