There's more than one way to refer to an exhaust system for your kitchen. If you're new to kitchen ventilation and exhaust systems, seeing the connections between hoods and ranges can be hard. They both have something to do with indoor air quality—and that's all they have in common.
A question arises, though: why? What is the difference between range hood and vent hood? First, let's dive into what makes these two exhaust hoods so similar.
The exact type of hood you use will depend on your kitchen's design and local building codes, but you can choose from a few different types of standard kitchen hoods.
The vent hood is a large kitchen appliance designed to remove unwanted cooking odors or harsh smells from kitchen air through an external vent or chimney. The most common application for a vent hood is in a kitchen, where it is used as an exhaust fan for things like a stove.
Vent hoods are commonly used as part of the ventilation where kitchen exhaust is drawn outside through a ducted system. If you seek a range hood for your kitchen but want a vent hood instead – you can still get the same results!
A vent hood can be powered by electricity or gas. The most common types are the wall-mount, island, and built-in models. The built-in model stands out as the most effective choice to maximize your kitchen's aesthetic appeal with a stylish yet high-quality vent hood.
A range hood is just one type of vent hood. A range hood is a ducted hood designed to be mounted above a cooking surface, like a stove. Some range hoods are also called vent hoods, but not all types used for kitchen ventilation are designed to be mounted above a cooking surface.
The most common types of range hoods are ducted wall mounts and island hoods. The ducted hood is the most efficient model but requires extended installation work. The wall-mount hoods are best for smaller kitchens, while the island hoods can be placed anywhere in the room.
The distinction between a vent hood and a range hood is insignificant in a kitchen. Nonetheless, these terms have the same definition and are interchangeable when referring to the same system. So, if a contractor asks you what type of hood you want installed, you can respond with either term, and they'll know what you're referring to. Generally, a hood is a vent system installed above a cooktop or oven. It's often called a vent because it removes steam and cooking smoke from the kitchen.
The simple answer is that they were constructed in such a way as to perform the same function.
Both range hoods and vent hoods are designed to filter out cooking fumes, steam, and smoke particles from the kitchen. They both use fans and charcoal filters (often used in ductless models) to suck up and expel unwanted vapors and smells. Additionally, range and vent hoods are only suitable for indoor use because they are powered by natural gas or propane.
Range hoods and vent hoods do the same job. However, they differ in where to put them and how to operate them. So, we listed a few similarities and differences below:
When you're in the market for a kitchen appliance that catches airborne particles, the difference between a vent hood and a range hood may not seem like a big deal. Range hoods are usually installed above a stove or range cooker over the cooking surface. But they can also be installed beside the stovetop, wall, or cabinets. In contrast, the vent hood placement is mostly beside the stovetop. This means a range hood is a more versatile option in terms of where you can install it, while a vent hood is more limited.
Both appliances are designed to pull air from a larger space and direct it toward a cooking surface. Both use fan power to generate airflow. Both are usually connected to a ducting system that removes air from the kitchen and sends it outdoors. The difference is that a vent hood is designed to draw air, while a range hood is designed to push air.
Range hoods and vent hoods are both ventilation systems, but their operation is different:
A range hood has a forced-air fan to push air out of the system. That air goes through the wall. A vent hood utilizes a pull-down fan to draw air into the system. After that, air is vented out through the roof.
A range hood cleans out grease and cooking odors from the perspective when it's drawn into the system. When pushed out of the system, a vent hood cleans grease from the air.
Ducting is another key feature that sets apart vent hoods from range hoods. The ducting in a range hood is generally gravity-fed, either from the roof or a wall. It can be directed to the outdoors or a top with a special grease filter.
A vent hood typically has ducting powered by a fan and can be connected to various points in a kitchen. Ducted range hoods with gravity ducting or a powered duct fan can be installed in the ceiling, wall, or under a cabinet.
While they may do the job differently, they arrive at the same conclusion: They filter and remove odors, steam, smoke, and other airborne particles from the kitchen. Range hoods and vent hoods filter grease and other particles from the air using a mesh or filter to catch the particles and a fan to whisk them away.
Both range and vent hoods are used for indoor cooking and can be installed beside or above the stovetop. It's common for range hoods and exhaust vents to be installed in the same wall or ducting system, sharing the same air duct.
Clean air results in better health. Range hoods improve your home and kitchen's air quality. As the air is extracted, it eliminates pollutants and freshens the air.
Regularly using your range hood can purify the air and properly ventilate your kitchen for a healthier space. You'll find less buildup in your kitchen, reducing the probability of growing bacteria or attracting unwanted pests from leftover debris, grease, residue, and dirt.
Cooking also creates high levels of steam and smoke. This is particularly true if you cook at high temperatures. Smoke and steam can stay on soft surfaces and affect your breathing. Extracting these fumes is very important for people with allergies and asthma.
There are other advantages of range hoods to be aware of. To keep your kitchen in good shape, having a range hood is a good idea. This device helps catch grease and other cooking residues. Grease clings to your cabinets and may trickle down onto your floors.
Many people don't prefer to avoid scrubbing grease off their cabinets. Over-scrubbing or using the wrong cleaners can result in discoloration and ruin your newly remodeled kitchen or cabinets. Range hoods can help reduce your weekly cleanup time.
How often have you been cooking, and excessive fumes activate the smoke alarm? You have to stop what you are doing, try to turn off the alarm, and quickly fan out any fumes. That is not a fun way to start a meal!
With a range hood, you can immediately suck up any odors and fumes, leading to a more pleasant cooking and dining experience.
Cooking creates high levels of steam and smoke. Not only do smoke and steam activate smoke alarms and cause smell, but they also make the kitchen an uncomfortable place to dine in. No one wants to eat their meals in a steamy, sweltering kitchen. Range hoods remove heat and steam for a more comfortable dining experience.
Whether you want to cook every day or now and again, you enjoy trying new recipes occasionally. With a range hood, you can enjoy poaching, steaming, stir-frying, and everything in between—no need to worry about smokey fumes, lingering smells, or messy cabinets. Instead, you can cook with confidence! You will love experimenting with new cooking styles, flavors, and ingredients. With a few range hood models, you can use the delay shut-off function not to have to remember to dry it off.
Range hoods and vent hoods are very similar appliances used for indoor cooking. Whether you call it a range hood or a vent hood, these systems have one job: to remove steam, air, and grease from the air to keep your kitchen clean.