How To Install Island Range Hoods? (10 Step Guide)

Do you want to learn how to install island range hoods?

Island vent hoods need to be installed from 24-inches to 36-inches above the cooktop or range.

In this guide, I will go over...

  • Tips on taking measurements and marking the ceiling
  • Connecting the flex duct to the ceiling duct
  • Electrical wiring
  • And fastening the range hood 'chimney'
how to install island range hood

How To Install An Island Range Hood?

Installing island range hoods can be a challenge if there isn't an existing duct and wiring in the kitchen ceiling. The best location to install an island range hood is at minimum 24-inches above your cooktop or stove and a maximum of 36-inches.

And after securing the range hood to the ceiling with the provided bracket (either with drywall anchors or directly to the joists) you will need to connect the flex duct to the existing duct in the ceiling.

The wiring will then need to be connected and the inner/outer chimney sleeves will have to be secured to the supports and hood. I invite you to read my guide on installing kitchen hoods through the ceiling for more details.

Step 1 - Test It

In my opinion, you should always test the range hood and plug it in prior to going through the installation.

Take the range hood out of the box, and make that there isn't any missing parts. Plug the range hood into an outlet, and verify that all of the fan speeds, lights, and other features are working.

Read Also: What Are The Best Cosmo Range Hoods?

Step 2 - Take Measurements

Before installing the ceiling bracket, you want to make sure that the range hood will be exactly centered over the range or cooktop. A plumb bob is simply a weighted line that can help you find the dead center.

You also want to take some measurements to make sure that the bottom of the range hood will be 24" to 36" above the cooktop --- if it is off by a few inches that is okay. If the hood is too far away from the range, it won't exhaust properly and may impact indoor air quality.

Another thing to factor is 'line of sight'.  Most homeowners aren't going to want a range hood that obstructs their vision.

Step 3 - Pencil Out Mounting Bracket

Once you have located the center, make it with a pencil.

It's also a good idea to outline the ceiling bracket as well as the screw holes. You can place the ceiling bracket onto the ceiling for the markings, or the manufacturer may of provided a paper template. Just make sure that the ceiling bracket is square with the stove.

Read Also: How To Install Under Cabinet Ductless Range Hoods?

Step 4 - Install Vent Hose To Hood

With the range hood on the countertop or flat surface, install the bottom of the flexible vent hose to the air outlet of the range hood.

Secure the vent to the hood with foil tape.

how to install island range hood (1)

Step 5 - Secure Lower Chimney Supports

Place the lower supports on the four corners of the body of the range hood.

Align the screw holes, and fasten the screws to the blower assembly. Once the four lower supports have been secured, temporarily place the range hood aside.

Read Also: What Are The Best Wood Range Hoods?

Step 6 - Secure Ceiling Bracket

Place the ceiling bracket onto the ceiling directly above the range or cooktop.

Use a 5/16 size drill bit to drill pilot holes into the drywall. Insert the plastic drywall anchors into the ceiling holes. Then place the ceiling bracket over the holes, and insert the screws to secure the bracket.

If your range hood is too heavy for plastic anchors, you will have to secure the chimney bracket into the ceiling joists. And if the ceiling joists are not centered or too far apart, you may need to build a wood support across the joists so the bracket can be screwed into wood.

Step 7 - Attach Upper Supports

After you have secured the bracket to the ceiling, you will need to attach the chimney supports to the bracket. Simply align the four legs with the ceiling bracket corners, and make sure they line up with the screw holes. Now simply screw the supports the bracket.

Read Also: How To Install A Wall Mount Range Hood?

Step 8 - Connect Lower & Upper Supports

Now that the lower supports are attached to the hood, and the upper supports are attached to the ceiling bracket, you can connect them together. You will need a helper to hold up the range hood as you do this.

Slide the lower supports into the upper supports, and make sure the height is correct with your previous measurement. Once you have the correct height, use the provided screws to fasten the supports together.

Step 9 - Connect Flex Duct

With the range hood hanging by its supports, you will need to extend the flex duct to the duct in the ceiling.

Fasten the two ducts together using foil tape.

Step 10 - Complete Electrical Wiring

You will need to now connect the electrical wiring from the conduit coming out of the ceiling.

Always make sure that the wiring isn't powered with a non-contact voltage tester, and that the circuit breaker is off.

Connect the black to black, white to white, and the green to ground terminal. There may be additional wiring, and consulting the manufacturers instructions is advisable. If you have any doubts, hiring a qualified electrician is also recommended.

Read Also: What Are The Best Stainless Steel Range Hoods?

Step 11 - Connect Inner & Outer Chimneys

After you connect the flex duct, you will need to line up and connect the chimney pieces.

You will have to align the inner and outer chimney 'sleeves' and fasten them to the supports with the provided screws. These four pieces of the chimney will need to be connected to each other on the sides that they meet.

Step 12 - Fasten Chimneys To Bottom

To secure the bottom of the chimney pieces to the hood, you will need to remove the filters. And you secure the chimneys by inserting screws through the bottom of the range hood.

Step 13 - Reinstall Filters

Now you can reinstall the baffle filters, and test that the range hood is working properly.

Read Also: How To Install A ZLine Range Hood?

Final Thoughts

Installing an island range hood isn't that difficult, and a somewhat skilled DIYer can do the job though a helper will be needed to hold the hood as it is fastened to the supports.

If this is a new island, and there isn't an existing duct and electrical wiring, then it can become a much more difficult installation job.

After installing the island range hood, I recommend turning on the hood, and checking the exterior vent for air flow. You don't want there to be any obstructions in the vent, and you want to make sure that it is exhausting properly.

Island range hoods should always be exhaust to the outdoors unless it can be converted to recirculating with the addition of charcoal filters.

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2 thoughts on “How To Install Island Range Hoods? (10 Step Guide)”

  1. I plan on installing an island hood and there is a support beam in the center of where I want to install the duct, what do you suggest?

    Thanks
    Kevin

    Reply

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