Exhaust devices have individual performance, which depends on many factors. One of them is the height of the hood above the gas stove. Correct installation and connections will bring the greatest benefit from the operation of the equipment, so it is important to consider in this article the basic criteria for marking the location and find out at what distance from the stove to connect the hood.
Also, today we will look at the principles of selecting the distance of each type of hood - from horizontal to inclined devices, and also give examples for each type of device.
What does distance affect?
Manufacturers pay attention to the permissible height of the hood from the stove for a reason. If the indicator is met, the device will effectively perform its tasks, and it will be easier for a person to use its capabilities.
If you install the hood lower than recommended, this can lead to many unpleasant consequences. A tall person will experience discomfort while cooking and hit his head on the body. One of the main risks is the possibility of ignition of soot, which forms on the filter over a long period of time. Also, such a hood will be inconvenient to maintain (replace or clean the filter).
Also, the lower the hood is above the stove, the smaller its radius for absorbing steam and other emissions. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the manufacturers' recommendations.
If the hood is installed high, the performance of the equipment will drop several times. To cope with the load, it will be necessary to turn on maximum power, which will entail high energy consumption and rapid wear of the exhaust system.
It should be noted that there are no state standards on this issue, however, manufacturers always indicate in the technical documentation of the hood the permissible height of the device above the stove.
There are factors that directly affect the calculation of the distance from the stove to the hood. These include:
- Man's height;
- Kitchen height;
- Dimensions and type of hob;
- Features of the kitchen layout;
- Type and power of the hood.
Also, it is necessary to take into account that there are standards for air ducts and electrical networks. Compliance with all recommendations and proper installation of the hood above the stove will reveal the full operating potential of the equipment and ensure its comfortable operation.
Tips for choosing
As a conclusion, we would like to draw your attention to how to choose a good and reliable kitchen hood. Before purchasing, consider the following items:
- Filters. Can be disposable or reusable. The more filters, the higher the quality of cleaning and the cost of the device.
- Appearance of the hood and installation method. Choose a model that matches the design of the room.
- The power and performance of fans should sufficiently cover the required air exchange in the kitchen.
- Control Panel. There are touch, button and slider. The sensor is more convenient to use, the buttons are simpler and cheaper.
- The dimensions of the household appliance should be slightly larger than or equal to the hob.
- Additional functions simplify the operation of the air purifier and significantly increase its cost.
- Noise. More performance means more noise.
According to experts, if you follow these recommendations, you can save a lot of time, money and effort in finding the right air purifier model for you.
Height from the stove to the inclined and horizontal hood
Before you understand at what distance from the stove to install the hood, it is necessary to consider the main types of exhaust devices, which is the main factor when calculating the distance.
As for the operating mode, there are the following three types, which have their own characteristics:
- Recirculation - a hood that sucks in air using fans, passes it through carbon and grease filters and returns fresh air back to the kitchen;
- Flow-through - a hood that sucks in exhaust air, drives it through a grease filter and directs it outside the house using ventilation ducts;
- Combined - a universal option, the mode of which can be switched using the control panel.
According to their form, the following types of hoods are distinguished:
- Built-in (installed in a cabinet or other object);
- Island (used in large kitchens);
- Suspended (flat hood that is installed above the stove);
- Retractable (a type of built-in type).
An important criterion: according to the shape of the air intake, hoods are divided into the following types:
- Inclined;
- Horizontal.
When choosing the height of the hood installation above the stove, you must remember that it is important to take into account the dimensions and shape of each type of device for installing the equipment strictly above the hob.
Hood manufacturers recommend the following hood heights above the stove. They look like this:
- It is best to place a horizontal hood at a distance of 80 cm;
- It is best to install an inclined hood at a distance of 60 cm;
- If the hood is straight above an electric stove, then the distance is 70 cm, the inclined hood is 50 cm.
It is important to note that the indicators are calculated for an average kitchen with an average person’s height, so it is necessary to individually calculate the height so as not to experience inconvenience while cooking.
Inclined hoods
So, at what height are inclined type hoods hung? The design feature of such exhaust devices speaks for itself: the air is absorbed by fans located in the upper part of the case. Accordingly, the equipment must be installed lower than the horizontal type.
The manufacturer recommends hanging the hood above the stove at a distance of 60 cm. This is the optimal indicator that will allow you to maximize the potential of the device. Also, at this distance the body will not interfere with a person while cooking.
The inclined principle of the housing structure is very convenient, because the user has more opportunities to dismantle the filter for subsequent cleaning or replacement.
Also, inclined hoods have a minimal risk of fire. The fire rises straight up, so contact with the device will be minimal.
If the choice fell on a built-in inclined type hood, then it is important to take into account the height from the stove to the installation of the kitchen wall, so it is best to develop a plan for equipping the kitchen space in advance.
Horizontal devices
What is the distance from the hood to the stove? The distance of the horizontal type hood above the hob differs from the above example. Manufacturers indicate 80 cm in the technical documentation for the device.
However, many models differ in their performance. For example, a weak exhaust device must be located lower to cope with the exhaust air draft.
It is also important to take into account the height of the ceilings, because if you install the hood close to the ceiling, there will be no space left to connect the housing with the elements of the ventilation system, which is important for the normal operation of flow-type equipment.
Also, you should not strictly invest in sizes if a person’s height is above average. Cooking should be fun and comfortable. That is why you should correctly calculate the most acceptable height.
It is recommended to take responsibility when choosing island hoods. The distance must be calculated before purchasing, because later it may turn out that the dimensions of the device do not coincide with the optimal distance between the hood and the stove (gas or electric).
Cleaning the kitchen hood
When planning to clean your device from soot, dust particles and grease, remember:
- it must initially be disconnected from the power supply;
- then remove the filter and clean the accessible parts with a sponge. When the device is not built-in, all open surfaces are washed. Use special products or regular dishwashing detergent for this.
Important! Abrasive softeners and hard sponges can damage the body and leave scratches on it;
- control buttons on the external panel are the places where grease and dust settle the most. Dirt is removed using a rag soaked generously in soapy water;
- Only after thoroughly drying all parts of the device can it be connected to the electrical network.
Proper, regular maintenance of the cleaning device will allow you to maintain the performance characteristics declared by the manufacturer throughout the entire period of use, avoid breakdowns and costly repairs.
Let's summarize. The article told you in detail how to choose a hood for the kitchen, what nuances you should pay attention to if necessary, and how to properly install and maintain it. We really hope that the material provided for review will help you choose the best option for your individual needs and requirements and get a reliable, long-term assistant capable of effectively purifying the air in the kitchen from foreign odors and any harmful impurities.
At what height should the hood be installed above the gas stove?
Recommendations for selecting the distance between the stove and the hood come not only from device manufacturers, but also from specialists who install them. An important question that faces people: at what distance should a hood be hung above a gas stove? After all, they predominate in many apartments and houses, and the substances released during cooking on burners are greater than from other types of stoves.
Manufacturers add documentation to each hood, which indicates not only distance indicators, but also other installation recommendations. For example, it strongly recommends that buyers install the hood at a height of 75 cm from the surface of the gas stove. Bosch, in turn, attributes the figure to 55 cm (the distance has been reduced to achieve greater performance).
Only three criteria determine the distance (risk of fire, convenience during cooking and power of the equipment). Having accurate numbers and hood indicators, you can independently calculate the installation height.
It is also important to consider at what height to install the hood above the electric stove. It would seem that an electric stove emits fewer unpleasant objects during operation than a gas stove, but it is important not to go overboard with reducing the distance.
Distance from the hood to the gas and electric stove
Horizontal hoods can be installed above an electric stove at a height of 65 cm. This is an optimal indicator that will not disturb human comfort and will allow the equipment to reveal its potential without experiencing any loss in performance.
It is better to install inclined hoods above an electric stove at a distance of 40-50 cm. However, it should be understood that for tall people this figure will mean a feeling of discomfort near the stove.
Requirements for air ducts and electrical networks
Parameters such as air ducts and electrical networks directly affect the performance of exhaust devices. That is why it is necessary to take a responsible approach to the design of ventilation ducts and electrical networks.
It should be immediately noted that for recirculation type hoods there is no need to lay ventilation pipes. They absorb air and simply filter it, after which they return it back to the room. That is why this chapter will consider the flow-through type of exhaust equipment.
If you do not plan the air exhaust system correctly, a person may get a number of the following problems:
- Changes in pressure in the channels;
- Load on the hood motor;
- Poor air permeability;
- Large air flow from the street.
To avoid this, it is best to use the help of professionals who will install ventilation ducts according to GOST standards. Only in this case will the hood be able to reveal its full potential and not cause problems during long-term use.
Also, attention must be paid to electrical networks. The position of the socket must correspond to the length of the factory hood cable. Under no circumstances is it recommended to extend the equipment wire yourself; this can lead to cable oxidation and overloading the hood.
The socket is also installed in accordance with GOST standards. It is best to plan the wiring and power points in advance after the hood has already been purchased. Of course, you can always use an extension cord.
Where to put the socket
So, in order to correctly design and install ventilation ducts, it is necessary to adhere to the basic opinions of experts, which will help increase the performance of the hood and reduce the pressure on the device’s motor.
The first thing to avoid when laying communications is excessive bends. First of all, they force the exhaust air to create additional pressure in order to deliver the exhaust air outside the house. Hence the conclusion: the fewer knees, the less force the device will need to expend to perform its basic functions. Also, the pipes must be sealed. Under no circumstances should holes be allowed in them, which could lead to a loss of pressure and, accordingly, to overload of the hood motor.
It is important to make the distance from the hood to the street as short as possible so that the exhaust device spends less energy working with a large volume of air. Also, narrowing and expansion should be avoided - the pipe must be of the same cross-section throughout its entire length, which will allow maintaining constant pressure for normal operation of the fans.
It is also recommended to install ventilation communications strictly at level. There is no need to make the air rise at an angle through the pipe; it is better to maintain a strict horizontal line and use a 90-degree elbow to move to the vertical level.
The diameter of the ventilation pipes must match the hood connector. It is best to use pipes made of environmentally friendly plastic or galvanized, they will last longer, and the cost will not hit the budget too much.
It is important to note that the installation of ventilation ducts should be carried out by a specialist who has extensive experience working with hoods and knows the basic subtleties that can improve or, conversely, worsen the performance of the exhaust device.
Distance for ventilation ducts
According to GOST standards, the outlet for the exhaust device is installed at a height of 2.5 meters from the floor level. This is the optimal indicator that specialists will use during the installation of electrical communications.
Also, it is necessary to step back 15-20 centimeters to the left or right from the hood so that the equipment body does not block the access point to the electrical network. Some hoods are connected directly to the network using terminal blocks or plugs, so installing an outlet is not always necessary.
It is very important to provide grounding for the outlet. Grounding prevents the device from burning out due to voltage surges or other unpleasant situations. Considering that some hoods cost a lot of money, it is best to take every precaution and know that the equipment will not be damaged.
If the wiring and sockets are old and the hood is already installed, you can use an extension cord. However, it is recommended to purchase an extension cord with a fuse (a device that will disconnect the carrier from the mains in the event of power surges or other situations).
Self-installation
A hood is not the most complicated device, so if you have a little experience and a set of necessary tools, it is quite possible to install it yourself. Self-installation is a great opportunity to save on the services of specialists.
Installation of a hood attached to the bottom of the cabinet
Hanging models are attached directly to the bottom shelf of the cabinet. Installation is simple, installation is carried out using self-tapping screws and a screwdriver. Since connecting the air duct to the recirculating device is not required, the installation ends by connecting it to the electrical network.
Installation of a hood in a wall cabinet
Installing a hood into a cabinet yourself requires certain carpentry skills. For a new set, the device is purchased at the furniture design stage. In order for it to fit into an already used hanging cabinet, it is necessary that the dimensions of the hood correspond to the internal dimensions of the case.
To work you will need:
- jigsaw, you can also use a manual one;
- hacksaw for wood;
- pencil;
- screwdriver (preferably a screwdriver);
- awl;
- construction angle, tape measure;
- clamps.
Installation steps:
- First of all, you need to free the cabinets from the facades, and not only the specific cabinet for the hood, but also the adjacent drawers. Next, remove the cabinet and fasten the adjacent cases together with clamps. Do not skip this point - the boxes may fall and be damaged.
- We unscrew the bottom shelf and apply it to the upper plane of the exhaust device. We outline the outline of the air duct and the holes for the outlet of the wire with a plug to connect the device to the network. Cut out the marked holes.
- We insert the hood into the housing and mark the upper boundaries of the device. We fasten the bottom shelf along the marked lines. We drill 4 holes in it.
We fix the hood inside the cabinet and install the air duct. We use it to connect the ventilation hole and the system. We install shelves and fronts. It is worth checking the functionality of the equipment before installing the facades.
Installation of a hood with an air duct
The installation procedure for such a hood includes:
- fixing the hood;
- development of air duct and electrical wiring diagrams;
- box fitting;
- installation of the box using sealant.
The air duct is assembled from a plastic box or made of aluminum corrugation. The first option is stronger, more aesthetically pleasing and more reliable. Therefore, it is worth giving preference to it. Plastic is easy to saw and joined with special elements. Additional strength is added to the joints using sealant. Corrugation also has its advantages - its flexibility allows you to lay the air duct along a curved path.
