Summerset VH36-2 36" Outdoor Vent Hood – 1000 CFM
1,000 CFM at 58 dB — The VH36-2 Clears Smoke Fast Without Killing the Atmosphere
The Summerset VH36-2 is a double-lined 304 stainless outdoor vent hood built to protect covered patios, pergolas, and pavilions — made in the USA, backed by a lifetime warranty.
The Summerset VH36-2 36-Inch Outdoor Rated Vent Hood is the ventilation solution that makes a covered outdoor kitchen genuinely practical. A 1,000 CFM single-motor internal blower pulls smoke, heat, and cooking odors away from the cooking zone before they accumulate under a roofline — operating at just 58 decibels, quiet enough to cook and host without raising your voice. Built from double-lined 304 stainless steel and rated for outdoor use, the VH36-2 is sized to pair with a 36-inch grill, extending 6 inches beyond the grill on each side for optimal smoke capture. Dual LED lights with a halogen dimmer illuminate the cooking surface at any hour, four fan speeds dial airflow to cooking intensity, and commercial-grade cleanable baffles trap grease and wipe clean without tools. Made in the USA, backed by Summerset's Gold Standard Lifetime Warranty.
What Makes the VH36-2 the Right Vent Hood for a Covered Outdoor Kitchen
A covered outdoor kitchen without proper ventilation becomes uncomfortable fast — heat builds, smoke lingers, and guests move away from the grill rather than toward it. The VH36-2 is engineered to solve that specific problem without adding noise or visual bulk that works against the outdoor atmosphere you built.
Single Motor That Clears Smoke Before It Stacks Up
The internal single-motor blower moves 1,000 cubic feet of air per minute — enough to capture smoke, heat, and cooking odors at the source and exhaust them away before they accumulate under a roofline, pergola, or patio cover. Four speed settings let you dial airflow from a quiet low for everyday cooking to full power during a high-heat sear session.
Quiet Enough to Cook and Host Simultaneously
At 58 decibels, the VH36-2 operates at about the level of a normal conversation — so the vent hood does its job without forcing you to shout across the grill or turning your outdoor kitchen into a wind tunnel. Ventilation that actually gets used because it isn't obnoxious.
Dual LED Lights with Halogen Dimmer — Cooking Visibility at Any Hour
Two integrated LED lights illuminate the cooking surface directly below — exactly where you need visibility. The halogen dimmer lets you adjust light intensity from full brightness for focused evening cooking down to a low ambient glow for outdoor entertaining atmosphere. No separate task lighting needed above the grill.
Double-Lined 304 Stainless — Outdoor-Rated, Built for the Long Term
The VH36-2's body is double-lined 304 stainless steel — rated for outdoor use, resistant to coastal salt air and humidity, and matched to the Summerset grill finish for a cohesive installation. The double-wall construction adds rigidity and protects the surrounding structure from conducted heat.
Commercial-Grade Cleanable Baffles — No Disposable Filters
Instead of disposable mesh or charcoal filters, the VH36-2 uses commercial-grade grease baffles that trap airborne grease particles and wipe clean. No recurring filter replacements, no degrading performance as a clogged filter restricts airflow — the baffles maintain consistent performance with a periodic wipe-down.
Sized for a 36-Inch Grill — 6 Inches Beyond Each Side
Summerset sizes the VH36-2 to extend 6 inches beyond each side of a 36-inch grill — the overhang needed to capture the smoke plume that rises from the outer edges of a wide cooking surface. Install this hood over a narrower grill and you get even better capture; pair it with a wider grill and you'll want the VH42-2 or larger.
Why a Covered Outdoor Kitchen Needs a Vent Hood — and What Happens Without One
An outdoor kitchen under a pergola, pavilion, or patio cover creates exactly the scenario a vent hood is designed to solve. Without active ventilation, heat rises and pockets under the overhead structure, smoke stacks up and finds the path of least resistance — which is usually directly into the faces of guests — and grease-laden air deposits residue on roofing materials, ceiling fans, and outdoor furnishings. Over time, without ventilation, the overhead structure can show staining and material degradation. A properly sized and positioned vent hood captures the smoke column before it expands, exhausts it through dedicated ductwork, and keeps the cooking zone comfortable throughout a session — whether it's a 20-minute weeknight cook or a four-hour slow smoke.
Installation Overview — Wall Mount, Ducted, 115V
The VH36-2 is a wall-mount canopy style hood — it attaches to the wall behind your grill station and is supported by the wall structure rather than ceiling suspension. The included ½-inch adjustable mounting bracket adds clearance and simplifies installation alignment. The hood vents through two 8-inch ducts that exhaust smoke and heat through the wall or up through the ceiling to the exterior. It requires a standard 115V electrical connection for the blower motor and LED lights — an outlet behind or within the island structure is needed. Summerset also offers optional spacer brackets (4-inch and 8-inch) and a spacer template for builds where additional clearance or reach is required, and duct covers to conceal the ducting above the hood for a finished appearance. The hood should be mounted at a height that positions its lower edge between 24 and 30 inches above the cooking grates — confirm with the user manual for exact clearance requirements before installation.
Who the Summerset VH36-2 Is For
- Outdoor kitchen builders installing under a pergola, patio cover, or pavilion — a covered outdoor kitchen without active ventilation accumulates heat and smoke rapidly. The VH36-2 is the system that makes a covered space genuinely comfortable to cook in.
- Summerset grill owners who want a matching stainless finish — the VH36-2's 304 stainless double-lined construction is designed to complement the Summerset grill lineup visually and materially.
- Homeowners who want to grill after dark without separate lighting — the dual LED task lights with halogen dimmer provide direct cooking zone illumination and adjustable ambient light for evening entertaining, all built into the hood.
- Builders specifying a 36-inch grill setup — Summerset sizes the VH36-2 to extend 6 inches beyond each side of a 36-inch grill for optimal smoke capture without oversizing to the next hood width.
- Anyone who wants low-maintenance ventilation — the commercial-grade cleanable baffles eliminate the ongoing cost and performance degradation associated with disposable mesh or charcoal filters.
- Projects where hood appearance matters as much as performance — the wall-mount canopy design adds an architectural element to the outdoor kitchen, framing the grill station and completing the professional-kitchen look.
What's Included
VH36-2 Vent Hood
- Summerset VH36-2 36-Inch outdoor rated vent hood
- Single internal blower motor (1,000 CFM)
- Two integrated LED lights with halogen dimmer control
- 4-speed fan control
- Commercial-grade cleanable grease baffles
- Dual 8-inch duct connections
- ½-inch adjustable mounting bracket (included)
Optional Accessories (Sold Separately)
- 12-Inch Duct Cover for 36-Inch Vent Hood (VH36-2-DC) — conceals ducting above the hood
- 4-Inch Spacer Bracket for 36-Inch Vent Hood (VH36-2-SP4) — extends hood reach
- 8-Inch Spacer Bracket for 36-Inch Vent Hood (VH36-2-SP8) — extends hood reach further
- Spacer Template for 36-Inch Vent Hood (VH36-2-SPT) — simplifies mounting alignment
Summerset VH36-2 Specifications
General
| Brand | Summerset Grills |
|---|---|
| Model | VH36-2 |
| Construction | Double-Lined 304 Stainless Steel; outdoor rated |
| Approved for Outdoor Use | Yes |
| Made in USA | Yes |
Performance
| Blower Type | Internal single motor (centrifugal blower) |
|---|---|
| CFM | 1,000 CFM |
| Fan Speeds | 4 adjustable speed settings |
| Noise Level | 58 dB |
| Lighting | 2 LED lights + halogen dimmer control |
| Grease Management | Commercial-grade cleanable baffles (no disposable filters) |
Installation & Electrical
| Mounting Type | Wall-mount canopy |
|---|---|
| Venting | Ducted — dual 8-inch duct connections |
| Electrical | 115V (standard outlet required; not battery-operated) |
| Mounting Bracket | ½-inch adjustable mounting bracket (included) |
| Recommended Grill Pairing | Designed for 36-inch grills; extends 6" beyond grill on each side for optimal capture |
| Mounting Height | 32"–36" above cooking grates (lower edge of hood) |
Dimensions & Weight
| Overall Width | 36" (91.4 cm) |
|---|---|
| Overall Depth | 30" (76.2 cm) |
| Overall Height | 18" (45.7 cm) |
| Weight | 99 lb (44.9 kg) |
Warranty & Buyer Assurance
- Manufacturer's Warranty — Covered by Summerset's Gold Standard Lifetime Warranty on stainless steel construction, honored directly by Summerset. Motors, lighting, and electronic components carry a three (3) year warranty. Labor is not included. Warranty must be registered within 30 days of purchase with proof of purchase and photo documentation.
- Free Shipping on orders over $100 to the contiguous 48 states.
- 45-Day Returns — Deck & Den's 45-day return window gives you time to confirm the VH36-2 is the right fit before you commit.
- Price Match Available — found a lower authorized-dealer price? Contact us and we'll match it.
Manuals & Documents
- VH36-2 Vent Hood User Manual (PDF) — installation, operation, and maintenance guide (covers VH36-2, VH42-2, VH48-2, and VH60-2).
- VH36-2 Line Drawing (PDF) — engineering line drawing with full dimensional and mounting reference.
Summerset VH36-2 — Frequently Asked Questions
Does the VH36-2 require electricity to operate?
Yes. The VH36-2 runs on 115V standard household current — you need an electrical outlet accessible behind or within the island structure for the blower motor, LED lights, and halogen dimmer to operate. This is a powered vent hood, not a passive or battery-operated ventilation device.
How much airflow does the VH36-2 produce, and is 1,000 CFM enough?
The VH36-2 moves 1,000 cubic feet per minute on its highest speed setting. For a 36-inch outdoor grill in an open or semi-open covered space, 1,000 CFM is generally adequate for most grilling scenarios. Fully enclosed or very deep covered spaces, or high-BTU grills running at maximum output for extended sessions, may benefit from a higher-CFM hood. Summerset's 42-inch and larger vent hoods in the VH series step up to 2,000 CFM for more demanding installations.
How high above the grill should the VH36-2 be mounted?
Summerset recommends mounting the lower edge of the VH36-2 between 32 and 36 inches above the cooking grates. Staying within this range gives the hood enough clearance to avoid heat damage to the unit itself while keeping it close enough to the smoke plume to capture it effectively before it spreads. Confirm final placement against the user manual and local code requirements before installation, as specific covered-structure configurations may affect the ideal height.
What grill size is the VH36-2 designed to pair with?
The VH36-2 is sized for a 36-inch grill. Summerset's recommendation is that the hood extends at least 6 inches beyond each side of the grill for proper smoke capture. Pairing the VH36-2 with a smaller grill gives you even better capture coverage. For a grill wider than 36 inches, step up to the VH42-2 or larger to maintain the 6-inch overhang on each side.
How does the VH36-2 vent — does it need to exhaust to the exterior?
Yes. The VH36-2 is a ducted hood — it must be connected to ductwork that exhausts to the exterior. It uses dual 8-inch duct connections. The ductwork runs through the wall behind the hood or up through the ceiling to exit at the roofline or soffit. This is not a recirculating hood; it requires an actual duct path to the outside for proper ventilation.
What are the cleanable baffles, and how do I maintain them?
The VH36-2 uses commercial-grade stainless steel grease baffles rather than disposable mesh or charcoal filters. The baffles trap airborne grease as air passes through them and are designed to be removed and cleaned periodically — wipe-down or a dishwasher cycle depending on grease buildup. Cleaning frequency depends on how heavily the grill is used; after a high-heat session or a long smoke is a good rule of thumb. No filter replacement purchases are ever needed.
What optional accessories are available for the VH36-2?
Summerset offers several accessories designed specifically for the VH36-2: the 12-Inch Duct Cover (VH36-2-DC) to conceal ducting above the hood for a finished look; 4-Inch Spacer Bracket (VH36-2-SP4) and 8-Inch Spacer Bracket (VH36-2-SP8) to extend the hood's reach from the wall for builds with deeper islands or specific clearance requirements; and a Spacer Template (VH36-2-SPT) to simplify mounting alignment. Contact us for pricing and availability on any of these accessories.
Does the VH36-2 need to be used specifically under a covered structure?
A vent hood is most useful — and most necessary — in covered or semi-covered outdoor kitchen installations where smoke and heat have nowhere to go naturally. In a fully open, uncovered outdoor space, natural air movement typically handles ventilation without a powered hood. If you're grilling under a pergola, patio roof, pavilion, or any overhead structure, a vent hood is a meaningful functional upgrade. In an open-air setup, it's largely aesthetic.
What is Summerset's warranty on the VH36-2?
Summerset covers the VH36-2 with their Gold Standard Lifetime Warranty on stainless steel construction. Motors, lighting, and all electronic components carry a three-year warranty. Labor is not included. Register within 30 days of purchase with proof of purchase and photo documentation for warranty to be valid.
Is the VH36-2 made in the USA?
Yes. The Summerset VH36-2 is made in the USA, consistent with the rest of the Summerset outdoor kitchen product line.
What shipping and return policies apply at Deck & Den?
Deck & Den offers free shipping on orders over $100 to the contiguous 48 states. The VH36-2 is covered by Deck & Den's 45-day return policy. Price matching is available — contact us with a qualifying authorized-dealer price and we'll match it.