Why Your Range Hood Matters More Than You Think
Ask most people what they want in a new kitchen and they'll talk about the range, the refrigerator, the countertops. The range hood rarely comes up first — and yet it may be the single appliance that most affects how your kitchen feels to cook in every day.
A properly sized range hood removes heat, smoke, grease, and odors at the source. Without it, those byproducts of cooking migrate into your home — coating surfaces, embedding in fabrics, and making your kitchen uncomfortable to spend time in. With the right hood, your kitchen stays fresh, your air stays clean, and your cooking space stays exactly what it should be.
Faber has been engineering ventilation solutions for over 60 years. Their range hoods are precision-engineered appliances designed to perform as hard as the ranges beneath them — and to look the part while doing it.
What Is CFM and How Much Do You Need?
CFM — cubic feet per minute — measures how much air a range hood can move. It's the most important spec when choosing a hood, and it should be matched to your cooking style and fuel type.
Gas ranges: A general rule of thumb is 100 CFM per 10,000 BTUs of range output. A standard 30,000–40,000 BTU gas range typically calls for 300–400 CFM. High-output professional ranges pushing 15,000–20,000 BTUs per burner need 600 CFM or more to keep up.
Electric and induction ranges: A practical guideline is 300–400 CFM for standard electric or induction cooking, with more warranted if you cook at high heat frequently or in an open-plan space where odors travel easily.
The bottom line: whether you cook on gas, electric, or induction, proper ventilation isn't optional. They all generate steam, odors, and cooking particulates that need to be captured. The fuel type changes the CFM calculation slightly — it doesn't change the need for a quality hood.
The Faber Inca — a seamlessly integrated insert hood designed for custom cabinetry.
Getting the Width Right
Your range hood should always be at least as wide as the cooking surface beneath it — and ideally 3" to 6" wider on each side for maximum capture efficiency. A 36" range pairs naturally with a 36" hood at minimum. Going wider improves capture, particularly for high-output cooking where heat and steam spread beyond the burner footprint.
This rule applies regardless of hood type or fuel source. A hood that's narrower than your range will always leave capture gaps — and you'll notice it.
Variable Speed: Why It Matters
A range hood that runs at only one speed is a hood you'll use less. Variable speed controls let you match ventilation output to what you're actually doing — a low setting for simmering or reheating, a higher setting for searing or high-heat cooking, and maximum power when things get serious.
The Faber Chloe and other models in the Faber lineup offer multiple speed settings, giving you precise control over airflow without the noise penalty of running at full power when you don't need to. In open-plan kitchens especially, the ability to dial back the hood when cooking is light makes a meaningful difference in how livable the space feels.
Types of Range Hoods: Which One Is Right for Your Kitchen?
Wall-Mount Range Hoods
The Faber Chloe — bold painted black finish, 600 CFM, available in 28" and 36".
Wall-mount range hoods install against the wall above your range and vent through the wall or ceiling. They're the most visible hood type — a design statement as much as a functional appliance — and the right choice when your range sits against a wall with a clear duct path outside.
The Faber Levante II 36" delivers 395 CFM in a clean stainless steel profile that works with both traditional and contemporary kitchens. For a bolder aesthetic, the Faber Chloe 36" — also available in 28" — brings 600 CFM of ventilation power in a striking painted black finish with a design presence to match.
Insert Range Hoods
The Faber Inca Pro Plus — professional ventilation performance, completely hidden in custom cabinetry.
Insert range hoods are built into custom cabinetry with only the capture area visible — the ideal solution for kitchens where the hood should disappear into the design entirely. If your kitchen features custom cabinetry above the range, this is the category to consider.
The Faber Inca Pro Plus 36" is engineered for exactly this application: professional ventilation performance with a completely integrated look that lets your cabinetry take center stage.
Island Range Hoods
The Faber Stratus Isola in White Glass — a sculptural island hood designed to be seen from every angle.
Island range hoods hang from the ceiling above ranges or cooktops positioned on a kitchen island. Visible from all four sides, they need to look as good as they perform — making design as important as CFM in this category.
The Faber Stratus Isola 36" in White Glass is a sculptural presence that commands the room while delivering the ventilation an island cooking setup demands. If your kitchen is designed around an island range, this is the hood it deserves.
Ducted vs. Ductless Range Hoods
Faber range hoods are designed primarily for ducted installation — venting cooking air outside through ductwork. This is always the preferred configuration, as ducted ventilation removes heat, grease, and odors from your home entirely rather than recirculating filtered air back into the kitchen.
If ducting isn't possible, some Faber models can be configured for recirculating operation with a charcoal filter kit — a workable solution for spaces where exterior venting isn't an option. But ducted is always the gold standard.
Frequently Asked Questions About Range Hoods
How many CFM do I need for my range hood?
For gas ranges, use 100 CFM per 10,000 BTUs as a starting point. For electric or induction, 300–400 CFM is a solid baseline for most home kitchens, with more warranted for high-heat cooking or open-plan spaces.
Should a range hood be wider than the range?
Yes — ideally 3" to 6" wider on each side. A hood that matches or exceeds your range width captures cooking byproducts more effectively than one that's narrower.
Do electric and induction ranges need a range hood?
Absolutely. Electric and induction ranges still generate steam, odors, and fine cooking particulates. A quality range hood is just as important regardless of fuel type.
What's the difference between ducted and ductless range hoods?
Ducted hoods vent air outside your home — the most effective option. Ductless hoods filter and recirculate air back into the kitchen. Ducted is always preferred when possible.
What does variable speed do on a range hood?
Variable speed lets you match airflow to your cooking intensity — lower settings for light cooking, higher settings for high-heat work. It reduces noise when full power isn't needed and makes the hood more practical to use every day.
Ventilation Is an Investment in Your Kitchen — and Your Home
The right range hood protects your cabinetry, your walls, and your air quality. It makes cooking more comfortable, keeps your kitchen cleaner, and — when it's a Faber — adds a level of design intention that elevates the entire space.
Browse the Faber ventilation collection at Refined Appliances and find the range hood that's right for your kitchen.