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Most residential building codes do not require you to have a vent over your stove in your kitchen, however, having one can be very beneficial.
You’ll need to check with your landlord on what can be installed in your kitchen and also check with your state or cities regulations.
One of the main advantages of having a vent over your stove is that it improves the quality of air in not only your kitchen but your entire home by eliminating any potential toxic pollutants that are produced when cooking.
The vent suctions up the polluted air and the filter captures the airborne grease particles before the air is then purified and then pushed back through your home.
This will help reduce the number of germs and bacteria in your kitchen.
If you always end up with a foggy kitchen and misted-up windows when you cook, then it’s probably a sign that you need a vent or to just open the windows.
However, opening the windows can cool down your food quicker and can create an uncomfortably cold cooking environment for yourself.
A vent will be able to remove the excess heat and moisture in your kitchen whilst you’re cooking.
If you happen to burn something which causes your food to start smoking, then the vent will be able to suction up some of the smoke instead of it filling up your kitchen and setting all your fire alarms off.
Most vent hoods are equipped with interior lighting which can brighten up your cooking area and prevent you from having to have the main lights on in the room.
The light is also useful when you’re cleaning your stove, helping you to spot hidden dirt or debris on your stove. It’ll also benefit you when you’re cleaning the filter and inside your vent.
A vent will help decrease the levels of food and cooking odors in your kitchen, preventing it from drifting through your home and being detectable for hours after.
Cooking with the vent on will help clear up the smells within a short period of time after cooking.
Not only is having a vent functional for your stove, but it also adds an aesthetic to your home and can make your kitchen look a lot more high-quality than it may already be.
Do electric stoves need to be vented?
Yes, even if you have an electric stove you should still consider getting a vent. It’ll improve your air quality in your kitchen, reduce odors and remove smoke or steam when you’re cooking on your hob.
It’ll also decrease the amount of grease and moisture build-up you have on your cabinets or walls around your stove.
An electric stove may also be a deal breaker when it comes to someone buying your home when you’re ready to sell as many do believe that a vent is essential in every kitchen.
An electric or induction stove will not need a range hood or vent that is as powerful as one for a gas stove, but you’ll still need one to keep control of the grease and moisture in your kitchen.
Do I need a range hood over my stove?
If you’re someone who’s frequently cooking, then we’d recommend you get a range hood for over your stove. Range stove hoods filter out cooking chemicals such as carbon monoxide from your kitchen and will prevent your cabinets and walls from accumulating grease.
If the stovetop has high BTU’s then you should seriously consider a range hood to try and improve the air quality in your home.
If you’re someone who frequently sets off your fire alarms by burning food, cooks a lot of odorous foods, and cooks at least 4-5 times a week then a ducted range hood should be something you need to consider.
If you live in an apartment complex or a condo or you’re someone who doesn’t cook very much then a ductless range hood will be sufficient for you.
Do range hoods have to go to the ceiling?
Most kitchens feature the traditional range hood that is ceiling mounted or mounted over the kitchen island so the duct can run above the ceiling.
Most vented range hoods will need to be on the ceiling or at least on a wall near to the ceiling so the duct can run through it and out of your home.
Unvented range hoods can come in all shapes and sizes now. There are even some high-tech vented downdraft range hoods that can be built into a kitchen island and digitally controlled to come up to the surface when you want to cook.
Do you need a downdraft with a gas cooktop?
You can use either a downdraft or over the stove range hood for your gas cooktops. However, it can be difficult to incorporate a duct into a built-in downdraft to go outside to ventilate the room.
If your downdraft hood has ducts outside then you should be ok, but you still risk the chance of it malfunctioning and carbon monoxide remaining in the air when you’re cooking with gas.
Some downdraft vents will only have filters that absorb excess grease and moisture and won’t work to improve air quality, so you’ll want to check functionality before committing to buying one.
Do gas ranges need to be vented?
Yes if you have a gas range then you should ensure there is proper ventilation through the provision of a duct range hood or vent.
Cooking with gas can emit harmful toxins and chemicals like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde all of which can cause serious health problems and even death.
Even if your range is properly installed and has no gas problems, you still need to take precautions by using a vent to improve ventilation.
Do you need an exhaust fan with a gas stove?
Yes, a gas stove should have an exhaust fan and it should be used every time you cook on your gas stove. A gas stove should have an exhaust fan that is vented to the outdoors and doesn’t just recirculate the air with a filter.
It may not be a regulation where you live, but it comes highly recommended by health authorities.
Even though carbon monoxides should be standard in both rented and owned properties, it is still best to have the appropriate ventilation in your kitchen to avoid any health implications and have as high-quality air as possible.
