What Size Rangehood Motor (m³/h) Should I Choose for My Melbourne Kitchen?
Choosing the right rangehood motor for your Melbourne home is essential for keeping your kitchen clear of steam, smoke, and cooking odours. Because Melbourne kitchens deal with cold winters, lots of indoor cooking, and open-plan layouts, getting the right airflow (measured in m³/h) makes a big difference.
This guide makes it easy to choose the right size motor for your home.
Recommended Motor Sizes for Melbourne Kitchens
Rangehoods come in different strengths based on how much air they can move per hour. Here’s a simple guide:
- 600–800 m³/h → Light cooking
- 900–1200 m³/h → Most Melbourne homes (ideal for everyday cooking)
- 1200–1600 m³/h → Lots of frying or roasting
- 1600+ m³/h → Frequent wok cooking or high-heat cooking
Most households end up choosing 900–1200 m³/h because it suits a wide range of cooking styles.
Match the Rangehood to Your Cooktop
- Your rangehood should be at least as wide as your cooktop.
- For gas cooktops, going a bit wider is even better.
Typical pairings:
- 60 cm cooktop → 600–900 m³/h rangehood
- 75–90 cm cooktop → 900–1200 m³/h rangehood
- 90–120 cm cooktop → 1200–1600+ m³/h rangehood
How to Estimate the Right Size for Your Kitchen
A quick way to check:
- Measure your kitchen (length × width × height).
- Multiply by 10–20 (the number of air changes per hour needed during cooking).
Most Melbourne kitchen volumes, when calculated, point to a recommended motor between 900–1200 m³/h.
Special Notes for Melbourne Homes
- Double-storey homes: longer ducting → you may need a stronger motor.
- New builds: very airtight → make sure you can open a window for airflow.
- Apartments: choose a quiet, efficient motor around 700–900 m³/h.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a stylish hood with weak suction
- Ignoring duct length (long ducts reduce performance)
- Choosing a recirculating hood when you need ducted
- Getting a motor too small for a gas cooktop
Final Tip: Always Use a Professional Installer
Rangehood performance depends heavily on correct installation, including ducting, sealing, and placement.
For safety, efficiency, and compliance with Victorian regulations, always seek a licensed professional to install your rangehood and ducting.
