Range Hood Essentials

A range hood is an essential kitchen tool. It vents moisture, smoke and grease outside; sometimes the hood may pass the air through a filter where it's cleaned before it's recirculated.

Range hoods require little maintenance, but it's important that they're installed properly. A range hood should be mounted between 18 and 36 inches above the stovetop. Check the manufacturer's recommendations. Because it vents grease, it does have to be cleaned periodically to avoid being a fire hazard.

If your range hood has a metal filter, remove and wash it in warm soapy water every two to three months, or more depending on use. If the hood has a charcoal filter, it needs to be replaced once a year.

If your hood is vented outside, check occasionally for obstructions that may block the vent. One other helpful hint: Make sure the hood is as at least as wide as the range. The standard width for a residential range is 30 inches.