You have chosen the perfect range hood. It has the right style, the right CFM, and it fits your budget. Now comes the most critical moment of installation: Height.
Mount it too low, and you risk head injuries or, worse, a kitchen fire. Mount it too high, and even the most powerful motor won't catch the smoke before it escapes into your home.
So, what is the magic number? In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the ideal distance between your cooktop and your hood, adjusting for gas vs. electric stoves and different hood styles.
Precision is key: The capture zone determines efficiency.
Phase 1: The Golden Standard (24" - 30")
If you want a quick answer, here is the industry standard that applies to 90% of kitchens:
The Sweet Spot: 24 to 30 Inches
Distance from the cooktop surface to the bottom of the hood.
However, "Standard" doesn't mean "Universal." Your specific stove type dictates whether you should aim for the lower end (24") or the higher end (30"+).
Phase 2: Gas vs. Electric (The Critical Difference)
The type of fuel you use changes the physics of heat and safety requirements.
For Electric & Induction
Recommended Height: 24" to 30"
Electric stoves produce less ambient heat and no open flame. You can mount the hood slightly lower to maximize suction efficiency without fire risk.
For Gas Ranges
Recommended Height: 26" to 32"
Gas creates intense bursts of heat and open flames. Mounting lower than 26" can damage the hood's motor, melt plastic controls, or even ignite grease in the filters.
Phase 3: Adjusting for Hood Style
Not all Brano range hoods are built the same. The shape affects how they capture smoke.
1. Wall Mount & Under Cabinet Hoods
These benefit from the wall acting as a guide for smoke. Stick to the 24"-30" rule for best results.
2. Island Range Hoods
Island hoods are susceptible to cross-drafts because there are no walls to contain the smoke. While they generally follow standard heights, you have a bit more flexibility for visibility:
Recommended Range: 26" to 32". You may want to mount it closer to 32" to keep the view across the kitchen open, but ensure you use a high-CFM unit to compensate for the height.
3. Insert Range Hood
Since these are recessed into a cabinet or custom box, the "capture area" is usually deeper. Ensure the bottom of the cabinet structure (not just the motor) aligns with the 24"-30" rule.
Phase 4: The Risks of Getting It Wrong
Too Low (< 24 inches)
- Fire Hazard: Accumulated grease in the filters can ignite if too close to a gas flame.
- Damage: Heat can warp the stainless steel or melt electronic control panels.
- Inconvenience: You will constantly bump your head while cooking, and tall pots may not fit.
Too High (> 36 inches)
- Smoke Escape: As smoke rises, it expands. If the hood is too high, the smoke plume becomes wider than the hood, and fumes escape into the room.
- Wasted Power: Even a 900 CFM motor struggles to catch smoke from 40 inches away.
Need a hood that fits your space?
Explore our diverse collections designed for every ceiling height.
Phase 5: How to Measure for Installation (Step-by-Step)
Ready to install? Don't just eyeball it. Follow these steps:
- Read the Manual: Start by downloading your specific Brano User Manual. Manufacturer warranty requirements always supersede general advice.
- Measure the Ceiling Height: Know your total vertical space. Standard ceilings are 8 or 9 feet.
- Mark the "Bottom Line": Use a pencil to mark a line on the wall 30 inches above your cooktop surface. This is your target for the bottom of the hood.
- Calculate Chimney Height: Measure from your "Bottom Line" up to the ceiling. Ensure the chimney cover included with your hood is long enough to cover the ductwork. If you have 10-foot ceilings, you may need a chimney extension.
- Check the User: Have the primary cook stand in front of the stove. Ensure the "Bottom Line" is slightly above their eye level to avoid blocking the view, but not so high that it's ineffective.
Summary
Getting the height right is a balancing act between safety, efficiency, and ergonomics. When in doubt, aim for 30 inches. It is safe for gas, effective for electric, and comfortable for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions (Installation Height)
1. What is the standard height for a range hood?
The standard height is between 24 and 30 inches above the cooktop. This range provides the best balance between air capture efficiency and user headroom.
2. How high should a hood be over a gas range?
For gas ranges, mount the hood between 26 and 32 inches high. The open flame requires more clearance to prevent heat damage to the motor and potential grease fires.
3. Can I mount my range hood higher than 36 inches?
It is not recommended. If you go above 36 inches, the smoke plume spreads too wide for the hood to capture. If you must go higher, you need a wider hood and much higher CFM.
4. Where do I measure the height from?
Measure from the top of the cooking surface (burners) to the bottom edge of the range hood (not the control panel, but the filters).
5. Does ceiling height affect range hood installation?
Yes. If you have tall ceilings (10ft+), you may need a chimney extension kit to bridge the gap between the recommended hood height (30" above stove) and the ceiling.
6. What if I am tall and keep bumping my head?
Consider a "Slant Vent" or angled range hood. They stick out less at head height. Alternatively, you can mount a standard hood at 32-34 inches, but ensure it has high CFM (900+) to compensate.
7. Are the rules different for ductless range hoods?
The height rules are the same (24"-30"). However, ensure the top of the chimney vents are not blocked by the ceiling or soffit, as recirculated air needs to escape.
8. How high should an outdoor BBQ hood be?
Outdoor grills produce massive heat and smoke. Mount outdoor hoods higher, typically 36" to 42", and use a much deeper hood (27"+ depth) with high CFM (1200+).
9. Do slanted/angled hoods have different height rules?
Yes. Because the intake is angled, measure from the center point of the intake area. Usually, the bottom edge of an angled hood can be lower (20"-24") to prevent head bumps while keeping the intake effectively high.
10. Does building code dictate hood height?
Yes. Most local codes follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. If the manual says "Min 26 inches" and you install at 24, you may fail inspection.