Inline Blower Vent Hood vs. Internal Blower Vent Hood: Key Differences and Benefits

Last Updated Feb 1, 2025
By Author

An inline blower vent hood is installed remotely in the ductwork, offering quieter operation and efficient airflow by reducing kitchen noise. Internal blower vent hoods house the blower within the hood itself, providing a more compact design but often generating more sound during operation. Choosing between the two depends on kitchen layout, noise preferences, and installation flexibility.

Table of Comparison

Feature Inline Blower Vent Hood Internal Blower Vent Hood
Blower Location Installed remotely, typically in the attic or ceiling Built into the hood unit itself
Noise Level Lower noise in the kitchen due to remote blower Higher noise as blower is inside the kitchen
Airflow Capacity High CFM capacity, suitable for larger kitchens Moderate CFM, ideal for standard kitchen sizes
Installation Complexity More complex due to external blower placement and ductwork Simpler, with blower integrated into the unit
Maintenance Blower maintenance is separate, easier access in attic or ceiling Maintenance requires access to hood, can be less convenient
Space Utilization Saves kitchen space by housing blower externally Consumes more space within the kitchen area
Cost Generally higher due to installation and blower unit Typically lower upfront cost and installation

Introduction to Vent Hood Blower Types

Inline blower vent hoods feature motors located outside the kitchen, typically in the attic or roof, reducing noise within the cooking area while providing efficient airflow. Internal blower vent hoods have built-in motors that exhaust air directly through the hood, offering simpler installation but potentially higher noise levels. Choosing between inline and internal blowers depends on kitchen layout, noise preferences, and ventilation performance requirements.

What Is an Inline Blower Vent Hood?

An inline blower vent hood features a motorized fan located remotely in the ductwork, typically installed between the vent hood and the external exhaust vent, which reduces noise and increases airflow efficiency. Unlike internal blower vent hoods with fans housed within the hood unit itself, inline blowers offer quieter operation and improved space utilization in the kitchen. This setup is ideal for large kitchens or open floor plans where noise reduction and high ventilation performance are priorities.

What Is an Internal Blower Vent Hood?

An internal blower vent hood features a fan motor housed within the hood itself, allowing for efficient air extraction without the need for external ductwork. This design reduces installation complexity and noise transmission compared to inline blower systems, which place the fan motor externally in the ductwork. Internal blower vent hoods are ideal for kitchen setups prioritizing compact installation and quieter operation.

Key Differences Between Inline and Internal Blowers

Inline blower vent hoods position the blower motor externally, typically installed in the ductwork, which reduces kitchen noise and improves airflow efficiency by removing heat away from the cooking area. Internal blower vent hoods house the blower motor within the hood unit itself, offering straightforward installation and compact design but often generate more noise during operation. Key differences include noise levels, installation complexity, and heat management, with inline blowers favored for quieter performance and internal blowers preferred for easier, space-saving setup.

Ventilation Performance and Airflow Comparison

Inline blower vent hoods typically offer superior ventilation performance by positioning the blower motor outside the kitchen, reducing noise and heat buildup while increasing airflow efficiency. Internal blower vent hoods integrate the motor within the hood unit, often resulting in reduced airflow capacity and higher operational noise due to confined space. Comparing airflow, inline blowers generally provide higher CFM ratings, optimizing air extraction and improving overall kitchen ventilation.

Noise Levels: Inline vs Internal Blowers

Inline blower vent hoods typically produce lower noise levels compared to internal blower models because the motor is installed remotely, reducing kitchen sound interference. Internal blower vent hoods tend to generate more noise since the blower is housed within the hood itself, directly above the cooking surface. Choosing an inline blower can enhance kitchen comfort by minimizing operational noise while maintaining effective ventilation.

Installation Requirements and Flexibility

Inline blower vent hoods require ductwork that routes the blower motor away from the hood, offering greater flexibility in kitchen design and reduced noise levels due to the motor's remote placement. Internal blower vent hoods have the motor built directly into the hood unit, leading to simpler installation with less ductwork but reduced flexibility in positioning and increased operational noise within the kitchen space. Selecting between the two depends largely on available space, desired noise control, and architectural constraints impacting duct routing options.

Maintenance and Cleaning Considerations

Inline blower vent hoods offer easier maintenance and cleaning since the motor is located remotely, reducing exposure to kitchen grease and heat, which prolongs motor lifespan and minimizes buildup. Internal blower vent hoods require more frequent cleaning as the motor and fan are housed within the hood, increasing susceptibility to grease accumulation and demanding careful disassembly for maintenance. Regular filter replacement and cleaning schedules are essential for both types to ensure optimal airflow and longevity of the vent hood system.

Cost Comparison: Inline vs Internal Blower Vent Hoods

Inline blower vent hoods typically cost more upfront due to the separate external motor and complex ducting installation, but they offer quieter operation and improved airflow efficiency. Internal blower vent hoods have a lower initial purchase price and simpler installation since the motor is built into the hood, though they may generate more noise and require more frequent maintenance. Long-term energy savings with inline blowers often offset the higher initial cost, making them a cost-effective choice for larger kitchens.

Choosing the Right Blower for Your Kitchen Needs

Inline blower vent hoods are installed remotely, offering quieter operation by keeping noise and heat away from the cooking area, making them ideal for larger kitchens or open floor plans. Internal blower vent hoods integrate the blower within the hood unit, providing easier installation and space-saving design, suitable for smaller kitchens or confined spaces. Selecting the right blower depends on factors like kitchen size, noise tolerance, installation complexity, and ventilation requirements to ensure optimal air extraction and comfort.

Inline blower vent hood vs Internal blower vent hood Infographic

Inline Blower Vent Hood vs. Internal Blower Vent Hood: Key Differences and Benefits


About the author.

Disclaimer.
The information provided in this document is for general informational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be complete. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we cannot guarantee that the details mentioned are up-to-date or applicable to all scenarios. Topics about Inline blower vent hood vs Internal blower vent hood are subject to change from time to time.

Comments

No comment yet