Range hoods and kitchen ventilation
Fix it, size it, choose it.
Plain-English help for the appliance over your stove: step-by-step fixes for common problems, a CFM calculator that does the math for you, and honest comparisons with no brand deals.
Common fixes
All troubleshooting guidesRange Hood Not Venting? 9 Causes of Weak Suction and Fixes
Why your range hood has weak suction and how to fix it: clogged filters, a stuck damper, blocked or undersized ducts, missing makeup air and more.
Range Hood Making a Loud Humming Noise? Causes and Fixes
A loud hum from your range hood usually means a failing capacitor, a greasy or unbalanced blower, worn motor bearings or vibration. Here's how to tell which.
Range Hood Fan Not Working but Light Works? 7 Causes and Fixes
If your range hood light works but the fan won't run, power is reaching the hood. The fault is the motor, capacitor, thermal protection, wiring or controls.
Grease Dripping From Range Hood? 7 Causes and How to Stop It
Grease dripping from your range hood usually means saturated filters, a full grease cup or grease draining back from the duct. Here's how to find and fix it.
How to Clean Range Hood Filters (and How Often to Do It)
How to clean range hood grease filters in the dishwasher or by hand, plus a cleaning and replacement schedule by filter type and how much you cook.
Range Hood Smells Bad Even After Cleaning? 7 Hidden Causes
Range hood still smells after you cleaned the filters? Find the source by smell: grease on the blower, spent charcoal, a greasy duct, a nest, or a hot motor.
Range Hood CFM Calculator. Enter your cooktop and kitchen size. Get the airflow, hood width and duct size you need, plus a makeup-air check.
Open the calculatorChoosing a hood
All comparisonsDucted vs Ductless Range Hood: Full Comparison and Which to Buy
Ducted vs ductless range hoods compared: performance, installation, cost, noise, filter upkeep and code rules, plus clear advice on which fits your kitchen.
300 vs 400 vs 600 CFM Range Hood: How Much Do You Need?
300 vs 400 vs 600 CFM range hoods compared: sizing rules with worked examples, the 400 CFM makeup air threshold, noise, duct size and cost at each level.
30 vs 36 Inch Range Hood: Sizing Guide for Your Cooktop
30 vs 36 inch range hood: match or exceed your cooktop width, when a 36-inch hood over a 30-inch range pays off, cabinet limits, island sizing and CFM.
Range Hood vs Over-the-Range Microwave: Which Vents Better?
Range hood vs over-the-range microwave vent compared, plus how to replace an OTR microwave with a range hood: height, wiring, duct, cabinet gap and cost.
How we work
Cheapest fix first
Every guide starts with the checks that cost nothing, then works up. You'll know when to stop and call a pro.
Real numbers
CFM, duct sizes, clearances and cleaning intervals, not vague advice. Code references point to the IRC.
Brand-neutral
We compare types and features, not sponsors. Nobody pays to be mentioned here.
Safety built in
Electrical, grease-fire and roof steps come with clear warnings and a point where a licensed pro takes over.