Brass Range Hoods: Sizing, Inserts and Styles Explained

Nothing changes a kitchen like a brass range hood. It is the largest piece of metal in the room and the first thing people see. Because it is also a working appliance, a little planning makes the difference between a hood that looks right and one that works right.

Hood cover vs insert: what you are actually buying

A decorative brass hood is usually two parts:

• The hood cover (sometimes called a shell or surround) is the visible brass or copper body. This is what we make.
• The insert (or liner, or blower) is the ventilation unit inside: the fan, filters and lights. It is bought separately from an appliance brand and fitted inside the cover.

Our Classic custom brass range hood cover is a cover only, so before ordering we ask for your insert's specification sheet to confirm the fit. Splitting the two lets you choose the exact fan power you need and replace the insert in the future without replacing the brass.

How wide should a range hood be?

A hood should be at least as wide as your cooktop, and ideally a few inches wider on each side to capture steam and smoke. Common pairings:

• 30-inch range: 30 to 36-inch hood
• 36-inch range: 36 to 42-inch hood
• 48-inch range: 48 to 54-inch hood
• 60-inch range: 60-inch hood or wider

Our standard hood covers come in 30, 36, 48, 54 and 60-inch widths, and we make custom widths, depths, heights and shapes on request.

How high to mount it

Most insert manufacturers specify a mounting height of roughly 30 to 36 inches above the cooking surface, sometimes higher for powerful gas ranges. Always follow the installation manual of your insert, since it sets the safe minimum. Too low and it gets in the way; too high and it stops capturing smoke.

How powerful does the insert need to be?

Fan power is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Two common rules of thumb:

• Gas ranges: about 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTU of total burner output.
• Electric and induction: about 10 CFM per inch of cooktop width (so roughly 300 CFM for a 30-inch cooktop).

Many U.S. building codes require make-up air when a kitchen exhaust is over 400 CFM, so check with your contractor before choosing a very powerful insert. Ducting the hood to the outside is always more effective than recirculating.

Choosing a shape

• Classic tapered hoods suit transitional and modern-classic kitchens.
• Bell or curved hoods, like the French Bell antique brass hood, give a softer, European look.
• Straight-sided or box hoods look architectural and work well between upper cabinets.

Strapping, rivets and a contrasting band are optional details that change the character completely. Because our hoods are handmade, these can be adjusted.

Brass, antique brass or copper?

Range hoods are the one place where we also offer other metals. Unlacquered brass starts bright and ages to a warm, deep gold; antique brass arrives already darkened for an instant old-world look; copper moves toward rich brown and can be left to develop verdigris. See them all in our brass and copper range hood collection.

Caring for a brass hood

Kitchen grease is the main enemy. Wipe the hood regularly with warm water and a little dish soap, then dry it. Avoid abrasive pads. Clean or replace the insert's filters as its manufacturer recommends, since clogged filters push more grease onto the brass.

Match the rest of the kitchen

A brass hood looks best when it is echoed elsewhere: a unlacquered brass kitchen faucet, a pot filler under the hood, and brass cabinet hardware.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a custom brass range hood take?

Hoods are made to order after you buy. The estimated production and delivery time is shown on each product page or in your custom quote.

Can I use any insert?

Most standard inserts work, but the cover must be built around the insert's exact dimensions. Send us the specification sheet before ordering.

Does a brass hood get hot?

The metal will warm up over a busy range, which is normal. Correct mounting height and a properly sized insert keep it within the range the insert manufacturer designed for.

Planning a hood? Email contact@brasslik.com with your range width, ceiling height and insert model, or browse our range hood covers.