Thinking of replacing your kitchen range hood? A range hood is crucial for every kitchen to reduce the smoke or steam from cooking and keep it from polluting your home’s air or discoloring your kitchen cabinets Here’s how to measure for a new range hood to prepare your home (and yourself) for your new kitchen appliance.

Tip!

Learn about the different types of kitchen range hoods with help from this guide: 10 Types of Range Hoods for Every Kitchen

How to Measure & Prepare to Install a Range Hood

When purchasing a new range hood, it’s important to make sure the fit is perfect for your space and compatibility needs. Your new range hood’s measurements span beyond the range itself – you also need to consider the space in your kitchen and cooking area. Picking the right spot and getting your measurements right before you shop will make installation a breeze. Here’s how to measure for a range hood step-by-step to help you pick the right one.

Step 1: Walk the Delivery Path

Surprisingly, collecting measurements for your new range hood starts with measuring areas of your home other than the installation area. It’s important to measure out the path from your kitchen to the door you will bring your new kitchen range hood into to see what will fit.

First, measure any doorways, hallways, stairways, and areas where there may be a tight fit along the path you'll need to bring your new appliance through on delivery day. This step will ensure you won't have any trouble getting your new range hood to its installation location. Make sure to write these down and save them to later compare to the range hoods you’re considering.

Step 2: Take Your Measurements

After choosing what type of range hood you’d like to install, start measuring your installation location. Some range hood types require removing cabinets or other alterations to be made to fit in the area, so pay attention to the type you select. If you’re installing a completely new range hood, you might need to prepare the area more.

Here’s how to measure for a range hood broken down into three steps.

Width

Measure the width of your cooking surface from one side of the cooktop to the other.
The best rule of thumb is to choose a range hood that's at least as wide as the stovetop, preferably one that's 3” longer on both sides so that it extends outward on either side of the stovetop. This ensures the range hood catches any steam or heat escaping out the cooktop.
If applicable, also measure the width of the area between the upper cabinets where your range hood will live and make sure you have enough space for your new range hood.

Height

Measure the space between the cooking surface and cabinets or ceiling above. You’ll need to make sure you have the right amount of space between the stovetop and the bottom of the range hood, as range hoods need to be high enough to ventilate properly yet low enough to catch and absorb the steam.
Typically electric ranges require a matching range hood to be about 20" to 24" above the stove, while gas ranges need a range hood placed 24" to 30" above the stove to accommodate burners with open flames. When in doubt, refer to the range hood product manual for specific placement instructions.

Depth

Measure your cooktop’s depth, from front to back. The depth of your range hood should be about 2”–3" less than the depth of your cooktop.
Your range hood depth should be less than that of your cooktop so it won’t get in the way while you’re cooking, but it must extend to cover at least the back burners and half of the front burners in order to be effective.

Step 3: Check Venting Capabilities

Venting and ductwork are crucial to think about when it comes to selecting a new range hood. The venting and duct capabilities of your new kitchen range hood are responsible for circulating the air through your home and diminishing the fumes and scents from cooking.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting and installing your new range hood:

• If your home has installed ductwork, or you plan on getting it installed, you should look for a ducted (vented) or convertible range hood.
• If your home does not have installed ductwork, you should choose a ductless (non-vented) or convertible range hood. A convertible range hood works both with or without ductwork.

Step 4: Prepare for Installation and Delivery

Now that you know how to measure for a range hood, it’s time to prepare for the installation and delivery.

If you are replacing an existing range hood, it will need to be removed before you install your new one. You can remove your range hood before delivery or opt in for Wayfair’s haul-away service. With haul-away you don’t need to worry about disposal of your old model, it will be removed and disposed of on the day of delivery.

If you’re removing your current range hood yourself, here are the proper steps to take:

1. Make sure the power to the range hood is turned off completely.
2. Remove the current filter and cover plate of your existing range hood.
3. Locate the attached wiring and disconnect them from your range hood.
4. Use a screwdriver to remove any nails or screws that are keeping your hood in place.
5. Gently pull the range hood to remove it completely from the wall.

To get your new range hood up and running, it’s crucial that you get it correctly installed. While it is possible to do DIY installation, it’s extremely complicated. It is highly recommended you opt in for Wayfair’s installation service so the process will be entirely taken care of by professionals on the day of delivery and everything will be installed properly.

Following the simple steps above before purchase will make the installation and delivery process of your new range hood a breeze! Enjoy your new appliance!

Tip!

Now that you’re ready for the installation of your new range hood, learn how to choose the right one with help from this guide: How to Choose the Best Range Hood For Your Kitchen

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