Determining the Ideal CFM for Your Outdoor Range Hood (From the Pros)

Outdoor kitchens are the ultimate oasis for culinary enthusiasts, offering a chance to break free from the confines of the indoor kitchen and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of alfresco cooking. Whether you're searing juicy steaks, grilling fresh seafood, or slow-smoking tender briskets, the ability to prepare mouthwatering meals under the open sky is unparalleled. However, to ensure your outdoor kitchen remains a clean, comfortable, and odor-free haven, proper ventilation is an absolute must.

The key to achieving exceptional outdoor kitchen ventilation lies in the cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating of your range hood. CFM measures the volume of air the hood can exhaust per minute, and it's an essential specification that directly impacts the performance of your outdoor kitchen ventilation system. Unlike an indoor kitchen, the CFM needs for an outdoor kitchen range hood are quite different due to the unique environmental conditions and cooking equipment involved.

In this guide, we'll delve into the factors you need to consider when determining the right CFM for your outdoor kitchen range hood, helping you create a cooking oasis that is as well-ventilated as it is inviting.

Calculating CFM for Outdoor Hoods

Outdoor grills and smokers typically have much higher **British Thermal Unit (BTU) ratings** compared to indoor equipment. This elevated heat and fume production requires a more robust ventilation system.

Simple CFM Formula:

(Total BTU ÷ 100) + 200 = Minimum CFM

Example: If your outdoor grill produces 60,000 BTUs and your side burner adds 15,000 BTUs:

• Total BTUs: 75,000
• 75,000 ÷ 100 = 750
• 750 + 200 = 950 CFM minimum

It's important to note that this is just a starting point, as there are several other crucial factors to consider when sizing your outdoor range hood.

CFM Based on BTU (General Indoor & Outdoor Guidelines)

Factors to Consider

Air Movement & Environment

Open, breezy kitchens: Use higher CFM for better capture

Sheltered setups: Standard CFM recommendations may suffice

Consulting with a qualified HVAC professional can help you determine the ideal CFM for your specific outdoor kitchen layout and environment. Give us a call if you want any help - 877-901-5530.

Cooking Frequency & Intensity

Heavy use (frequent searing, frying, smoking): Higher CFM needed

Light, occasional cooking: Lower CFM acceptable

Ductwork Considerations

The length, number of turns, and presence of a roof cap in your ductwork can also influence the necessary CFM. Longer ductwork runs and multiple elbows or bends add resistance, requiring a higher CFM to overcome this. Additionally, if your outdoor vent hood vents directly through a roof cap, you'll need to add approximately 40 CFM to your minimum requirement to account for this obstruction.

As a general guideline, factor in the following ductwork adjustments:

• For each foot of ductwork, add 1 CFM
• For each 90-degree turn in the ductwork, add 25 CFM
• If venting through a roof cap, add 40 CFM

Recommended CFM Levels for Outdoor Kitchens

Key Recommendation: Minimum 900 CFM for most outdoor range hoods

For larger kitchens or heavy use: Consider 1000-2000+ CFM models

Pro Tip: You can never have too much CFM for outdoor cooking. Higher capacity allows you to run at lower speeds, reducing noise and energy consumption.

Ductwork and Makeup Air Considerations

Proper ductwork sizing is crucial for an outdoor hood to perform optimally. As mentioned earlier, longer duct runs and more turns require higher CFM ratings to overcome the added resistance. For outdoor kitchens, we recommend using ductwork with a minimum diameter of 8 inches, and potentially 10-12 inches or larger for very high CFM models.

Unlike indoor kitchens, makeup air is not required for outdoor kitchens, even those with very high CFM ratings. The open-air nature of an outdoor environment generally provides sufficient makeup air to replace what is exhausted by the range hood. However, if your grilling area is enclosed, you may need one.

If you have any questions, it's always a good idea to give us a call and consult with one of our experts. 877-901-5530.

Range Hood Features to Look For

When selecting an outdoor range hood there are a few key features to prioritize beyond just the CFM rating:

Determining your outdoor range hood's CFM needs is a critical step in ensuring your new alfresco cooking space functions effectively and keeps your outdoor living environment comfortable. By carefully considering factors like cooking equipment, space size, ductwork, and usage patterns, you can select a range hood that provides the perfect balance of ventilation power and performance. With the right CFM rating, your outdoor kitchen will be well on its way to becoming a favorite gathering spot for friends, family, and delicious meals.

This article is intended to help you determine the optimal CFM (cubic feet per minute) requirements for your outdoor cooking ventilation system, whether you're in the market for an outdoor kitchen exhaust fan, outside cooking ventilation system, patio/backyard range hood, exterior kitchen vent hood, or any other type of outdoor cooking vent, extractor, or canopy. By understanding the key factors that influence CFM needs for open-air and backyard cooking setups, you'll be able to select the right ventilation solution to keep your outdoor kitchen clean, comfortable, and free of lingering cooking odors.

If you are looking for a deeper dive into the details you have found here, or are looking for CFM suggestions for indoor hoods, check out this article here!

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