While your cooker hood or range hood does all the suctioning of the fume, heat, and grease, there is also another part of it that does the heavy lifting. Yes, you guessed it, the duct, with which all the unwanted part of the cooking process goes out of the house.
As the ducts play the most important role right after the range hood fan, you should not skimp on it AT ALL!
Why? Because your hood will be staying over 10 years, and so will the duct. But can you use a 100mm duct for a cooker hood to save some bucks?
Definitely not. You should never use, a 100mm duct, as it will congest the airflow, and do more damage. Let’s talk more about why not to use a 100mm duct, what will happen and what should you go for ducting your cooker hood.
Why Can’t I Use 100MM Duct for Cooker Hood?
The general requirement for a cooker head duct diameter is 150mm. It can go up from that point but never goes the other way. Why? Because of the space, available accessories and convince.
Here are the reasons why you can’t use a 100mm duct. It’s more of a shouldn’t than can because you are a man of your own decisions.
- Lack of venting space.
- Unavailable accessory parts.
- Local building code.
- Conflict with hood requirements.
- Noisey hood.
Let’s explain what the real problem here is.
- Lack of Venting Space
When you try to sip your favorite bubble tea, they give you a wide straw. Why? So you can enjoy the boba pearls too! With a regular straw, you wouldn’t be able to do that.
The same thing happens with your cooker hood. If you use a 100mm duct, your vent will keep on trying to vent the fumes, but won’t be able to work properly. As a result, you will have fumes building up in the kitchen, your hood trying hard to help with its maximum effort, and it’ll go nowhere as you lack in venting space. So go for the standard.
- Unavailable Accessory Parts
As the standard for most hoods is to be fitted with 150mm ducts, all the required accessory parts available in the store are 150mm. When you fit it with a 100mm duct, you’ll have to go all MacGyver on it.
Because you’ll have to hunt them down, find them under different rocks and whatnot. So when something needs replacement, you’ll have to go to war, again. So better stick with the 150mm.
- Local Building Code
Let’s say, you’re a rebel and like to live your life your way. Which is great! But not with a range hood duct going out of the local building code.
Every area and building has a certain code they follow. It’s not a wish or rule implemented by the owner but by the township or state. Going out of their regulations will end up in violation and might get you fined.
- Conflict With Hood Requirements
As most if not all range hoods come with a 150mm duct output, replacing it with a 100mm won’t do you any good. It won’t feel like that big of a deal at first, but with time, grease, and fume, you’ll have a nasty experience.
- Noisey Hood
The last thing you want is your cooker hood singing for you in the middle of cooking. And it’s not a sweet song.
Your hood will have to work extra to remove all the fume. But the congested space will make it harder. Imagine a 250cc motorcycle trying to be a 600cc with just an exhaust. The same thing is happening here.
So best stick with the instructions of the hood. If it asks for a 100mm duct, go for it by all means. But if it says 150mm, don’t boss around with it.
What Size Duct Should I Use for a Cooker Hood?
The answer is pretty simple. It’s 150mm, the standard requirement for any cooker hood duct. But still, we suggest you go with the instructions manual of your manufacturer.
And if you are still confused, an HVAC technician can help you more with it. As they have practical knowledge in home appliance installation, fixing, and such.
Pro Tip:
- Always have more room for ventilation ducts.
- Change/clean your cooker hood filter regularly as instructed in the manual.
- When in doubt, always ask it out.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQs)
What is the best ducting for a cooker hood?
Rigid ducts (galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper) is the best duct for cooker. Also, depending on your arrangement and space, the ducting can be a spiral one or a flat one. Both of them are great.
Is it OK to use a flexible duct for the range hood?
No. It is highly discouraged that you use a flexible duct for the range hood. Due to its low lifespan and durability professionals discourage people to use a flexible duct.
Can you reduce the cooker hood ducting?
Yes, you can. But remember to seal the gaps after the installation. And do not go under the 110mm duct.
Conclusion
Ventilation is one of the most important parts of your home. Compromising with it will do you more harm than good. So we suggest you follow your cooker hood or range hoods requirements to the point and go for the instructed duct size. No compromising with your hood as it might risk your life.
