How to Install a Rangehood: Everything You Need to Know
A rangehood is an essential kitchen appliance that removes cooking fumes, steam, grease and odours from your kitchen. If you're buying a new rangehood in Australia, understanding the installation requirements before you purchase can save you time, money and frustration. This guide covers what's involved in rangehood installation and what to look for before buying.
Types of Rangehoods and Their Installation Requirements
1. Undermount (Canopy) Rangehood
Installed under overhead kitchen cabinets. Usually requires a duct to vent air to the outside, or a recirculating filter kit if ducting isn't possible. This is the most common type in Australian kitchens.
2. Freestanding Canopy Rangehood
A decorative stainless steel canopy-style rangehood mounted on a wall above the cooktop without overhead cabinets. Requires a duct to the outside. Very popular in modern open-plan kitchens.
3. Ceiling-Mounted (Island) Rangehood
Hangs from the ceiling above a kitchen island or peninsula cooktop. Requires ceiling mounting brackets and a duct running through the ceiling cavity to the outside. Installation is more complex and usually requires a builder or specialist installer.
4. Slideout Rangehood
Slim units that slide out from under the cabinet above the cooktop. Lower-profile than canopy types. Suitable for recirculating (filterless duct) or ducted installation.
5. Recirculating Rangehood
Also called 'ductless' rangehoods, these filter and recirculate air back into the kitchen rather than venting it outside. No duct required. Easier and cheaper to install. Suitable where external ducting is impossible (apartments, some rental properties). Performance is lower than ducted options as odours and humidity are not fully removed.
Ducted vs Recirculating: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Ducted Rangehood | Recirculating Rangehood |
|---|---|---|
| Venting | Vents to outside | Recirculates filtered air back into kitchen |
| Performance | Excellent | Good (filters grease and some odours; not humidity) |
| Installation cost | Higher (ducting required) | Lower (no ducting) |
| Filter maintenance | Grease filters cleaned every 1–3 months | Carbon filters replaced every 3–6 months |
| Suitable for apartments | Only if ducting is possible | Yes — ideal for apartments |
| Suitable for renovations | Best for new kitchens with ducting planned | Good for retrofits without duct access |
Who Can Install a Rangehood in Australia?
In Australia, the electrical connection of a rangehood must be done by a licensed electrician. The ductwork installation is usually done by the same tradesperson or a builder. Many rangehood retailers (including Oceania Appliances) can refer you to installation services in greater Sydney.
The rangehood unit itself can be physically mounted by a competent DIYer in some cases, but the electrical connection and any gas-related work always require a licensed tradesperson.
What to Check Before Buying a Rangehood
- Width: The rangehood should be at least as wide as your cooktop, ideally 100–150mm wider on each side
- Height above cooktop: Manufacturer specifications vary; typically 650–750mm above gas, 450–650mm above induction
- Duct access: Determine if ducting to the outside is possible; if not, choose a recirculating model or one with a recirculating kit option
- Duct size: Most modern rangehoods use 150mm round or 150x200mm rectangular duct; match to your existing ducting if retrofitting
- Power source: Most rangehoods run on a standard 240V power point; some models require hardwired installation
- Noise level (dBA): Lower is better; under 65 dBA at maximum speed is good
Shop Rangehoods at Oceania Appliances
We carry a full range of ducted and recirculating rangehoods from Westinghouse, Electrolux, AEG, Hisense and other brands, with delivery across greater Sydney.
- Showroom: 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park NSW 2164
- Phone / WhatsApp: 0422 489 492
- Email: support@oceaniaappliances.com.au