Conventionally, the kitchen range is installed against a wall. And for good reason: it makes it a no-brainer when it comes to the ventilation hood: just run it up the wall. But then something happened in kitchen design: the range (or just the cooktop in some cases), was given the freedom to be located on an island in the center of the kitchen. But what about the hood? Here, we've gathered some options and examples: More

If you've ever had to vent a hood up, over, and out with an exposed metal duct; you'll appreciate this awesome custom hood design by Lhoas & Lhoas Architects: More

When Christie at Just Beachy wanted to improve the appearance of her standard under-cabinet range hood cover, she took matters into her own hands. As a result of her DIY ingenuity, she now has a lovely chimney-style range hood cover (without giving up any cabinet space!). See how she did it after the jump: More

Do you have a range hood and vent over your stove? If not, how do you cope with cooking smells, smoke, and grease? We're in our third rental now with no range hood, and it's getting tiresome. What about you? Do you have a hood? If you do, do you like it? And if you don't have one, have you found ways of coping without it? More

Q: Are downdrafts as effective as range hoods?

I've considered buying one instead of the conventional range hood, in order to maximize space in the kitchen and also to create a more modern, minimal look. But I am worried that downdrafts are not as effective in exhausting the odors and fumes while cooking in comparison to range hoods. Any advice?

Sent by Elena More

This kitchen gets a lot of use, and we cook meat a couple times per week. After renovating last spring, and living without some of the final touches since then, our kitchen really, really needs an exhaust hood (we're open to either carbon filter or outdoor ventilation methods). After searching, here's what we know... More

Old houses, old kitchens, and secret surprises. That has been the story of our current moving-in process. We are working with an old kitchen that has its challenges... and its Bat Cave-style surprises. Check out the video above to see what we found as we were exploring the mysterious buttons and gadgets in our kitchen! More

A question from Tamar - if she can't vent outside, does she need a range hood?

I am planning a kitchen renovation and looking into new appliances. My historic coop won't let me vent outside, so I would have to get a recirculating hood, which isn't very effective. Moreover, there are no upper cabinets over the range, so if I would have to install an expensive chimney-style hood and then not vent it outside.

Is it even worth it to look at hoods if it will be expensive and likely not do much? Should I just be religious about opening the window right next to the range? Get a fan? I am not planning on buying a professional range, but I'd like a decent gas one. I've been thinking about a Bosch. More