Stove Hoods

[John Adrian Sopher]

I was just asked if there was a code for stove hood sizes.  I don't think I have read anything about stove hoods even being a requirement, but thought I should ask you guys.

[David Macy]

John

There have been some discussion on this topic on inspection news and Nachi board.

This is copied from the Nachi board.

From the 2003 IRC

SECTION M1901
RANGES AND OVENS

M1901.1 Clearances. Freestanding or built-in ranges shall have a vertical clearance above the cooking top of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) to unprotected combustible material. Reduced clearances are permitted in accordance with the listing and labeling of the range hoods or appliances.

M1901.2 Cooking appliances. Household cooking appliances shall be listed and labeled and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The installation shall not interfere with combustion air or accessibility for operation and servicing.

I really depends on if gas or electric, type and manufacturer's instructions.

JMO

[John Adrian Sopher]

That helps a little.  What brought this up was my Aunt.  She is shopping for a new stove for her house and it is a 40"er.  She is finding that no one make 40" hoods anymore.  She can get 42" and 39".  But her cabnets are made for a 40" hood.  The sales guy told her that she MUST have a hood the same size or larger than her stove in order for it to meet code, and thus for her to be able to sell her house later on.

Being that I'm now a home inspector, they automatically thought I know every code in place for a house and ask me!  lol

I told them I'm not a code enforcer, I'm a home inspector, and I've never heard of this 'code' anyway.  I looked it up in my book and the only thing it says is how to check them, not whether they are required or not.

From what you've said, if she has 30" clearance above her stove, I'll tell her check the manual, and if it doesn't say anything about a hood, then not to worry about it.

[Jay Markanich]

John - she can put in a 39" hood and that is fine.  The installers would have to fill in around it if she does not like the 1/2" gap.  Some hoods taper at the bottom so the 1/2" gap is even more attractive than filling it in.  The sales guy, like most, throw out words like "code" which are specious to the purchase.  Have her have him site the code so she can look it up.  I have never heard of this code, and think he is full of krappeh...

Dave is right - the height above is relevant.

Another alternative would be a microwave above the hood.  For resale, that would be more effective anyway.  Women folk like more counter space... that, however, might require a new circuit, an expense she may not want to incur.

[John Adrian Sopher]

Ya I told her she would be ok with a 39" hood, it wouldn't look bad.  I also told her that I thought the sales guy was just trying to sell her more than what she needed by using 'code' talk.  And now she is happy!