Steel hoods should be made of which gauge steel?

• A. 16 Gauge
• B. 20 Gauge
• C. 18 Gauge
• D. 22 Gauge

Answer: (C)

Durability and practicality drive the choice of metal gauge for kitchen hoods. The hood must withstand heat, grease, cleaning, and the weight of components like filters and the fire suppression system, while remaining feasible to fabricate and install. Eighteen gauge steel hits that balance: it's strong enough to resist denting and flexing, helping the hood keep its shape and maintain a proper seal with ductwork and safety systems, yet not so thick that the unit becomes unwieldy or prohibitively expensive. Thinner gauges are more prone to dents or deformation during service, while thicker gauges add weight and cost without giving a meaningful safety advantage for typical hood use. That's why eighteen gauge is the standard choice for steel hoods.