In general, a range hood should extend over the entire width of a stove or cooktop. Since most residential ranges and cooktops today are 30 inches wide, the two most common range hood sizes in residential kitchens are 30 inches and 36 inches. Due to their added width, 36-inch range hoods can be used for slightly larger cooktops or when homeowners prefer more coverage for better ventilation, even if their stove is 30 inches. If you’re considering a 36-inch range hood, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we'll look at their importance, explore the best 36-inch range hoods of 2023, and provide insights to help you make the best choice for your culinary space.
The Importance of Range Hoods
Range hoods are often an understated centerpiece but they play an essential role that goes beyond aesthetics. At their core, range hoods are ventilation systems that help remove smoke, steam, odors, and airborne particles that arise during cooking. Positioned directly above the stove or cooktop, they help ensure that the air in your kitchen remains fresh and free from unwanted pollutants. If you’d like to learn how to choose the right range, check out our detailed blog post here.
Health Benefits of Range Hoods
Range hoods, while primarily seen as a tool to keep the kitchen clean and reduce odors, offer a variety of health benefits as well.
- Airborne Particle Reduction: Cooking, especially frying and sautéing, releases tiny oil and food particles into the air. Inhaling these can be harmful over time. Range hoods help in removing these particles from the air, reducing exposure.
- Removal of Gases: Cooking on gas stoves releases various combustion gases, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde. These gases can have adverse health effects when inhaled. A range hood helps in venting these gases outside the home, thereby reducing their concentration in the kitchen.
- Prevention of Mold and Bacteria: Cooking produces a lot of steam, leading to increased humidity in the kitchen. High humidity can encourage the growth of mold and bacteria, which can be harmful to respiratory health. By extracting steam and moisture, range hoods help maintain a drier environment, reducing the chances of mold and bacterial growth.
Other Benefits of Range Hoods
Range hoods have several advantages that extend beyond health and air quality as well.
- Temperature Regulation: Cooking, especially for extended periods or during summer, can significantly increase the kitchen's temperature. A hot kitchen is uncomfortable and can make the cooking process tiring. A range hood helps extract the heat produced by the stove or oven, ensuring that the kitchen remains relatively cool. This makes for a more comfortable and efficient cooking experience.
- Improved Visibility: Many modern range hoods come equipped with built-in lighting, illuminating the cooking surface. This additional light is especially useful in the evening or in kitchens with inadequate natural light. Better visibility ensures that food is cooked to perfection and reduces the chances of minor mishaps, like cuts or burns.
- Improved Aesthetics: Modern range hoods come in various designs and finishes, from sleek stainless steel and copper to glass and wood. They can serve as a statement piece in a kitchen and can help turn the kitchen into the heart of the home. Additionally, potential buyers appreciate updated features that enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Best 36-inch Range Hoods of 2023
ZLINE 36” Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood in Stainless Steel (KB-36)
The KB is one of ZLINE’s most popular range hood models due in large part to its stylish design and reliable performance.
- Crafted with 430-grade stainless steel, the KB-36 features rust, temperature, and corrosion resistance and is designed to meet the demands of modern residential kitchens.
- A powerful 400 CFM 4-speed motor helps maintain a quiet and efficient elimination of kitchen contaminants during cooking.
- Accentuated by built-in LED lighting for a clear view of your culinary creations, it also features dishwasher-safe stainless steel baffle filters, ensuring easy maintenance and prolonged durability.
ZLINE 36” Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood in Black Stainless Steel (BSKBN-36)
A close relative of the KB, the BSKBN is a professional wall mount range hood that swaps the traditional stainless steel for sleek black stainless.
- Crafted with 430-grade black stainless steel, the BSKBN features the same rust, temperature, and corrosion resistance as the KB.
- Black stainless steel is significantly more resistant to fingerprints, smudges, and scratches than standard stainless steel.
- An upgraded illuminated LED touch button control and display panel make adjusting the 400 CFM, 4-speed motor easy.
ZLINE 36” Ducted Wooden Wall Mount Range Hood in Cottage White (KBTT-36)
Switching gears from modern to rustic, the KBTT is a ducted wooden range hood with a solid wood frame and a welcoming cottage-white finish.
- Solid wood exterior with stainless steel insert helps ensure durability and performance.
- The cottage white finish creates a sense of warmth and coziness, reminiscent of charming countryside cottages. This finish can make a kitchen feel more welcoming and homey.
- Option to upgrade to dual remote blowers to increase capacity to an impressive 700 CFMs.
Faber 36” Nova Pro Wall Mount Range Hood In Stainless Steel (NOPR36SSV)
The Nova Pro from Faber offers impressive performance paired with a clean and polished appearance and is an excellent choice for any kitchen design.
- A 21.5″ pro depth canopy offers plenty of coverage for large cooktops or heavy-duty cooking.
- A pro motor offers 600 CFMs to handle even the toughest kitchen ventilation tasks.
- Faber’s Variable Air Management (V.A.M) aids in meeting local make-up air building codes.
Forté 36” Lucca Under Cabinet Range Hood in Stainless Steel (LUCCA36)
For homeowners who prefer the under cabinet style range hood, the Italian-made Forté Lucca packs a lot of professional-grade power into a compact and stylish design.
- A 600 CFM motor provides impressive ventilation in a relatively small package.
- The compact, under-cabinet design fits directly beneath or between cabinets, making it ideal for kitchens with limited space.
- Easily convertible to recirculating if ductwork is difficult to install or undesirable.
A Well-Chosen Range Hood Can Make All The Difference
Thank you for reading our list of the Best 36-Inch Range Hoods in 2023! As you continue your search, we encourage you to remember it's not just about the appearance or even the features; the right range hood should align with your cooking habits, kitchen size, and design preferences. Whether you opt for rustic charm or sleek modernity, the main goal of the range hood remains to create a clean and enjoyable cooking environment.
Range hoods, like most of the culinary world, continue to evolve, and our mission here at Rustic Kitchen and Bath is to keep you updated, informed, and equipped to make the best decisions for your kitchen. Be sure to check back regularly and happy cooking!
If you would like help finding the perfect range hood, call us at 1 (866) 212-9706 or book a consultation with one of our range hood experts!
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