The Crown Jewel of Your Kitchen: What to Know Before Choosing Your Range Hood

Hello there! All this heist talk has me wanting to talk about the crown jewel of your kitchen, the hood!

Now if you're picturing remodeling your kitchen, you're likely envisioning gleaming countertops, custom cabinets and statement lighting. But there’s another important feature that sometimes flies under the radar — even though it completely transforms how your kitchen looks and feels. I’m talking about your kitchen hood.

If you have room for one, a beautiful, well-designed hood can instantly elevate your entire kitchen. Not only does it look stunning, but it’s one of the most functional pieces of your whole room. It’s where form meets function, and when you get it right, you’ll thank yourself every single time you cook.

So before you choose your hood, here are five things you should know — from ventilation basics to design inspiration.

1. Difference Between a Hood and a Venting System

Let’s start with the basics... when I say kitchen hood, I’m talking about the decorative structure that covers the actual ventilation system. The hood is the pretty part — the custom-built cover that hides the mechanical portion (the vent insert) responsible for removing steam, grease, and cooking odors. Together, they make your kitchen breathe.

If you cook often, your vent is one of the hardest-working appliances you own. It keeps your cabinets from yellowing, your home smelling fresh and maintains better indoor air quality. So don't cut corners on ventilation. A gorgeous kitchen won’t feel good to cook in if the air isn’t clean.

2. CFMs, Duct Runs, and Smoke Detectors — Oh My!

Now, let’s talk about performance. When shopping for a hood insert, you’ll see what's called a CFM rating which stands for cubic feet per minute, or how much air your hood moves in 60 seconds.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Standard electric or induction ranges: 300–400 CFM

• Professional-style gas ranges or heavy cooking: 600–1200 CFM

  
  

If you want to get more precise which I recommend if you have a large kitchen or tall ceilings, you can calculate your own CFM needs using the following formula:

• Multiply the (length × width × ceiling height × 15) ÷ 60 = CFM'S

  (Example: 20' x 15' x 9' = 2700 cubic sq ft x 15 = 40,500 ÷ 60 = 675 CFM'S)

  
  

💡 Tip: Bigger isn’t always better though. Too much CFM's can create negative air pressure and interfere with your HVAC or fireplace. It’s worth talking to an appliance specialist to size your hood correctly. Next up — is ducting and there are two types:

• Recirculating: pulls air in, filters it, and blows it back out

• Exterior venting: expels air completely outside (the better option if possible)

  
  

If you're smoke alarm tends to go off (like someone else I know ahem... ) you likely have a recirculating vent. For exterior venting, straighter duct runs always perform best. Every turn in the duct reduces efficiency, so plan your layout early in the remodel phase.

3. Noise, New Tech, and Lighting Upgrades

No one wants to feel like they’re cooking under a jet engine and exterior venting tends to be quieter, another good reason to go that route. Today’s best systems include variable speed fans, auto heat sensors, and even Bluetooth connections that sync with your range to turn on automatically when needed. And can we talk about lighting? Modern hood lighting has come a long way. Here’s what’s trending:

• LED lighting — energy efficient, cool to the touch, and long-lasting.

• Adjustable color temperature — shift from warm to cool light depending on mood or time of day.

• Smart + dimmable controls — manage brightness through touch panels, remotes, or apps.

• Dual-zone lighting — bright task lighting over burners, softer accent lighting around the perimeter.

• Motion-activated or auto-on options — perfect for today's smart homes.

  
  

All of these upgrades make a huge difference, especially in open-concept kitchens where quiet operation, clean air and lighting controls contribute to comfortable living.

4. Designing a Showstopping Hood

Now for my favorite part — design! Your hood is the jewelry of the kitchen whether you match it to your cabinetry or make it a standalone statement, this is where you can really let your creativity shine. Think beyond standard cabinet finishes with materials like:

• Plaster or stucco for a European look

• Barnwood or shiplap for a warm farmhouse feel

• Quartz or stone for something bold and modern

• Brass strapping, molding, or shelving for an elegant twist

  
  

In the Charlestowne Grant project, we installed a soft curved hood with brass detailing over a French-inspired La Cornue range — it’s absolutely dreamy (shown below). And at the Freewoods Farm project, I’m using Roman Paint from a company in California to give the hood a textured, stucco-like finish. It’s not something I've been able to find in a standard paint line and it’s going to make that space truly one-of-a-kind. Whatever you choose, it's important to make sure your vent insert fits the hood like a glove. Your cabinet maker or appliance specialist can help ensure the right size and specs.

5. How High You Should Hang Your Hood

This is one of the questions I get most often — and for good reason! The ideal hood height depends on your cooking surface, cabinet and ceiling height, but here’s a general guide:

• Electric or induction: 24–30” above the range

• Gas: 28–36” above the range

Too low, and you’ll bump your head or create a fire hazard. Too high, and your hood won’t capture smoke efficiently. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations for clearances and don't

forget about proportion and scale. Your hood should feel balanced with your cabinets and ceiling — not too small, not too overpowering and ideally be about 3" wider than your range for impact.

So there you have it, five key things to know before choosing your kitchen hood. When chosen thoughtfully, your range hood does so much more than pull steam — it enhances your air quality, your cooking experience, and your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.

If you’re planning a remodel, I recommend talking to a contractor and/or your appliance expert early for ideas and solutions. The hood impacts your cabinetry layout, ducting path, and lighting plan — and it’s worth getting right the first time.

GET ON THE WAITLIST!

If you're thinking of remodeling, BIG NEWS! My Kitchen Remodel Made Easy Course is opening up for enrollment soon! Available only a few times a year, if you even thinking of remodeling, you CAN'T AFFORD to miss this. To learn more and get on the waitlist, click below: