BTU – British Thermal Unit

BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a measurement of heat energy that indicates the cooling or heating power of an appliance. For range hoods, BTU ratings help determine the amount of heat your ventilation system needs to handle from your cooking equipment.

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, a standard measurement of thermal energy used across heating, cooling, and cooking appliances. One BTU represents the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. In the context of range hoods and kitchen ventilation, BTU ratings indicate the heat output of your cooking equipment and help determine the appropriate ventilation capacity needed.

Why BTU Matters for Range Hood Selection

The BTU output of your cooktop or range directly affects how powerful your range hood needs to be. Gas cooktops and ranges produce significant heat, measured in BTUs, which must be properly ventilated to maintain a comfortable and safe cooking environment. Professional-grade ranges can produce anywhere from 15,000 to 100,000 BTUs or more, while standard residential cooktops typically range from 5,000 to 18,000 BTUs per burner.

Calculating Required Ventilation

A general rule for proper ventilation is that your range hood should provide 100 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow for every 10,000 BTUs produced by your cooking equipment. For example, if your range produces 60,000 BTUs total, you would need a range hood capable of at least 600 CFM. This calculation helps prevent excessive heat, smoke, and cooking odors from accumulating in your kitchen.

Different BTU Outputs by Cooktop Type

  • Standard Gas Ranges: 30,000 to 60,000 BTUs total output
  • Professional Gas Ranges: 60,000 to 150,000+ BTUs total output
  • Electric and Induction Cooktops: Lower heat output, typically requiring less ventilation power
  • High-Output Burners: Individual burners can reach 15,000 to 25,000 BTUs

Additional Factors to Consider

While BTU ratings provide a helpful starting point for selecting a range hood, other factors also influence your ventilation needs. Kitchen size, ceiling height, cooking frequency, and the types of food you prepare all play a role. Kitchens with higher ceilings or open floor plans may require additional ventilation capacity beyond the basic BTU calculation. Professional installation can help ensure your range hood is properly sized and installed for your specific cooking equipment and kitchen layout.