Why Should You Add A Vent Hood?
Why Should You Add A Hood?
A vent hood is a common sight in any kitchen. Vent hoods are often seen as a necessary addition to your cooking area. They become less important if you are cooking with an electric range. Unless you end up accidentally burning dinner. When using an electric range, vent hoods are mostly used to disperse heat or break up smoke clouds. But when using gas, they are also essential to getting rid of any extra fumes. If you have ever cooked with gas, you know the smell. A little gas smell is normal. But too much can lead to unwanted health issues. Headaches and dizziness come on fast from too many gas fumes in a small space like an indoor kitchen.
In Florida, many people enjoy outdoor kitchens year-round. By definition, outdoor kitchens are not closed in. This means they sometimes have different venting needs. We were just talking about some of the reasons to have a vent hood in an indoor kitchen. But why add a vent hood to your outdoor kitchen? They have access to natural airflow. Wouldn’t the wind work just as well? In this blog, we will take a look at why adding a vent hood to your outdoor kitchen is a good investment.
Adding a one to your outdoor kitchen may not be at the top of your to-do or even must-have list. When you design your outdoor kitchen, there are many things you may not think of. You are likely thinking a lot about location and ease of use. A patio or a lanai are common places for outdoor kitchens. There are both covered and uncovered lanais and patios. We are here to help you decide if your outdoor kitchen needs a vent hood.
In general, any outdoor space with a roof is better off with a vent hood. This is because of a simple but well-known fact. Any fire creates smoke. Outdoor kitchens use grills to get the job done. At The Outdoor Appliance Store, we have gas, electric, pellet, and charcoal grills available for purchase. Charcoal, gas, and pellet grills create smoke. A grill that creates smoke also creates smoke stains in a closed-in patio or lanai. Smoke stains end up being just another chore or expense in the long run. The best way to avoid smoke stains in your outdoor space is with a hood.
They May Be Optional
Uncovered patios and lanais do not need a vent hood. But that does not mean we do not recommend one anyway. How close your outdoor kitchen is to your house is also a factor here. Your outdoor kitchen may be against an outside wall of your home in an unenclosed space. In this scenario, we recommend a vent hood. Even though this area is not enclosed, smoke stains on the walls happen. Long term smoke exposure leaves a visible soot stain. These stains are stubborn and need pressure washing to remove.
An outdoor kitchen far from your home and unenclosed does not need a vent hood. The open air space and the wind is enough to vent this type of outdoor kitchen space.
For a complete list of the vent hoods available for purchase, click here. Do not forget to consider other installation pieces you may need, like a hood liner or a duct cover. But do not worry about those details too much. Our experienced team is here to help you know exactly what you need.
Benefits of Outdoor Hoods
- They help prevent smoke stains in covered or semi-covered areas.
- They help prevent smoke build-up in open-air outdoor spaces. That means the smokey flavor stays in your food, not in your clothes.
- They help to disperse some of the heat from your grill. Keeping you feeling cool while cooking with fire.
- They collect unwanted toxins from your smoke.
Choosing the Right Hood
Now you have a better idea if your outdoor kitchen needs a vent hood or not. However, not all vent hoods are equal. The manufacturer booklet that comes with your grill states any specific venting requirements. In general, grills need a powerful fan for proper ventilation. Our team recommends a vent with at least 1200 CFM for most outdoor kitchens. CFM is the measurement of how fast a fan moves. The higher the CFM, the more air movement the fan creates.
- Choose a vent hood slightly bigger than your grill. Smoke tends to expand as it rises. This means the smoke ends up wider than your grill. A larger vent hood catches more smoke. Less smoke escapes into your outdoor kitchen.
- Think about if your vent hood location needs extra changes. Some locations may need a nearby opening closed off. Some vent hood locations also need a barrier between them and the elements.
- Match your hood to your grill. Most grills come with recommendations for specific vent hoods. Check your manufacturer booklet for more information on the best vent hood for your grill. Checked the booklet, and still not sure? Our team is here to help you with any grill or vent hood questions.
Outdoor Kitchens with The Outdoor Appliance Store
In sunny Bonita Springs, Florida, outdoor kitchens are a growing convenience. Understandably so. Grilling is a favorite pastime for many people. And in Florida, we get more days than many to enjoy outside in beautiful weather. Why not turn your grill space into an entire second kitchen? Just remember to think about venting the area. Nothing is worse than a smokey cookout. Avoid smoke issues with an outdoor kitchen vent hood.
When you decide to take the leap and build your outdoor kitchen, keep The Outdoor Appliance Store in mind. We are always available for your outdoor appliance needs. Contact us here. Or pick up the phone and call us at (844) 234-7714.
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