Installation Guide

8. Best Smoke Capture Recommendations

Smoke and hot air from an Outdoor BBQ Grill rises quickly, especially as the BBQ lid is opened. Not only does the smoke rise

fast, but it is usually deflected forward (toward the cook) beyond the BBQ hood’s capture area by the shape and position of

the BBQ lid itself. Heavy, fast rising smoke is a challenge even for high-performance BBQ hoods, but there are some things

you can do to enhance your outdoor BBQ hood’s performance.

a. Install the hood at least 30”, but no more than 44” above the

cooking surface. If the hood is installed more than 44” above the

cooking surface, its’ smoke capture ability declines rapidly. See

Drawing A.

b. Since smoke also expands as it rises, the hood’s sides and front

edge should extend 3” – 6” beyond the front and sides of the

cooking surface—see Drawing B. In this example, the hood is

attached to a built-out section of the wall or to a chase.

It is unlikely that smoke rising past the bottom of the BBQ hood

will be captured by the hood. Smoke escaping the hood’s capture

area will typically remain against the ceiling until it is blown out

by natural air currents or until it dissipates.

c. Turn the hood on high 2 -3 minutes prior to placing food

on the grill. If there is no wind or wind drafts, an upward flowing

air “curtain” will be created by the hood’s suction that moves air

up the sides and front of the cooking surface. This upward

moving air curtain will help capture much of the smoke.

d. Wind and wind drafts will also negatively affect the

capture ability of high-performance outdoor BBQ hoods. If the

BBQ grill is located in a consistently windy area, e.g., near oceans,

large lakes or on hillside properties, for best BBQ hood

performance, a wind-break may be required.

30" - 44"

Roof Cap Drawing

*Required dimensions for roof cap - Minimizes static

pressure and maximizes air flow to ensure optimum

performance of your Trade-Wind product.