How to Choose the Right CFM for Your Range Hood
🔧 What Is CFM in a Range Hood?
CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute, and it measures how much air a range hood can move. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the suction — and the better your hood will be at removing smoke, steam, and cooking odors.
📐 Why Does CFM Matter?
A hood with too little CFM won’t keep up with heavy-duty cooking. On the other hand, a hood with unnecessarily high CFM might be loud or expensive for what you actually need.
You want a CFM rating that matches your stove, cooking habits, and kitchen size.
✅ How Much CFM Do You Need? A Quick Breakdown
| Cooking Type | Recommended CFM |
|---|---|
| Light cooking (boiling, reheating) | 250–400 CFM |
| Moderate cooking (daily use, light frying) | 400–700 CFM |
| Heavy-duty cooking (frying, stir-frying, spicy/oily foods) | 700–1000+ CFM |
| Professional gas ranges | 1000+ CFM |
🏠 Other Factors That Affect Your CFM Needs
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Kitchen Size: Bigger spaces need more airflow
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Duct Length: Longer ducts = more suction power needed
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Cooking Frequency: Daily cooks need higher CFM to avoid long-term grease buildup
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Style of Cooking: If you use bold flavors, oils, or woks, go higher
🛒 Our Top Picks by CFM Level
Looking for a range hood that matches your needs? Here are our top recommendations:
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Light to Moderate Cooking:
Pacific PR1830 Under Cabinet Range Hood – 500 CFM -
Heavy-Duty Home Cooking:
Pacific AC3000 Auto-Clean Range Hood – 1000+ CFM -
Professional-Level Performance:
Pacific PW2300 Wall Mount Range Hood – 1200 CFM
💬 Final Thoughts
Choosing the right CFM is one of the most important decisions when buying a range hood. Get it right, and your kitchen will stay fresh, clean, and smoke-free — no matter how intense your cooking gets.
Still not sure what you need? Contact us and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
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