Getting ready to install a new range hood vent over our gas range. The old one was a cheap under the counter type and was about 18" to 20" from the stove top. The new one calls out a 26" min and 36" max distance. I plan on hanging it at the minimum 26" for the best performance and looks. I've been told 30" is the minimum for a gas range. So is 26" good to go ? Is this all just lawyer/ code talk or is there a real concern ? The vent is made of steel and is 600 cfm. Thanks

When it comes to fire safety in your home, it’s best to follow directions. May be a fire insurance issue

Right, 26" is the min. height in the mfg.'s manual , So I can assume that I'm within the fire safety guide lines. The older on was only about 20" high, 100 cfm, and was there for 20 years with out issue. It was a very low quality vent too. These numbers seem so arbitrary, why not 27" or 25" min ?

I would see if there is a N.F.P.A. code for placing a range hood over a gas stove, the 30" may have to do with an open flame over a combustible (grease in the duct or filter). Feeding a a grease fire with air is the concern and also could resurface from a Home Inspection if you sell the property.

Heat is the issue placing it too low. It will of course capture more the closer it is to the stove top, but too close and many gas stoves will put off too much heat for it. If the Mfg says 26”, that should work fine.

Go with the minimum at the very least. Personally I like my hoods to be taller for both head clearance and because I'll flambe various foods at times. Cooking with alcohol makes large flames at times. The last one I installed was set at 30" to the bottom and still managed to hit my head cleaning the stove. I'm 5'9. The duct was hidden by a cabinet so I couldn't go higher placing the hood.

Check with local code

Ours is 29.5 inches.