Francy - I am linking below to a Gardenweb FAQ on vent hoods, which should help you. Regarding the width of the hood, a 42" hood would be ideal for your 36" range, because it is most ideal to have 3" on each side of the range for capture area, to capture all the smoke/grease. I did not have the space for those extra inches, so I have a 30" wide hood over a 30" wide range, and it's OK, but I do wish I had the space for a 36" wide hood.

Please make sure you check your duct diameter. Ventahood has specific requirements for duct diameter depending on the cfm's you get. If your duct is smaller than what's specified, you will get more noise, as you are constraining the air flow out of the blower.

I chose the VAH Excalibur, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! However, the Excalibur was a special order, and took about 10 weeks to arrive, but I was not in a hurry, so it was OK. Unlike you, I was not going for a vintage look; I just loved that curved design. I chose it in a stainless steel finish, with the bands in stainless steel also, which was an upcharge (the bands come standard in black). Also, I chose rivets on the bands, another upcharge, but so worth it IMHO. The rivets are small, but they are the cherry on the sundae!

From a functional point of view, I have found the VAH Excalibur to be efficient, quiet (but I have only a 6' run which helps keep it quiet), and a cinch to clean (don't believe any threads you might see that the VAH is trouble to take apart and clean--if you can open the latches on a briefcase, you can open the VAH's latches and take it apart to clean.)

Here is a link that might be useful: Gardenweb's Vent Hood FAQ

I just realized that you said your range is 39" - I had thought 36". But in any case, 42" hood should be adequate, cause it'll still extend over the sides of the range, except it will be just 1-1/2" per side rather than the recommended 3". As I mentioned, I have no overhang, and it's still fine, although it would be better with an overhang. The alternative is you could get the Excalibur in the 48" width. That might be expensive, and you may not have room for it.

Thanks for the info!

Looks like I do need the 42" (since 36" would be even less than my range). I found the installation instructions, and I appears that the duct does have to go up from the top of the hood (though it can turn an angle after exiting the hood). So it cannot just go directly into the wall from the back of the hood. Which means I'll need some sort of vent pipe cover. Which means more moola. Rats!

I'd love to see a picture of your excalibur with rivets!

Francy