One more question.. why are they recommending a 28" system for a 36" hood? Should I get something bigger? Thanks.

I also suggest asking on the appliance forum (altho prepare yourself - you sometimes need a degree to understand the answers). We went with a 30" Ventahood but we just have an electric range. We were also worried about having something too pwerful and not having the right ablity to pull air out of the house (I've already forgotten the arguments and correct terms about this).

Thank you. I did post over there but didn't receive a response.. and what the heck is "make up air"? :) It is already vented to the outside if that makes a difference.

GW discussions--make up air for vented hoods

Beenzmail has it right - a hood 6" wider than his/her range - regardless of "fuel".

Our hood is 600cfm (Vent-A-Hood SEPH18 series) and we don't need make-up air - but check your local Code. Personally, I'd go with the stronger b/c:

(1) You will have more power when needed

and

(2) You can run the hood on a lower setting and thereby reduce the noise.

OK:

36 in hood over 30 inch range

27" w/ 36" liner is ok?

mesh is cheaper than baffle, and should be fine since I am not much of a cook. (which would lead to the XOi model since it is 600CFM)

Reading the info about make up air just made this all more confusing. Guess it's best to call an HVAC person and have them figure this out?

Figure out how the heck to find the local codes

We do currently have an electric stove, but the line is there for gas, so we were thinking of converting back.

1. NOOO, don't get mesh. So icky/sticky w/ dust/grease.

Baffles are the way to go!

2. Any way you can go HEAR these hoods live?

My gf has an expensive one (I can't remember which one: Broan?) and she says that it's so loud that she hardly turns it on.

The HIGH on my 1100cfm 42" Kobe hood sounds less loud than her LOW setting.

I turn mine on ALL the time. I better, says my DH, since it's the MAIN reason why I renovated the kitchen (there wasn't ANY hood in the previous kitchen).

Thanks. That configuration with the baffles is twice as much as the mesh. :( Hard to validate over $1200 for something no one sees. I thought the mesh could go in the dishwasher?

One more thing: consider induction before switching back to gas. Induction is as responsive as gas, but so much easier to clean, like electric glass top.

Another gf had gas range and switched to induction range when she got to experience my Miele 36" 5 burner induction cooktop. She hated cleaning her black range; she says it's like owning a black car: so hard to keep it looking clean.