Should I use a vent hood for my outdoor kitchen?
Updated: Dec 23, 2018
When designing your outdoor kitchen, it is important to ask the question of whether or not you will need a vent hood. Obviously, if it is completely open to the elements there is no need for this, but what about under a covered patio or a pergola of some sort.
Now, there are all sorts of mathematical formulas out there and different theories, but it really all comes down to air flow. If there is a sufficient amount of air movement where the grill is sitting, you shouldn't have any problem. This is assuming the use of a gas grill. We wouldn't recommend either charcoal or smoker grills to be placed under a patio without proper ventilation.
We also believe that if at all possible, one should avoid the use of a vent hood. Why? Because it adds a tremendous cost to the outdoor kitchen and doesn't bring any additional fun to the entertainment space, like say, a Lynx Napoli pizza oven would!!!!
Vent hoods typically add an additional $5,000 - $10,000 price tag onto an outdoor kitchen (when done properly)! We mention the words "done properly" because we have seen time and time again, ducting work, roof jacks, and electrical work for vent hoods that is mind-boggling!
As a side note, please don't put an "indoor" vent hood you bought from Home Depot or Lowes outside...we can't even begin to tell you how useless this is, and how bad the color of rust looks hovering over a beautiful outdoor kitchen!
Vent hoods need to be mounted properly and should be larger than the grill. They need to cover the entire surface of the grill and some. Ideally, the front of the hood should be close to your head when grilling and not recessed. A high powered vent hood, such as one from the Lynx lineup, will suck smoke out instantaneously!
We'd love to chat with you about your upcoming outdoor kitchen project and would be happy to give you suggestions on whether or not your should vent! Give us a call or shoot us a message with pictures of your outdoor space!
Fischman Outdoor Kitchens
804 Old Dixie Hwy. Suite 6
Lake Park, FL 33403
561-254-6701
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