What is a Range Hood? Everything You Need to Know

What is a range hood? It’s an essential kitchen appliance installed above your stove or gas cooktop that draws out smoke, grease and other particles from the air.

A range hood exhaust system keeps your kitchen clean, fresh and safe. It’s one of the most effective ways to keep kitchen odours, moisture and heat created from cooking to a minimum. Whether you’re frying onions or simmering curry on your cooking surface, it’s instrumental in maintaining healthy air quality.

From ducted to ductless options, choosing the right range hood depends on your kitchen layout, cooking habits and desired ventilation system.

Types of Range Hoods

There are many types of range hoods to suit different homes, cooking styles and kitchen layouts. Whether you want something discreet or a statement piece, you’ll almost certainly find the ideal solution to meet your needs. Among them are:

• Wall-mounted range hoods – Installed directly on the wall above your cooktop.
• Island hoods – Suspended from the ceiling over an island cooktop.
• Undermount rangehoods – Fitted beneath overhead cabinetry for a seamless look.
• Canopy rangehoods – High-capacity units ideal for large kitchens and frequent cooking.
• Downdraft range hoods – Retract into the benchtop and rise when needed.
• Microwave hood combinations – Combine a range hood and microwave in one space-saving appliance.
• Convertible range hood models – Can operate as either ducted or ductless, depending on your needs.
• Fixed rangehood options – Simple, static units with basic filtration and fan speed.

With so many different types of range hoods to choose from, the best range hood will be the one that fits your space, budget and performance expectations.

How Does a Range Hood Work?

One of the most common questions that follows “What is a range hood?” is “How does a range hood work?”

As we know, range hoods remove airborne particles that form once you start cooking. Wall-mounted, island and canopy range hoods pull air through grease filters and require ductwork to vent the air outside.

Ductless models, also called recirculating rangehoods, filter the air through carbon or charcoal filters and release it back into the room. Recirculating units reduce odours but do not remove moisture from the room.

Most range hoods come with a variety of fan speed settings and a stainless steel or aluminium mesh filter. The more powerful the venting system, the better it clears smoke, grease and odours.

Some select models even come with a remote control for convenience. A properly functioning ductless or ducted rangehood helps you maintain a healthier cooking environment.

Why You Need a Range Hood

Aussie kitchens get humid enough as it is in summer. Combine that humidity with the added heat, steam and smoke from cooking, and you need something to maintain clean, fresh air in the kitchen. A range hood is the answer.

If you’re wondering why, here are the top reasons homeowners install exhaust hoods in their kitchen. They are essential for:

• Venting air from above your cooktop to improve kitchen air quality.
• Removing smoke and airborne grease during the cooking process.
• Protecting overhead cabinetry and surrounding walls from grime build-up.
• Reducing humidity, odours and heat in your kitchen.
• Preventing contaminants from lingering after using cooking appliances.

With benefits like these, a range hood is a must-have in any kitchen.

Key Features To Consider When Buying a Range Hood

Not all kitchen hoods are created equal. Before you buy a range hood, compare these key features to make the best decision for your home:

• Cooktop size and heat rating – Match the rangehood to your cooktop width and cooking intensity. Gas uses MJ/h input. Electric and induction use kW input. Higher input needs higher extraction.
• Air movement capacity – Measured in m³/h (cubic metres of air moved per hour) or L/s (litres per second), this indicates how much air your hood can extract.
• Ducted vs recirculating – Choose based on whether you can install a duct system or prefer a recirculating model.
• Filtration system – Look for high-quality grease filters or replaceable charcoal filters.
• Fan speed options – Multiple settings give you better control over noise levels and airflow.
• Noise levels – Lower decibels mean quieter operation, especially on high settings.
• Construction materials – Stainless steel is durable, easy to clean and looks modern.
• Smart features – Some hoods include remote control access, auto shut-off or LED lighting.

Choosing the right range hood involves balancing performance, design and installation requirements.

Always Use a Licensed Electrician for Installation

Installing a range hood may involve more than simply mounting it above your cooktop. If it connects to fixed wiring, you must hire a licensed electrician. This is not optional – it’s required under Australian electrical safety standards such as AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules).

Whether you’re installing a wall mount rangehood, ducted system or adding a hood to overhead cabinetry, safe electrical work is critical. A licensed electrician will ensure your ventilation system is wired correctly and complies with local regulations and the Wiring Rules.

Never risk a DIY job on fixed wiring. It could void warranties, increase fire risks in your cooking area, and breach compliance. Always call in a professional for electrical connections.

Legal Minimum Kitchen Hood Clearances for Gas Cooktops

Australian guidance for gas cooktops sets a typical minimum vertical clearance between the top of the trivets and the lowest part of a rangehood at 650 mm for new installations. Existing installations commonly reference 600 mm.

Product manuals may nominate larger distances, and those values prevail. The measurement includes any filters, light panels and trim on the hood. Side clearances to combustible surfaces also apply, and shelving within this zone is generally excluded.

High output or wok burners often carry larger separation requirements. When requirements differ, the stricter figure is usually adopted. Head to Energy Safe Victoria for more information.

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips

Like many major household appliances, the kitchen vent hood benefits greatly from regular maintenance and cleaning. It’s the easiest way to ensure it keeps working efficiently and effectively.

If you cook regularly in your kitchen, make sure you clean your grease filters every few weeks. You can safely wash stainless steel or aluminium filters with warm soapy water or in the dishwasher. For ductless range hoods, replace carbon or charcoal filters every 3-6 months, depending on how frequently you use the kitchen.

Check fan blades and internal parts for buildup. If you have a ducted hood, inspect the ductwork annually for blockages. A clean kitchen hood not only clears smoke and odours but also extends the life of the appliance.

Choose the Right Range Hood for Your Home

What is a range hood? It’s a part of your kitchen’s ventilation system that improves air quality, removes smoke and keeps your cooking space comfortable.

With so many options available, from island rangehoods to downdraft rangehoods, it’s important to choose the one that suits your kitchen layout and cooking habits.

Consider whether you need a ducted or recirculating model and always install it safely with a licensed electrician. Whether you’re upgrading your old hood or buying a range hood for a new home, the right choice will keep your kitchen air fresh and clean every day.

Please note: Thanks for reading our blog “What is a Range Hood? Everything You Need to Know”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.