Depends on the hood and cooktop specifications. The manufacturer's of the hood and cooktop have a recommended distant (founds in their specifications) and it is best to follow those recommendations.

Well, the specifications state 30 inches but that completely obstructs visibility, while the vast bulk of the pictures I've seen, the hood seems well out of line-of-sight height.

We usually go with the specs but often if we have a taller cook we will adjust so that it is comfortable for whoever is utilizing the cooking are the most. i really try not to exceed 36" so that you still get the function of having a hood in the first place.

Who are the manufacturer of this hood ? Nice design.

As a range hood manufacturer, we recommend placing the range hood 26" - 30" above the cooking surface. This recommendation is based on 3 factors:

1.) The hood should be close enough to the cooking surface to capture the smoke/steam/grease *before* it spreads out and misses the range hood altogether.

2.) It's a good idea to keep the lights below eye level, and the controls within easy reach.

3.) In terms of potentially bumping into it - it's actually safer to have the hood in your line of sight, so you're aware of it.

Yes, you might have the view partially obstructed by the hood's chimney (about 10-13" wide on most hoods). The horizontal hood body of a slim designer hood such as the one pictured* will only block 2-3 inches of vertical space, which is a small price to pay for having adequate kitchen ventilation that will make the cooking process much more comfortable.

@jeanettemp:

Can't tell you the exact manufacturer (hood is shown from the back side - no logo visible), but if you're looking for this kind of style, please feel free to visit www.FuturoFuturo.com and look for the "Moon Crystal" and "Acqualina Glass" models (sample photos attached).