Vent hood terms — CFM, baffle filter, backdraft damper, remote blower, makeup air, auto-on sensor, and recirculating vs ducted.
Thermador vent hood terminology
Ventilation terminology spans airflow engineering, installation types, and maintenance concepts.
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Measures air extraction capacity. Thermador hoods range from 600 to 1,200+ CFM. Rule of thumb: 1 CFM per 100 BTU of cooktop output
- Baffle filter: Stainless steel grease capture filter with labyrinth channels. Designed for high-CFM extraction. Dishwasher-safe
- Charcoal / carbon filter: Odor-absorbing filter for recirculating installations (no duct to outside). Not washable — must be replaced every 6-12 months
- Backdraft damper: One-way flap at the duct exit that opens when hood runs and closes to prevent outdoor air from entering when off
- Remote blower: Blower motor installed away from the hood (attic, exterior wall) for near-silent operation. Connected to hood controls via a communication wire
- Makeup air: Fresh air supply system that replaces air exhausted by the hood. Required by code for hoods above 400 CFM in many jurisdictions
- Auto-on sensor: Heat-sensing thermistor that automatically activates the hood when cooking activity is detected
- Delay-off timer: Feature that continues running the fan for a set time after cooking ends to clear residual steam and odors
- Ducted vs recirculating: Ducted: exhausts air outside through ductwork (better extraction). Recirculating: filters air and returns it to kitchen (no duct needed, less effective)
- Liner insert: Ventilation mechanism designed for installation inside a custom hood enclosure built by a cabinet maker
For specifications, visit the Thermador official site. For service, Schedule service online.
