Tips to Choose An Outdoor Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Outdoor spaces expand living areas and provide opportunities for alfresco dining and backyard entertaining. However, the smoke and odors from an outdoor grill can put a damper on outdoor fun. An outdoor kitchen exhaust fan offers the perfect solution by whisking away grease and odors while you cook.
But not all outdoor kitchen exhaust fans deliver equal performance. Choosing the right model requires careful consideration of size, airflow, noise level, mounting style, and special features. Read on for tips to select the ideal exhaust fan to match your outdoor cooking needs.
Why Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen Exhaust Fan?
Outdoor kitchens bring convenience and style to backyard barbecuing. But without proper ventilation, the smoke and grease emitted can coat surfaces and permeate furniture and clothing. An outdoor exhaust fan offers multiple benefits:
- Removes heavy smoke and grease from grills and smokers
- Eliminates strong cooking odors
- Prevents buildup of grease on walls, cabinets, and counters
- Improves air quality for a pleasant cooking environment
- Provides visual appeal as a focal point in the outdoor kitchen
Home cooks passionate about grilling and those who frequently host backyard gatherings stand to gain the most from investing in an outdoor kitchen exhaust fan. Proper ventilation allows you to grill freely without worrying about grease cleanup or smells clinging to furniture and clothes.
Who Needs an Outdoor Kitchen Exhaust Fan?
An outdoor kitchen exhaust fan benefits homeowners who:
- Love to grill but struggle to control smoke and odors
- Want to build or remodel an outdoor cooking area
- Frequently host parties and social events outside
- Seek an eye-catching focal point for their outdoor kitchen
- Plan to install a grill, smoker, pizza oven, etc.
Even if you only grill occasionally, an overhead exhaust fan still proves useful for keeping your outdoor area clean and pleasant smelling after cooking. Consider making it part of your outdoor kitchen upgrade or renovation project.
Tips for Selecting the Right Model
Several key factors influence the performance of an outdoor kitchen exhaust fan. Consider the following when choosing a model:
1. CFM Rating
CFM (cubic feet per minute) measures the airflow. A higher CFM rating indicates stronger ventilation power. For outdoor kitchen use, look for a minimum of 1200 CFM. Calculate your needed CFM based on your grill's BTU output.
2. Ducting
Ducted fans vent outside, while ductless models filter and recirculate air. Ductless units install easier indoors or in covered outdoor kitchens. Ducted works best for uncovered outdoor areas.
3. Noise Level
Check decibel ratings. Quieter fans enhance the outdoor ambiance. Look for <60 dBA for a pleasant experience.
4. Mounting
Wall mount for smaller spaces. Island mounts work well over grill centers in open floor plans. Downdraft mounts save space while still offering ample ventilation.
5. Size
Match the fan size to the cooking surface with an additional 6 inches of overhang on each side. Undersized fans will not adequately capture and remove smoke and odors.
Keep these factors in mind when browsing exhaust fans to choose the right solution for your unique outdoor space.
Types of Outdoor Kitchen Exhaust Fans
Manufacturers offer various styles of outdoor kitchen exhaust fans to match different installation needs:
Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted fans install directly onto exterior walls. This saves space while still ventilating the cooking area effectively. Wall units come in single-blower and dual-blower models.
Island Ceiling-Mounted
Island ceiling mounts suspend from the ceiling over the center of your outdoor kitchen. The lengthy design captures smoke and odors from wider cooking surfaces. Island mounts suit larger open floor plans.
Downdraft
Downdraft fans mount to the side of built-in grill cabinets, drawing air downward across the cooking surface instead of upward. Their compact design makes them ideal for smaller outdoor kitchens.
Insert Mount
Insert mount models fit between ceiling or wall studs. Requiring proper structural support, insert mounts install seamlessly for a low-profile, streamlined look.
Consider the layout, size, and location of your outdoor cooking area when deciding on wall, island, downdraft, or insert mount fans.
Key Features to Look for
Specialized features help outdoor kitchen exhaust fans perform better while making cooking more convenient and comfortable:
Brightness Settings
Adjustable brightness accommodates cooking any time of day or night. Some fans offer smart technology to automatically adjust LED brightness based on ambient light conditions.
Timer Settings
A delayed shut-off timer keeps the fan running for a preset time after you finish cooking to clear any lingering smoke and odors.
Remote Controls
Remotes allow convenient control of fan speed and lighting from across your outdoor space for added comfort and accessibility.
Oil Trays
Removable oil drain trays simplify cleaning. Better than needing to manually wipe down grease splatter underneath the fan.
Filters
Washable aluminum mesh or stainless steel filters trap airborne grease and soot particles, protecting the motor and simplifying maintenance.
Prioritize features that will maximize convenience and upgrade your overall outdoor cooking experience.
How to Choose the Right Size
An appropriately sized outdoor kitchen exhaust hood enhances both ventilation performance and visual appeal. Follow these guidelines when selecting hood width and depth:
- Size the hood 6-12 inches wider overall than the cooking surface
- Extend the hood 6 inches past appliance edges on all open sides
- For island placement, allow proper countertop landing space around cooking equipment
- Pick power and CFM rating suitable for equipment
Undersized outdoor kitchen exhaust fans fail to adequately remove smoke, grease accumulation, and odors. Check grill and cooking equipment dimensions before choosing a model to ensure optimal airflow and protection.
Why Hood Size and Placement Matter
Smoke and contaminated air rise in columns above grill surfaces. To fully capture this airflow, your outdoor kitchen exhaust hood must extend adequately past the sides and front of cooking equipment. Undersized, poorly positioned hoods allow smoke, odors, heat, and grease deposits to escape into your outdoor living space.
By centering your exhaust fan over the cooking area with ample overhang space, you can effectively collect contaminated air and prevent unwanted buildup on surrounding surfaces.
Ductless vs. Ducted: What's the Difference?
Outdoor kitchen exhaust fans come in either ductless or ducted configurations:
Ductless
Ductless fans filter and recirculate air instead of venting outside like traditional hoods. The internal filtration system captures grease, smoke, and odors from the passing airflow before releasing cleaned air back outside.
Ducted exhaust fans connect via ductwork to vent contaminated cooking byproducts outdoors. This removes grease, smoke, heat, and odors fully from your outdoor living space.
Ductless models cost less and simplify installation--making them ideal for covered outdoor kitchens. Ducted works best for uncovered spaces since it vents contaminants completely outside.