How Much Clearance Do You Need Between a Range and Hood?
Get the mounting height right so your hood vents well without cramping the cook.
Mount a range hood too high and it loses suction; mount it too low and it gets in the way and can be a heat hazard. Most kitchens land in a fairly narrow sweet spot, but the exact number depends on whether you cook with gas or electric and what the manufacturer specifies. Here's how to find the right height before you drill a single hole.
The General Clearance Range
As a rule of thumb, range hoods are mounted somewhere between 24 and 36 inches above the cooking surface. Within that band, gas cooktops usually call for more clearance than electric because they put out more heat and an open flame. The goal is to give the hood enough room to capture rising smoke and steam without sitting so high that it can't pull air effectively. Always treat the manufacturer's spec as the final word.
Gas vs. Electric Differences
Electric and induction cooktops generally allow the hood to sit a little lower, often in the 24 to 30 inch range, because they radiate less heat upward. Gas ranges typically need 28 to 36 inches to keep the hood and its filters away from flames and high heat. Higher-output gas burners may push you toward the upper end of that range. If you're switching fuel types, recheck the clearance rather than assuming the old height still applies.
Always Check the Manufacturer Spec
Every hood ships with an installation manual that lists a minimum and often a maximum mounting height, and those numbers override any general rule. Manufacturers set these distances based on the fan's power, the filter type, and safety testing. Installing outside the specified range can void the warranty and may even violate local code. Before buying, it's worth confirming that the recommended height works with your ceiling height and cabinet layout.
Why Clearance Affects Suction
A hood captures smoke best when it's close enough to sit within the rising column of hot air and steam. Mount it too high and that column spreads out before reaching the filter, so even a powerful fan misses much of it. Mount it too low and you crowd the cook and risk overheating the unit. Higher-airflow hoods, rated in CFM, can tolerate a bit more height, which is one reason stronger models like the COSMO COS-668ICS750 give you more installation flexibility.
Height for Tall and Short Cooks
Within the allowed range, you can fine-tune the height for comfort. Taller cooks usually prefer the upper end so they aren't bumping their head, while shorter cooks may want it lower for easy reach to controls. Under-cabinet models like the Broan-NuTone BCSQ130SS are constrained by the cabinet above, while wall-mount units such as the CIARRA CAS75502 give you freedom to pick a height. Just keep the choice inside the manufacturer's minimum and maximum.
Measuring and Marking Before Install
Measure from the cooktop surface straight up, not from the counter, since the cooking surface is what matters for clearance. Mark your target height on the wall and dry-fit the hood or its bracket before committing. Account for ductwork and any backsplash that could interfere. Taking ten minutes to verify the measurement saves you from re-drilling and from a hood that vents poorly for years.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a range hood be above a gas stove?
Gas ranges usually call for 28 to 36 inches of clearance to keep filters and the hood away from the flame. Confirm the exact figure in your hood's manual.
Can a range hood be too high to work well?
Yes. If the hood sits above the rising column of smoke and steam, it can't capture it effectively, so even a high-CFM fan removes less air.
Is the clearance measured from the counter or the cooktop?
Always measure from the cooking surface, not the surrounding counter. That distance is what determines how well the hood captures heat and smoke.
Does electric need less clearance than gas?
Generally yes. Electric and induction radiate less heat upward, so they often allow a lower mount, around 24 to 30 inches, while gas needs more.