Trade-Wind Outdoor Vent Hoods FAQ

BBQGuys carries 3 categories of Trade-Wind outdoor ventilation. Wall-mount vent hoods are complete finished units that mount to a wall above the grill, available in multiple styles. Vent inserts are liner units designed to fit inside a custom-built hood structure made from wood, stone, or other materials. Island mount vent hoods are finished on all 4 sides and suspended from the ceiling above a grill island. Installation components including telescoping duct covers are also available to complete the installation.

Yes. All Trade-Wind products carry UL or ETL certification for both the United States and Canada.

The 1,200 and 1,250 CFM models run a single internal blower and handle most standard residential outdoor grill setups. The 2,300 CFM models run 2 internal blowers and are built for larger cooking setups where more airflow is needed. The 2,300 CFM models also require 2 separate 10-inch discharge collars for proper venting.

The hood should extend 3 to 6 inches beyond each side and the front of your grill for effective smoke capture. A wider hood covers more of the cooking surface and handles smoke from multiple adjacent appliances more effectively. Trade-Wind hoods also feature a 32” depth that provides full front-to-back coverage of the cooking surface.

A vent hood is a complete, finished stainless steel unit that mounts to a wall. A vent insert is a liner without a finished exterior, designed to drop into a custom-built hood structure. Choose a hood for a ready-to-install solution; choose an insert when you’re building a custom surround.

All Trade-Wind outdoor vent hoods and inserts require 10-inch rigid metal ductwork. Do not use flex duct. For 1,200 CFM models, duct runs should not exceed 35 linear feet with 2 90-degree elbows and 2 45-degree elbows. The 2,300 CFM models require 2 separate 10-inch discharge collars. Trade-Wind notes that undersized or improperly installed ductwork causes static pressure that results in rattling, vibration, and reduced ventilation performance.

Trade-Wind’s installation guide recommends mounting the hood at 36 inches above the cooking surface for best smoke capture performance. Mounting height is specified to be no less than 30 inches and no more than 44 inches above the cooking surface.

Yes. Trade-Wind wall-mount hoods feature convertible discharge, allowing exhaust to be vented vertically through the top or horizontally through the rear. Refer to the installation instructions for your specific model before choosing your discharge configuration.

Some Trade-Wind wall-mount hood models come with a telescoping duct cover for 9 to 10 foot ceilings included. Extended duct cover models are also available for 10 to 12 foot ceilings and are sold separately as an accessory. Vent inserts do not include duct covers.

Trade-Wind provides specific guidance on cap selection. The opening area of the roof or wall cap must equal or exceed the area of the duct. A 10-inch duct has an area of 78.5 square inches, so the cap opening must be at least 78.5 square inches. Any reduction in cap opening area reduces CFM and increases noise. Do not use mushroom cap or goose-neck styles. Do not use caps with dampers for BBQ hoods.

Plan on cleaning the grease filters every 2 to 3 months under regular use. If you cook frequently or with a lot of oil, clean them more often. To remove filters, grip the filter knobs, slide toward the front of the unit, and drop the back down. Place filters vertically on the bottom rack of the dishwasher with holes facing up and down so water flows through fully. For the stainless steel exterior, use a soft non-abrasive cloth with mild soapy water to clean, then dry thoroughly. Follow up with a stainless steel cleaner applied to a soft cloth, wiping in the direction of the grain. Never use cleaners with bleach or chlorine compounds, which will corrode the steel.

Yes. Trade-Wind recommends turning the hood on 2 to 3 minutes before placing food on the grill. This creates an upward air curtain that draws smoke into the hood from the moment cooking begins, before heat and grease have a chance to escape into the surrounding space.

Trade-Wind warrants its outdoor ventilation products to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for 3 years from the date of purchase. Labor is included. At its option, Trade-Wind will repair or replace the complete unit or any defective component at no charge. The warranty may be voided by unauthorized service, alterations, or repairs. Performance issues from improperly sized ducting or restrictive roof caps are not covered and will be charged back to the homeowner. Light bulbs are not covered. Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for full warranty terms.