Exhaust Fan Size for Kitchen

Do you feel your kitchen is poorly ventilated and looking for the correct size exhaust fan for your kitchen but haven’t found one yet?

Well, no need to worry anymore! You’ve come to the right place for fantastic advice.

Based on our expertise, we’ll give you suggestions on the best size exhaust fan for your kitchen.

The size of exhaust fans for the kitchen ranges from 4 inches to 12 inches.

The size of your kitchen exhaust fan should be determined by the size of your cooktop.

The exhaust fan hood should be six to twelve inches larger than your cooktop.

A more oversized hood is unquestionably preferable to a small one.

 Similarly, suppose the size of your hood is not optimal.

In that case, smoke, steam, and lousy cooking odors will remain in your kitchen, creating an uncomfortable environment.

So, don’t further delay more time.

Before making a purchase, let’s dive into the essential details you should know. 

Is An Exhaust Fan Required In A Kitchen?

an image of exhaust fan in a kitchen

Yes, the exhaust fan is required in the kitchen.

In a kitchen, the exhaust fan serves a crucial function in regulating indoor air quality and protecting the family’s health.

It aids in the removal of odors and humidity and the replacement of stale kitchen air with fresh air. 

While cooking is a crucial part of the kitchen or is necessary for everyone, it may also be dangerous.

Your stove might discharge potentially harmful gases and ultrafine particles into the air when you cook.

It will most likely circulate in the kitchen, causing various health problems if not removed.

Related Reading: Size Of Recessed Lights For Kitchen – Read More.

How Many Types Of Exhaust Fans Are There?

There are various types of exhaust fans on the market for multiple uses.

Let’s have a look at the most frequently used exhaust fans. 

Ceiling Mounted Exhaust Fan

This fan style is typically mounted to the kitchen’s roof, with no other support, such as a wall or cabinet.

It should be installed just above the cooktop to allow air to circulate freely around the kitchen.

Wall Mounted Exhaust Fan

This Exhaust fan is attached to the wall, and it can easily remove dusty air from your kitchen.

On the contrary, it doesn’t need any specific installation method. 

Exterior Exhaust Fan

This exhaust fan looks similar to a wall-mounted exhaust fan.

However, it’s usually used outside.

It works by drawing indoor air and expelling it out in an environmentally responsible manner.

Inline Exhaust Fan

This type of exhaust fan is mainly used to remove heat and moisture from a large area because it can move a large air volume.

In addition, they are paired with exhaust ducts. 

Cabinet Hood Exhaust Fan

This exhaust fan is directly beneath a wall cabinet in this ventilation system.

Its ductwork runs through the ceiling or the nearest wall’s chase.

It can also be fitted with a shallow hood to make it easier to remove from the cabinet.

Exhaust Fan Small Size for Kitchen

A large exhaust fan will move more air than a small exhaust fan.

However, the small exhaust fan is easy to use and can be installed easily.

The ideal size for a small size kitchen is 9 inches.

Other aspects to consider include the fan’s location; are you utilizing it to remove heat?

What is the source of the air?

Exhaust Fan For Big Kitchen Size

A large exhaust fan blows out more air than a small exhaust fan.

It quickly expels stale and heated air and has a higher suction force than a small exhaust fan.

As a result, it is thought to be the best option.

The ideal size for a big kitchen is 12 inches.

How Do I Calculate Duct Size For The Exhaust Fan?

 The Calculation of duct size is concise.

To begin, carefully measure the velocity at a point in the exhaust duct.

The average velocity of the commonly used exhaust duct is 400 feet per minute.

The vent has an area of 35 square feet.

The exhaust duct area is multiplied by the average velocity to calculate 140 CFM exhaust fan airflow. 

Exhaust Fan 9 Inch – Uses

The 9-inch exhaust fan is a joy in your kitchen because it is small but incredibly efficient and multifunctional.

There are wall-mounted and ceiling-mounted exhaust fans available.

A small-size exhaust fan is simple to install and clean. 

Exhaust Fan 12 inch – Uses

The 12-inch exhaust fan can be attached in various locations, including :

  • Workplaces
  • Barns
  • Industries
  • Greenhouses
  • Homes
  • Kitchens
  • Warehouses

The highly functional ventilation fan quickly removes dust, excess moisture, heat, and obnoxious odors from any room where it is mounted.

Exhaust Fan Size For Commercial Kitchen

The ideal-sized commercial exhaust fan varies from 150CFM to 300+ CFM per linear foot.

However, suppose you want to install the perfect-sized exhaust fan.

In that case, you must calculate the number of cubic feet in the commercial kitchen.

Then multiply the number of CFM by the number of air exchanges (15).

After that, divide it by 60 (per the number of minutes in an hour) needed to determine the appropriate exhaust fan size for your commercial kitchen.

This way, it can perform effectively to maintain your kitchen clean and smoke-free.

How Do I Choose An Exhaust Fan?

To choose the best exhaust fan for your kitchen, you need to consider five major factors: 

  • Static pressure
  • Model 
  • Motor power 
  • Flow rate
  • Loudness, noise which you can bear with

 Considering these factors will help you select the best exhaust fan for you.

Where Should A Kitchen Exhaust Fan Be Installed?

an image of installation of kitchen exhaust fan

The location of exhaust fans can have an impact on the fan’s performance as well as the air quality in your kitchen.

A rattling noise and inadequate air movement can all result from an ineffective installation.

Installing a kitchen exhaust fan in the proper location in your kitchen can improve its performance.

Best Fan Location

You can install the exhaust fan on the front wall beside the stove or place it on the window opening for better functionality.

It can also be mounted directly above the cooktop to the ceilings and inside the cabinet.

Which Exhaust Fan Is Best For The Kitchen?

The fundamental purpose of any exhaust fan is to purify the air in your kitchen.

Fans that blow air outside the house perform best for this, as you might think.

According to our research, a wall-mounted exhaust fan is ideal for the kitchen.

It improves air circulation when cooking and lowers the impacts of steam, heat, fumes, humidity, and strong odors.

It also allows you to see well in a large workplace.

Exhaust Fan Size for Kitchen – FAQs

Is a plastic exhaust fan good for the kitchen?

A kitchen fan with metal blades is ideal because it is easy to clean.

Suppose the exhaust fan is mounted on an external wall.

In that case, the plastic fan will wear out quickly due to the harsh weather conditions, so you won’t find it suitable for the kitchen.

What are Sones in exhaust fans?

A sone is a unit of sound that measures the loudness of a sound.

Sones are used to measure noise produced by fans found in kitchens.

A sone is roughly 1,000 Hz and has a sound level about 40 dB higher than a standard reference level.

Most exhaust fans have a noise rating of 6 to 10 stones.

What is CFM in exhaust fans?

The rotation of cubic feet of air the range hood exhausts per minute at full speed is measured in CFM.

The higher the CFM, the more air your hood exhausts from your kitchen.

For every 10,000 BTUs of your cooktop, you’ll need at least 100 CFM to power your range hood.

How much CFM do I need?

You have to evaluate CFM according to your need.

For Calculation of the volume of your kitchen.

Then, divide that number by 60 and multiply it by 15 to get the minimum cubic feet per minute for your hood.

What is the difference between a ventilation fan and an exhaust fan?

The primary distinction between the two types of fans is in their usage.

An exhaust fan removes pollutants, foul odor, and toxic gaseous from the indoor air in a home or commercial kitchen.

In contrast, a ventilation fan brings fresh air into a room or kitchen from the outside.

Related Reading: Average Kitchen Countertop Size – Click Here.

The Bottom Line

In short, kitchen exhaust fans are ideal for including in your existing kitchen or when creating a new commercial kitchen.

Since they eliminate unwanted odors and hazardous gases from the kitchen.

They also improve visibility while removing the kitchen’s excess humidity and hot air. 

 An exhaust fan in your kitchen is critical since it prevents health problems like asthma and is better for you and your family. 

You should pay close attention to the fan’s motor power, loudness, and hood size.

Considering such factors will help you with the ease of installation and cleaning, noise level, speed settings, and durability when making your decision.