With the continuous improvement of people’s living standards, living environments have also been greatly upgraded. As the core space for daily life, the kitchen carries far more meaning than merely satisfying people’s basic need for food. To maintain a tidy and good‑looking kitchen in many modern households, the range hood has become an indispensable appliance. Therefore, proper selection of a range hood is of great importance. Besides, the installation quality directly determines smoke‑exhaust performance and even the overall spatial coordination of the kitchen. Today we will talk about how to install a range hood correctly, hoping to offer you some practical guidance.
First of all, it should be noted that range hoods fall into three types: top‑mount, side‑mount and bottom‑mount, which are installed above, beside and below the cooktop respectively. Bottom‑mount range hoods are relatively uncommon, so we will focus on top‑mount and side‑mount models in this article.
1. Installation Position of the Range Hood
For top‑mount range hoods, the recommended vertical distance from the cooktop is 65‑70 cm. Side‑mount range hoods are installed closer to the cooktop, with a typical distance of 35‑45 cm. Nevertheless, both types follow the same installation principle: they shall be vertically mounted right above the cooktop, with the vertical central axis of the hood aligned with the central line of the cooktop.
2. Do Not Install the Range Hood in Areas With Strong Air Convection
Whether for new‑house renovation or old‑kitchen remodeling, reserved installation positions are prepared for range hoods. Do not install the unit close to windows or doors where strong air convection occurs. Cooking fumes tend to spread considerably when rising 20‑30 cm above the cooktop before entering the effective suction zone. Strong air flow will further weaken the fume‑extracting performance.
3. Wall Requirements for Range Hood Installation
Never mount the range hood on walls made of flammable materials such as wood. The appliance shall be fixed directly onto a load‑bearing wall. It must never be fastened to kitchen cabinets.
4. Installation Sequence for Range Hood and Cabinets
Generally speaking, cabinet manufacturers need to be informed of the range hood dimensions during the kitchen cabinet design phase so that reserved space can be pre‑arranged. The actual installation sequence can be adjusted according to onsite conditions. Given the tight fit between the hood and cabinets, the common practice is to install cabinets first and fix them in place, then drill holes and hang the range hood afterwards, so as to avoid damaging the hood. Both procedures can be arranged on the same day: install cabinets first, then proceed with the range‑hood installation immediately afterwards.
