How to install range hood without cabinet

A range hood is an essential appliance for your kitchens. It helps your kitchen be neat and clean by removing harmful air and smoke while you are cooking. Sometimes it is overwhelming to choose the right kitchen hood regardless of your kitchen size and your stove’s size and which style of range hood will give your kitchen a dynamic modern look.  

But don’t worry! In this article, we’ll demonstrate How to install range hood without cabinet if it is ducted or ductless. We also show you how easy to install a rangehood without cabinets in your kitchen in two different ways if you have never done this before. 

So, let’s get started

 Before we jump on the topic, let’s learn a little more about the range hood.

What is a range hood?

A range hood is a great appliance that helps to remove odors and toxic air from your kitchen. Basically, we cook sometimes our cooking produces lots of smoke, greases. These smokes and greases are not good for you and your kitchen environment. 

That’s the reason you should install a range hood so that you can enjoy your cooking and your kitchen looks great. 

What is under the cabinet range hood? 

Under-cabinet range hoods can be an excellent option for those with cabinets or storage above the stove. This type of range hood is installed under the cabinets. The fumes and smoke from oil and food particles can accumulate and can create a mess when they settle. Under-cabinet range Hoods offer space-saving ventilation. 

What is a range hood without cabinet? 

What does mean Range hood without a cabinet? A range hood without a cabinet means you have installed a range hood without the cabinets. Normally we recognize it as a wall-mounted range hood or insert range hood. This type of range hood also saves your kitchen space, but sometimes you need to remove some cabinets for installing it. 

How to install range hood without cabinet?

In this section, we will show you how to install a range hood without cabinet step by step. Before we start our guideline, make sure you have the necessary tools with you. 

Necessary Tools:

First, you must create support that holds your range hood perfectly. While you have two options, the first one is to install your range hood through the wall (wall mounted range hood), and the second one is to install the range hood (island range hood) above your cooktop and vented to the outside of the house with ductwork. Usually going up through the ceiling and out through the roof with a roof cap or through an exterior wall. So, you need to select one of these. 

Note: You can follow these installation processes for ceiling-mounted range hood or Island range hood)

Installation process 1 

(For installing your range hood through the wall) 

1. Check and Verify Parts of range hoods

In general, I like to test the appliances thoroughly prior to installation. As a homeowner, you should ensure that all components actually arrive in the box.

I also suggest that you take away the range hood. Set it on your kitchen counter and plug it into it. Examine all the fan speeds as well as the timers, lights as well as any other features that the hood has. The most important thing is to complete the task of installing the hood find out that you’re missing an element, or the hood isn’t functioning in a proper manner.

2. Mark the Range Hood on the Wall

Pick the wall on which you want to install your range hood. Check for an opening for ducts in the wall you are planning on putting the hood in place that is compatible with the port located on the side of the range hood. 

The port should go to the exterior of the building. This is where air escaping from the kitchen will go. You will need help to support the hood of the range against the wall at the position you prefer. 

The ideal height for a range hood can be between 24-36 inches above the cooking surface. If you’re unsure of whether the hood of your range will perform inventing, bring the hood closer to the cooking surface. This will allow for better suction. A couple of inches variance between the 24–36-inch ranges is acceptable if it is needed.

Its best practice to ensure that the chimney can be able to reach the ceiling too.

When you’re sure of your hood’s location, you can outlet it is using a pencil. You can add screw holes using the pencil. Use the screwdriver and screws to fix it to the wall by making drilling holes in the rear of the range hood and into the wall. Make sure you utilize at least 4 screws to attach your hood onto the wall.

3. Turn off your kitchen electricity power supply  

Shut down the power supply for the kitchen. Ensure that there isn’t any power supply to any outlets and other equipment in your kitchen.

4. Unite Range Hood to Wall

After making a mark on the range hood’s screw holes in the wall, you’ll be able to drill the holes in the wall. Then, you can install the drywall anchors included with the unit and then attach an anchor to the rear of the range hood.

Set the range hood on the wall. And align it with the pre-drilled holes and the plastic anchors. Then, utilize the supplied screws to secure the bracket as well as the range hood against the wall.

5. Connect the Duct

After you’ve secured the range hood to the wall, you’ll be able to connect the flex duct to the outlet at the top of the collar.

Most range hood ducts will be constructed from flexible metal or foil. Metal ducting that is rigid is preferred because it enhances the flow of air. However, it can be difficult to install.

I suggest securing your duct onto the highest quality hood using aluminum foil that won’t melt when exposed to high temperatures. If you attach the pipe using an elastic zip tie made of plastic, the duct could melt.

6. Install the chimney 

Similar to the installation of the range hood, you’ll be required to drill holes for the chimney bracket on top, then you can insert the anchors for the drywall. After that, you’ll be able to secure the chimney’s upper bracket by using the screws provided.

7. Connect Duct to the Vent

After you have secured your chimney’s bracket, you’ll be required to complete the ducting work before you can put the chimney up.

If you have an air duct inside the wall of the previous kitchen hood, connect them using aluminum foil.

If there’s not an existing duct, you’ll have to run the vent duct outside and then install an outdoor hood cover. The hood on the outside will be fitted with an opening to block out insects and air from outside coming through the home.

8. Fully Install Chimney

After connecting your chimney with the vent pipe or orienting it to the outside then you can extend the chimney completely and be sure that it’s secured.

All you need to do is to slide the outer chimney towards the ceiling and align the sides using a chimney bracket, then fix it using the supplied screws.

9. Plugin the range hood & Install the Filters

Once you’ve secured the chimney, the only thing you need to do is attach the range hood and then insert the filters. The filters are usually baffled or aluminum mesh filters.

Installation process 2

(For installing your range hood through the ceiling) 

1. Check and Verify Parts of range hoods

As mentioned, I above always test the appliances thoroughly prior to installation, and also I would suggest homeowners to ensure that all components actually arrive in the box.

The best way to test your range hood is to set it on your kitchen counter and plug it into it. Examine all the fan speeds as well as the timers, lights as well as any other features that the hood has. The most important thing is to complete the task of installing the hood find out that you’re missing an element, or the hood isn’t functioning in a proper manner.

2. Take Measurements

Before you attach your ceiling bracket, you need to ensure that the hood of the range is precisely centered over the stove or range. Plumb bobs are a line with a weight that can aid in locating your dead center.

It is also necessary to measure the cooktop to ensure that the lower section of the hood is between 24″ to 36″ above the cooking surface. If it’s off by a few inches, it’s fine. If the hood’s position is not close to the stove, and it isn’t vented correctly, it can cause an issue and could influence the quality of the indoor air. 

Another factor to take into consideration is the ‘line-of-sight’. Most homeowners will not want a range hood that restricts their vision.

3. Pencil out Mounting Bracket

Once you’ve found the middle, mark it using a pencil.

It is suggested to sketch out a drawing for the bracket on your ceiling and also the holes to screw. There is a possibility to fix the ceiling bracket on the ceiling and mark the lines, or the manufacturer could offer a template for the ceiling on paper. Make sure you have a ceiling that is in line with the stove.

4. Install Vent Hose to Hood

The range hood is on top of the counter or in a flat space, and then connect the vent’s top pipe that is elastic to the outlet to draw air to exit from the hood of the range.

Attach your vents to the hood applying foil tape.

5. Secure Ceiling Bracket

Install the ceiling bracket on an upper part of the ceiling, directly below the cooktop or range.

Utilize a 5/16-sized drill to create pilot holes in the drywall. Install the drywall anchors into the ceiling holes. Then, put the ceiling bracket into the holes and screw the screws in to secure the bracket.

If the range hood you have is too heavy to support anchors made of plastic, you’ll need to fix the chimney bracket onto the ceiling’s joists. If the ceiling joists don’t seem evenly spaced or not centered, it is possible to build support made of wood over the joists so that your bracket is secured to wood.

6. Attach Upper Supports

After you’ve secured the bracket to the ceiling, you’ll have to connect the chimney support to it. Simply place the four legs in line and with the edges of the ceiling bracket and ensure that they are aligned with the holes that are for screws. Then, you’ll be able to simply attach the supports to the bracket. 

7. Connect Lower, Upper Supports, and Flex Duct

After the lower supports have been attached to the hood and the top supports are joined via the bracket to the ceiling, you will be capable of connecting them. It is important to have another person who can help you to hold the top of your range when they connect. 

The range hood is supported by its supports. You’ll need to extend the flex pipe until you reach the duct, which is located within the ceiling. Join the two conduits applying foil tape.

8. Connect the Electrical Wiring

Now is the time to connect the electrical wire to the conduit hanging out of the ceiling. 

Verify that the wire is not being used by using an un-contact voltage tester. Also, make sure the circuit breaker has been turned off.

Attach the terminals in black with the black terminal and connect the white terminal to a white and green connection to the terminal on the ground. There might be additional wiring to be connected, so referring to the manufacturer’s instructions is recommended. If you are unsure, get a professional electrician is advised.

9. Connect Inner & Outer Chimneys

Once you have connected the flex duct, it is now time to have to align and join the chimney components.

You’ll need to place the inner and outer chimney sleeves, then fasten these to support using the screws provided. These four parts of the chimney need to be joined to each to the opposite sides where they touch.

For the purpose of securing the chimney’s bottom parts to the range hood, you’ll need to take off the filters. You secure the chimneys by inserting screws into the lower part of the chimney range hood.

10. Plugin the range hood & Install the Filters

Once you’ve put the chimney in place completely and then you are done, all you need to do is attach the range hood and then insert the filters. The filters can be aluminum mesh or baffle filters.

You can also use charcoal or carbon filters if you are willing to convert your range hood ducted to ductless.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you install a range hood without a vent?

The range hoods with no vents are referred to as ductless range hoods or non-vented range hoods. They usually have the recirculating kit that is attached to the top part of the hood. There are also charcoal filters to trap dirt, cooking odors, and grease out of your kitchen. 

These filters are located in the hood. They are used for collecting food grease and trapping odors when air flows through the exhaust hood. The recirculating system then moves the air that has been filtered back into the kitchen.

How do you install a ductless range hood? 

Yes, you can easily install a ductless range hood or non-vented range hood. We will tell you the whole installation process in 7 simple steps.

Can you mount an under-cabinet range hood to the ceiling?

Yes, you can.  A lot of kitchen hoods are attached to cabinets that are placed over the hood. Certain homeowners prefer to install the hood directly on the ceiling and remove the cabinet on top. Despite the absence of a cabinet, the range hood is installed similarly and is bolted onto the ceiling instead of cabinet hoods.

Do ductless range hoods remove smoke?

A ductless or non-vented range hood doesn’t vent away from the house Instead, it takes the smoke and dust from the kitchen air and filters it through a carbon or charcoal filter, before releasing it back to the room. While this approach isn’t as effective as vented hoods, but it is effective.

What is a ductless hood vent?

The non-vent hood or ductless range hood is one that includes a fan, but not a vent. Instead, it utilizes various kinds of filters to purify the air before it circulates the air back into your cooking area.

What do you do if your kitchen doesn’t have a hood?

The absence of a range hood is a major problem in homes with a rental kitchen. Here are 5 tricks that will help if your kitchen isn’t equipped with a range hood. 

Can you add a hood to a kitchen?

Answer: Yes, you can add a kitchen hood to your kitchen. Range hood normally removes unwanted contaminants, cooking fumes from your kitchen Before choosing a range hood for your kitchen think about your cooking setup, cooking space, cooking style, cooking surfaces, and mostly about your cooking habits. A proper ventilation system makes your kitchen clean. 

Can you vent a range hood through a wall?

Yes, you can vent the range hood through the wall. Wall and under cabinet range hoods can be vented to walls on the inside. Venting a range hood onto an interior wall can appear daunting. If you’re confident in DIY you will save money by installing it yourself. However, if you’re not confident, would recommend hiring an expert local to put in the hood.

Can you cook without a range hood?

Yes, you can cook but it’s not safe though. Because when you cook it produces lots of smokes, odors and other harmful contaminants like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide.  If you don’t have adequate airflow, these toxins can stay in your kitchen, and then spread into other areas within your home. 

Is it OK to have a stove without a hood?

Natural gas is the main source part of indoor pollution that comes from your cooking. Even using an electric stove, A powerful range hood will keep the fumes and smoke from your kitchen to a minimum. It also helps keep drops of grease off surfaces and kitchen appliances.

Are Range Hoods Necessary?

Yes. A range hood is designed to keep cooking emissions, chemicals, and smoke from your kitchen. It enhances indoor air quality as well as streamlines the cooking process.: 

Conclusion

Installing a range hood is a daunting task especially you never come across before how to do it perfectly. But we hope that our article on how to install range hood without cabinet helps you to install your vent hood successfully.

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