A range hood helps redirect the heat and keeps the kitchen area safe. But can you install a range hood without a cabinet? Will it have an effect on air exhaustion? Worry no more! We did comprehensive research to answer your questions.
It's important that the kitchen has proper ventilation to allow the flow of cooler air. You can achieve this by having a ridge vent. See these steps below for installing a ridge vent without a cabinet:
- Inspect and ensure that the range hood has no damage. Test its exhaust fan and light before installation.
- Find and mark the ceiling where the air duct will pass.
- Draw the outline of the bracket and points for screwing. Then, use tape to trace the outline of the bracket.
- Cut a square within the outline.
- Install two rafters on opposite sides of the bracket. The rafters will support the bracket from falling.
- Screw the bracket on all sides and corners. You can add screws to the rafters using a driller, so that the bracket will stabilize. Pull the air duct afterwards.
- Using a screw gun, attach the mounting bracket to the ceiling bracket on four corners.
- Measure the distance from the stove to the end of the mounting bracket. There should be a space of 26-30 inches between them.
- Install the range hood at the bottom of the mounting bracket, then connect it to the main air duct. The installation may differ on model, but the mounting bracket should hold the range hood firmly and aligned on all sides.
- Cover the body around the mounting bracket with a metallic plate, or what others refer to as a chimney. Put the filters back afterwards.
This time, we'll learn how and why it's important to install a range hood even without a cabinet. We'll go over its significance and whether your kitchen requires a range hood. We're thrilled to share more with you. So, come and let's read up to the end!
How to Install a Range Hood Without a Cabinet
We usually see a range hood in a kitchen. Its purpose is to exhaust the moisture and steam away from wooden cabinets. A range hood also reduces the heat and odor that comes from cooking. As a result, the kitchen is easier to clean and the quality of the air is improved.
Range hoods come with an exhaust fan and a filter to suck the steam while blocking the dirt. Other models have a strip light around the hood for night cooking. The hood is then connected to an air duct, which has the other end pointing outside the house.
Regarding the steps we provided from the start, you can watch a demo of the installation here:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?start=12&end=636&v=AjB42shF1Ts&feature=youtu.be
How Far Should Cabinets Be From Stove?
What Is A Ductless Range Hood?
It is a portable range hood, which you can attach to a wall under the stove. Instead of redirecting the steam outside your house, a ductless range hood works to recirculate the air inside the kitchen. The exhaust fan will suck the steam and pass it through the filter. The steam will then exit on the top edge of a ductless range hood to recirculate across the room.
The filter contains charcoal pad to ensure that the air is clean before it starts recirculating. So basically, a ductless range hood just filters the dirt and reduces the odor. However, a ductless range hood does not assure that it will reduce the heat in the kitchen. A temperature that is too hot can also recirculate inside the kitchen.
See this ductless range hood on Amazon.
Can You Not Use a Range Hood?
It's not advisable to cook without a range hood. This will cause a lot of problems, like contamination and suffocation due to the high amount of steam. An enclosed kitchen without direct access to an open space should have a range hood.
However, you may not need a range hood if the kitchen is outside of the house. This technique helps minimize the use of air ducts by allowing the natural air to eliminate the steam and heat from cooking. One problem you might encounter is the lack of protection from dust or rain. On the other hand, a kitchen outside the house is a good idea to protect yourself from overexposure to hot evaporation when cooking.
How to Clean a Range Hood
The filter collects too many contaminated chemicals from daily cooking. You should clean it more often, or when it's visibly too greasy. Remember that the stove is just below the range hood. A dirty range hood or greasy filter can affect the quality of food.
It's good to use a degreaser to dissolve sticky and oily stains on the filter. The burnt odor can also be removed.
Simply follow these steps to clean the range hood:
- Remove the filter by unscrewing it. You can even dispose of and replace the filter if it has any damage.
- Soak the filter in a basin of water.
- Apply a degreaser or a liquid soap.
- Soak the filter again with water until it gets clean. Let it dry.
- Spray water with a cleaning solution on the hood, then swipe with a clean cloth before you put back the filter.
Types of Range Hood
It's good to know about the different types of range hoods so that you can choose what would fit your style and needs. The installation varies for every type, so it's better to plan the structure before purchasing a range hood. See these types below.
Wall-Mounted
This is one of the easiest range hoods to install. You just need a strong wall that can hold the hood, as most wall-mounted range hoods are heavy on one side. It's because some hoods are shaped like triangles or pyramids. The protruding side of a range hood is designed to collect the heat and steam more efficiently.
Island Range Hoods
This is common if the stove is in the center of the room or next to a dining table. The Island range hood became popular due to its stylistic appearance, like the one you see in some restaurants with a private stove on the table. Basically, an island range hood is not mounted on any walls or cabinets. Instead, it's attached directly to the ceiling or main ventilation duct.
Donwdraft Range Hood
It's an advanced range hood that redirects the steam downwards rather than upwards. This type is not very popular, as it can be too expensive compared to other range hoods. However, it's good for convenient mounting, as you don't need walls, cabinets, or even the ceiling to attach the downdraft range hood. It can hide itself when not in use with its pop-up mechanism.
How Much Does the Installation of a Range Hood Cost?
You can expect to pay around $400-$1,500 just for the installation of a range hood. The price does not include the actual product. There might be other charges that are agreed between you and the contractor.
There are factors that can make the estimated installation price different. These factors include the type of range hood to install, your location, the availability of service, and how complicated the installation will be.
Conclusion:
In this article, we learned how to install a range hood without a cabinet. Remember that it may take time and effort to complete the installation steps.
Also, we talked about ductless range hoods. You learned what recirculation is, and how ductless range hoods differ from those that have air ducts. We then shared the steps for cleaning the range hood.
Finally, you've got to choose the most convenient range hood for your home. We provided some types of range hoods and how much they could cost you in installation.
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