Choosing a kitchen hood based on the cooktop dimensions is essential for achieving good extraction of smoke, steam, and odors.

The simplest rule is this: the hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop. In some configurations, it is preferable to choose a slightly wider hood, especially when using an induction cooktop or when frequently cooking with large pots.

Which hood should you choose based on the cooktop dimensions?

Cooktop width	Recommended minimum hood width	Recommended choice
30 cm	30 cm	30–60 cm
60 cm	60 cm	60–90 cm
70 cm	70 cm	70–90 cm
80 cm	80 cm	80–90 cm
90 cm	90 cm	90 cm or wider

For example, with a 60 cm cooktop, a 60 cm hood is the correct minimum size. If the space and kitchen design allow it, an 80 or 90 cm hood can offer a larger capture surface.

Bosch states as a general rule that a hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop, while Elica emphasizes the importance of matching the hood's dimensions to those of the cooktop to achieve good extraction efficiency.

Is a 60 cm hood sufficient for a 60 cm cooktop?

Yes. A a 60 cm hood above a 60 cm cooktop is a standard and correct configuration.

It is particularly suitable for smaller kitchens and traditional 60 cm cooktops.

However, width is not the only factor to consider. The hood's ability to effectively remove steam and odors also depends on airflow, hood depth, distance from the cooktop, and installation method.

When should you choose a hood larger than the cooktop?

A wider hood can be useful when:

• the cooktop is induction;

• multiple pots are frequently used at the same time;

• cooking is often done at high temperatures;

• fried foods, roasts, or cooking methods that produce a lot of steam are prepared;

• the cooktop has cooking zones very close to the edges;

• the kitchen has enough space for a wider hood.

For induction cooktops, a wider hood can improve coverage of the cooking surface. Bosch, for example, points out that a slightly wider hood can be particularly useful with induction.

Example

If you have a wide induction cooktop 60 cm, you can choose:

60 cm cooktop → 60 cm hood: standard solution.

60 cm cooktop → 80 cm hood: larger capture surface, if space allows.

60 cm cooktop → 90 cm hood: an interesting solution for those who cook frequently and want greater coverage.

80 cm cooktop: which hood should you choose?

With an 80 cm, the hood should be at least 80 cm wide.

A 90 cm hood can be an interesting choice when the kitchen design allows it, because it offers a larger capture surface.

The combination:

80 cm cooktop + 90 cm hood

it is therefore perfectly consistent in terms of dimensions.

90 cm cooktop: which hood should you choose?

For a 90 cm cooktop, it is advisable to use a range hood of at least 90 cm.

This configuration is typical of larger kitchens, gas or induction cooktops with numerous cooking zones, and kitchens where cooking is frequent.

For an island, the same logic applies to island range hoods: the range hood must be sized according to the cooktop surface and the room configuration. Elica distinguishes between wall-mounted, island, corner, and other configurations precisely according to the position of the cooktop.

Width is not the only factor: pay attention to the range hood's airflow rate

Choosing a range hood with the correct width is only the first step.

Another fundamental parameter is the airflow rate, expressed in m³/h.

The airflow rate indicates the amount of air the range hood can extract over the course of one hour.

For a preliminary indication, Elica suggests relating the airflow rate to the kitchen volume and provides the following calculation as a reference:

Kitchen volume × 10 = indicative airflow rate in m³/h

For example, considering a 50 m³ kitchen:

50 × 10 = 500 m³/h

The final choice must nevertheless take into account the specific characteristics of the range hood, the extraction system, and the installation method.

How far should the range hood be from the cooktop?

The installation distance is not the same for every kitchen.

As a reference, Elica specifies a minimum distance of 50 cm for electric or induction cooktops and 65 cm for gas cooktops, but you must always follow the instructions provided in the manual for the specific range hood and cooktop.

This aspect is important because a range hood installed at an incorrect distance can compromise performance and safety.

Exhaust or recirculating range hood: which should you choose?

Choosing the width does not change the fact that the air treatment system must also be assessed.

Exhaust range hood

An exhaust range hood conveys air outside the home through an extraction system.

It is particularly suitable when it is possible to correctly connect the hood to an external exhaust system.

Recirculating range hood

A recirculating range hood uses filters to trap grease and odors and returns the air to the room.

It can be a solution when it is not possible to install an external exhaust duct.

Is the depth of the range hood important?

Yes.

You should not choose a range hood based exclusively on its width.

The depth must be sufficient to adequately cover the cooking area. Elica, for example, recommends considering both width and depth in relation to the cooktop.

This is particularly important when the cooktop has cooking zones positioned very close to the edges or when large pots are used.

How to choose a range hood: the 4-step rule

To avoid mistakes, you can follow this procedure:

1. Measure the cooktop

Check the actual width of the cooktop: 60, 70, 80, 90 cm, or another size.

2. Choose a hood at least as wide as the cooktop

The hood should not be narrower than the cooktop.

3. Consider a larger size

If you have space and cook frequently, you can consider a hood wider than the cooktop.

4. Check the airflow rate

Width is not enough: check the m³/h, noise level, extraction mode, and system specifications.

Quick table: cooktop and hood

Cooktop	Minimum hood	Larger hood
30 cm	30 cm	60 cm
60 cm	60 cm	80–90 cm
70 cm	70 cm	80–90 cm
80 cm	80 cm	90 cm
90 cm	90 cm	90 cm+

In summary: measure the cooktop first, then choose a hood at least as wide. If you have an induction cooktop, plenty of available space, and frequently use multiple zones at the same time, a slightly larger hood can offer greater coverage.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about choosing a hood

Is a 60 cm hood suitable for a 60 cm cooktop?

Yes. This is the standard configuration. The hood must be at least as wide as the cooktop.

Can I install a 90 cm hood above a 60 cm cooktop?

Yes, if the space and kitchen configuration allow it. Greater width can increase the capture area.

Is a hood larger than the cooktop better?

Not necessarily in every situation, but a wider hood can offer greater coverage. The choice should also take into account airflow rate, depth, installation height, and cooktop type.

Which hood should you choose for a 60 cm induction cooktop?

A 60 cm hood is the minimum size. If space allows, an 80 or 90 cm hood may be considered to increase the capture area.

Which hood should you choose for an 80 cm cooktop?

The hood should be at least 80 cm wide. A 90 cm solution may be considered when greater coverage is desired.

Which hood should you choose for a 90 cm cooktop?

The natural choice is a hood of at least 90 cm. For particularly large kitchens or specific configurations, wider solutions may be considered.

How many m³/h should a kitchen hood have?

There is no single value that applies to all kitchens. The airflow rate must be related to the room's volume and how it is used. As a preliminary guideline, you can consider the kitchen's volume multiplied by 10, then check the specifications of the system and product.

In conclusion

The basic rule is simple: the hood must be at least as wide as the cooktop.

For a 60 cm cooktop, therefore, start with a 60 cm hood; for an 80 cm cooktop, an 80 cm hood; for a 90 cm cooktop, a 90 cm hood.

But to make the right choice, you also need to consider airflow rate in m³/h, depth, distance from the cooktop, noise level, extraction or recirculation mode, and how often you cook.

A properly sized hood is not just an aesthetic choice: it helps manage smoke, vapors, odors, and particles generated during cooking more effectively.