Range hoods

Hoods were their own row under home appliances, next to the ranges they serve. The first split is ducted or recirculating.

A ducted hood sends air outside through metal duct. The duct should be as short and as straight as the wall allows. Every elbow cuts the air the fan can move. A recirculating hood pulls air through a mesh and a charcoal pad and blows it back. It takes some grease out. It does not take heat or moisture out.

Air that has to come from somewhere

A strong fan lowers the pressure in a tight kitchen. Replacement air then sneaks in through the easiest leak, which can be a vent on a gas appliance that is not supposed to run backwards. If the hood is large, the kitchen needs a planned opening for outdoor air, or the fan never moves the air the sticker describes. Under-cabinet, wall chimney, and island hoods differ in how they hang. The duct path is still the part that decides whether the fan does the job.