Summerset VH42-3 42" Outdoor Vent Hood – 2000 CFM
2,000 CFM from Dual Motors — Double the Airflow for Larger Grills and Demanding Covered Spaces
The Summerset VH42-3 steps up to dual internal motors and four LED lights — the right vent hood when a 36-inch single-motor hood isn't enough to keep up with the heat and smoke your outdoor kitchen generates.
The Summerset VH42-3 42-Inch Outdoor Rated Vent Hood doubles the ventilation output of the 36-inch single-motor VH36-2, putting two internal blower motors to work generating 2,000 CFM of airflow — exactly what larger outdoor kitchens, higher-BTU grills, and more enclosed covered structures demand. The wider 42-inch canopy extends 6 inches beyond each side of a 42-inch grill, capturing the full smoke plume before it spreads. Four integrated LED lights with a halogen dimmer illuminate the entire cooking zone, and four speed settings dial airflow from a background hum to full power. Like all Summerset vent hoods, it's built from double-lined 304 stainless steel, rated for outdoor use, made in the USA, and backed by the Gold Standard Lifetime Warranty.
Why the VH42-3 Is the Step Up When 1,000 CFM Isn't Enough
The jump from the VH36-2 to the VH42-3 isn't just about width — it's about doubling the motor count and CFM output for kitchens where a single-motor hood would need to run at full power constantly just to keep up.
Dual Motors — Twice the Airflow of the VH36-2
Two internal blower motors work together to move 2,000 cubic feet of air per minute — double the output of the single-motor VH36-2. That extra capacity matters in more enclosed covered structures, when running high-BTU grills at full power, or when cooking for a larger group that produces more smoke volume over a longer session.
Wider Canopy for Larger Grill Stations
Sized to extend 6 inches beyond each side of a 42-inch grill, the wider canopy captures the outer edges of the smoke plume that a narrower hood would miss. Run this over a 36-inch grill and you get even better coverage; pair it with a 42-inch grill and you're at the recommended minimum overhang for full capture.
Four LED Lights with Halogen Dimmer — Full Coverage Across a Wide Cook Zone
Four integrated LED lights (vs two on the VH36-2) spread illumination evenly across the wider 42-inch cooking zone — no dark corners at either end of the grates. The halogen dimmer adjusts from full task brightness for focused evening cooking down to a low ambient glow for outdoor entertaining.
Quiet Enough at Full Power to Hold a Conversation
At 62 decibels on full power — about the level of a normal conversation or background music — the VH42-3 delivers 2,000 CFM without turning your outdoor kitchen into a wind tunnel. Four speed settings let you run at a quieter low setting during low-intensity cooks and ramp up when you need the full output.
Commercial-Grade Cleanable Baffles — No Disposable Filters
Stainless steel grease baffles trap airborne grease before it reaches the ductwork and motors. They wipe clean or run through a dishwasher — no recurring filter replacement costs, and no gradual airflow restriction as a clogged disposable filter degrades performance over time.
Double-Lined 304 Stainless — Outdoor-Rated for the Long Term
Double-lined 304 stainless construction is outdoor-rated and designed to match the Summerset grill lineup in both material grade and finish. The double-wall body adds rigidity and protects surrounding overhead structures from conducted heat during high-output sessions.
VH36-2 vs. VH42-3 — Choosing the Right Summerset Vent Hood
The VH36-2 (1,000 CFM, single motor, 2 LED lights) handles a 36-inch grill in a semi-open covered structure effectively. The VH42-3 (2,000 CFM, dual motors, 4 LED lights) is the right choice when the space is more enclosed, the grill is larger or higher-output, or the cooking sessions are longer and more intensive. As a general rule: if you're pairing with a 42-inch or larger grill, or if your covered structure has limited natural air movement, start with the VH42-3. The extra motor isn't just extra power — it's the difference between a hood that's working hard to keep up and one that's handling the load with headroom to spare.
Installation Overview — Wall Mount, Ducted, 115V
The VH42-3 is a wall-mount canopy style hood, supported by the wall structure behind the grill station. The included adjustable mounting bracket simplifies installation alignment. Venting runs through dual 8-inch duct connections to the exterior via the wall or ceiling. A standard 115V electrical connection is required for the dual motors, LED lights, and halogen dimmer — an outlet accessible behind or within the island structure is needed before installation. Summerset offers optional spacer brackets (4-inch and 8-inch) and a spacer template for the 42-inch hood when additional clearance or reach is needed, and duct covers to finish the ducting appearance above the hood. The lower edge of the hood should be mounted 32–36 inches above the cooking grates for optimal smoke capture and safe clearance.
Who the Summerset VH42-3 Is For
- Outdoor kitchen builders pairing with a 42-inch or larger grill — the 42-inch canopy extends 6 inches beyond each side of a 42-inch grill, meeting the minimum overhang needed for full smoke capture at the outer edges of the cooking surface.
- More enclosed covered structures with limited natural ventilation — pergolas with tight lattice, pavilions with solid roofs, and covered patios with low soffits all benefit from the extra CFM headroom the dual-motor system provides.
- High-BTU grill setups — four and five-burner grills running at or near maximum output generate significantly more heat and smoke volume than a two-burner setup; 2,000 CFM handles it with room to spare rather than running at full capacity every session.
- Hosts who cook for larger groups and longer sessions — extended cooks mean sustained smoke and heat output; the dual-motor system handles a four-hour rotisserie session or a long smoke as effectively as a quick weeknight sear.
- Builders who want full cooking zone illumination — four LED lights cover the full width of a 42-inch cooking surface evenly; two lights would leave the outer edges underlit.
- Summerset system builders — the double-lined 304 stainless finish and design language match the Summerset grill lineup for a cohesive, integrated outdoor kitchen appearance.
What's Included
VH42-3 Vent Hood
- Summerset VH42-3 42-Inch outdoor rated vent hood
- Dual internal blower motors (2,000 CFM combined)
- Four integrated LED lights with halogen dimmer control
- 4-speed fan control
- Commercial-grade cleanable grease baffles
- Dual 8-inch duct connections
- Adjustable mounting bracket (included)
Optional Accessories (Sold Separately)
- 12-Inch Duct Cover for 42-Inch Vent Hood — conceals ducting above the hood
- 4-Inch Spacer Bracket for 42-Inch Vent Hood — extends hood reach from wall
- 8-Inch Spacer Bracket for 42-Inch Vent Hood — extends hood reach further
- Spacer Template for 42-Inch Vent Hood — simplifies mounting alignment
Summerset VH42-3 Specifications
General
| Brand | Summerset Grills |
|---|---|
| Model | VH42-3 |
| Construction | Double-Lined 304 Stainless Steel; outdoor rated |
| Approved for Outdoor Use | Yes |
| Made in USA | Yes |
Performance
| Blower Type | Dual internal motors |
|---|---|
| CFM | 2,000 CFM |
| Fan Speeds | 4 adjustable speed settings |
| Noise Level | 62 dB |
| Lighting | 4 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) |
| Mounting Bracket | Adjustable mounting bracket (included) |
| Recommended Grill Pairing | Designed for 42-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 | 42" (106.7 cm) |
|---|---|
| Overall Depth | 30" (76.2 cm) |
| Overall Height | 18" (45.7 cm) |
| Weight | 158 lbs |
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 VH42-3 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
- VH42-3 Vent Hood User Manual (PDF) — installation, operation, and maintenance guide.
- VH42-3 Line Drawing (PDF) — engineering line drawing with full dimensional and mounting reference.
Summerset VH42-3 — Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VH42-3 differ from the VH36-2?
The VH42-3 has dual internal motors producing 2,000 CFM and four LED lights; the VH36-2 has a single motor producing 1,000 CFM and two LED lights. Both are 18 inches tall and 30 inches deep. The VH42-3 is 6 inches wider (42" vs 36"), uses dual motors for double the airflow, and provides four lights across the wider cooking zone. The VH42-3 is also rated at 62 dB (vs 58 dB on the VH36-2) — still quiet for a dual-motor system, but slightly more audible at full speed.
Is 2,000 CFM the right airflow for my outdoor kitchen?
2,000 CFM is appropriate for most outdoor kitchen setups pairing with a 42-inch or larger grill in a covered space. As a general guideline, more enclosed structures (solid-roof pavilions, covered patios with low ceilings) and higher-BTU grills benefit from higher CFM. If your space is semi-open or your grill is 36 inches or smaller, the VH36-2's 1,000 CFM may be sufficient. Contact us if you're unsure — the specifics of your structure (ceiling height, enclosure degree, grill BTU output) all influence the right CFM for your situation.
What grill size is the VH42-3 designed to pair with?
The VH42-3 is sized for a 42-inch grill, extending 6 inches beyond each side for the minimum recommended overhang that captures the full smoke plume. It can also be used over a 36-inch grill for even better capture coverage. For grills wider than 42 inches, step up to the VH48-2 or VH60-2.
How high above the grill should the VH42-3 be mounted?
Mount the lower edge of the VH42-3 between 32 and 36 inches above the cooking grates. This range provides enough clearance to avoid heat damage to the hood while keeping it close enough to the smoke plume for effective capture before it spreads. Confirm final placement against the user manual and local codes before installation.
Does the VH42-3 require electricity?
Yes. The VH42-3 runs on 115V standard household current. You need an electrical outlet accessible behind or within the island structure for both blower motors, the LED lights, and the halogen dimmer to operate.
How does the VH42-3 vent — does it need to exhaust to the exterior?
Yes — the VH42-3 is a ducted hood that must be connected to ductwork exhausting to the exterior. It uses dual 8-inch duct connections. This is not a recirculating hood; a clear duct path to the outside is required for it to function properly.
How do I clean the baffles?
The commercial-grade stainless steel baffles remove from the hood and can be cleaned by wiping down or running through a dishwasher. Clean them periodically based on cooking frequency and intensity — after heavy grilling sessions is a good habit. No filter replacements are needed; the baffles maintain consistent performance with regular cleaning.
What optional accessories are available for the VH42-3?
Summerset offers duct covers to conceal the ducting above the hood, 4-inch and 8-inch spacer brackets to extend the hood's reach from the wall, and a spacer template to simplify mounting alignment — all sized specifically for the 42-inch hood. Contact us for current availability and pricing on any of these accessories.
What is Summerset's warranty on the VH42-3?
The VH42-3 is covered by Summerset's 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.
What shipping and return policies apply at Deck & Den?
Deck & Den offers free shipping on orders over $100 to the contiguous 48 states. The VH42-3 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.