Standard benchtop fume hoods work for most chemistry applications, but what happens when your apparatus is too tall to fit inside a 48″ hood opening? That’s where walk-in fume hoods come in.
Walk-in fume hoods (also called floor-mounted fume hoods) have sashes that extend to the floor, creating a full-height opening that allows researchers to work with oversized equipment while maintaining complete fume containment.
When Do You Need a Walk-In Fume Hood?
- Tall apparatus: Distillation columns, reflux setups, and reactor systems that exceed standard hood height
- Floor-standing equipment: Drum handling, large-scale reactions, or equipment too heavy for a benchtop
- Loading/unloading: Operations that require rolling equipment in and out of the hood
- Pilot plant work: Scale-up reactions that need containment but use equipment too large for standard hoods
- Perchloric acid work: Some perchloric acid setups require walk-in configurations with wash-down systems
Walk-In Fume Hood Specifications
| Specification | Standard Range |
|---|---|
| Width | 48″ – 96″ |
| Depth | 30″ – 48″ |
| Height (opening) | 72″ – 84″ |
| Face velocity | 80 – 100 fpm |
| Exhaust volume | 800 – 2,500 CFM |
| Sash type | Vertical, horizontal, or combination |
Sash Options
- Vertical sash (full-height): Slides up to the full opening height. Provides maximum access when raised and maximum protection when lowered.
- Horizontal sliding sash: Panels slide left and right. Allows access to portions of the hood while keeping the rest protected. Better energy efficiency.
- Combination: Vertical sash with horizontal sliding panels. The most flexible option — vertical sash controls opening height while horizontal panels control which section is open.
HVAC Considerations
Walk-in hoods require significantly more exhaust capacity than standard benchtop hoods:
- A standard 6′ benchtop hood exhausts approximately 800–1,200 CFM
- A 6′ walk-in hood can require 1,500–2,500 CFM due to the larger face area
- Your building’s air handling system must be evaluated before specifying a walk-in hood
- Make-up air requirements increase proportionally
Our lab design team coordinates with your HVAC engineer to ensure proper airflow. Browse all fume hood types →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a walk-in fume hood cost?
Walk-in fume hoods range from $8,000–$25,000 for the hood unit. Installation including ductwork, services, and electrical typically adds $10,000–$25,000. Total installed: $18,000–$50,000+.
Can I convert a benchtop hood to walk-in?
No. Walk-in hoods are purpose-built with different structural, airflow, and sash designs. They must be specified from the start. However, some manufacturers offer convertible models with removable bench sections.
Are walk-in hoods less safe than standard hoods?
When properly designed and used, walk-in hoods provide equivalent containment. The key is maintaining adequate face velocity across the larger opening. This requires higher exhaust volumes and may require additional baffles for uniform airflow.
Get a Walk-In Fume Hood Quote
Tell us about your apparatus and application, and we’ll recommend the right walk-in hood size, sash type, and ventilation requirements.
Request a walk-in hood quote → or call (801) 999-8277.
