Cooking Appliance Ventilation Considerations

Whether you decide on a range or a cooktop, you'll need to consider ventilation options. Good ventilation not only removes odors, but also helps to reduce and filter heat, grease and moisture. There are two general types of ventilation: external and re-circulating.

External is the most common and preferred method because it vent odors to the outside, but some building situations prohibit external venting, making re-circulating the next best choice. Both venting types come in several styles – wall-mounted hoods, island hoods, downdrafts and microwave/hood combinations.

There are also different levels of power available. Ventilation power is measured by how many cubic feet of air is moved per minute - also known as CFMs. The best way to determine how much power you need is to check the manufacturer specifications which will list the recommended number of CFMs your range or cooktop needs.

To learn more about the importance of kitchen ventilation and the options available, see our Ventilation Buying Guide.