Whether you’re an intermediate or a professional chef, I believe you’re aware of how toxic air, grease, and smoke can accumulate in your kitchen if you don’t have proper ventilation. While kitchen windows are perfect for allowing the circulation of fresh air, range hoods usually fit in this context pretty well thanks to their ability to suck out polluted air.
But, with so many people living in condos and rented apartments at the center of metropolitan cities, considering the best ductless range hood is the only convenient option if you’re looking to maintain air quality without complicating the installation process.
Now, range hoods come in an assortment of all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. They’re also available in two major categories which are the ducted and the ductless variants. Ducted range hoods use a series of pipes and ductwork to direct odor, smoke, and grease from your kitchen to the outside through the airway duct.
On the other hand, ductless range hoods suck kitchen emissions then pass them through charcoal filters to purify the air then recirculate it back again into the room. So, with this piece of knowledge at the disposal, this guide will proceed to review ten of the best ductless range hoods in the market.
Besides that, we’ll discuss some key factors you need to be aware of when buying a range hood as well as answer some key questions you might be having regarding ductless range hoods.
Contents
Best Ductless Range Hoods: Editor’s Top Picks
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ductless Range Hood
From what we’ve discussed in our ductless range hood reviews, it’s clear that these units come in a wide variety of styles and features. This alone makes it quite overwhelming for customers to choose the right unit that will suit their specific needs.
So, if you’re becoming overly impatient in finding the right vent hood to suit your kitchen, then we’ve compiled a couple of important factors you’ll need to consider when choosing the best range hood model.
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1. The Exhaust System:
This is the first factor you’ll need to consider when choosing a range hood unit. Are you looking for a ducted or ductless model? Since this guide is specifically intended to discuss ductless range hoods, you need to ensure that the specific model you’re getting is either entirely ductless or convertible where it can switch between ductless and ducted options.
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2. The Size:
Another factor that requires immense consideration is the size of the range hood and that of your cooking area. You see, for a range hood to effectively suck out odors, heat, and grease from your kitchen, it needs to be slightly larger than your cooktop with an allowance of around 3 – 6 inches.
This means that you’ll need to shop for a range hood with a size of 30” wide and above to provide ample cover to your cooktop.
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3. Built Quality:
So, once you’ve determined the size, the next factor that will demand immense consideration is the built quality. You see, range hoods are considered to be part of your kitchen’s backbone.
Therefore, they need to be elegant and stylish enough to suit your kitchen’s overall décor. So, when shopping for a range hood, one thing you should be keen on is the construction which in this case should be heavy-duty stainless steel.
Since steel tends to be thick and tough, it’s capable of withstanding heavy knocks which is great as you won’t have to complain about dents. Besides, the heavy-duty stainless steel construction is tough enough to be affected by grease and smokes allowing this unit to last long.
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4. Mounting Style:
In most cases, the mounting style goes hand in hand with the type of range hood you’re planning to buy. For instance, if your specific range hood model is a wall-mounted version, you’ll have to remove one part of your under cabinet to pave way for the range hood. On the other hand, if your model is an under-cabinet version, then you won’t have to bother to remove any cabinet hoods.
About the range hood styles, there are many variants you can consider. There are those models that are brushed with shiny finishes, those made from stainless steel, and those made from modern and traditional styles to suit your home’s general architectural style.
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5. Kitchen Layout:
Just as we’ve mentioned on our previous point, your kitchen layout is a major factor that will determine how best you can fit your kitchen range hood. If your kitchen is an island-style type of kitchen, you can consider mounting an overhead canopy or suspending the range hood from the ceiling just above the cooktop.
If your kitchen is somewhat small, you can consider mounting a range hood with a telescoping chimney to allow the unit to expand or retract whenever you need to hide it out of the way.
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6. Fan Power:
The power of your range hood’s blower is another key factor you can’t afford to neglect when choosing a range hood. Now, imagine you’re planning to conduct some heavy cooking such as preparing meat in an indoor griddle? You’ll definitely have to deal with the tremendous heat and a lot of smoke coming from the griddle right?
In this case, the fan power of your specific range hood will need to be considered to ensure that it’s powerful enough to handle the tough environment in your kitchen. You need to be very careful with the CFM rating which must be high enough to suit the size of your kitchen.
The fan speed adjustment is something else you need to be keen on as you’ll need to adjust the airflow to the appropriate level for proper ventilation.
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7. Noise Level:
Since your range hood will be used indoors, the amount of noise it produces is very critical when you’re making your choice. Although each model has its own unique features, you need to consider the amount of noise your specific unit produces to ensure that it doesn’t become a nuisance in any way.
According to experts, it’s very critical that you first test your range hood before purchasing it to ensure that the noise level is low enough to suit your kitchen.
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8. The Cost:
When choosing the best ductless range hood, you need to be very keen on the cost. You see, a range hood is a huge investment that’s likely to last for years. If you consider the cost of installation, you’ll realize that the cost will play a huge role in buying a quality unit that will not malfunction over time.
Since there are hundreds of models to choose from, creating a shortlist of the type of features you’ll be looking for is very critical to your final decision.
In case you’re short on funds, you can opt to save a little bit more and get a more advanced range hood later or you can simply sacrifice some of the fancy features to get a more basic unit at a lower price. Features such as automatic sensors, heat sensors, the size, built quality, and built-in lighting can be sacrificed if you’re looking to get a cheaper unit.
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9. Filters:
Next, you need to think about the filtration system. Apart from the CFM, the quality of the filters used by your range hood plays a critical role in determining its overall efficiency. In most cases, there are three types of filters you’re likely to find in most range hoods. These include charcoal filters, baffle filters, and mesh filters.
Charcoal filters are the most commonly used type of filters in most range hoods. They’re replaceable and have high absorption power making them more reliable in removing all types of fumes and odors from your kitchen.
Baffle filters and mesh filters are made of aluminum or stainless steel and are usually fitted between two charcoal filters to absorb greasy air.
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10. Additional Features:
The last factor you’ll need to consider when choosing a range hood is the presence of any additional features. Although your unit will still work with basic features, additional features play a pivotal role in boosting efficiency.
Features such as fan speed adjustability, LED lighting, auto shut-off timer, and thermostat control are just a few of the specs you should be keen on when choosing your preferred range hood model.
Top 10 Best Ductless Range Hood Reviews:
1. Cosmo COS-QS75 30 in. Under Cabinet Range Hood
At the beginning of this guide, we’re going to review the Cosmo COS-QS75 Under Cabinet Range Hood. At first glance, this range hood looks strong and elegant which is all thanks to its pro-style canopy hood and its sophisticated contemporary design.
Its satin finish combined with the heavy-duty stainless steel framework is another factor that makes this under cabinet range hood both strong and aesthetically appealing.
About its performance, Cosmo hasn’t disappointed its customers whatsoever. First, they’ve added two centrifugal motors on this range hood in a bid to deliver an impressive 500 CFM worth of airflow.
There are 4 fan speeds to count on ranging from high, medium to low. There are also 2 × 1.5 Watts LED bulbs at the disposal that can be used to illuminate your countertop when cooking. The auto shut-off feature is another smart addition that helps to turn the range hood off whenever it accomplishes its assignments.
The Cosmo COS-QS75 Under Cabinet Range Hood doesn’t stop there. It’s a dual-purpose hood that’s capable of working both as a ducted and as a ductless range hood. This is evidenced by the ducting opening at the top that allows you to connect your ductwork.
If you’re looking to work with the ductless side, you’re free to take advantage of the permanent dishwasher safe filters to remove all types of odors and contaminants from your kitchen.
Pros
- Digital touch controls for easy usability.
- 4 fan speeds to take advantage of.
- Stainless steel chassis provide strength and longevity.
- The carbon filters are easy to clean.
- Powerful motors provide 500 CFM worth of airflow.
Cons
- The LED lights are not bright enough.
- The instructions are not clear.
2. Hauslane | Chef Series 30″ PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood
Taking second place is the Hauslane Chef Series 30” PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood. Despite being pricey, this hood is one of the mightiest in this category thanks to its high suction power and impressive size of 30-inches.
There are 6-speed settings under the belt that works impressively well to change the speed of the fan depending on your needs.
About the performance, Hauslane has capitalized on a very powerful motor that delivers some serious suction power to take care of any Carcinogenic fumes in your kitchen.
To improve efficiency, Hauslane has opted to add three-way exhaust adapters on this range hood to allow it to vent via the 6” rounded duct at the top and two 10” x 3-1/4” rectangular ducts on the rear.
Since this range hood is technologically advanced, Hauslane has further improved the control system by using a touchscreen display with a digital screen. They’ve also added reusable dishwasher safe filters, 3W LED lights at the bottom, and a delay auto shut-off function that turns the range hood off whenever it accomplishes its daily assignments.
Although this hood is slightly pricey, it’s a smart option for customers looking to add a bit of touch and sophistication to their modern kitchens.
Pros
- This range hood is available in a variety of colors.
- There are 6-speed settings to work with.
- The removable filters are easy to clean and replace.
- It has 3-way venting adapters.
- It’s covered with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons
- It’s quite loud in the highest setting.
- The suction power is quite weak.
3. Cosmo 63190 36 in. Wall Mount Range Hood
The Cosmo 63190 Wall Mount Range Hood is a smart alternative for customers looking to install a ductless wall-mounted range hood. What you’ll love most about this unit is its simplicity combined with powerful performance.
Its European-style construction is one of the features you’re likely to fall in love with. It comes with an entire ducting unit that allows it to convert from a ducted to a ductless range hood by just substituting the ductwork and the draft regulator with the stainless steel carbon filters.
When it comes to the airflow department, Cosmo understands how critical it is to remove toxic pollutants from your kitchen. To solve this, they’ve added a very reliable 380 CFM motor that’s backed with 3 fan speeds to get rid of odors, greases, and harmful bacteria from your kitchen space.
Like it’s not enough, they’ve mounted two 2W LED bulbs directly below this range hood to take care of the lighting whenever you’re cooking. Other than that, this range hood has a size of 36-inches that’s huge enough to cover the entire cooktop area for effective ventilation.
It also has an adjustable telescoping chimney that can be adjusted from 25.9 inches to 37.6 inches to fit both shallow and high ceilings.
Pros
- Can work both as a ducted and as a ductless range hood.
- Made from a brushed heavy-duty stainless steel material.
- The telescoping chimney allows this unit to fit on ceilings with varying heights.
- At 380 CFM, this range hood is extremely powerful.
- 3 fan speeds to choose from.
Cons
- It has a low suction power.
- It can easily break in case it’s mishandled during installation.
4. Broan-NuTone 413004 Stainless Steel Ductless Range Hood
The Broan-NuTone 413004 is a brilliant upgrade if you’re looking for a sleek range hood that’s capable of fitting in tiny spaces. Unlike the previous range hoods we’ve just discussed, this one is entirely ductless meaning it’s able to handle the specific assignments it’s intended to do.
The first thing you’ll notice with this range hood is the stainless steel chassis that’s tough enough to handle heavy knocks and rough handling.
For safety purposes, the sides of this range hood are metered while the bottom edges are hemmed to make them curvy instead of being sharp. To add a bit of tone and glamor to your kitchen, the chassis is available in different colors that include White, Stainless steel, Black and Bisque.
Besides that, this unit is available in different lengths ranging from 24”, 30”, 36” to 42” enough to suit your specific kitchen space.
Performance-wise, the Broan-NuTone 413004 has not disappointed its customers at all. Although it’s not the mightiest in the market, its rocker-type exhaust fan is moderately powerful allowing it to suck out odors and other contaminants by just using the 2-fan speed system.
The 75-watt A-19 dual bulbs at the bottom are also impressive as they provide sufficient light to illuminate your cooktop when cooking. Although it doesn’t feature automatic sensors just like some of the premium models we’ve discussed, this range hood is superior in its own ways especially when you consider its moderate price range.
Pros
- The sleek design suits tiny kitchens.
- Available in a variety of matching colors and sizes.
- A basic control panel makes the operation quite easier.
- The stainless steel chassis is tough and highly durable.
- Comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
Cons
- There are no bulbs included.
- The charcoal filter is not reusable.
5. Cosmo 63175S 30 in. Wall Mount Range Hood
Another interesting addition that has made it on this list of the best ductless range hood is the Cosmo 63175S Wall Mounted Range Hood. Comparing it to our previous Cosmo 63190, you’ll notice that these two close cousins have a lot in common including the design, the airflow capacity, the noise level, and the overall construction.
Nonetheless, there are a few major differences you’ll notice between these two fellows one of which is the control system where the Cosmo 63175S comes with touch digital controls while the Cosmo 63190 relies on traditional push buttons.
In terms of built quality, the Cosmo 63175S is constructed from 430-grade heavy-duty stainless steel material with a thickness that’s quite on the lighter side as compared to the Cosmo 63190. Although its lightweight will make portability a breeze, handling this unit will be quite strenuous as you won’t wish to damage its delicate body.
About its performance, the Cosmo 63175S can multitask and work both as a ducted and as a ductless range hood. Its telescoping chimney is a huge advantage if you have a tall ceiling. The Cosmo ARC-FLOW permanent filters are also perfect additions if you’re looking to use this range hood as a ductless alternative.
With a maximum noise range of 65dB, an airflow of 380 CFM, and dual 2W LED bulbs under its belt, this range hood is perhaps your ultimate answer if you’re looking for an efficient range hood at an unbeatable price range.
Pros
- Comes with 3-fan speeds.
- Uses permanent Cosmo ARC-FLOW carbon filters.
- Touch controls make operation a breeze.
- Supported with a 5-year limited parts warranty.
- Extremely lightweight for easy installation.
Cons
- It’s quite noisy.
- It also vibrates a lot.
6. Hauslane | Chef Series Range Hood C100
Hauslane is among those brands that have really improved their game in the range hood business in recent times. This fact has been demonstrated by the Hauslane Chef Series C100 which has stepped up to give kitchen enthusiasts a superb culinary upgrade.
Since you’re not guaranteed to live in your current condo forever, this hood is engineered to convert from a ducted to a ductless unit thanks to the available carbon filters and a 6-inch rounded vent at the top where the ductwork can be connected to.
The best thing about this Chef Series is that it comes in two models which are the C100 and the PS18. The latter, which we reviewed earlier, has a LED display and touch buttons while the former is controlled with push buttons to turn the lights on/off, adjust the fan speed, or turn the entire unit on/off.
Although it sounds manual, this range hood is not something to be underestimated.
First, it’s constructed from a slim stainless steel body that’s tough yet light enough to allow easy assembly beneath your cabinet. Secondly, the stainless steel coating is brushed and quite elegant giving your kitchen a superior look when mounted.
Thirdly, there are 3-fan speeds at the disposal which you can use to adjust the suction power to suck out odors. The dual LED bulbs at the bottom are also impressive as they provide immense light to your cooktop when cooking.
Pros
- Made from a durable stainless steel chassis.
- The dual LED lamps are bright and energy-efficient.
- 3-speed fan settings make it easier to adjust the suction power of this unit.
- Its lightweight makes installation a breeze.
- The under-cabinet design helps to add some beauty to your kitchen.
Cons
- The lights are quite dim.
7. Cosmo 63175 30 in. Wall Mount Range Hood
Another unit that has contributed to Cosmo’s dominance in the range hood business is the Cosmo 63175 Wall Mount Range Hood. Now, looking at most Cosmo range hoods we’ve reviewed here, you’ll notice that most of them are similar in terms of design and performance.
However, for the case of the Cosmo 63175, this unit has attracted the eyes of most kitchen connoisseurs due to its impressive sleek looks, quality built and the high torque it packs under its hood.
In the design department, the premium 430 grade, 20-Gauge thick stainless steel chassis has been very imperative as it’s not only tough but also shiny giving your kitchen a unique superior look. The powerful blower has also added to this range hood’s success thanks to its impressive 380 CFM airflow rating and a noise level of just 65dB.
When it comes to accomplishing its assignments, Cosmo 63175 can function both as a ducted and as ductless unit. As a ducted option, you can take advantage of the telescoping chimney to connect the range hood to your existing ductwork.
For ductless duties, you can use the permanent Cosmo ARC-FLOW carbon filters which you won’t need to replace once they’re installed. With low amperage of 1.5A and a power consumption of 120V, this range hood is a smart addition that will not overburden your budget.
Pros
- It has a modern design that fits most kitchen decors.
- Dual 2W bulbs are bright and energy-efficient.
- Installation is easy and fast.
- It has a decent suction power of 380 CFM.
- Works both as a ducted and as a ductless range hood.
Cons
- You’ll have to remove the upper cabinet to mount it.
8. Broan-NuTone 413604 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood
The best thing about Broan is that it strives to add some sophistication to its line of products. This is evidenced by the release of the Broan-NuTone 413604 model which is an entirely ductless model. This makes it a perfect under cabinet range hood for customers who are not willing to remove their center cabinets just to fit a wall-mounted model.
What’s interesting about this unit is its powerful blower that delivers plenty of power to suit most modern kitchens. Its huge size has also been key to its performance as it makes this unit huge enough to cover the entire cooktop space. This means that all fumes and odors will get sucked right into the machine without allowing it to escape.
In the design department, the BroanNuTone 413604 has not disappointed its diehards whatsoever. Its stainless steel construction has offered a major boost as customers are convinced of purchasing something authentic without any design flaws.
It’s also available in a variety of colors and sizes giving customers the option to buy what suits their kitchens best. So, if you’re struggling to find the perfect replacement for your veteran range hood, then this under cabinet model can prove to be the real deal.
Pros
- A 2-speed fan system makes the operation quite easy.
- Comes in different size and color variations.
- Stainless steel construction helps to improve longevity.
- Grease charcoal filters help to eliminate smoke and odors.
- This range hood is ADA compliant.
Cons
- Doesn’t have any automatic sensors.
- The grease charcoal filters are not reusable.
9. KOBE CHX3830SQBD-3 Brillia Ductless Under Cabinet Range Hood
The KOBE CHX3830SQBD-3 Brillia is another popular buy in most online stores. With a contemporary design that’s reminiscent of those high-profile ductless range hoods, this ducted range hood has built a reputation that has propelled it to the very top.
The first feature that has left most heads turning is the construction which consists of an 18-gauge commercial grade stainless steel material. Not only does it improve the looks, but it also guarantees longevity which is a positive step towards success.
Another feature that has truly impressed most homeowners is the extremely powerful 400 CFM internal blower. With such a blower, getting rid of odors, bacteria, and greases from your kitchen has been super easy. In fact, this feature has amazed most customers who didn’t imagine that a ductless unit can be such powerful.
Other than the performance, the KOBE CHX3830SQBD-3 Brillia is equipped with push buttons that control the 3-speed fan system depending on your ventilation needs. It also has two LED lamps for lighting purposes and two types of filters which are charcoal filters and dishwasher safe baffle filters.
Although this unit is quite on the higher side, the fact that it’s feature-rich makes it a great alternative to customers looking for an efficient range hood.
Pros
- 400 CFM worth of blowing power.
- 3-fan speeds to adjust from.
- Features a beautiful seamless design.
- Constructed from heavy-duty 18-gauge stainless steel metal.
- Extremely silent thanks to the QuietMode feature.
Cons
- Unfortunately, the bulbs are not included.
- Installation is quite difficult.
10. Broan-NuTone 413623 Broan 41000
Last but not least, we have the Broan-NuTone 413623. Now, one impressive fact about this range hood is that it’s quite similar to the Broan-NuTone 413604 model we reviewed earlier.
The features, the specs, and the overall construction are very similar to some of the previous Broan models we’ve reviewed giving customers a wider range of options when it comes to purchasing.
About the construction, this unit is made out of heavy-duty stainless steel that’s both durable and stylish enough to suit in most modern kitchens. It’s under cabinet design is another major plus that prevents you from dismantling your cabinets like it’s the case in most wall-mounted models.
The 2-speed motor has been impressive on its side as it has done a lot to suck odors and other kitchen contaminants with a very high airflow rating.
The charcoal filters cannot be left out either as they have been very fundamental in absorbing all manner of contaminants to give you the freshest air possible. Designed with metered sides and hemmed bottom for safety reasons, the Broan-NuTone 413623 is a high-end model that will never disappoint you.
Pros
- The installation process is quite easy.
- The replaceable charcoal filters are easy to maintain.
- Rocker-type switches are easy to operate.
- The 75W bulbs are very bright and effective.
- This unit is ADA compliant.
Cons
- The chassis can easily be dented in case it gets hit.
Different Types of Range Hoods
Whether you’re planning to remodel your kitchen or maybe upgrade your old appliances with new ones, then you’re at the right place. Although we’ve discussed ten of the best recirculating range hood models in the market, some potential buyers are likely to get lost when it comes to selecting a specific type of unit that can fit the specific layout of their kitchens.
So, to ensure that you’re not left out in the dark, this section will discuss five main range hood categories you’re likely to find in any online or retail store.
- Under Cabinet Range Hoods:
This type of range hood is very common, especially among most US residential kitchens. Just as its name suggests, this unit is intended to be fitted under the cabinet hood of your kitchen. Unlike its wall-mounted counterpart, this one is more budget-friendly as you won’t have to remove any cabinets just to pave way for its installation.
Besides that, installation is a simple process as you only have to mount the unit under your central cabinet using special mounting screws. Depending on your kitchen layout, you can opt to buy a ductless or a ducted under cabinet range hood.
For a ducted model, the ductwork can be directed either above the unit through the top cabinet or behind the hood through the exterior wall.
For the case of a ductless model, all you need to be keen on is the type of filters used just to be sure they’re effective enough in removing odors and air contaminants from your kitchen.
- Wall Mounted Hoods:
Another type of range hood that’s very common in most modern kitchens is the wall-mounted version. Just as its name suggests, this unit is designed to be mounted on the wall instead of being mounted under the cabinet.
Although some models are ductless, the majority of them are ducted to create immense space to connect the unit to your kitchen’s pre-existing duct system.
As far as performance is concerned, one major benefit of installing a wall-mounted hood is the tremendous suction power they provide. This huge advantage makes these range hoods the best for ventilating huge kitchens that handle huge cooking projects.
In addition to their impressive performance, these hoods are slightly larger limiting their operation to only large kitchens.
- Island Hoods:
If your kitchen layout is one that demands you to place the cooktop in the middle of the kitchen, then pairing it with an island range hood can be a clever move. Since they’re mounted at the center of your kitchen where beauty is the main focus, style and elegance are some of the factors these range hoods usually focus on to ensure that they blend in well with your kitchen layout.
This means that when shopping, you’re likely to come across various interesting design selections such as copper, glass, ceramic and stainless steel. Other than the beauty and the design themes, these hoods are fitted with very powerful blowers that suck out huge amounts of smokes and odors from their central positions.
To prevent your kitchen countertop from being blocked by the range hood, some homeowners prefer to install island hoods with special telescoping chimneys to allow them to expand or retract when it’s necessary.
- Downdraft Hoods:
The downdraft range hood is less common among most kitchens. It’s also the least powerful type of hood you’re likely to find in the market. Although its major drawback is power, this hood has its own unique capabilities that are not visible by ordinary kitchen enthusiasts.
One of those is its compatibility advantage with most cooktops allowing it to pop up just behind the cooktop to suck odors and streams. The second advantage is its small size. This benefit allows this unit to work tremendously well on small kitchens where space is a huge concern.
Since it fits perfectly well behind your cooker, you won’t have to incur exorbitant costs of mounting any of the above range hoods in your kitchen.
- Ventilator Power Packs:
Another less costly option you might wish to consider is a wall ventilation fan. This option is usually considered by most homeowners as it doesn’t require you to mount any hoods on the walls. These hoods can easily be installed on your walls or near the windows to easily duct odors to the exterior.
You can also mount them under your cabinets though you should contact your contractor to get some advice depending on your current kitchen setup.
- Professional Grade Range Hoods:
Last but not least, we have these heavy-duty professional-grade hoods. If you’re conducting huge cooking projects in a large kitchen, then you might want to install an extremely powerful range hood such as this.
With high suction power and lots of controls to adjust from, these hoods are considered to be extremely accurate and efficient in ventilating your busy kitchen.
Installation Process of Ductless Range Hood
Now that you’ve got every piece of information regarding ductless range hoods, the next step you might wish to consider is how exactly you’re supposed to mount this beast on your kitchen walls. If you’re wondering how then you don’t have to fear anymore as this section will provide a little bit of information that will prove handy.
- Step One:
Before you begin this hefty installation process, the first thing you need to do is to seek some inspiration from a professional contractor or your local building department regarding the proper mounting space and distance. Remember, depending on your kitchen layout, the distance from the hood to the stovetop might vary though most units range between 24” to 36”.
- Step Two:
So, once you’ve solved this mystery, the next puzzle you’ll need to work on is to understand the specific range hood model you’re looking to install. Since range hoods vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, the instruction manual will be the perfect blueprint you’ll be relying on during the installation process.
- Step Three:
A range hood is a hardwired appliance that requires a power source of around 110V to operate. So, before installation, you first need to think about the electrical outlet to ensure that there’s a power source close enough to where you’ll be installing the range hood.
In case the unit requires you to run an electrical line from the wall to the range hood’s electrical box, then you’ll need to hire an electrician to perform the electrical wiring.
- Step Four:
Once you’ve handled the electrical issues, the next and most important step is to inspect the cabinet where you’ll be installing the hood. The best thing about modern kitchens is that they’re installed with classic cabinets that allow range hoods to be installed underneath them.
If your kitchen cabinets are the older models, then you’ll have to remove the entire center cabinet to modify it by elevating it a little bit to create enough clearance to fit your ductless range hood.
- Step Five:
To start the installation process, begin by taking off the motor housing by removing the screws. This will provide enough clearance inside the range hood to allow you to fit it securely beneath the cabinet. In most cases, a ½ inch screws are the best to use as they don’t penetrate inside the cabinet.
- Step Six:
Once the bottom chassis is tightly connected, the next step is to attach the wires by connecting black to black and white to white then fastening the ground wire to the grounding screw. Once this is done, reinsert the fan motor back to its housing and tighten the screw back on. Finish up by inserting the filters and replacing the cover back again.
Cleanliness of Range Hoods
According to FEMA, one of the leading causes of residential fires is greasy range hoods. This is followed closely by carelessness, smoking, and electrical failures. Since range hoods are now on the radar of causing extensive structural damage via fire, the question of how long it should take to clean your range hood seems to be inevitable.
Thankfully, this section will try and discuss how exactly you’re supposed to clean the best range hoods to get rid of greases and oils.
You Will Need:
- Baking soda
- Boiling water
- Damp cloth
- Degreasing washing liquid
- Soft-bristled brush
- Remove the Filters:
To clean your range hood, start by removing the bottom cover of your hood to access the interior compartment. You can do this by finding the latch that connects the bottom panel. Once the panel is out of the way, remove the baffle filters to access the blowers in the inside.
- Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
Next, prepare the cleaning solution and get ready to start the cleaning process. Add hot water on the sink or a clean bucket then add two tablespoons of degreasing washing liquid. Add half a cup of baking soda and shake the mixture thoroughly.
- Soak the Filters:
To save time, you can separate the washing solution into two parts. The first part can be used to soak the greasy filters for around fifteen minutes while the second portion can be used to clean the range hood in the meantime.
- Wipe the Inside of the Hood:
Using the other portion we set aside, dip a clean cloth, and start wiping the inside of the range hood. Make sure that you wipe areas around the blower carefully without interfering with the electrical wiring.
If the blowers are easily removable, then you can consider removing them to make the cleaning process more straightforward. Now, during the cleaning process, you’ll realize that some stains are too tough to get rid of easily. In such a case, using a bristled brush will be the best option as it can help you to get rid of those stubborn stains with ease.
- Scrub the Filters:
Once you’ve soaked the filters, you can choose to scrub them thoroughly using a brush to remove any excess greases and oils. Rinse them well using fresh hot water then dry them thoroughly before replacing them back into the hood.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
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1. Is a Ductless Range Hood the Best?
This is one common question most homeowners have been asking before installing a ductless range hood. A ducted range hood on its side is slightly powerful when compared to a ducted unit. It’s also larger making it a perfect option for homeowners with large kitchens. On the other hand, a ductless model is less powerful.
However, it’s one of the best to consider if you live in a small apartment where you can’t afford to compromise with the walls.
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2. How Does a Ductless Range Hood Work?
With a ducted range hood, odors, fumes, and air contaminants are ducted outside via the available ductwork. With a ductless model, the option of ductwork is not available at all so you have to rely on the mesh, baffle, and charcoal filters to get rid of any contaminants.
During operation, mesh and baffle filters start by capturing greases and oils. Next, charcoal filters take over by filtering out any odors and smells before circulating the air back into the house.
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3. What Size Range Hood Do I Need?
This is another key question most kitchen enthusiasts ask themselves when choosing a range hood. Since your unit will be used for ventilation purposes, it should be slightly larger when compared to your cooker.
In this case, the size should be approximately 3 to 6 inches across all sides. This means that if your cooker is 30 inches, the range hood should be around 36 inches in size.
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4. What Does CFM Mean?
In simple terms, CFM stands for Cubic Feet per Minute. This measurement is used to determine the strength of your range hood in relation to the amount of BTU your cooker can produce. For the case of a gas cooker, you will need at least 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTU your cooker generates.
This means that if your cooker has 60,000 BTU, then you’ll need a range hood with around 600 CFM worth of suction power.
For the case of an electric cooker, you’ll need around 100 CFM for every 10 inches of your cooker. So, if your cooker is around 36 inches, then you’ll need a range hood with around 360 CFM worth of suction power.
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5. How High Should I Mount My Range Hood?
This is the last question most people are likely to ask themselves when searching for a perfect range hood. According to most electricians and professional contractors, the right height you can mount your range hood is anywhere between 28 and 36 inches from the top of your cooker to the bottom of your range hood.
Anything less than 28 inches will put your range hood’s electrical components at risk of being overheated by the cooker during operation. On the other hand, any measurement beyond 36 inches will place the range hood further away from its center of focus thus decreasing its efficiency in sucking out odors.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, this list of the best ductless range hood models may not be everyone’s favorites. However, the fact that they’re ductless models makes them a real deal for most homeowners especially those living in tiny apartments or rented condos where you’re not authorized to tamper with the walls.
By just creating a shortlist based on the features you’ll be focusing on, you can easily land a quality model from the ones we’ve discussed here. If you inspect each of the range hood models we’ve discussed, each of them presents great potential in keeping the atmosphere around your kitchen clean.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable reference that will guide you in making the right decision, then this insightful guide has offered you everything you need to know when making an informed decision.