An under-cabinet range hood attaches to the underside of a wall cabinet above the stove, saving space and keeping the look tidy. Look first at the gap beneath the cabinet, the width of the stove and how the hood will vent, because these decide what will fit.
Check the Gap and the Cabinet
Measure from the cooking surface to the underside of the cabinet. The maker will give a range of mounting heights above the cooktop, and your gap must work within it. Also check the cabinet depth, since a hood that sticks out beyond the cabinet front can feel awkward, and the cabinet bottom must be strong enough to hold the unit.
Features to Weigh
| Feature | What it does | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Covers the burners below | Is it as wide as the cooktop? |
| Depth | Reaches the front burners | Does it fit under the cabinet? |
| Venting | Top, back or recirculating | Which route is available? |
| Fan speeds | Lets you adjust for the task | Are the settings easy to reach? |
| Lights | Illuminate the cooking area | Are bulbs easy to replace? |
| Controls | Buttons, dials or touch | Which do you prefer with wet hands? |
Venting Options
- Top venting sends air up through the cabinet to the outdoors.
- Back venting sends air through the wall behind the stove.
- Recirculating uses filters and releases air back into the room.
Choose the route that matches your walls rather than forcing a layout. Plan the duct before buying.
Installation Checklist
- Confirm the hood width against the cooktop.
- Record the cabinet depth and underside height.
- Locate the power source and the duct opening.
- Read the maker’s installation sheet for mounting and wiring.
- Arrange a licensed professional for the electrical and ducting work.
Daily Use and Care
Turn the fan on a few minutes before cooking and leave it on briefly afterward. Clean the grease filters at the interval the maker suggests, and wipe the underside of the hood with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner. Check that the lights are easy to reach for bulb changes, and note how the controls feel with damp or greasy fingers, since you will use them often.
Because the hood sits close to the cooking surface, keep flammable items such as towels and paper well away from it and from the burners.
It is also worth checking how the hood handles cabinet lighting and trim. Some models include a trim or a stepped front that blends with the cabinet face, and others project forward. Look at a side view in the maker’s drawings so you know how far the unit will extend below and in front of the cabinet.
FAQ
Can I install it over a gas range?
Many hoods are used over gas ranges, but clearances matter. Follow the maker’s instructions and have a licensed professional confirm the setup.
How do I clean the filters?
Remove them as directed in the manual, wash them as the maker advises and dry them fully before reinstalling.
The Short Version
Measure the gap, match the width, plan the vent route and compare controls and lights. Let a licensed professional handle the wiring and ducting.