Key takeaways
- 30-inch gas range: Use a 30-inch hood at minimum; choose 36 inches for additional capture area when possible.
- 36-inch gas range: Use a 36-inch hood at minimum; a 42-inch hood can improve coverage in a larger kitchen.
- 48-inch gas range: Use a 48-inch hood or a professionally designed ventilation system.
- Airflow: Plan on roughly 100 CFM per linear foot for a wall-mounted gas range and about 150 CFM per linear foot for an island installation.
What's inside
For most gas ranges, choose a range hood at least as wide as the cooking surface, then size the airflow at about 100 CFM per linear foot of range width. That means a 30-inch gas range generally needs a hood rated around 250 to 300 CFM, while a 36-inch range typically calls for about 300 to 400 CFM.
Width is only the starting point. The hood must also fit the cabinet or wall, extend far enough over the burners, and be installed at the correct height. A ducted hood usually removes heat, smoke, grease, and combustion byproducts more effectively than a recirculating model. Always follow the hood manufacturer’s installation instructions and check local building and gas-appliance requirements.
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The Short Answer
Match the hood width to your gas range width or go one size wider. For a wall-mounted hood, a hood that is 3 inches wider on each side is a useful target when the kitchen layout allows it. For example, a 30-inch range can benefit from a 36-inch wall hood. If the range is installed beneath cabinets, a 30-inch under-cabinet hood is usually the practical choice.
- 30-inch gas range: Use a 30-inch hood at minimum; choose 36 inches for additional capture area when possible.
- 36-inch gas range: Use a 36-inch hood at minimum; a 42-inch hood can improve coverage in a larger kitchen.
- 48-inch gas range: Use a 48-inch hood or a professionally designed ventilation system.
- Airflow: Plan on roughly 100 CFM per linear foot for a wall-mounted gas range and about 150 CFM per linear foot for an island installation.
Using that formula, a 30-inch range needs approximately 250 CFM, while a 36-inch range needs about 300 CFM. High-output burners, a wok burner, frequent searing, or heavy frying may justify more capacity. A very powerful hood may also require makeup air, especially in a tightly sealed home, so higher CFM is not automatically better.
Standard Sizes
Range hoods are sold in nominal widths that correspond to common range and cooktop sizes. The actual metal housing may be slightly narrower than the advertised size so it can fit between cabinets. Confirm the product’s cutout and overall dimensions before ordering.
| Nominal hood width | Width in inches | Width in centimeters | Typical range size | Suggested minimum airflow for gas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 inches | 24 in | 61 cm | 24-inch range | 200 CFM |
| 30 inches | 30 in | 76.2 cm | 30-inch range | 250–300 CFM |
| 36 inches | 36 in | 91.4 cm | 36-inch range | 300–400 CFM |
| 42 inches | 42 in | 106.7 cm | 36-inch range or island range | 400–600 CFM |
| 48 inches | 48 in | 121.9 cm | 48-inch range | 500–700+ CFM |
Most under-cabinet and wall-mounted hoods are approximately 18 to 24 inches deep (45.7 to 61 cm). A wall hood is often 24 to 27 inches high, while chimney-style designs may extend 30 to 40 inches or more depending on the flue. The hood should cover the front burners rather than stopping behind them.
For installation height, many manufacturers recommend about 24 to 30 inches between the cooking surface and the bottom of a hood over a gas range. Some professional or high-output ranges require a different distance. Measure from the grates—not the countertop—to the underside of the hood, and use the appliance manual as the final authority.
Current budget examples illustrate the main categories. A 30-inch COMFEE’ under-cabinet hood rated at 200 CFM is listed around $62.69, while a 30-inch, 280-CFM convertible hood is around $75.94. A 36-inch SNDOAS wall-mounted hood rated at 450 CFM is around $163.44. Prices commonly range from about $60 to $200 for basic residential models, with larger, quieter, or more powerful hoods costing considerably more.
How to Measure Your Space
- Measure the cooking surface. Measure the outside width of the range or cooktop, not just the burner area. Record the width in inches. A 30-inch appliance may measure slightly less than 30 inches across, but it is still a 30-inch range for hood sizing.
- Measure the available hood width. For an under-cabinet model, measure the clear space between cabinets. Leave enough room for the hood housing, mounting hardware, and any trim. For a wall hood, measure the wall area above the range and account for nearby cabinets or shelves.
- Check the depth. Compare the hood depth with the range depth. The hood should cover the burners without projecting so far that it creates a head-bump hazard. A typical 24-inch-deep hood works for many standard ranges, but deeper professional ranges may need a deeper hood.
- Measure the vertical clearance. Identify the distance from the top of the grates to the ceiling, cabinets, or microwave above. Subtract the manufacturer’s required cooking-surface clearance before choosing a wall chimney or insert.
- Locate the duct route. Check whether the duct can exit through the wall, roof, or cabinet. Common duct sizes are 6 or 7 inches for many residential hoods, while higher-CFM models may require 8 or 10 inches. Do not reduce the duct size unless the manufacturer permits it.
- Decide on ducted or ductless operation. A ducted hood vents outdoors. A ductless hood recirculates air through a grease filter and charcoal filter, so it does not remove heat or moisture as effectively. Confirm that the model supports the configuration you need.
By Room or Use Case
Small kitchen with a 30-inch gas range
A 30-inch under-cabinet hood is usually the best fit. Choose at least 250 CFM if you cook often, and prioritize a ducted installation if one is available. A compact 200-CFM hood may be adequate for light cooking, but it offers less margin for frying, broiling, or multiple burners running at once. Make sure the hood does not interfere with upper cabinet doors.
Large kitchen with a 36-inch gas range
Choose a 36-inch hood at minimum. A 450-CFM wall-mounted model can provide useful capacity for a larger gas range, but airflow alone does not guarantee quiet or effective ventilation. The duct diameter, number of bends, hood depth, and installation height all affect performance. A 36-inch or 42-inch hood is appropriate when the wall space and design permit.
Island gas range
Island cooking surfaces need more capture area because air can move around all four sides. Select a hood at least as wide as the range and consider going 6 inches wider. Use approximately 150 CFM per linear foot as a planning guideline, so a 36-inch island range may need about 450 CFM. Island hoods are often deeper and suspended from the ceiling, making professional installation worthwhile.
Rental, apartment, or no-duct kitchen
A convertible hood can operate ductless when outdoor venting is unavailable. Expect less heat and odor removal, and replace or clean filters on schedule. A portable desktop hood, such as a 3-speed model priced around $129.99, can help with a countertop appliance or temporary cooking station, but it is not a substitute for a properly sized hood over a full gas range.
Professional-style or high-BTU range
High-output burners and frequent high-heat cooking may require a deeper hood, more CFM, larger ductwork, and makeup air. Follow the range and hood manuals rather than relying only on a width-based formula. A licensed installer can calculate the ventilation and combustion-air requirements.
Common Sizing Mistakes
- Choosing the hood by cabinet width alone: The range width and burner layout should determine coverage first.
- Installing a hood that is too high: Excessive height reduces capture, even when the CFM rating looks sufficient.
- Ignoring front burners: A shallow hood may cover the rear burners but miss steam and grease rising from the front.
- Using a narrow duct for a powerful fan: Restrictions create noise and reduce real-world airflow.
- Assuming ductless equals ducted: Recirculating filters trap some grease but do not exhaust combustion gases, heat, or humidity outdoors.
- Buying by CFM only: Noise, filter design, hood depth, duct length, and installation quality also matter.
FAQ
Can I use a 30-inch hood over a 36-inch gas range?
It is generally not recommended. The hood should be at least as wide as the range so it can capture rising heat and grease. A 36-inch hood is the better minimum, and a 42-inch model may be preferable for an island or high-output range.
Is 200 CFM enough for a gas range?
It may be enough for light cooking on a compact or 30-inch range, particularly when local rules allow it. For frequent frying, searing, or cooking on several burners, 250 to 300 CFM is a more practical target for a 30-inch gas range.
How high should a range hood be above a gas stove?
A common recommendation is 24 to 30 inches from the top of the grates to the underside of the hood. Check the specific hood and range instructions because some models require a different clearance.
Should a range hood be wider than the stove?
It can be. Matching the range width is the minimum approach, while going 3 inches wider on each side improves coverage for a wall-mounted hood. Extra width is especially useful for island ranges, deep professional ranges, and kitchens where high-heat cooking is common.
