Selecting a Ventilation System
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wolfappliance.com/specs
Selecting a Ventilation System
UPDRAFT OR DOWNDRAFT
The choice between updraft ventilation and downdraft
ventilation will depend on several factors, most notably
the cooking appliance being used as well as the type of
installation and installation location. Updraft ventilation,
or an overhead hood, will typically be a more effective
ventilation option. Cooking vapors naturally rise, making it
easier to collect and remove them from the cooking area.
Wolf downdraft systems provide another effective ventila-
tion option. The telescopic downdraft chimney rises up
from the countertop and draws cooking vapors away from
the cooking surface. Downdraft ventilation is a great
option in installations where an overhead hood is either
not wanted or is not a viable option.
WIDTH GUIDELINES
For wall installations, the width of the hood should be at
least as wide as the cooking surface. Where space is not
restricted, a wider hood can be used to increase the
capture area.
Island and peninsula installations require a greater capture
area. Island hoods should exceed the width of the cooking
surface by a minimum of 3"
(76)
on each side.
For downdraft ventilation systems, the width of the down-
draft should match the width of the cooktop.
HOOD MOUNTING HEIGHT
Proper mounting height is very important. If a ventilation
hood is mounted too low, access to the cooking surface
may be restricted. If a hood is mounted too high, perform-
ance may be compromised.
For optimal performance, cooktop hoods should be
mounted 24"
(610)
to 30"
(762)
from the bottom of the hood
to the countertop. For optimal performance, pro hoods
should be mounted 30"
(762)
to 36"
(914)
from the bottom
of the hood to the countertop. Refer to individual specifi-
cations for each ventilation hood on pages 14–41.
CEILING HEIGHT
Before selecting a Wolf ventilation hood, check the instal-
lation site for adequate ceiling height, or any extra space
that may remain after proper installation of the hood and
cooking appliance. This can be determined by adding the
floor-to-countertop height, plus the recommended hood
mounting height (bottom of the hood to the countertop),
plus the height of the hood. Refer to individual specifica-
tions for each ventilation hood on pages 14–41.
Excess ceiling height can be filled using an accessory
flue extension (available for some cooktops hoods) or a
stainless steel duct cover (pro hoods). The space can also
be adjusted by raising or lowering your hood within the
specified mounting height for your hood.
For additional ceiling height guidelines for cooktop wall
and island hoods, refer to page 15.
