How High Should You Mount a Custom Range Hood Above Your Cooktop ?

Introduction

A custom range hood is key to keeping your kitchen smoke-free, grease-free, and safe. The right mounting height and size ensures optimal suction, prevents safety hazards, and keeps your daily cooking comfortable.

This guide covers 3 common installation styles – under cabinet, wall-mounted, and island range hoods – with clear height, width, and sizing rules you can apply directly to your kitchen.

1. Under Cabinet Range Hood

✅ Mounting Height

Keep the hood’s bottom edge 30–36 inches above your cooktop.

For gas cooktops: Stay toward the 33–36 inch range to avoid heat damage.

For electric/induction cooktops: 30–33 inches works best for strong fume capture.

✅ Size & Width Rules

Width: Must be equal to or wider than your cooktop (full coverage = no smoke escapes)

Depth: Standard 12–18 inches, designed to fit standard cabinet depth. 

Key Note

Ensure cabinet edges do not block the hood’s front airflow opening. A fully exposed hood guarantees maximum suction efficiency.

2. Wall-Mounted Range Hood

✅ Mounting Height

Standard clearance: 30–36 inches above the cooktop

For 8 ft ceilings: Aim for 30–33 inches to keep the hood accessible.

For 9 ft ceilings: 33–36 inches balances visibility and performance.

✅ Size & Width Rules

Width: At least as wide as your cooktop; add 2–3 inches on each side for extra coverage.

Depth: Standard 21 inches, matching most countertop depths.

Calculation Tip

Use this simple formula to find your exact hood position:Hood Height = Floor-to-Ceiling Distance - Countertop Height - Top Clearance

3. Island-Mounted Range Hood

✅ Mounting Height

Follow the same safe standard: 30–36 inches above the cooktop.

Never exceed 36 inches – suction efficiency drops sharply beyond this distance.

✅ Size & Width Rules

Width: Must be 3–6 inches wider than your cooktop (3 inches extra on each side) to capture smoke that drifts outward in open spaces.

Depth: Standard 27 inches, larger than other styles to cover drifting fumes.

Key Note

For 10 ft+ high ceilings, use a custom chimney extension to keep the hood within the 30–36 inch range.

Quick Ceiling Height Adjustment Cheat Sheet

Final Check Before Installation

1. Always verify local building codes for minimum clearance requirements.

2. For gas cooktops, confirm the hood is rated for high-heat use.

3. Use a temporary mock-up (e.g., cardboard cutout) to visualize the height before drilling.