If you don’t want smoke, grease, moisture, and food odor to linger in your kitchen, you might want to invest in a range hood. It will keep your kitchen from poor air quality and any sort of unpleasant smell. Aside from freshening up the air inside your kitchen, a range hood is also known for its aesthetic value. However, in order to enjoy its benefits to the fullest, you’ll need to choose a product that meets the industry standards and offers high-quality features.
To help you make an informed purchase decision, we researched the market and reviewed some of the most functional range hoods available today. Whether you’re on a budget, looking for a ducted or ductless hood, in stainless steel or aluminum material - there’s something in stock for everyone. Read on to learn about some of the best range hoods in the market, and how to pick the right one from the lot.Factors You Should Consider When Purchasing A Range Hood
Investing on exhaust hood is worthwhile, but you will only enjoy all the benefits if you choose your preferred model correctly. Though the market will offer a variety of brand to choose from, not every brand will work best for you. But if you outline your needs properly, you can select a quality model that fits your needs. And here is what you should be on the lookout.
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Installation type
Range hoods are ducted, non-ducted or convertible. The installation type you choose should be convenient enough for your kitchen. Factor out your kitchen layout and the available space to help you determine the right exhaust hood
For instance, if you stay in a condo or you require infiltration and recirculation then, a ductless range hood is the best way to go. Note that for better performance of your hood, you will be required to replace your filters if you choose a duct-free model.
If you wish to get rid of all irritants and your cooktop features an island or has an interior wall then a duct range hood type will help you achieve this much faster. For increased efficiency of your appliance, ensure that the duct is short.
Convertible exhaust hoods allow for either ducted or duct-free installation type for increased efficiency and better performance.
Material
Most modern exhaust hoods are made using stainless steel material. The materials are corrosion resistant and long lasting. However, you should also check out if the material is food grade.
Size
For convenience, the width size of your exhaust hood should be equal or higher than your cooktop width. As a rule, allow for a 3-inch leeway on all sides.
Air displacements capabilities
Exhaust range features different air displacement capabilities. The type of range hood you choose should have air circulation capabilities that match with your stove BTU output. To identify a model with the right air displacement capabilities, you should divide your BTU output with 100. The resulting figure should guide you to select an appliance that will have the capabilities to displace any unwanted odors effectively.
Fan speed
Most modern exhaust hoods feature different control fan speed to allow you to customize the fan speed. Some may have two or more control speed settings, but the one you choose should suit the type of cooking. For instance, if you are looking for an exhaust hood for commercial purposes, you should choose one with a high number of fan speed settings to allow you to vent out unwanted odors faster.
Cooking methods like stir-frying, and grilling produce a large amount of smoke and odor and require a fast fan with great air displacement capabilities.
Blowers
Blowers help regulate the airflow and heat in your kitchen by keeping them at optimal levels. However, as much as blowers help improve the performance of your kitchen appliance, not all exhaust hood brand have inbuilt blowers. Remember that, investing in a model that does not have this option will require you to buy a fan separately which may be costly.
Noise level
Exhaust hoods are designed to produce some sound as they operate. The noise levels produced normally differ. Models with high air displacement capabilities (CFM) produce higher noise levels as compared to their counterparts. Some manufacturers have embraced the state of art technology by introducing sound dampening features to help create a serene environment.
Going for models that have minimal noise levels or those that have noise dampening features will help reduce the noise levels.
Light
You will require enough light when cooking or preparing your recipes. Exhaust hoods with light bulbs offer convenience by distributing light evenly over your countertop. If you are looking forward to saving energy, consider investing in a model that has energy saving features.
Ease of maintenance
With time, grease will build up on the exhaust hood and will call for regular cleaning from time to time. Though most of these hood materials are dishwasher safe, you should also consider their ease of disassembling and assembling. Other features like cleaning reminders help notify you before matters get out of hand.
Cost
The price of an exhaust hood depends on the installation type, quality, performance, and features. If you opt for ceiling installation hood type, be ready to pay more than an under cabinet model.
Best Range Hoods
| Product Name | Size | Installation Type | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broan 423604 ADA Range Hood | 36 inches | Ducted | A+ |
| Broan F403011 Convertible Range Hood | 30 inches | Convertible | A+ |
| AKDY 30" Island Mount Black Range Hood | 30 inches | Ducted | A+ |
| Zline ZLKB-30 Range Hood | 30 inches | Ducted | A |
| Cosmo 5MU30 Under Cabinet Range Hood | 30 inches | Ducted/ ductless | A |
| BV RH-1 Range Hood | 30 inches | Ducted | B+ |
| Hauslane Chef PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood | 36 inches | Convertible | B |
| Cavaliere SV218B2-30 Wall Mount Range Hood | 30 inches | Ductless Conversion | B+ |
| Broan NuTone 413004 Range Hood | 30 inches | Ducted/ ductless | B- |
| Cosmo Cos-QS75 Under Cabinet Range Hood | 30 inches | Convertible from ducted to ductless | B |
| Ciarra CAS75918A Range Hood | 30 inches | Convertible | B |
| Firegas Under Cabinet Range Hood | 36 inches | Convertible | B- |
| Ekon NAC01 Range Hood | 30 inches | Wall-mounted | B+ |
1. Broan 423604 ADA Range Hood
In case you may be looking for the best under cabinet range hood, then you should give this Broan 423604 series a try. The appliance features a long-lasting fan which can operate for years without faults. Integrated into this exhaust hood is a protective lamp lens which evenly distributes light over your cooktop while controlling light activation and fan speed at the same time.
The appliance has an inbuilt 7” adapter and only install in a 7” round ducted. It also accepts any bulb of up to 75watts a feature which allows you to use any light bulb within that range. Its grease filter is made from high-quality aluminum material and is dishwasher safe.
With an airflow displacement of 190CFM, this exhaust hood can freshen up the kitchen and create a serene environment. The model also comes with appliances which blend well in color giving you the freedom to choose your favorite color that well matches with your décor.
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2. Broan F403011 Convertible Range Hood
Broan F403011 is a four-way convertible hood which installs on either a 7” vertical round ducting, or ducted, 3¼ by 10 inch horizontal and vertical ducting. The range is designed using high-quality stainless steel which not only offers you years of quality service but also blends well with most kitchen decors.
Broan takes user experience seriously and is not only focused to supplying the market with high-quality products but also appliances with great features and this F403011 have not been left out. The appliance boasts of its effective, quiet and high-quality fan and a dishwasher-safe filter.
The design of this range hood allows faster and efficient channeling of smoke and other unwanted smells out of your kitchen leaving the environment safe and favorable. Its motor is continuously lubricated to ensure smooth operation all the time. That’s not all; the appliance has a protective lamp lens that is dedicated to distributing light over your cooktop evenly, and accommodates bulbs of up to 75W.
Overall, Broan F403011 is a quality range hood that is efficient and designed with great features to help make your cooking easy and manageable. Its performance is unrivaled regardless of whether it has been ducted vertically or horizontally.
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3. AKDY 30" Island Mount Black Range Hood
AKDY range hood features a powerful 198 W motor that delivers great performance with air efficiency of 1.77. The appliance boasts of its smooth stainless steel construction and an elegant feel that brings contemporary looks in your kitchen.
Located on the bottom side of this appliance are two black baffle filters made of steel for infiltrating grease and bad odors. Its front control panel gives you easy access to a 12-hour clock, four lights and four-speed fan for convenience.
The range hood offers a ductless recirculating installation but will require you to purchase a carbon filter kit which is sold separately. However, this AKDY range hood is efficient with minimal noise levels of below 65db at 470CFM.
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4. Zline ZLKB-30 Range Hood
You can check out this brilliant offering by Zline ZLKB-30 Range Hood for an under cabinet range hood with extreme power. This stainless-steel product comes in 30 inches long body. This range hood can be vented on the wall. It also comes with ducting facilities, from the top of the hood.
The product is made in the USA, and it offers a sleek construction, bringing a professional-grade appearance to your kitchen. The silver finish makes it a suitable choice to fit your contemporary kitchen decor.What we love the most about this product is that it vents to the outside, leaving behind nothing but fresh air in your kitchen. It also provides options to recirculate with optional charcoal filters, so if that’s something that might benefit you, check out the Zline ZLKB-30 Range Hood. It fits ceilings from heights 7 feet to 12 feet. It also comes with optional chimney short kit and extension kits for your convenience. The chimney extensions are compatible for 12 feet ceilings.
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5. Cosmo 5MU30 Under Cabinet Range Hood
This Cosmo model is one of the best ductless range hoods in the market. The appliance boasts of its space saving design which makes it ideal for installation in kitchens with limited space. With this model, you can either choose to install it on the wall or under your cabinet.
Its performance is great with air displacements of 200CFM. Operating the appliance is easy and simple, thanks to its easy to use five button controls which allows you to adjust the setting to suit your preferences.
The appliance relies on a 5 inch rounded duct for exhaust ventilation. Its superior filtration makes the range hood ideal for installation in apartments and condos. Though powerful, it delivers quiet operation creating comfy environs. Its inbuilt LED lights evenly distributed light over your cooktop making your cooking and preparation of your recipes easy. With an optional carbon filter kit, the appliance can also be used duct-free.
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6. BV RH-1 Range Hood
This BV range hood delivers powerful performance and high infiltration to ensure quality air circulation in your kitchen. The appliance has light bulbs which produce enough light needed any time of the day.
A powerful inbuilt aluminum motor fan is efficient and delivers smooth operation even for extended purposes with minimal noise. At maximum speed, the fan produces noise levels of 3.6 ones with air displacement of 800CFM.
For increased efficiency, this BV model has two inbuilt motors. The materials used to design this range hood are of good quality with easy to disassemble parts making the maintenance process manageable. Overall, this BV appliance has been designed with high-end features to infiltrate air without producing much noise. Its stainless steel baffle filters help trap all the odors, grease and oil creating a serene environment.
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7. Hauslane Chef PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood
Bring elegance, performance, and convenience right in your kitchen by taking advantage of this range hood from Chef. The appliance features six-speed control settings with a delay shut off function for appliance safety.
Its contemporary design brings elegance to any kitchen. In addition to its design, the exhaust hood also helps you freshen up the air quality while saving on energy, thanks to its energy-saving LED light bulbs. Integrated into this appliance is a digital touch screen clock which helps you reset your fan run time.
The range hood displaces air at 860CFM while capturing all the odors, oil or grease. Its delayed shut off function also helps vent out any smell or grease that may have been left out enhancing the quality of air. The baffle filters are made of stainless steel for increased durability and are easy to remove making the cleaning process easy.
Chef range hood also boasts of its three-way venting which features a 10 by 3-1/4 inch rectangular adapter, 6 inches round vertical adapter or a 10 by 3-1/4 inch rear venting adapter. Overall this appliance is built to last with smart features to freshen up your kitchen. Its performance is great which makes it stand out from other models.
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8. Cavaliere SV218B2-30 Wall Mount Range Hood
Cavaliere SV218B2 is a 19 gauge stainless steel range hood which features a powerful, quiet motor which clears lousy odor and grease effectively. The appliance has a telescopic chimney which accommodates up to 9ft ceilings.
The model is loaded with smart features and is easy to operate. A touch responsive LCD keypad that features an easy to read blue lighting, two dimmable halogen lights, and six-speed settings makes the operation of your appliance a breeze.
A programmable delayed power shut off function has also been integrated into this kitchen appliance to ensure the motor shuts down properly. Besides, a 30 minutes reminder is also another notable feature that is dedicated to reminding you when cleaning is required.
Cavaliere not only brings you quality, functionality, and efficiency in your kitchen but also elegance. The range hood has excellent features that make it not only ideal for residential use but also for commercial purposes.
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9. Broan NuTone 413004 Range Hood
A ductless range hood with an inbuilt Microtek filtration system, the Broan NuTone 413004 is a 30" hood with two speed options and an exhaust fan designed for years of hassle-free service.
This Broan range hood is an ideal solution for installing under cabinet when it is too difficult or expensive to install a ducted system in your home.
The filtration system uses a removeable charcoal filter to remove odors and smoke and because this is made from stainless steel with smooth surfaces, it means you will not need to spend as much time cleaning it. Although the bulb is not included, the 75W lamp on this range hood is able to distribute light evenly over your cooktop and this range hood is suitable for using in ADA-compliant applications.
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10. Cosmo Cos-QS75 Under Cabinet Range Hood
Designed to be powerful with its 900 CFM, the QS75 undercabinet range hood from Cosmo is also quiet with its highest speed running at a maximum of 65db.
This is a 30" range hood which not only comes with easy to use and backlit soft touch controls but a handy remote control so you can alter the speed without needing to get up from the dining table!
This range hood contains twin centrifugal motors with four speed settings and with its premium 430 grade 18 gauge stainless steel satin commercial-style finish, it will suit most styles of contemporary kitchen. You can install this under cabinet as a ducted system which vents to the top for 7.5" ducting, or with the addition of a carbon filter kit, you can use it as a ductless range hood.
Lit by two energy efficient 1.5W LED bulbs for better night visibility, this range hood also contains Arc Flow permanent filters. As these filters are stainless steel, they can be cleaned in the dishwasher rather than you needing to buy new ones every few months.Highlighted Features
11. Ciarra CAS75918A Range Hood
Ciarra CAS75918A Range Hood is a ductless range hood with a slim profile and silver finish. It is incredibly well-suited for condos and apartments. The range hood is 3.94 inches in height, 29.76 inches in width, and 19.68 inches in length, making it a great under cabinet range hood.
The product is also convertible to a ductless range hood with an optional carbon filter. It is also ideal for top or rear venting. The 30 inches range hood also features a push-button to allow you total control. It features simple operation, so you won’t get lost in its nitty-gritty details. It also has a sensitive reaction, operating quickly.The range hood comes with three-speed exhaust fans designed to remove any odor and smoke from the kitchen. And the best part is that it carries out the operation without making any sound. Moreover, the mesh filters are washable. So you can reuse them for a long time. They will effectively trap any sort of grease or oil.
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12. Firegas Under Cabinet Range Hood
The Firegas Under Cabinet Range Hood is a convertible charcoal-included product capable of both vent-less and recirculation operation. The exhaust hoods are convertible in order to allow you both ducted and ductless installation processes. This flexibility is quite popular among people who tend to move a lot, as it allows them to use the same product in a new home.
Moreover, the range hood comes with two pieces of dishwasher-safe stainless steel filters. They are designed to catch excessive grease and cooking oil, keeping the kitchen air clean.
Besides, there are four soft-touch switches on the range hood, that will allow you to keep the kitchen space free of odor and gas. And the best part about this product is that it runs all those operations without making much noise. The hood makes a noise level of 35 decibels on the lowest setting and on the highest setting, it makes a noise level of 65 decibels. So you can rest assured that the product will remove smoke and odor quietly and effortlessly.
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13. Ekon NAC01 Range Hood
Ekon NAC01 Range Hood is an essential piece of kit, featuring a powerful capacity of 600 CFM and four-speed fans, keeping your kitchen air clean and fresh. Moreover, it features twin centrifugal motors that make it even more efficient. The product has a delayed shut-off time of 1-15 minutes, which keeps your home from wasting energy, all the while removing a large amount of smoke, grease, and odors.
Moreover, the range hood runs the entire operation in an ultra-quiet manner. The maximum noise level, when you enable all the features, is 60 decibels.
So, this 30 inches range hood is pretty quiet and quickly ventilates your kitchen without waking up your family. Besides, two pieces of dishwasher-safe filters incorporated into this product will remove grease, oil, and other air pollutants from your kitchen space.
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Benefits of using range hoods
Regulates temperatures
When cooking, excess heat is produced which if not controlled can increase the temperatures inside making the environment unfriendly. Imagine a scenario where you are preparing your recipes and you are sweating excessively such that you cannot bear the heat anymore and the only option left is to bring the cooking into a standstill and move out of your kitchen to look for fresh air.
This can be devastating, right? But with a range hood, you can say goodbye to excessive heat. The appliances have fan blowers to help regulate temperatures creating serene environment.
Enhances the quality of air
Smoke, vapor and other odors are produced in the kitchen which affects the freshness of the air inside your kitchen. What a range hood does is to infiltrate all the unwanted odors, grease and smoke displacing them out of your kitchen creating a favorable environment.
Improves the elegance of your kitchen
Range hoods feature varied designs and color to help you improve not only the quality of air inside your kitchen but also improve the aesthetic value.
Convenient
Modern range hoods come with smart features to help you enjoy the art of technology. Some of the most standard features that you will find in almost every model are light bulbs which provide enough light any time of the day. Other features include a touch responsive control panels, timer, and auto delay shut off function for added efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is higher CFM better for range hoods?
CFM, or cubic feet per minute, measures the ventilation power of a range hood. It measures how many cubic feet of air the hood can exhaust in a minute. In other words, it measures how much air a range hood can vent out of your kitchen. So yes, the higher the CFM, the better is the range hood. Moreover, you can run a high CFM range hood at a lower setting.
Are range hoods too loud?
Noise level of range hoods, measured in sones, mainly depends on the airflow rating or CFM. If you’re looking for a range hood that is designed to keep your kitchen air fresh and remove smoke, odor, and grease, then the exhaust fan is likely to make some noise. Some hoods are quieter than others, but none of them is entirely silent. We have included some range hoods with 60 decibels noise level at maximum capacity, among the quietest products in the current market.
Conclusion
Greet your loved one with great aromas permeating from your kitchen by taking advantage of exhaust hoods. The appliances are designed with great features to ensure proper circulation of the air and ambient cooking environment. With varied exhaust hood designs, sizes, styles and installation types you can quickly identify the best range hood that best suits your needs if you factor in all the above aspects discussed above. Note that, all the above brands are quality and great picks for you if chosen correctly.
Good Job!! Keep sharing useful information like this!
That’s a great collection! It’s genuinely a big help for people who want to buy a new range hoods.