How to Install a Rangehood: What You Need to Know
Installing a rangehood is one of the most impactful kitchen upgrades you can make. It removes smoke, steam, grease and odours before they reach your walls, ceilings and furnishings. This guide explains the types of rangehood installation, what’s involved and what to expect from a professional installation in Sydney.
Types of Rangehood Installation
Ducted (Exhausting) Rangehood
A ducted rangehood extracts air from the kitchen and expels it outside via a duct through the wall or ceiling. This is the most effective extraction method as it completely removes odours and moisture from the home.
What’s involved: Cutting a duct hole through an external wall or ceiling, running rigid or flexible ducting to the exterior, fitting an exterior vent cap, connecting the rangehood to 240V power (via a licensed electrician) and fitting the rangehood to the wall or cabinetry.
Typical Sydney installation cost: $400–$900 for a standard wall-mount installation, depending on duct run length and access. Longer duct runs or ceiling installations cost more.
Recirculating (Filterless) Rangehood
A recirculating rangehood does not duct to the outside. Instead it draws air through carbon filters which absorb odours, then returns the filtered air to the kitchen. No duct is needed, which simplifies installation.
What’s involved: Connecting to 240V power, mounting to the wall and fitting the charcoal filter cartridges.
Typical cost: $200–$450 for installation, as no ducting work is required.
Important: Recirculating rangehoods are significantly less effective than ducted models for steam and grease removal. They are a compromise for kitchens where ducting is impractical.
Undercabinet vs Freehanging (Chimney)
Rangehoods also differ in mounting style. Undercabinet models fit beneath a cabinet above the cooktop. Chimney-style rangehoods are freehanging from the wall or ceiling, with a decorative chimney section. Ceiling cassette (island) rangehoods mount from the ceiling for island cooktop positions.
Key Specifications to Match to Your Cooktop
- Width: The rangehood should be at least as wide as your cooktop, ideally wider. A 90cm rangehood over a 90cm cooktop is ideal; some choose a 120cm rangehood for extra coverage.
- Extraction rate: Measured in m³/hour. A standard 60cm gas cooktop requires at least 450 m³/h. A 90cm gas or induction cooktop requires 600–900 m³/h. Ducted rangehoods are significantly more effective than recirculating at equivalent rated extraction rates.
- Noise level: Measured in dB. Quality rangehoods operate at 50–60dB on medium settings.
Professional Installation Is Required
Rangehood installation involves 240V electrical work which must be carried out by a licensed electrician in NSW. It also typically involves carpentry or masonry work for duct penetrations. While a handy homeowner can manage some aspects of the work, the electrical connection must be licensed. Use a licensed tradesperson for the full installation.
Shop Rangehoods at Oceania Appliances
We carry a full range of wall-mount, undercabinet and island rangehoods from Bosch, Smeg, Westinghouse, Electrolux and more. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit our Wetherill Park showroom at 2/14 Centre Place, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.