Kitchen Extractor Fan Size Calculator: Calculate Ideal Fan Size

Calculate the required size of your kitchen extractor fan based on kitchen size, cooking type, and airflow (CFM). This tool helps you determine the ideal fan size for your kitchen ventilation needs.

List of the Best Kitchen Extractor Fan:

# Image Product Link
1 Tieasy Range Hood, Range Hoods 30 inch Stainless Steel, 450 CFM Kitchen Hood with LED Light Baffle Filters, 3 Speed Exhaust Fan Vent Hood Tieasy Range Hood, Range Hoods 30 inch Stainless Steel, 450 CFM Kitchen Hood with LED Light Baffle Filters, 3 Speed Exhaust Fan Vent Hood View on Amazon
2 Broan-NuTone 413004 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood with Lights Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet, 30-Inch, Stainless Steel Broan-NuTone 413004 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood with Lights Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet, 30-Inch, Stainless Steel View on Amazon
3 Comfee' CVU30W2AST 30 Inch Ducted Ductless Vent Durable Stainless Steel Kitchen Reusable Filter, 200 CFM, 2 Speed Exhaust Fan Under Cabinet Range Hood Comfee' CVU30W2AST 30 Inch Ducted Ductless Vent Durable Stainless Steel Kitchen Reusable Filter, 200 CFM, 2 Speed Exhaust Fan Under Cabinet Range Hood View on Amazon
4 Range Hood 30 inch Under Cabinet, Stainless Steel Kitchen Vent Hood 280CFM, Built-in Kitchen Stove Hood w/Rocker Button Control, Ducted/Ductless Convertible Duct, 2 Speeds Fan, Bright LED Light Range Hood 30 inch Under Cabinet, Stainless Steel Kitchen Vent Hood 280CFM, Built-in Kitchen Stove Hood w/Rocker Button Control, Ducted/Ductless Convertible Duct, 2 Speeds Fan, Bright LED Light View on Amazon
5 FIREGAS 30 inch Range Hood Under Cabinet, Ducted/Ductless Convertible Stainless Steel Kitchen Range Hood with Rocker Button Control, 2 Speed Exhaust Fan, 300 CFM Aluminum Filter Included FIREGAS 30 inch Range Hood Under Cabinet, Ducted/Ductless Convertible Stainless Steel Kitchen Range Hood with Rocker Button Control, 2 Speed Exhaust Fan, 300 CFM Aluminum Filter Included View on Amazon

Complete Guide to Kitchen Extractor Fan Size Calculation

What is CFM?

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures the airflow of a fan. For a kitchen extractor fan, the required CFM depends on the size of your kitchen and the type of cooking you do. A fan with the right CFM ensures proper ventilation, effectively removing smoke, steam, and odors from the kitchen.

Factors Affecting Extractor Fan Size

The size of the fan, expressed in CFM, depends on several factors:

  • Kitchen Size (sq ft): A larger kitchen requires a fan with a higher CFM to ensure proper air exchange.
  • Cooking Type: Different types of cooking generate different amounts of heat, smoke, and steam. Heavy cooking, like frying, requires a larger fan than light cooking like steaming.

How to Calculate Kitchen Extractor Fan Size (CFM)

The general formula for calculating the required CFM for a kitchen extractor fan is:

  • CFM = Kitchen Size (sq ft) × Cooking Factor

Where:

  • Kitchen Size: The area of your kitchen in square feet.
  • Cooking Factor: A factor depending on the type of cooking:
    • Light Cooking: 1 CFM per square foot
    • Medium Cooking: 1.5 CFM per square foot
    • Heavy Cooking: 2 CFM per square foot

This formula gives an estimate of the minimum CFM required to ventilate your kitchen based on the room size and cooking style.

Why Kitchen Extractor Fan Size Calculation Matters

Choosing the correct fan size ensures that your kitchen is properly ventilated, improving air quality and removing unwanted heat, smoke, and odors. An undersized fan may not provide sufficient airflow, while an oversized fan may lead to unnecessary energy consumption and noise. Accurate fan sizing ensures efficient operation of the extractor fan.

How to Adjust Fan Size (CFM)

If the fan is not meeting your ventilation needs, consider adjusting the fan size by:

  • Increasing the CFM: Select a larger fan or increase the fan size to improve airflow.
  • Improving kitchen ventilation: Open windows, use additional vents, or optimize the ducting to reduce system resistance and improve efficiency.
  • Using a more powerful motor: A more powerful motor can help move more air, increasing the CFM for better ventilation.

Conclusion

Calculating the appropriate fan size for your kitchen extractor ensures that your kitchen is effectively ventilated while minimizing energy consumption. By considering kitchen size and cooking type, this calculator helps you determine the right fan size to achieve optimal airflow, improving air quality and comfort in your kitchen.