Ducting is one of the most important considerations when choosing a range hood for your outdoor kitchen. Is it possible to install a ductless range hood outside?
Ductless range hoods should not be installed outside. Your grill’s heavy smoke or strong cooking odors will not be vented by a ductless hood. A ductless hood outside will accumulate grease and require frequent cleaning.
Charcoal filters are used in ductless hoods to capture grease and neutralize odors. However, they are not designed to keep up with outdoor grills.
There is a misconception that ductless hoods can save you money and time on installation. If you install a ductless hood outside, you’ll have problems over time even though that’s true for indoor installations.
We’ll discuss these misconceptions and then give you some tips on how to choose an outdoor hood.
Is An Outdoor Ductless Range Hood Cost-Effective?
Having a ductless hood installed outside might seem like a good idea. Nevertheless, you won’t get your money’s worth. You can’t keep your outdoor kitchen air clean and fresh with a ductless hood.
The filters may need to be replaced frequently after a few weeks of use. It is possible for smoke and odors to persist in your cooking area. If your range hood isn’t doing what it’s supposed to, you’ll need to replace it. That’s not cost-effective at all! After a few weeks of using your ductless hood, you’re likely to convert it to a ducted or buy a ducted one.
People may also choose a ductless hood for their outdoor kitchen because it is easy to install. The ease of installation does not outweigh the drawbacks, even though it is easy to install. You need ductwork to effectively vent heavy smoke and grease from an outdoor grill.
Ductwork can be optional in some situations. If you live in an apartment where it’s not allowed, for instance. If you cook sparingly indoors and want to keep a little smoke and occasional cooking odors at bay. However, ductwork is a necessity in outdoor kitchens.
Invest In A Ducted Outdoor Vent Hood.
What should you do if your ductless hood isn’t venting properly? Invest in a ducted outdoor hood. We offer a wide selection of professional outdoor range hoods at Range Craft. There is more than enough power in them to vent heavy smoke and cooking exhaust.
A Buyer’s Guide to Outdoor Range Hoods
A quality outdoor range hood requires a lot of consideration. CFM, size, filters, and material are the four most important factors.
CFM
Ideally, your outdoor range hood should have at least 1200 CFM. For indoor vent hoods, 600 to 900 CFM is ideal; for outdoor vent hoods, you will need more power. Most homeowners will benefit from 1200 CFM. You might want to consider more power if you have two or three grills, side burners, or other extras. Additionally, if you grill every day, you may need more than 1200 CFM.
Size
A range hood’s size is particularly important when choosing an outdoor hood. Simply add 12″ to your kitchen range or grill. If you have a 36″ outdoor grill, a 48″ range hood would be ideal. You will have the maximum coverage and all smoke and odors will be vented out.
Filters
Range hood filters come in three different types. There are three types of baffles: mesh, charcoal, and baffles. Filters with baffles are the most effective at capturing grease, followed by filters with mesh. For your outdoor range hood, baffle filters are the best choice. Replaceable charcoal filters are used in ductless range hoods. While these filters remove some grease and odors, they are not as effective as baffles in removing them.