How To Select... There are a number of things to take into consideration when deciding on a hood for your kitchen. Please go over the information below. If you have questions feel free to contact us and and speak to one of our knowledgeable customer service people.
(800) 851-4192 or (714) 990-9100
First you must decide on the Type and Finish of the hood you want. Are you trying to vent an Island or is the hood to go under your cabinets? Perhaps you are having a custom canopy made and need the power liner to go inside. Once you determine the type and finish of the hood you wish you must determine the right power level for your installation. Finishes vary from one company to another. We offer Black and White Powder Coating or Stainless Steel. The following information is needed by you or the dealer to make the decision as to the best hood for your kitchen installation. What size and type of cooking surface will it go over?
Stoves can range from 30" wide to 48". There are standard cooking surfaces and professional type with higher BTU’s on one or more of the burners. How many burners and what type are they?
Is there to be a griddle or grill along with the burners? We do not recommend indoor grills. These are considered "Uncontrolled" heat sources and are difficult to vent effectively. Determine the BTU's your cooking surface is capable of. Once you have determined the BTU of your cooking surface you wish to get at least 1% of that number in CFM. Also check with the cooking surface manufacturers recommendations for CFM.
What is the duct run like once it exits your kitchen, short and straight or does it take twists and turns before it exits the home?
Our hoods are tested for performance with a maximum 20' run. Each turn adds to the duct runs over all length. The first turn will add about 5' to the run, the second will add 7' to 10'. A third turn will add 12' to 15'. We recommend no more then two turns in any duct run. When ever possible those turn should be 45 degrees instead of 90 degrees. You cut the added duct length approximately in half if you use 45 degree turns instead of 90 degree turns. Do not decrease the size of the ducting, this will cause back pressure and interfere with air flow. If you are going to use rectangular ducting be sure it measures at least 3" x 12".
If there are turns, how many and how far apart are they?
We recommend, at the very least, 24" before you make that first turn and another 24" before the second turn is made. Just as we slow down when we turn a corner so does the air in your duct run. You want to give the air time to build up movement speed before forcing a turn. How high above the cooking surface will you be mounting the unit?
We suggest between 30" and 36". Anything higher and the performance will suffer and our performance warranty is voided. If you are considering a Wall Mount or Island and will be using a stack, what is the height of your ceiling?
The stack size is determine by the mounting height, ceiling height and the counter height, so all of this information is needed to calculate the stack height. The formula to calculate the stack is as follows if you were using a 12" High Island Hood in a kitchen with a 8' high ceiling. | Ceiling Height | minus | Counter Height | minus | Mounting Height | minus | Hood Height | = | Stack. | | 96" | - | 36" | - | 36" | - | 12" | = | 12" Stack | | 
