Why Kitchen Hood Size Matters
Choosing the right kitchen hood size is essential for effective ventilation and proper air circulation. A hood that is too small may not capture all the smoke, grease, and odors, while an oversized hood can overwhelm your kitchen space. The ideal hood size should effectively cover your cooktop, ensuring a clean and odor-free kitchen.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Hood Size
To determine the right hood size for your home, consider the following factors:
1. Match the Hood Width to Your Cooktop Size
The general rule is that the kitchen hood should be at least as wide as your cooktop, preferably slightly wider, to ensure proper coverage.
✅ Standard Cooktop and Hood Size Recommendations:
| Cooktop Width | Recommended Hood Width |
|---|---|
| 60 cm (24 inches) | 75 cm - 90 cm |
| 76 cm (30 inches) | 90 cm - 100 cm |
| 90 cm (36 inches) | 100 cm - 120 cm |
| 120 cm (48 inches) | 120 cm - 150 cm |
🔗 Browse Kitchen Hoods by Size
2. Consider Your Kitchen Layout
Your kitchen’s design and available space impact the type and size of the hood you should get.
📌 For Small Kitchens (HDBs & Condos)
- Slimline or telescopic hoods are best for compact spaces as they retract when not in use.
- A 75 cm or 90 cm hood is ideal for standard 60 cm cooktops.
🔗 Best Kitchen Hoods for Small Kitchens
📌 For Large Kitchens & Open-Concept Layouts
- A larger 90 cm - 120 cm hood is ideal to cover a bigger cooking area.
- Consider a wall-mounted chimney hood or island hood if you have an open-concept kitchen.
🔗 Wall-Mounted Kitchen Hoods
3. Ducted vs. Ductless Hoods: Impact on Size
Your ventilation system plays a role in choosing the correct hood size.
✅ Ducted Hoods: Require external venting and should be at least 75 cm - 90 cm wide for effective suction.
✅ Ductless (Recirculating) Hoods: Use filters to clean air before recirculating it back into the kitchen, so they should be slightly larger than the cooktop for better performance.
🔗 Compare Ducted vs. Ductless Hoods
4. Cooking Style & Ventilation Power (CFM Requirements)
The intensity of your cooking determines the ventilation power you need.
✅ Light Cooking (Boiling, Steaming)
- A smaller hood (75 cm - 90 cm) with 300-400 CFM is sufficient.
✅ Medium Cooking (Sautéing, Pan-Frying) - A 90 cm - 100 cm hood with 400-600 CFM is ideal.
✅ Heavy Cooking (Stir-Frying, Deep Frying, Grilling) - A larger 90 cm - 120 cm hood with 600-900+ CFM is best.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Hood Size
🚫 Getting a Hood That’s Too Small: Won’t effectively remove cooking smoke and grease.
🚫 Choosing a Hood Without Considering Ventilation Power: CFM (cubic feet per minute) must match your cooking intensity.
🚫 Ignoring Kitchen Layout & Space Limitations: Ensure enough clearance between the hob and hood (at least 65-75 cm).
🚫 Not Checking Installation Requirements: Some large hoods need ducting, which may not be feasible in certain homes.
🔗 Kitchen Hood Installation Guide
Final Recommendations: What Hood Size Should You Get?
✅ For Small Kitchens & Light Cooking: 75 cm - 90 cm under-cabinet or slimline hood.
✅ For Medium Cooking Needs: 90 cm wall-mounted hood with 400-600 CFM.
✅ For Heavy Cooking or Large Kitchens: 90 cm - 120 cm island or chimney hood with 600+ CFM.
💡 Need Help Choosing a Kitchen Hood?
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Conclusion
Choosing the right hood size ensures efficient ventilation and a cleaner, healthier kitchen. By matching your hood width to your cooktop, considering ventilation power, and selecting the best type for your layout, you’ll maximize performance and comfort in your cooking space. Whether you have a small HDB kitchen or a spacious open-concept home, the right kitchen hood size makes all the difference.
