At a Glance
Do You Need to Vent a Gas Cooktop?
Venting Options for Gas Cooktops
Best Gas Cooktops: Efficiency Meets Elegance
Why Trust Gerhard’s Appliances
Gas cooktops are a favored choice for many kitchens, yet their installation raises an important question regarding ventilation. Is a vent necessary when installing a gas cooktop?
There are always different opinions to every question but the consensus for this question is that vents are highly recommended. Today, we are going to look at the various reasons why a vent is an essential part of owning a gas cooktop, as well as share some of our favorite gas cooktops available today!
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Shop Gas CooktopsDo You Need to Vent a Gas Cooktop?
Does gas stove need vent solutions for safety? If you are considering a gas cooktop for your kitchen you must understand that it is highly recommended to vent all gas stovetops.
Cooking appliances using gas burners produce carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde while in use. The gasses produced are harmful to human lungs and must be vented out of the kitchen to ensure a safe, healthy environment for your family.
Legality
It is not a legal requirement to vent gas cooktops in most areas of the United States. There are no codes requiring the installation of a vent. It is up to the individual having the cooktop installed to decide on whether to put a vent in.
Safety and Health
There are no codes enforcing gas stove ventilation, though it is highly encouraged, whether you have a 30-inch gas cooktop, 36-inch gas cooktop, or more. When you use a gas burner on a cooktop there are poisonous gasses emitted. Carbon monoxide poisoning from a gas stove is a very real possibility without a vent.
There are other poisonous gasses emitted, nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde for example, that are hazardous to human lungs. Venting a gas cooktop leads to cleaner air in your kitchen and clean, healthy air for you and your family to breathe while cooking. Another bonus of installing a vent is the fact that cooking odors as well as the harmful chemicals will be vented out.
Benefits of Venting
As you consider whether you will vent a gas cooktop or not, consider the benefits of venting listed below.
- Enhancing Air Quality: Remove harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide from your kitchen while cooking. Chemicals that are harmful to human lungs are emitted when cooking with a gas stove and should be eliminated to ensure safe breathing.
- Reduce Odor: Remove odors that sometimes arise while cooking. Lingering odors often give your kitchen a stale smell and this will never be a worry again.
- Remove Moisture: Steam and water vapors will be created when cooking on a stovetop, and a vent will remove this moisture, thus preventing the growth of mold and mildew, which can cause various health concerns.
Venting Options for Gas Cooktops
There are a couple of options to consider when shopping for a vent for your gas cooktop. Each option uniquely takes care of the gas stove venting requirements to ensure a safe cooking environment. It is also necessary to vent a gas oven with a cooktop.
Range Hood
A range hood has two options to choose from. Some range hoods have a blower which pulls the unwanted fumes, odors, and moisture into the hood.
The harmful fumes then travel through ductwork to the outside where they are released into the air. Another vent option is a ductless model, which causes the harmful fumes, odors, and moisture to be pulled into grease and charcoal filters, which are then recirculated back into the kitchen.
Both models work to remove the fumes and odors, so personal preference comes into which model you like best, and which works for your cooktop.
Downdraft Vent
A downdraft vent is a way to vent your gas cooktop without having a hood hanging overhead. Downdraft vents are either built into the cooktop or attached to the side.
It works to pull the gas fumes and other odors across the cooktop and then into the vent. A downdraft vent can be vented to the outside, but, if ductwork is not available there are filter options that will take out the harmful gasses and recirculate the clean air back into the kitchen.
Gas cooktop with downdraft protection is a popular choice in kitchens with limited overhead space.
→ Learn More: 7 Best Electric Cooktops
Choosing the Right CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute, and it refers to the power of your range hood. The higher the CFM the more air your vent moves to the outside.
A good rule of thumb to remember when determining how many CFMs are right for you is to calculate 100 CFM for every 12 inches of cooking surface. This will give you a good estimate until you can measure your kitchen to determine the volume and then calculate the recommended CFM.
Recommended Minimum CFM Based on Kitchen Size
There are minimum recommended CFMs based on the size of your kitchen. You can calculate by determining the exchange rate you wish to have (typical air exchange rates range from 8-12 changes/hour) and multiplying the volume of your kitchen by the rate of exchange divided by 60. Below are minimum recommendations based on the size of your kitchen.
- Small Kitchens: Minimum recommendations for small kitchens are 400-600 CFM.
- Medium Kitchens: Minimum recommendations for medium kitchens are 500-700 CFM.
- Large Kitchens: Minimum recommendations for large kitchens are 800-1200 CFM.
Best Gas Cooktops: Efficiency Meets Elegance
Explore Gas Cooktops Renowned for Reliability, Efficiency, and Aesthetic Appeal.
Café 36" Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
Model #: (CGP95362MS1)
This 36 inch gas cooktop from Cafe offers everything you need in a cooktop and could be deemed the best gas cooktop on the market.
The seamless cast iron grates on this cooktop let you glide even the heaviest pots and pans across the surface without effort. With its versatile 20,000 BTU triple-ring burner, you can sauté, boil, or fry using just one burner.
For those who love making pancakes for breakfast or enjoy a hibachi-style dinner, the built-in griddle offers ample space for all your culinary adventures. The cooktop's contemporary knobs are backlit with white LED lights for easy temperature control and feature a lock to prevent accidental activation.
- Model: CGP95362MS1
- Dimensions: 35.5” H x 6” W x 21” D
Whirlpool 36" Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
Model #: (WCG55US6HS)
Shop Whirlpool 36" Gas Cooktop
Whirlpool offers all you need to cook for your family with this 36 inch gas cooktop. The sealed burners and SpillGuard edges are features designed to make cleaning up a breeze.
The EZ-2-Lift Hinged Cast Iron grates are not only easy to clean but also dishwasher-safe. With a fifth burner, this cooktop expands your cooking area, perfect for family meals.
It features a SpeedHeat burner for quick boiling and an AccuSimmer burner for precise simmering. Ideal for standalone use or pairing with a wall oven, the Whirlpool Gas Cooktop is versatile for any kitchen.
- Model: WCG55US6HS
- Dimensions: 4.125” H x 36” W x 21” D
GE Profile 36" Stainless Steel Built-In Gas Cooktop
Model #: (PGP7036SLSS)
Shop GE Profile 36" Built-In Gas Cooktop
This GE Profile 36” Built-In Gas Cooktop offers maximum cooking BTUs in its sealed cooktop burners as well as an integrated griddle to meet a variety of cooking needs.
Quickly reach boiling temperatures with the 18,000 BTU Power Boil burner and maintain a steady, low heat for sauces with the Precise Simmer Burner. The LED white-lighted knobs provide clear visibility to see if a burner is on. This GE gas cooktop combines quality, user-friendliness, and durability.
- Model: PGP7036SLSS
- Dimensions: 5.5” H x 36” W x 21” D
KitchenAid 36'' Stainless Steel Gas Cooktop
Shop KitchenAid 36'' Gas Cooktop
This 5-burner KitchenAid gas cooktop features a 20,000 BTU Professional Dual Ring burner for high heat tasks and a 6,000 BTU Even-Heat Simmer burner for low-heat cooking.
Its electronic ignition system eliminates the need for a continuous pilot light, offering instant heat. The full-width cast iron grates facilitate easy movement of heavy pots across the surface.
Additionally, the CookShield Finish prevents discoloration from high heat and simplifies cleaning, ensuring your cooktop remains pristine.
- Model: KCGS556ESS
- Dimensions: 3.69” H x 36” W x 21” D
Other Safety Considerations for Gas Cooktops
As we mentioned before, proper ventilation is considered a must when gas cooktops are involved; however, there are other safety concerns to think about as well. You can never be too careful when it comes to your health and safety when using gas appliances in your home.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Gas stove carbon monoxide poses a serious risk, making Carbon Monoxide Detectors essential in homes with gas appliances or heating systems.
These detectors alert you to dangerous levels of this colorless, odorless gas, which is undetectable without them. For safety, installing carbon monoxide detectors in homes with gas appliances is strongly advised.
Gas Leak Detection
A gas leak detector will detect natural gas as well as propane if a leak occurs. These are alarms that can be used in our home and will activate if natural gas or propane is detected.
If a leak is detected a professional gas technician will use specialized detectors to pinpoint the source of the leak so it can be fixed.
Proper Installation and Maintenance
Proper gas cooktop installation by a qualified technician is crucial to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards.
It's recommended to have a licensed professional inspect your stove annually, with regular cleaning and checks for gas line obstructions also necessary for safety. A gas stove's indoor air quality is dependent on proper installation and maintenance.
→ Learn More: A Comprehensive Guide to Induction Stove Tops
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about gas cooktops.
What happens if you don't have a vent over your stove?
Without a vent over your stove, you will allow fumes and odors to accumulate in your kitchen. A vent also helps to remove moisture and heat while you are cooking so without one you may notice elevated temperatures or unwanted moisture while trying to enjoy the food you just cooked.
What is the difference between a gas range and a cooktop?
A gas range has a stove top as well as an oven. The stove top is often called a cooktop but it does not stand alone in a range. A true cooktop does not have an oven attached. It is built into the countertop and can fit over a counter.
Do chefs prefer gas or electric cooktops?
Chefs prefer gas cooktops because of the immediate heat which allows for pots to heat up quickly. The flame on a gas cooktop is also easy to control which makes changing temperatures a quick, easy occurrence.
Why Trust Gerhard’s Appliances
Gerhard's Appliances stands as the appliance store of choice in the greater Philadelphia area, boasting an extensive array of home appliances, stunning showrooms, BBB accreditation, Price Match Guarantee, and a steadfast dedication to customer satisfaction.
With over 75 years of being family-owned and operated, Gerhard's Appliances has built a solid reputation as a reliable and trustworthy appliance retailer. Our long-standing presence in the industry demonstrates our commitment to providing excellent products and customer service. Gerhard's Appliances offers a wide range of appliances including refrigerators, dishwashers, as well as cooking, outdoor, and laundry appliances. Whether customers are looking to upgrade their kitchen with a high-performance range or simply need a reliable washing machine, Gerhard's has over 80 top-quality brands to choose from. Shop with us today!
Shop Gas Cooktops at Gerhard’s
Discover a world of premium appliances and exceptional service at Gerhard's Appliances today! Visit our showrooms in Pennsylvania to explore the latest innovations from top brands. For nearly eight decades, our family-owned business has been unwaveringly committed to delivering top-notch appliances and exceptional service. Our friendly team of appliance professionals are always on hand to help you find the best gas cooktop for your kitchen. Start your journey now by exploring our online catalog or calling our friendly team at 215-268-3779.