Don’t Install Your Range Hood Until You Read This Ultimate Guide!

Installing a range hood can feel intimidating – especially if you’re facing a tricky setup like an outdoor grill or a sloped ceiling. Take it from me: the first time I installed a Proline range hood in my kitchen, I was sure I’d end up with a crooked hood and a bunch of extra screws!

However, installing a range hood can significantly enhance the aesthetics and functionality of a new kitchen, seamlessly fitting into and elevating the overall design and efficiency of the space.

But with the right tips (and a few lessons learned the hard way), it turned out way easier than expected.

In this post, we’re rounding up all the must-know advice from our Proline installation blogs – from indoor ductless setups to outdoor BBQ stations – so you can tackle your project with confidence.

(Spoiler alert: by the end, you’ll be ready to install your hood like a pro, and you’ll know exactly where to find detailed guides for each scenario.)

Ducted vs. Ductless Range Hoods (Indoor Installation Made Easy)

One of the first decisions is whether you’re venting your hood outside (ducted) or setting it up to recirculate air (ductless). Here’s the lowdown:

• Ducted Hoods: These vent smoke and grease outside your home. If you already have ductwork in place, great! If not, you’ll need to create a vent path through a wall or roof.
  • (Pro tip: don’t even think about venting into the attic or garage – always direct exhaust outdoors for safety and code compliance.)
  • Installing new ductwork might sound daunting, but it’s doable with careful planning. Our blog on how to install a range hood if no ductwork exists walks you through it.
  • In short: map out the shortest, straightest route for your duct, use solid rigid ducting (avoid flimsy flex duct!), and add a proper wall or roof cap for the exhaust.
• Ductless (Recirculating) Hoods: At Proline, range hoods that are exclusively ductless we offer convertible recirculating options or charcoal filters to offer a better experience. That means that our product can be added as accessory that can turn them into ductless hoods. The big appeal here is easy installation – no cutting holes or running ducts.
  • If you’re going this route, check out our step-by-step guide on setting up a recirculating hood. Keep in mind that ductless models are best for light cooking or situations where ducting out isn’t possible. They won’t whisk away heavy smoke or strong odors as effectively as a vented hood.

Best Practice: Even for indoor installations, make sure to mount your hood at the recommended height above your cooktop (usually 28 to 36 inches for most Proline hoods).

Make sure you have 18" of straight duct before venting out of the wall

Use a stud finder to secure the mounting screws into studs whenever possible, or use heavy-duty anchors if you must go into drywall.

Are ductless range hoods worth it?

Learn more in depth about recirculating hoods here: 

Outdoor Kitchens & Grill Setups – What You Must Know

Installing a range hood over an outdoor grill or in a patio kitchen? Awesome – outdoor cooking is a game changer – but it does come with a few special considerations.

Go Ducted, Go Big: For outdoor setups, ducted hoods are the way to go. You should avoid ductless entirely outside. (If you’re curious why, check out our blog "Can I install a ductless range hood outside?".)

Instead, plan to vent smoke out and away. Choose an outdoor-rated hood that’s built to withstand the elements and lots of smoke.

Size & Power Matter: Our specially designed BBQ range hoods deliver unmatched ventilation for high-heat grilling, smoking, and outdoor BBQ. Unlike standard options on the market, our hoods provide the flawless experience outdoor cooking demands. Because your outdoor grill generates significantly more smoke and heat than indoor appliances, we've engineered our hoods to be mounted slightly higher with enhanced capacity. For optimal performance, we recommend selecting a hood that extends at least 12 inches wider than your grill on each side.

Also, opt for a stronger blower (we’re talking 1200 CFM or more, depending on your grill size).

Read our 5 Outdoor Range Hood Installation Tips for the full rundown on outdoor installs.

Trickiest Installations Solved: Sloped Ceilings, Tight Spaces, and More

Every kitchen is different. Sometimes you’ve got a pristine wall with studs exactly where you need them… and sometimes you’re staring at a vaulted ceiling or a pesky stud in the wrong spot.

• Sloped or Vaulted Ceilings: Mounting a range hood on a sloped ceiling? Check out our guide on Special Considerations for Range Hood Installations with Chimneys on Sloped Ceilings for solutions.
• Do I Need a Mounting Bracket? Some Proline hoods don’t require a mounting bracket. Check this article to see if you need: Do I need a mounting bracket to install my Proline hood? 
• Installing Over an Open Fire or Special Grill Setup? We break it down in Can I install my range hood over an open fire? and Can I install a range hood over a charcoal or pellet grill?

Final Tips

First check out the easiest way to install a range hood: 

• We’ve covered a ton of scenarios, so here’s a quick-hit list of best practices:

  • Plan Your Duct Run Early – shorter and straighter is better.
  • Use Rigid Metal Ducting – skip the flex duct!
  • Check the Recommended Mounting Height – usually 28-36 inches indoors, 36-42 inches outdoors.
  • Have the Right Tools on Hand – drill, level, measuring tape, and anchors if needed.
  • Seal Gaps After Installation – use high-temp silicone or HVAC tape for airtight results.

  Now it’s time to install your hood like a pro! Click through the guides we’ve linked above for detailed, step-by-step instructions tailored to your specific installation.

  If you need expert recommendations or want to upgrade to a powerful Proline hood, browse our full range of hoods and reach out to us with any questions. Our support team is always happy to help!

  Happy installing!