If you’re looking to buy an outdoor range hood, one of the key considerations is the CFM rating. But what is CFM, and how do you know which rating is right for your needs? This article will explain everything you need to know about CFM ratings for outdoor range hoods so that you can make the best decision that what CFM you should go with for an outdoor range hood.
The basics of CFM
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a fan’s airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM. A single CFM is equal to the movement of one cubic foot of air per minute. To find out how many CFMs you need for your kitchen, you’ll need to know the size of your kitchen and the CFM rating of your fan.
For a small kitchen, you’ll need a fan with a CFM rating of at least 100. For a medium-sized kitchen, you’ll need a fan with a CFM rating of at least 200. And for a large kitchen, you’ll need a fan with a CFM rating of at least 300.
This is the basics of CFM. Now, you understand CFM is not only related to range hood but it is related to fans also.
What Cfm do you need for a Range Hood?
A minimum 100 CFM range hood is usually sufficient for a 1-foot stove if your kitchen size is small. But 100 CFM range hoods are not very common. Moreover, if the size of your kitchen is a little bigger, the hood will also need to be more powerful.
If your kitchen size is 200 square feet then you should use at least a 200 CFM hood. Read this article to learn more about CFM for range hood use in your indoor kitchen.
What Cfm Should You Go With for an Outdoor Range Hood?
In general, CFM for the outdoor range is higher than the indoor range hood. Although you have the same range size that you used in your indoor, you will need to a more powerful range hood. There is a reason.
When you cook indoors, the outside air usually does not interfere with your cooking. In this case, the range hood can easily absorb the fumes. But when cooking outside, the outside weather will definitely interfere which will not allow the range hood to draw smoke properly. That’s why a more powerful range hood is needed.
A small range hood may be able to cover your stove but control the ambient air of the stove and then pull the fumes that a small hood cannot.
So, you need a big range hood like 600, 800, or more CFM. From my experience, an outdoor range hood should be at least 500 CFM or above. Otherwise, using a below 500 CFM range hood for outdoor has a chance to be only a showpiece.
Why more CFM does not always mean better?
If you’re in the market for a range hood, you may have noticed that many brands boast high CFM numbers. But what does CFM really mean for your range hood, and is more always better? Here’s what you need to know.
You have several losses if you go with a very powerful range hood that actually doesn’t need you. First, You are simply wasting your money on what doesn’t give you any benefit. Using range hood with unjust power can fall you problems while cooking if you don’t be Installed at enough distance from you. The range hood may try to pull yourself. If the cooker is a woman, then her hair can enter the hood while it is pulling the air.
What sorts of duct problems arise with outdoor kitchen hoods that impact the CFM?
One of the most common duct problems that can impact the capacity of your outdoor kitchen hood is referred to as the “elbow drop.” This occurs when there is a decrease in airflow due to the installed length of the pipe being divided by the number of elbows multiplied by the CFM output. Another capacity issue can arise if the ductwork is not installed correctly, which can cause a drastic reduction in airflow.
Conclusion
The best CFM for your outdoor range hood depends on a few factors and I have told almost all of them. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect CFM for your outdoor range hood and enjoy years of trouble-free cooking.
Steven Perez is an interior designer who specially works with kitchens. He has done several jobs of kitchen renovation and design. Now he enjoys his life by traveling the planet and testing the beauty of nature. But he created this website so that he can be with the people who need the kitchen related helps.