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It’s a question that’s been asked by many homeowners over the years – can you use a bathroom extractor fan in the kitchen? The answer, as with most things in life, is it depends. In this article, we take a look at both sides of the argument to help you make an informed decision on whether or not you should use a bathroom extractor fan in your kitchen.
Should I use a bathroom extractor fan in the kitchen?
There are actually several reasons why you shouldn’t but you might not want to at all.
One of the biggest issues with using a bathroom extractor fan over your stove is they just aren’t designed for it.
Most bathroom fans are only rated for 50 to max 130 CFM (Cubic feet per minute). In retrospect, a proper kitchen exhaust hood would be rated for over 300 CFM.
The ductwork on a bathroom fan is also 2 inches smaller than the average stove hood which means less air movement and a greater chance of grease and odor not being removed.
Another potential issue is the amount of heat a stove produces. A bathroom extractor fan might not be able to handle the heat and could overheat and shut off or even catch fire.
So there are some dangers associated with using a bathroom extractor fan in a kitchen but it’s also important to weigh the pros.
One major advantage of a bathroom fan over a stove hood is cost. A high-quality professional range hood can set you back several hundred dollars whereas an extractor fan will only cost a few bucks.
If your kitchen doesn’t have an exhaust hood and you’re looking for a cheap way to get rid of odors and grease, then a bathroom extractor fan might be the perfect solution for you.
The bottom line is that whether or not it’s okay to use a bathroom fan in your kitchen really depends on how you plan on using it.
If you’re going to run it at high speed all the time, then you might want to invest in a proper kitchen range hood.
But if you only need it occasionally and you’re on a budget, then a bathroom fan could do the trick.
You should also keep in mind that most building codes require kitchens to have an exhaust hood installed so be sure to check with your local code enforcement office before using a bathroom extractor fan in your kitchen.
So, can I use a bathroom exhaust fan in the kitchen? Yes, But it may be underpowered, and depending on the kind of material it’s made of, Could be a fire hazard over a stove, which may hurt insurance rates or coverage.
What’s the difference between a kitchen fan and a bathroom fan?
Both kitchen fans and bathroom fans serve an important purpose in the home. Kitchen fans remove smoke, odors, and heat from the kitchen, while bathroom fans remove moisture and odors from the bathroom.
However, there are some key differences between the two types of fans. Kitchen fans are typically larger and more powerful than bathroom fans, as they need to be able to clear the air in a larger space.
Bathroom fans, on the other hand, are designed to be smaller and more efficient so that they can quickly remove moisture without using too much energy.
In addition, most kitchen fans are vented to the outside, while many bathroom fans are usually vented to the attic or crawl space.
As a result, bathroom fans have the potential to circulate grease and other contaminants throughout the kitchen used over the stove.
On the bright side, You can vent a bathroom fan directly to the outside so that’s one less thing to worry about if you’re thinking about using a bathroom fan in place of a stove hood.
One more key difference, although not always, Is many stove hood exhaust fans will have a filter in them to catch grease. This filter is made of melt-resistant materials or metal.
Bathroom exhaust fans definitely do not have this feature, although some may have a dust filter that could potentially melt when met with hot grease.
Can I use an exhaust fan instead of a range hood?
Yes, you can! Many homeowners are looking for ways to save money on household appliances, and the cost of a range hood is often prohibitive.
Fortunately, there is an alternative solution that can help reduce air pollution in your home without breaking the bank: an exhaust fan.
Unlike a regular range hood, exhaust fans are relatively affordable and can be installed easily by most homeowners.
Moreover, these small appliances draw air from the room directly into the device, helping to remove odors and pollutants from your kitchen in a more streamlined manner.
Overall, you should definitely consider using an exhaust fan instead of a costly range hood if you’re interested in making your home a healthier place to live but also want to save a few bucks.
You can buy exhaust fans for ranges and stoves that are far strong materials than what is in most bathroom fans, but the latter will do in a pinch.
Just remember to vent the fan directly to the outside when possible and not into your attic or crawl space, as this could circulate grease and other contaminants throughout your home.
