Rangehood Install Options (Quick Guide for Melbourne Homes)
If you’re upgrading your kitchen, choosing the right rangehood install option matters for airflow, moisture control, and long-term performance—especially in Melbourne’s damp winters.
✅ Best Option: Ducted Rangehood (Vented Outside)
A ducted rangehood extracts cooking air and vents it outside via roof or wall ducting.
Best for: most Melbourne houses
Pros: strongest extraction, removes steam + smells properly
Cons: higher install cost, needs roof/wall penetration – Plumber required.
🔁 Budget Option: Recirculating Rangehood (Ductless)
A recirculating rangehood filters air and pushes it back into the kitchen.
Best for: apartments or homes where ducting isn’t possible
Pros: cheaper, easy install
Cons: doesn’t remove moisture well, filters need replacing often
Melbourne tip: can contribute to condensation/mould in winter.
Common Rangehood Types (Installation Styles)
🧱 Wall Canopy Rangehood
Mounted on a wall above the cooktop.
Best for: standard kitchens
Most common Melbourne install.
🪚 Undermount / Under-Cabinet Rangehood
Fits under overhead cabinetry.
Best for: smaller kitchens and budget renos
Tip: performance depends heavily on ducting size.
🧳 Slide-Out Rangehood
Hidden in cabinetry, pulls out when needed.
Best for: compact kitchens
Downside: usually lower suction power.
🏝 Island Rangehood
Ceiling-mounted above an island bench.
Best for: open-plan renovations
Downside: expensive install + roof penetration required.
⬇️ Downdraft Rangehood
Pulls air downward from the benchtop.
Best for: high-end kitchens
Downside: expensive, tricky ducting, not ideal for heavy cooking.
Ducting Options: Roof vs Wall
🏠 Roof Venting
Most common for Melbourne homes with ceiling access.
✔ clean look
✖ roof penetration must be flashed properly to avoid leaks
🧱 Wall Venting
Great when cooktop is on an external wall.
✔ shorter duct run = better suction
✖ visible external vent cover
Key Installation Tips (Don’t Skip These)
📏 Use Correct Duct Size
- 150mm ducting = best performance
- smaller ducting = noisy + weak airflow
🔄 Avoid Too Many Bends
Every bend reduces suction. Keep duct runs short.
🌧 Flashing Matters in Melbourne
Roof penetrations should always have proper flashing + cowl (not just silicone).
Best Rangehood Setup for Most Melbourne Homes
✅ Ducted canopy rangehood
✅ Short duct run
✅ 150mm ducting
✅ Vented through roof or wall
This is the most reliable option for removing steam, grease, and cooking odours.
