Do I Need A Rangehood For My Alfresco Area?

The alfresco area and outdoor kitchen is a great space that many homes have. It is a semi-outdoor space where you can relax, eat, and enjoy the weather.

If you are planning to install a BBQ in your outdoor kitchen or alfresco area, you may be wondering whether you need to install a rangehood as well. The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of BBQ you have, the ventilation in your alfresco area, and whether your alfresco area meets certain requirements.

Whilst it is not always a requirement to have a rangehood for your outdoor kitchen, it is still a good idea to consider the comfort of your family and quests and consider a rangehood to ensure your alfresco area is smoke free.

Gas BBQs are the most common type of BBQ used in outdoor alfresco areas and outdoor kitchens, and they are generally considered to be safer than charcoal or wood-fired BBQs. However, even gas BBQs can emit smoke, grease, and gases from the combustion process that need to be properly ventilated to ensure safety

Gas BBQs are considered outdoor appliances and must be installed in a well-ventilated area to ensure that gases from the combustion process are safely dispersed into the atmosphere. If your alfresco area is at least 50% open, then it should have enough natural ventilation for an outdoor BBQ to be safely installed.

Is you outdoor kitchen “outdoors” or “semi-indoors”?

If your alfresco area meets the minimum ventilation requirements, then you can install an outdoor BBQ without a rangehood. However, if your alfresco area does not meet these requirements, then it is considered quasi-indoor and requires additional safety measures, including a rangehood.

Ventilation

The amount of natural ventilation in your alfresco area is a key factor in determining whether you need a rangehood. If your alfresco area is at least 50% open to the atmosphere, then it should have enough natural ventilation to safely install an outdoor BBQ without a rangehood.

However, if your alfresco area is partially enclosed, or has blinds or solid panels covering the open sides, then it may not have enough natural ventilation to safely install an outdoor BBQ without additional safety measures, such as a rangehood. In this case, you will need to meet the minimum requirements for quasi-indoor areas, which include a rangehood, a gas shut-off solenoid, and a minimum of 10% of the total area open to the atmosphere.

Requirements for Quasi-Indoor Areas?

If your alfresco area is considered quasi-indoor, then you will need to install a rangehood that meets certain specifications. The rangehood must flue to the atmosphere, with a minimum airflow of 2000m³/hr and a minimum clearance of 1200mm from the open BBQ grill to the grease filters. It must also have grease filters to capture any grease emitted during the cooking process.

In addition to the rangehood, you will need to install a gas shut-off solenoid that is interlocked to an air pressure switch to ensure that gas does not flow when there is no fan operation. This helps prevent gas buildup and potential explosions.

Finally, you will need to have a minimum of 10% of the total area open to the atmosphere to provide makeup air for the appliance combustion requirements. Doors and windows are not considered permanent ventilation and cannot be included in the calculation of the minimum ventilation requirements..

Consulting a professional

When it comes to installing a BBQ and rangehood in your outdoor alfresco area, there are many factors to consider, including proper ventilation, gas safety requirements, and the right equipment for your specific needs. Consulting with a qualified professional, such as a licensed gas fitter or a certified rangehood installer, can help ensure that your installation is done safely and correctly.

One reputable company that specializes in manufacturing stainless steel BBQ rangehoods in Australia is Cronin Fabrication. Their rangehoods are designed and manufactured in Australian and are built to withstand the harsh outdoor conditions.

Cronin Fabrications’ BBQ Rangehoods come in three convenient sizes, they are manufactured from sturdy 1.2mm thick stainless steel and are available as either top or rear discharge. For more information please visit our Frequently asked questions FAQ page , download our information sheet or contact us today on 08 8234 0096