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Bettesworth Construction
Construction Planning

Rear-Vent Range Hoods That Actually Clear Smoke: A Builder’s Guide

Rear-vent range hoods work best when the range is on an exterior wall and the duct can run straight outside. Here’s how to choose one that clears smoke without creating noise, code problems, or avoidable remodel costs.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 15 min read
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A rear-vent range hood is often the cleanest way to get smoke, steam, grease, and cooking odors out of a kitchen. Instead of sending the duct up through a cabinet, ceiling, attic, and roof, a rear-vent hood exhausts horizontally through the wall behind the range. When the range is on an exterior wall, that short, straight duct path can be quieter, cheaper, and more effective than a long vertical run.

The best rear-vent range hood is not automatically the one with the biggest CFM number. On job sites, we see performance come down to four practical details: whether the hood truly supports rear discharge, whether it covers the cooking surface well, whether the duct is sized and routed correctly, and whether the installation meets local mechanical and makeup-air rules. A 400 CFM hood on a short, smooth, sealed rear duct can outperform a higher-CFM hood choked down through small duct, elbows, and a restrictive wall cap.

For a typical 30-inch residential range in 2026, most homeowners should expect the hood itself to cost about $250 to $700 for a solid midrange stainless under-cabinet rear-vent or 3-way convertible model. Installed cost commonly lands between $650 and $2,500 nationally, depending on whether existing duct and wiring can be reused. A new rear-vent duct through an exterior wall often runs $1,200 to $2,500 or more once wall cutting, rigid duct, exterior cap, sealing, trim repair, and electrical work are included.

What Is a Rear-Vent Range Hood?

A rear-vent range hood is a ducted hood that sends exhaust out through the back of the unit and through the wall behind it. You will usually see this setup with under-cabinet hoods mounted below a wall cabinet, but some wall-mounted chimney hoods and inserts can also be configured for rear discharge if the manufacturer provides that option.

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SNDOAS Range Hood 30 inch Under Cabinet, Ducted/Ductless Convertible Kitchen Hood, Stainless Steel Vent Hood with LED Light,Under Cabinet Hood with 2 Speed Exhaust Fan,Black
  • 【SLIM & SPACE-SAVING】: Range Hood dimensions: 17.5"L*29.9" W*4.7" H. This SNDOAS cabinet range hood at only 4.7 inches thick, its slim design not only saves valuable kitchen space but also adds a modern touch to your kitchen decor.
  • 【USER FRIENDLY】: The rocker-type switch makes the SNDOAS Cabinet Range Hood easy to use. The built-in energy-efficient LED light bulbs provide a brighter lighting environment to illuminate your cooking area.
  • 【TWO-WAY INSTALLATION】: The SNDOAS Cabinet Range Hood features a pre-drilled hole on the top and the back that can be used for ducted installation( Need to purchase the related ductwork accessories separately). Please decide which installation method you need before installation, once the exhaust hole cover plate is pried open, it cannot be restored.Or use the carbon cotton composite filter included can be used for ductless installation.
  • 【MODERATE SUCTION POWER】: With a 230 CFM Airflow, the SNDOAS Cabinet Range Hood delivers moderate ventilation performance that is suitable for single apartments or small households that require efficient air filtration.
  • 【ACCESSORY INCLUDES】: Each package contains 1 pc aluminum mesh & carbon cotton composite filter, user manual, and a one-year warranty.Please note that: This is a hardwire range hood, plug in is NOT included. We have Optional power cord kit, can convert your range hood from hardwire to plug-in. (Purchase Part # PCK-GF3976).If you encounter any issues, simply contact us and our professional customer service team will provide top-notch support and assistance promptly.

The key phrase is true rear discharge. Some hoods are top-vent only. Some are ductless only. Some are convertible, meaning they can be set up for top venting, rear venting, or recirculating use. For a rear-vent installation, the specifications need to show a rear outlet size and shape, such as a 3-1/4 inch by 10 inch rectangular discharge or a round duct adapter approved for horizontal exhaust.

A ducted rear-vent hood removes contaminants outdoors. That includes smoke, grease aerosol, heat, water vapor, cooking odors, and, with gas cooking, combustion byproducts. A ductless hood is different. It pulls air through grease and charcoal filters, then blows it back into the room. Ductless models can reduce some grease and odor, but they do not remove moisture or combustion gases from the home.

When Rear Venting Beats Top Venting

Rear venting is usually the better choice when the range sits on an exterior wall. The duct can leave the hood, pass through the wall cavity, and terminate at an exterior wall cap. That can mean fewer elbows, less duct length, less noise, and less finish work compared with going up through cabinets, framing, attic space, insulation, roof decking, and roofing.

In remodel planning, we like to locate the range on an exterior wall when the layout allows it. A straight rear duct is easier to inspect and easier to service. It also avoids roof penetrations, which always require careful flashing and long-term maintenance. Fewer transitions also preserve real airflow. Advertised CFM is measured under controlled conditions; installed airflow drops when the duct is undersized, crushed, long, or loaded with turns.

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Rear venting is not always simpler. It can become more expensive if the wall has brick, stone, stucco, structural framing conflicts, plumbing, electrical, or exterior details that are hard to patch. A rear vent through vinyl or fiber-cement siding is usually straightforward. A rear vent through brick veneer or stucco needs more careful layout, cutting, flashing, and finish repair.

Best Rear-Vent Range Hood Types

Under-Cabinet Rear-Vent Hoods

For most standard kitchens, this is the practical winner. A 30-inch under-cabinet hood fits below a 30-inch wall cabinet above the range. Many models offer 3-way venting: vertical round, vertical rectangular, and horizontal rear rectangular. That flexibility matters when replacing an older hood because the existing duct may not match the new appliance exactly.

Common consumer models in this category cost about $100 to $300 for basic ducted or convertible units, and about $250 to $700 for better stainless models with stronger blowers, LED lighting, improved filters, and cleaner controls. For frequent cooking, look for a model with at least two fan speeds, washable filters, and a published sound rating.

Pro-Style Under-Cabinet Hoods

Pro-style hoods are deeper, heavier, and often louder at full speed, but they can capture smoke better because they project farther over the front burners. This matters for high-heat searing, wok cooking, blackening fish, or cooking with cast iron. Premium pro-style hoods commonly run $900 to $2,500 or more before labor.

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The tradeoff is coordination. Higher CFM may trigger makeup-air requirements. A heavier hood needs solid blocking or proper cabinet support. Larger duct may require cabinet modifications or a larger wall opening. These are not deal breakers, but they should be planned before countertops, backsplash, and cabinet trim are finalized.

Range Hood Inserts and Custom Liners

An insert hides the mechanical hood inside a custom wood, plaster, or metal surround. This can be the right choice for higher-end remodels where the hood is part of the kitchen architecture. Rear discharge is possible only if the insert and liner are approved for that configuration.

Custom hoods demand more field coordination. The liner must be sized correctly, the insert must remain serviceable, and the surround cannot trap heat or grease. On our projects, we also confirm filter removal clearance before the finish carpenter builds the enclosure. A beautiful custom hood that requires disassembly to clean filters is a bad installation.

How to Size CFM Without Overbuying

CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, and it describes how much air the blower can move. More CFM can help, but only when the duct path can support it and the hood shape captures the plume. Many homeowners buy too much blower and not enough hood.

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Common residential rules of thumb are about 100 CFM per linear foot of wall-mounted cooktop width, or roughly 1 CFM per 100 BTU for high-output gas cooking. For a 30-inch range, that simple width rule points to about 250 CFM. For a 36-inch range, it points to about 300 CFM. Many everyday kitchens do well with 300 to 400 CFM if the hood is properly sized, mounted at the correct height, and ducted cleanly.

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  • 【Stainless Steel Range Hood】Our kitchen hood is made of 430 grade stainless steel with brushed finish, simple, classic, and easy to clean. It is equipped with a built-in bright energy-saving LED light to evenly illuminate your cooking area,allowing you to clearly see while cooking.
  • 【Improves Kitchen Air Quality】Our under cabinet range hood 30 inch provides a MAX 230 CFM performance to quickly remove smoke and greese in your kitchen while keeping the noise low, and the 2-speed rocker switch allows for quick fan adjustments.
  • 【TWO-WAY VENTING】This range hood comes with vertical (top venting) an exhaust pipe is required(NOT included), and horizontal (rear venting). lf you don't have an outlet to the outside, you can choose to install it as ductless installation. A Carbon filter # CF-3976 is inclued in this vent hood.
  • 【Ultra Slim Design】Product Dimensions: 29.9" W×17.5" L×4.7"H, which is slimmer than most other range hoods.Our under cabinet range hood is designed for small kitchens.The compact size fits your cabinet perfectly and saves space.Perfect for condos and apartments.
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Gas ranges and aggressive cooking can justify more. A 60,000 BTU pro-style gas range may call for about 600 CFM by the BTU rule of thumb. But once you go above 400 CFM, many IRC-based jurisdictions require makeup air. That can add an interlocked damper, dedicated ducting, tempering strategy, and HVAC balancing. In a tight house, ignoring makeup air can create pressure problems, door-slamming symptoms, weak exhaust performance, or combustion-appliance backdrafting risk.

The practical target is enough CFM for your cooking style without creating avoidable mechanical complexity. For many remodels, a well-installed 300 to 400 CFM rear-vent hood is the sweet spot. For serious gas cooking, indoor grilling, or frequent high-smoke cooking, discuss a larger hood and makeup air early.

Capture Area Matters as Much as CFM

Smoke does not rise in a perfect column. Heat, steam, and grease spread outward as they rise, especially from front burners. Research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has shown that hoods tend to capture pollutants better from back burners than front burners. Reported capture efficiency was around 80 percent or more for back burners at HVI-recommended airflow, but only about 50 percent or more for front burners.

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That matches what we see in kitchens. A shallow hood mounted high above the range may look clean, but smoke from the front burners can roll past it. A deeper hood with good coverage can perform better at a lower fan speed because it catches the plume before it escapes into the room.

For a standard wall range, choose a hood at least as wide as the cooktop. A 30-inch range should have a 30-inch hood minimum. If the layout allows, a 36-inch hood over a 30-inch cooking surface gives better side capture. Depth matters too. Many basic under-cabinet hoods are about 18 to 20 inches deep. Better capture often comes from deeper bodies or designs that extend farther over the front burners.

Mounting height also matters. Many residential hoods are installed roughly 24 to 30 inches above the cooking surface, but the manufacturer’s instructions control. Too low can feel intrusive and may violate appliance clearances. Too high weakens capture. Before final install, we like to mock up the hood height with the homeowner standing at the range. Sightline comfort and ventilation performance both matter.

Rear-Vent Ducting: The Details That Make or Break Performance

The duct is not an accessory. It is part of the appliance. A good hood connected to poor ductwork will be loud and disappointing.

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Use rigid metal duct sized to the manufacturer’s instructions. Common rear outlets on under-cabinet hoods use a 3-1/4 inch by 10 inch rectangular duct. Some higher-CFM models require 6-inch, 7-inch, 8-inch, or larger round duct. Do not reduce duct size unless the manufacturer specifically allows it. Reducing duct increases static pressure, lowers actual airflow, and raises noise.

Avoid flexible dryer duct, plastic duct, or crushed duct. Kitchen exhaust carries grease and heat. The run should be smooth, sealed, and pitched or detailed so it does not trap moisture. Joints should be sealed appropriately, and the exterior wall cap should include a working damper to keep outside air, pests, and weather out when the hood is off.

Every elbow and transition costs performance. A rear-vent installation is attractive because it can often use one short horizontal run. If the design requires offsets, jogs, or transitions around framing, expect reduced airflow and more fan noise. Sometimes a slightly more expensive hood with a better-aligned rear outlet is cheaper than forcing a bad duct path behind cabinets.

Code, Permits, and Makeup Air

Most jurisdictions follow some version of the International Residential Code, often with local amendments. Under IRC-based rules, domestic kitchen exhaust equipment must generally discharge outdoors when ducted, and it should not terminate in an attic, crawl space, garage, soffit cavity, or concealed interior space. Manufacturer instructions and local code both matter.

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The 400 CFM threshold is the number homeowners most often miss. In many IRC jurisdictions, exhaust hoods capable of more than 400 CFM require makeup air at approximately the same rate, with controls that operate automatically with the hood. Local enforcement varies, but the issue should be checked before ordering the appliance.

Permits depend on the scope. A like-for-like hood replacement using existing wiring and duct may be handled differently than a new duct penetration through an exterior wall with electrical relocation. Appliance, electrical, and mechanical permit fees commonly add tens to several hundred dollars when required, with $50 to $300 or more being a normal range in many areas.

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Range Hood 30 inch Under Cabinet, Stainless Steel Kitchen Vent Hood 280CFM, Built-in Kitchen Stove Hood w/Rocker Button Control, Ducted/Ductless Convertible Duct, 2 Speeds Fan, Bright LED Light
  • 【Under Cabinet Range Hood with Slim Design】With the slim and stainless steel body, this range hood 30 inch under cabinet is space-saving and easy to install. The rocker button can control 2-speed wind speed and LED lighting, which is easy to operate. Product Size: 29.9 inch x 17.5 inch x 4.7 inch( L x W x H). (Hardwire installation, plug sold seperately Part#ZMS-3976-PC)
  • 【280 CFM Efficient Suction】Features with 2 different speed fans, you can operate with the rocker button. The maximum 280 CFM 30 inch under cabinet range hood is suitable for all kinds of cooking style efficiently removing large amounts of smoke and cooking odors in the kitchen.
  • 【3-layer Grease Filter】Including one piece aluminum mesh & activated carbon cotton composite filter, this kitchen hood 30 inch will purify the air, removing grease from the smoke. (Suggest replacing every 3~4 months, Part#ZMS-3976-F)
  • 【Bright and Effective Lighting】The vent hood 30 inch has one piece 2W LED light, not only brightness to meet your cooking need, but also the range hood save energy in your kitchen while emitting enough lights.
  • 【Perfect for Ducted or Ductless Kitchen】30 inch stove hood features a top 7-inch ducted vent and a rectangular rear vent, which it is perfect to keep the kitchen and cooking space smokeless and odor free. With 1 premium quality filter: aluminum mesh & activated carbon cotton composite filter , this ductless range hood specifically designed for room no extractor duct.

Gas cooking adds another layer. A vent hood helps, but it is not a substitute for safe combustion design. If the home has atmospherically vented water heaters, furnaces, or fireplaces, a large exhaust fan can contribute to backdrafting. That is why high-CFM hoods, tight homes, and combustion appliances should be reviewed together.

2026 Cost Guide for Rear-Vent Range Hoods

National cost data in 2026 shows a wide range because the appliance is only one part of the job. HomeAdvisor reports common range hood installation at about $650 to $2,500. Bob Vila cites a typical $400 to $1,500 range with a $750 national average. Homewyse’s 2026 estimator shows appliance costs around $245 to $538 and labor around $562 to $1,040 for a basic unit, before project-specific duct, electrical, and finish complications.

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Project Type Typical 2026 Cost What Usually Drives the Price
Basic ducted/convertible hood hardware $100-$300 Simple controls, lighter construction, lower sound-control features
Midrange stainless rear-vent or 3-way hood $250-$700 Better finish, LED lights, stronger blower, washable filters
Premium pro-style hood or insert $900-$2,500+ Higher CFM, deeper capture area, heavier body, larger duct
Simple replacement with compatible duct and wiring $200-$850 labor/installation Cabinet fit, access, hood weight, local trip charges
New rear-vent duct through exterior wall $1,200-$2,500+ Wall cutting, rigid duct, cap, damper, sealing, trim repair, electrical
Makeup-air system for high-CFM hood Varies widely Interlocked damper, ducting, tempering, HVAC balancing, permits

The biggest cost drivers are hood width, CFM, noise rating, brand, stainless finish, cabinet modification, electrical location, duct diameter, elbows, wall material, siding or masonry repair, makeup air, permits, and whether the job needs a carpenter, electrician, HVAC contractor, or roofer.

A rear vent can save money when it eliminates attic and roof work. It can cost more when the wall is masonry, when the duct conflicts with studs or utilities, or when exterior finish repair must be blended carefully. The cheapest path is a range on an exterior wall, a compatible rear-discharge hood, a short rigid duct, and an accessible electrical connection.

Features Worth Paying For

Start with the specifications, not the product photos. Confirm the hood is at least as wide as the cooking surface and that it has a true rear outlet or approved 3-way convertible discharge. Check the required duct size, not just the included adapter.

Look for HVI-rated or independently rated airflow and sound data when available. Sound is commonly rated in sones. Lower sones are quieter. A hood that is quiet enough to use every day is better than a powerful hood the homeowner avoids turning on. Multiple fan speeds are useful because most cooking does not need full power, but searing does.

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Filters matter. Baffle filters are a strong choice for heavy cooking because they handle grease well and are usually durable and washable. Mesh filters can be fine for lighter cooking, but they may need more careful cleaning and can restrict airflow as they load with grease.

Lighting should be practical. LED lighting over the front and back burners is more useful than a single weak bulb at the rear. Controls should be easy to reach and clean. Touch controls look sleek, but simple push-button or rocker controls can be more durable in rental, multifamily, or heavy-use kitchens.

Pay attention to the damper and wall cap. A poor exterior cap can rattle, leak air, restrict flow, or allow water intrusion. On exterior walls, the cap needs proper flashing and sealant compatible with the siding, brick, or stucco assembly.

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When to DIY vs. When to Hire a Pro

A simple replacement can be a reasonable DIY project if the existing hood is the same size, the duct lines up, the electrical connection is already present, and the homeowner is comfortable shutting off power and following the manufacturer’s wiring instructions. Expect a straightforward swap to take 2 to 4 hours for a careful DIYer, plus time for cleaning the old cabinet area and adjusting small fit issues.

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Hire a pro when the job involves cutting a new exterior wall opening, relocating electrical, modifying cabinets, working through brick or stucco, installing a heavy pro-style hood, adding makeup air, or changing duct size. Those details affect weatherproofing, fire safety, code compliance, and long-term performance.

On our job sites, we also bring in the right trade when the range wall is crowded. Plumbing vents, electrical cables, blocking, gas lines, and structural members can all be hiding behind the drywall. A small exploratory opening is much cheaper than cutting the wrong hole through finished siding or tile.

Installation Checklist We Use in the Field

Before ordering the hood, confirm the range width, cabinet width, hood height, rear outlet position, duct size, electrical location, and exterior wall conditions. Measure from the cooking surface to the planned hood bottom and compare that to the manufacturer’s required clearance range.

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VIKIO HOME 30 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hood 900 CFM Dual Motor Power
  • [Dual-Motor Power + 900 CFM + Smoke Removal] This 30 inch under cabinet range hood features dual motors delivering up to 900 CFM, providing 25% stronger suction than standard kitchen vent hoods. It quickly removes grease, steam, and cooking odors from a 150 sq ft kitchen in just 120 seconds, making it perfect for high-heat cooking like stir-frying, searing steak, or grilling indoors.
  • [Gesture & Touch Control + 3 Speed + Memory Function] Control your stove hood effortlessly while cooking. With gesture sensing and responsive touch control, you can adjust 3 fan speeds even when your hands are wet or greasy. The built-in memory function automatically restores your last setting.
  • [5-Layer Aluminum Filter + Dishwasher Safe] The durable 5-layer aluminum mesh filters effectively trap grease and cooking particles before they reach the motor. Simply place the dishwasher-safe filters in the dishwasher for quick cleaning. Reinforced metal locks keep them secure, while the fingerprint-resistant finish helps maintain a clean and modern look.
  • [Quiet DC Motor + Advanced Noise Reduction] This kitchen vent hood uses an energy-efficient DC motor with noise reduction technology, operating as low as 35 dB on low speed. Even at full power it stays under 65 dB, so you can comfortably talk with family or watch TV in an open kitchen while it works.
  • [Bright Lighting + Easy Replacement + Energy Efficient] Illuminate your cooktop clearly while you cook. This under cabinet range hood uses standard GU10 bulbs that are easy to replace in just one minute. Compatible with energy-efficient LED bulbs, it can reduce lighting energy consumption by up to 15%, saving electricity while providing bright and reliable lighting.

Before cabinets are closed up, install blocking for heavier hoods. This is especially important for stainless pro-style units and custom inserts. Do not rely on thin cabinet bottoms or drywall anchors for a hood that will vibrate every time the blower runs.

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During rough-in, keep the duct short and straight. Use rigid metal duct. Seal joints. Avoid unnecessary elbows. Confirm the exterior cap opens freely and is not blocked by trim, shutters, meters, decks, or landscaping. Keep the termination away from areas where grease discharge could stain a visible surface or create a nuisance.

After installation, test the hood at every speed. Boil water or create visible steam at each burner and watch whether the plume is captured, especially at the front burners. Go outside and verify the wall damper opens fully. Listen for rattles. Check that lights, filters, and controls work and that filters can be removed without fighting the cabinet or backsplash.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is buying by CFM alone. A high-CFM label does not overcome undersized duct, too many elbows, a shallow hood body, or a restrictive wall cap. The second mistake is ordering a top-vent-only hood for a rear-vent location and then trying to force an offset that hurts airflow.

Never vent a kitchen hood into an attic, soffit, garage, crawl space, or cabinet cavity. The exhaust carries moisture and grease. It needs to go outdoors through an approved termination.

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Do not use flexible dryer duct or plastic duct. Do not crush the duct to make it fit behind a cabinet. Do not skip exterior flashing and sealant. Water intrusion around a wall cap can damage sheathing, insulation, framing, and interior finishes long before the homeowner sees a stain.

Finally, do not ignore makeup air. A 600 or 900 CFM hood may sound impressive, but in a tight home it can pull the house under negative pressure. Plan it before the cabinets and backsplash are complete, because adding makeup air after the fact is usually more expensive and more disruptive.

Our Bottom-Line Recommendation

For most US kitchen remodels with a range on an exterior wall, the best rear-vent range hood is a 30- or 36-inch ducted under-cabinet or pro-style model with true rear discharge, a real-world airflow target around 300 to 400 CFM for normal cooking, rigid metal duct sized to the manufacturer’s instructions, washable baffle or quality mesh filters, LED lighting, and a quiet enough sound rating that the homeowner will actually use it.

For heavier gas cooking, step up the hood depth and capture area before simply chasing a bigger blower. If the selected hood exceeds 400 CFM, bring the builder, HVAC contractor, and local code requirements into the conversation early. The right rear-vent hood should clear smoke quickly, protect finishes from grease and moisture, and operate without sounding like a shop fan. That result comes from the whole system: hood, duct, wall cap, makeup air, and careful installation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a rear vent range hood?

A rear vent range hood exhausts horizontally through the back wall instead of vertically through a cabinet, attic, or roof. It works best when the range is on an exterior wall and the duct can run short and straight outdoors.

Is a rear vent range hood better than a top vent range hood?

It can be better when the range is on an exterior wall because the duct run is usually shorter, quieter, and easier to service. Top venting may be better when the range is on an interior wall or when an existing vertical duct is already properly built.

How much does it cost to install a rear vent range hood in 2026?

Common installed costs range from about $650 to $2,500 nationally. A simple replacement may be much less, while a new rear duct through an exterior wall often costs $1,200 to $2,500 or more depending on wall material, electrical work, ducting, and finish repair.

What CFM do I need for a rear vent range hood?

Many standard 30- to 36-inch kitchens work well with 300 to 400 CFM when the hood has good coverage and a short rigid duct. High-output gas ranges or frequent high-smoke cooking may need more, but larger hoods can trigger makeup-air requirements.

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Do I need makeup air for a 400 CFM range hood?

In many IRC-based jurisdictions, hoods over 400 CFM require makeup air. Rules vary locally, so confirm with your building department before ordering a higher-CFM hood.

Can I use flexible duct for a range hood?

Use rigid metal duct sized to the hood manufacturer’s instructions. Flexible dryer duct, plastic duct, crushed duct, and long runs with multiple elbows reduce performance and can create safety and grease buildup concerns.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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