Range Hood to Cooktop Distance: Tips for Proper Installation

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May 18, 2023 - Updated at January 15, 2025
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The range hood is an essential appliance in our kitchens, as it purifies the air by removing odors and fumes produced during cooking.

Proper installation of the range hood involves several factors, one of the most important being the distance between the range hood and the cooktop.

Incorrectly assessing this distance can not only violate safety regulations but also compromise the hood’s efficiency.

How can you avoid these issues? In this article, we will explore:

The risks of positioning the hood at an incorrect height;
The benefits of installing the hood at the right distance from the cooktop;
The recommended distance depending on the type of cooktop;
Additional factors that influence the choice of range hood;
The essential steps for installation.

There’s a lot to cover—let’s get started!

The Risks of NOT Maintaining the Correct Distance

When determining the proper height for installing a range hood, two major mistakes must be avoided to ensure both efficiency and safety:

Placing the hood too close to the cooktop:
- Increased risk of fire;
- Greater likelihood of filter blockages, resulting in reduced suction efficiency.
Placing the hood too far from the cooktop:
- Reduced suction effectiveness;
- Overloading the hood’s motor;
- Increased dispersion of harmful substances in the air.

Benefits of Maintaining the Correct Hood-to-Cooktop Distance

Avoiding the two mistakes above yields several important benefits:

Improved air quality:
When installed at the correct height, the hood efficiently extracts cooking fumes and vapors, minimizing condensation and ensuring clean, fresh air in your home.
Enhanced safety:
A correctly installed hood reduces the risk of fires, as it is neither too close to nor too far from the cooktop.
Better lighting:
Maintaining the proper height ensures optimal illumination of the cooking area.
Extended lifespan of the range hood:
Proper installation minimizes wear and tear on the hood. When placed too far from the cooktop, the hood has to work harder, leading to faster deterioration. Conversely, if placed too close, it can accumulate excessive grease and dirt, reducing its efficiency over time.

These advantages highlight how crucial it is to install the range hood at the proper height to avoid domestic accidents and minimize health risks.

The Correct Hood-to-Cooktop Distance: Standards and Guidelines

The correct height for installing a range hood is specified by UNI Standard 7129-2015, which outlines the rules and measurements to be followed for both ducted and recirculating range hoods.

This standard takes into account different types of cooktops and establishes specific distances to ensure safe and efficient use of the kitchen, reducing the risk of household accidents.

Here are the recommended distances between the cooktop and the hood to comply with safety standards:

For electric cooktops: minimum height of 75 cm;
For induction cooktops: minimum height of 75 cm;
For gas cooktops: minimum height of 65 cm.

Never exceed a distance of 90 cm, as doing so may compromise the hood’s suction or filtration performance.

However, the distance between the cooktop and the range hood is not the only factor to consider before proceeding with the installation, but we’ll discuss this in the next section!

Factors Influencing the Choice of Range Hood

To design an efficient and safe kitchen, respecting the proper distance between the range hood and the cooktop is crucial. However, other important factors must also be considered, which can guide you in selecting the most suitable type of hood for your needs.

Below are key questions and answers that will help you determine the ideal range hood based on the characteristics and dimensions of your kitchen:

Can the hood vent fumes outside the house?
If the answer is yes, you can install a ducted hood. Otherwise, you’ll need to choose a recirculating hood. (Read our in-depth article for more details.)
How large is your kitchen?
Depending on your kitchen's volume, you should select a hood with a specific extraction capacity to ensure adequate air purification.
How much space do you have for the hood?
The available space plays a key role in determining the type of hood you can install. For example, you may need to mount it on the ceiling, integrate it into the countertop, install it on the wall, or fit it into an island kitchen.

It’s important to note that there are many types of range hoods on the market—from high-tech, designer models to more traditional and simple ones. While personal taste and aesthetics play a role in the decision, the questions above provide essential guidance for choosing a hood based on functional requirements.

How to Install a Range Hood at the Correct Distance from the Cooktop

Now that we’ve understood the recommended distance between the cooktop and the hood, as well as other factors to consider before purchasing, let’s look at how to install the hood. Follow these steps:

Choose the range hood based on the factors mentioned above.
Measure the height of the cooktop using a tape measure.
Mark the installation point with a level to ensure the hood is perfectly straight.
Install the mounting brackets, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions and using screws suitable for your wall surface.
Mount the hood by attaching it to the brackets, ensuring it aligns with the guidelines you marked earlier.
Install the exhaust duct (for ducted hoods). Connect the duct to the hood, adhering to installation guidelines and best practices.
Connect the electrical power to enable the hood’s operation.
Test the hood once it is properly connected.

In general, it’s recommended to use the original components supplied by the manufacturer to ensure the appliance’s functionality and efficiency.

Conclusions

In summary, after reading this article, we can conclude that selecting the correct distance between the cooktop and the range hood is crucial to ensuring a safe and healthy kitchen environment.

Even a few centimeters can make a significant difference!

Do you have any questions or concerns? Feel free to ask!

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