Best Stovetop & Hanging Range Hoods For Optimum Kitchen Ventilation

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$449.99 at Lowe's

Best Overall Range Hood

Hauslane Chef Ducted Stainless Steel Undercabinet Range Hood

$449.99 at Lowe's

The Hauslane Under-Cabinet Range Hood has everything you could ask for in a range hood: moderate price, contemporary look that works well with most kitchen colors and 30-inch size that won’t overwhelm your space. It offers top-notch suction and six different fan speeds. In fact, the lowest mode registers at 42dBa—quiet enough to have a conversation while it’s running. Special features include cooktop LEDs, three dampers, an oil tray and a two-year warranty.

Pros:

• Quality materials and features at an affordable price
• Six different fan speeds
• Versatile venting system with three duct adapter options
• Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe baffled filters

Cons:

• Only available in two standard sizes

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$129 at Lowe's

Best Budget Range Hood

Broan Ductless Undercabinet Range Hood

$129 at Lowe's

Don’t be fooled by the Broan Undercabinet Range Hood‘s reasonable price. In addition to three finish options, it has two fan speeds and a built-in charcoal filter that neutralizes odors without venting, making it one of the best range hoods available at its price point.

And because it doesn’t require a complicated air duct connection, you’ll save money on professional installation—put it in yourself with a few simple tools and spend the money you’ve saved on a showstopping tile backsplash or on unique kitchen cabinets.

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Two fan speeds
• Replaceable charcoal filter
• Hemmed bottom for safety
• Optional remote control meets ADA requirements

Cons:

• Takes only incandescent or halogen bulbs
• Electrical cord not included

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Best Microwave/Range Hood Combo

Cafe Smart Over the Range Microwave Oven

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The Cafe Smart Over the Range Microwave Oven has an impressive venting fan speed of 400 CFM—far exceeding most microwave/range hood combos on the market. A multitasker’s dream, it’s equipped with an innovative Chef Connect feature that automatically activates the vents and surface lights when you turn on a range element. It also conveniently syncs with your range clock—regardless of whether you have a gas or electric stove—and comes with an indicator light that alerts you when the filter needs to be replaced.

Pros:

• Smart microwave/range hood combo
• Four fan speeds
• Wi-Fi enabled with voice control
• Convertible venting
• Crisp, clear LED cooktop lighting

Cons:

• Notifications can be spotty

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$353.29 at Amazon

Best Range Hood for Islands

Cosmo Island Mount Range Hood

$353.29 at Amazon

A discreet, cylindrical range hood with a tempered glass canopy, the Cosmo Island Mount Range Hood has a simple yet sophisticated design that could quite literally become the centerpiece of your kitchen. The top-vented hood features a luxurious, brushed stainless-steel finish and comes with a set of durable, dishwasher-safe filters that allow for good airflow while efficiently trapping grease particles.

Pros:

• Designed for kitchen islands
• Height adjustable up to 47-1/4-inches
• Soft-touch controls
• ARC-FLOW reusable and washable filters
• Back-draft damper

Cons:

• Designed to be installed on flat ceilings only
• Lights aren’t dimmable

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$399.96 at Wayfair North America

Best Convertible Range Hood

ZLine Kitchen & Bath Wall Mount Range Hood

$399.96 at Wayfair North America

Giving you the most flexibility and placement options, the pyramid-shaped ZLine Kitchen & Bath Wall Mount Range Hood offers the choice between an externally vented or recirculating (ductless) extractor unit. It also comes with fuss-free button controls and customizable accessories, like a matching gas cooktop or full-size gas stove.

Pros:

• Convertible design offers the option of vented or ductless
• Rust, temperature and corrosion-resistant
• Easy-to-use button controls
• 3-year parts and lifetime motor warranty

Cons:

• Charcoal filters are sold separately
• Fits standard, circular ductwork only

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$1299 at AJ Madison

Best Professional-Grade Range Hood

Bertazzoni Wall Mount Convertible Range Hood

$1299 at AJ Madison

For gourmands (and those aspiring to be), you’ll want to go for the high-performing and powerful Bertazzoni Wall Mount Convertible Range Hood. Steep as the price may be, the finely crafted, Italian-designed hood is worth the money. The chimney-style hood features three speeds plus a booster function with a maximum flow of 600 CFM from its internal blower. It pulls smoke and smells out of the air ultra-fast. And it’s sleek enough to complement any type of backsplash or cabinet design.

Pros:

• Extremely high quality materials and design
• Fairly quiet even at maximum speed
• Stainless-steel mesh filters
• Telescoping duct cover
• Convertible venting; choose between vented and ductless

Cons:

• Expensive, but worth the price for the quality
• Not smart-capable

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$1149 at Wayfair North America

Best Wall-Mounted Range Hood

Fotile Slant Vent Under Cabinet or Wall Mount Range

$1149 at Wayfair North America

With an unusual slanted profile made of sleek, tempered glass, the Fotile Slant Vent Under Cabinet or Wall Mount Range Hood is as handsome as it is efficient. Thanks to its cool and clever 90-degree angle, the quietly operating hood is side-drafted to capture and guide smoke and fumes upwards before they escape into the room. Also, the smooth touch screen control panel has a delay function, which means that it continues to filter air two minutes after you’ve finished cooking.

Five-star Walmart reviewer SouthDaddy writes, “At level three it is pulling air through the magnetic curtain over the kitchen door easily, and all the fumes from the cooktop get sucked clean.”

Pros:

• Sleek design works for wall mounts or under-cabinet placement
• Modern look that matches minimalist cabinet hardware
• Six square feet of coverage (four to five burners)
• Double centrifugal fans ensure strong sucking power
• Very quiet, especially on lowest setting

Cons:

• Vented only—cannot be converted to ductless
• One of the heavier range hoods available
• Pricey due to its special features

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Most Powerful Range Hood Exhaust

ThorKitchen Ducted Wall Mount Range Hood

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With a whopping 1200 CPM of suction power, the ThorKitchen 48-Inch Ducted Wall Mount Range Hood is one of the strongest range hoods on the market. It has a commercial-style, 430-grade stainless steel baffle to optimize air purification and grease filtration. Push button controls make it easy to operate, too.

According to five-star Wayfair reviewer Aaron, “After burning some sausage last weekend, I can attest that it works well, and no one outside of the kitchen could even smell what was going on.”

Pros:

• Impressive 1200 CPM of suction power
• Extra-large (7-inch) round duct opening
• Comes with damper
• Stainless steel extending hood cover for 10-ft. ceilings (sold separately)

Cons:

• The fan is a bit noisy
• Duct cover not included

Types of Range Hoods

Range hoods come in various styles to match different kitchen layouts and ventilation needs. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

Installation Types

• Wall-Mounted: Mounted directly above the cooktop, wall-mounted hoods are often vented outside and can become a focal point in larger kitchens.
• Under-Cabinet: These compact hoods are installed beneath cabinets, saving space and offering both ducted and ductless options, making them perfect for smaller kitchens.
• Overhead (Island): Suspended from the ceiling above kitchen islands, these hoods require powerful ventilation due to their open positioning and are typically vented outside.

Ventilation Types

Choosing the right ventilation type is crucial for maintaining air quality:

• Updraft: Draws air upward and vents it outside, efficiently removing smoke and odors—ideal for kitchens with established ductwork.
• Downdraft: Pulls air downward, filters it, and recirculates it back into the kitchen. This is a suitable choice for setups without external venting.
• Ducted: Vents air outside, offering strong odor and smoke removal, ideal for homes with external ventilation capabilities.
• Vent-Free (Ductless): Filters air and recirculates it back into the room, which is convenient for kitchens without ductwork, though it may be less effective at controlling odors.
• Convertible: Provides flexibility by allowing either ducted or ductless installation, adapting to specific kitchen requirements.

What to Consider When Buying a Range Hood

To help narrow your options, consider the following factors:

Material

The material of a range hood impacts durability and style. Here are common options:

• Stainless Steel: Durable, heat-resistant, and easy to clean, making it ideal for busy kitchens with a modern look.
• Tempered Glass: Adds a sleek, contemporary touch. It’s easy to clean but may show smudges and fingerprints.
• Copper: Offers warmth and a vintage feel, developing a patina over time. Regular polishing keeps it looking vibrant.
• Wood: Ideal for rustic or classic designs, often custom-built to match cabinetry. Typically lined with metal for heat protection.
• Powder-Coated Metal: Customizable with various colors and adds a layer of protection against corrosion, suitable for styles from industrial to modern.

Ventilation and Ductwork Compatibility

Before purchasing a range hood, check your duct location and size to ensure compatibility with the hood’s CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating. “For most home kitchens, a range hood with 300 to 600 CFM is sufficient,” says Josh Mitchell, an HVAC technician. “However, heavy-duty cooking may require models over 600 CFM. Higher CFM hoods may need larger ducts and can be noisier.”

Here are recommended duct sizes based on CFM levels:

• 0-400 CFM: Minimum 4-inch duct
• 401-600 CFM: Minimum 6-inch duct
• 601-900 CFM: Minimum 7-inch duct
• 901-1200 CFM: Minimum 8-inch duct
• 1200+ CFM: Minimum 10-inch duct

For most homes, a 400 CFM range hood provides adequate ventilation, but specific cooking styles, like frying or using strong spices, may need a higher CFM rating to manage smoke and odors effectively. A more powerful hood can help contain cooking smells, preventing them from spreading throughout your home.

Noise

Noise is a common concern with range hoods, as loud units can disrupt the kitchen environment. Anything above 40 dBa is generally audible, so it’s important to check the hood’s sone rating, which usually ranges from one to eight. For reference, one sone resembles a refrigerator’s hum, while four sones resemble a regular conversation. Higher CFM range hoods often generate more noise, so finding the right balance between suction power and noise level is essential to maintaining a comfortable kitchen atmosphere.

Kitchen and Stove Size

When selecting a range hood, match its size to your kitchen and stove for effective ventilation:

• Compact Hoods (24-30 inches): Suitable for small kitchens or light cooking needs.
• Standard Hoods (30-36 inches): Fits most home kitchens, handling typical cooking demands.
• Custom Hoods: Ideal for larger stoves or heavy cooking, tailored to specific kitchen layouts for optimal coverage.

Choosing the right size ensures your range hood effectively captures smoke and odors, maintaining a well-ventilated kitchen.

Grease and Filter Management

Regular filter cleaning is essential to keep your range hood efficient and grease buildup-free. Here’s how to tackle different filter types:

• Mesh Filters: Place the filter in a pot or baking sheet with water and baking soda, then boil for up to 10 minutes. This process removes grease and restores the filter’s original color.
• Baffle Filters: Clean these in your sink with hot water, baking soda and some dish soap. Soak, then scrub to remove grease.

Aim to clean filters every two to three months depending on your cooking frequency. If you frequently fry, monthly cleaning is recommended to maintain performance.

Special Features

Choosing the right range hood depends on how you use your kitchen daily. Mitchell notes that a well-chosen hood can significantly improve air quality and comfort. Here are key features to consider:

• Built-In Lighting: LED or halogen lights improve cooktop visibility. LEDs are energy-efficient, while halogens provide warmer light.
• Adjustable Fan Speeds: Multiple speeds let you customize ventilation power, with higher speeds for heavy-duty cooking and lower speeds for lighter tasks.
• Heat Sensors: Automatically activate the fan at high temperatures for convenience and safety.
• Timer Settings: This setting allows the fan to run post-cooking for thorough ventilation and has an auto-shutoff feature to save energy.
• Replaceable & Dishwasher-Safe Filters: Look for easy-to-maintain filters with dishwasher-safe options that simplify cleaning.
• Smart Capabilities: Wi-Fi and smart home integration enable remote control and voice commands for enhanced convenience.
• Remote Control: Offers flexibility for adjusting settings, ideal for island or overhead hoods.
• Energy Efficiency: Opt for LED lighting and Energy Star certification to reduce energy usage by up to 50%.

Price

Range hoods range from $70 to over $1,500, with basic models offering essential functions and mid-range options ($300-$800) adding features like adjustable speeds and LED lighting. High-end models above $1,000 include advanced features such as smart capabilities and premium materials for enhanced durability and style. Select a hood that fits your budget and aligns with your cooking needs and design preferences.

FAQ

Which range hood brand is best?

What is the recommended CFM for a range hood?

A 400 CFM range hood typically works well for most home kitchens. However, if you cook daily, use high heat, fry with oil or incorporate a lot of aromatics, a more powerful range hood may be better suited to handle the increased smoke and odors.

Which kitchen hood is better?

Undercabinet, wall-mounted and island range hoods each offer unique advantages. The best choice depends on your kitchen layout and cooking habits, so consider your specific setup when selecting a hood style.

Are ducted or ductless range hoods better?

Ducted range hoods are usually more effective at venting strong cooking odors as they expel air outside. Ductless hoods recirculate filtered air back into the kitchen, which is less effective for odor removal but works well when external ducting isn’t feasible.