The importance of having a high-quality range hood in your home cannot be overstated. This is an appliance that has become an indispensable part of many modern kitchens and if you want to add a new hood or replace the one that’s currently installed, use this article to help you choose the best buy under cabinet range hood for your home.
Without the right kind of range hood, you’re likely to find your home constantly filled with food odors, smoke from the kitchen, and various other annoyances that can make your home environment a lot less comfortable for everyone else.
The good news is that there is a wide range of options available to you with regards to range hoods. In this article, we’ve included a list of the 10 most popular models that you’ll find on the market today as well as a handy buying guide so you know exactly what to look for when choosing an under cabinet range hood.
So let’s get right to it!
Contents
Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods: Editor’s Top Picks
Types of Under Cabinet Range Hood
Under-cabinet range hoods come in two types: ducted, and ductless. When it comes to collecting steam, fumes, smoke, and various other airborne particles in your kitchen like the grease generated while you’re deep-frying, it’s important to ensure that you have the right appliance to get the job done properly.
There are many different types of range hoods:
- Undercabinet Range Hoods
- Wall-Mounted Range Hoods
- Island Range Hoods
- Ceiling-Mounted Range Hood
- Wall Ventilation Fans
- Downward Ventilation Hoods
- Ventilator Power-pack Hood
If you have already decided from the many options available that you want an under cabinet range hood, you can now choose whether you want it to be a ducted range hood or a ductless one. Here are the similarities and differences between the two to help make your choice an easier one.
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Ducted Range Hoods
These are fairly common, particularly in commercial kitchens, but some kitchen designs might limit where you are able to install a ducted range hood since you need to have pipes connecting the kitchen hood to the outdoors. If your cooking area is placed against a wall that doesn’t lead to the outside, you won’t be able to install a ducted range hood there.
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Ductless Range Hoods
You can install a ductless range hood almost anywhere since it doesn’t require vents to the exterior of your kitchen. A ductless range hood operates by sucking in the air in the kitchen, filtering it, then blowing it back into the room.
It essentially uses a re-circulation process instead of simply carrying the smoke and steam outside the way that ducted range hoods do. With this type of range hood, it’s necessary to change or clean the filters about once or twice every year so that your range hood works efficiently at all times.
Each of these models comes with its own set of pros and cons.
For the ducted range hood, these tend to be more efficient when it comes to getting rid of steam, humidity, smoke, and so on from your cooking area since they are venting out your kitchen completely instead of recirculating air.
A major drawback is that they need to be installed in an area with a duct system that goes to the outside of your building which is not possible for all kitchens.
As for the ductless hood, its advantage is that it’s more versatile and you can install it just about anywhere you want. There are no vents to the outside or ducts to worry about. However, since it only filters then re-circulates the air in your kitchen, you may sometimes find that your kitchen becomes fairly humid – particularly if you’re doing a lot of cooking.
Things to Consider Before Buying A Range Hood
There are many important features to keep an eye out for when buying the best buy under cabinet range hood for your kitchen. Read through the list of features below, and then make an informed choice according to the features you value most.
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Type of Range Hood
There are many different types of range hoods that you can install in your kitchen. Each one has a different installation system, from Island-Type range hoods which are very popular these days to Under Cabinet hoods which are stylish and more powerful.
There are also Wall-Mounted, Insert, and Pro-hood options that you can choose from according to your specific requirements. However, since this is a review article about under cabinet range hoods, that’s the type we’ll stick to for now.
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Consider the Brand
It’s very important to choose a reputed brand when buying a range hood because this is one of the best ways of ensuring that you get a high-quality product and the necessary support in the event of any issues you might experience after installing it in your home.
The simple truth is that some brands focus on creating high-quality products and treat their customers better than others. The good news is that we included only the most popular brands which offer high-quality, affordable products with great reviews on our list.
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Range Hood Size
You obviously need to make sure that you pick the right size range hood for your kitchen. The last thing you want is to be saddled with an appliance that is too large or too small for the space that it has to be installed in.
Since this article is on under cabinet range hoods, you must ensure that there is plenty of space under the cabinet to allow you to install the range hood properly. So, measure the area accurately before purchasing your range hood.
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Range Hood Power
Before investing in your range hood, consider its power. The airflow in range hoods is measured in CFM which is ‘cubic feet per minute’. The higher the CFM of your range hood, the higher its price. If you’re someone who only cooks occasionally, there’s probably no need for you to invest in the extremely powerful hood.
You’d likely be satisfied with one that has 300-350-CFM as it will be enough to rid your kitchen of strong cooking odors, smoke, and steam. However, for those who spend a large portion of their day in kitchens whipping up all kinds of meals, a kitchen hood with 450-CFM (at the very least) would be at an ideal choice. Just keep in mind that the higher your hood’s CFM, the higher the sound level is going to be.
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Consider the Filters
It might be a good idea to choose a range hood that has aluminum filters as you can clean these in your dishwasher or easily wash them by hand. Some under cabinet range hoods have charcoal filters which are also very effective, but you can’t wash these which means that you have to change them when they get dirty and greasy.
Some hoods will even come with filter indicator lights that show you when it’s time to replace or wash your filters in order to keep your hood working properly.
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Fan Speed
A range hood with multiple fan speeds doesn’t necessarily mean that it has the best ventilation. You might find a range hood with two fan speeds but that is just as effective as those with five fan speeds. You need to check that the speeds offer powerful but quiet ventilation, as this is more important in the long run.
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Range Hood Lighting
Range hoods come with different kinds of lighting from fluorescent, incandescent, halogen, and LED lighting. Most people seem to prefer LED lighting because it’s brighter. If you want maximum illumination, look for range hoods with 2 to 4 bulbs.
Top 10 Best Buy Under Cabinet Range Hoods Reviews:
1. Proline Wall/Undercabinet Range Hood
Proline is a well-known manufacturer of high-quality range hoods. This particular product is one of their most popular under cabinet range hoods. Measuring at just 5 inches in height, it’s designed to fit nearly anywhere, which makes it a great option whether you’re installing a brand new hood for the first time or replacing an old one.
This design has a stunning, brushed stainless steel finish, and the unit comes with two LED lights that will brightly illuminate your cooking space. The baffle filters are dishwasher safe and extremely easy to clean, even by hand. The motor has four blower speeds and this model boasts a powerful dual blower that comes preinstalled, ready for use.
This slim appliance has 5-sone noise level which sounds almost the same as a normal conversation with some background noise. This is the best range hood under cabinet option for you if you want high-quality, stylish looks, and long-lasting durability.
Highlighted Features:
- Beautiful stainless-steel finish
- Superslim under cabinet design
- Includes energy-efficient bright LED lights
- 600-CFM, 4-speed functionality
- Super quiet 5 sones output
2. Hauslane – Chef Series 30″ PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood
This ventilation hood is first on our list for a very good reason. It has clean, sharp lines and an industrial styling which make it the perfect extractor fan for any discerning home chef. Its flawless stainless steel construction confirms that this is one of the best range hood brands you’ll find anywhere right now.
This contemporary range hood features a powerful 860-CFM extractor to capture all the fumes, grease, and cooking smells in your kitchen with ease. Maintenance is a breeze; all you have to do is wipe the surface down with mild detergent and pop the filter into the dishwasher.
This hood also comes with a touchscreen panel that displays the time and offers you easy control of the various hood functions. This is great for those times when you have your hands full. The hood also has three venting options, giving you complete installation convenience.
Highlighted Features:
- Contemporary modern design
- Powerful 860-CFM extractor
- Comes with a delay shut-off switch
- 6-speed settings to control suction and noise level
- Includes energy-saving, bright LED lamps
3. BV Range Hood – 30 Inch 900 CFM
This under cabinet range hood is very easy to disassemble when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, which makes it the ideal option for busy cooks who spend a lot of time in the kitchen. The hood is a high-airflow ducted model that comes with lights and high-quality stainless steel filters.
The whole range hood is designed for easy removal of parts without the need for specialized tools. It provides up to 900-CFM high-power with an output of 7.5 sones at maximum fan speed. The satin finish of this stylish hood makes it a great addition to any kitchen. It’ll immediately enhance the aesthetics of your space while providing all the necessary functionality to keep the air clean.
It has a single-chamber super-quiet motor and centrifugal blower fan, all of which work together to offer the best performance and lowest levels of sound. This model is also protected from radio frequency interference. This is undoubtedly the best under cabinet ducted range hood you’ll find on the market right now.
Highlighted Features:
- Seamless design that is easy to clean
- Provides 900-CFM high-power
- Includes 4-speed electronic button control
- Super quiet yet powerful motor
- 2-year warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee
4. Cosmo 5MU30 30-in Under-Cabinet Range Hood 200-CFM
This under cabinet range hood comes with modern styling that will match any kitchen décor. It has a sleek, brushed stainless steel outer surface and features 200-CFM of suction that will efficiently remove odors and smell from your kitchen with ease.
This is a great option for you if you’re someone who hardly ever cooks, but when you do you want to ensure that the air in your home or apartment remains free from smoke, odor, and steam.
This ducted range hood presents a much simpler way to clean the air in your home. Thanks to its size, it fits easily into existing cabinets. This appliance is not only elegant and stylish, offering your kitchen a modern upscale look, but it’s also extremely functional and features energy-efficient, quiet performance.
The high-lumen LED lights offer year-round cost savings, and you can expect to be using your range hood for decades to come thanks to its durable construction from 430-grade stainless steel with 20-gauge thickness. According to the top-rated range hood reviews, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a model with a noise level that is less obtrusive than this one.
Highlighted Features:
- Smooth operation at the touch of a finger
- High-lumen LED bulbs for added visibility
- Durable, long-lasting construction
- 200-CFM airflow capacity
- Easily switches to ductless operation
5. Broan-NuTone 413604 ADA Range Hood
This non-ducted under cabinet hood is made according to Broan’s exacting standards. This brand has been providing high-quality affordable kitchen appliances for decades, and it’s no wonder their products make it to the top of many reviewers’ lists.
This range hood is available in a wide variety of widths and colors to ensure that you can match your kitchen décor precisely. The unit includes a combination grease-and-charcoal filter which is removable to allow cleaner exhaust recirculation indoors.
It has a fan that is designed to give you years of trouble-free service as well as a protective lamp lens, which helps to distribute light evenly over your cooktop.
The appliance has control switches that allow you to change the fan speeds and activate the light. For anyone who wants effective filtration in their kitchen, this is a high-quality product that offers extreme value. It’s the best under cabinet ductless range hood you’ll find for the price.
Highlighted Features:
- Includes protective lamp lens
- Powerful, 2-speed motor
- Available in a variety of colors and widths
- Works in an ADA-compliant application
- Rocker-type fan with a polymeric blade
6. BV Range Hood – 30 Inch 860 CFM
BV’s under cabinet range hood comes with a unique patented slanted design. The slanted housing provides effective yet quiet airflow and offers full coverage of your cooking surface. It has 860-CFM high-power with 7.5 sones low noise even at max fan speeds.
This brand is continually improving its products so that it evolves together with its customers’ needs. The company does its best to ensure the full satisfaction of each of its customers by offering a limited two-year product warranty on each appliance purchased. If you are searching for the best 30 under cabinet range hood, this could be it.
The high-airflow ducted unit has lights and stainless steel filters that are designed for easy removal and cleaning with no need for specialized tools. This is a great appliance to keep your indoor air clean and fresh, especially if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking meals that result in a lot of greases, smoke, and smells.
Highlighted Features:
- Powerful suction helps to reduce stains on tiles and paint
- Filters are easy to remove and clean
- Available in two models: 860 and 900-CFM
- Beautiful brushed stainless steel finish
- 2-year worry-free product warranty
7. Broan-NuTone 403004 Convertible Range Hood
Made for a wide range of installations, this appliance comes in an astounding variety of matching widths and colors. This durable hood installs quickly and easily in ducted openings only. It ducts either horizontally or vertically and also features a strong, durable fan designed to last for years without giving you trouble.
The grease filter is easy to clean, and this unit also comes with a protective lens for the lamp which helps to distribute lights more evenly over your cooktop. You can activate the lights and control the fan speeds using control switches, and the model also includes a duct adapter that has a built-in damper.
The sides of this range hood are mitered, with the bottom edge hemmed to ensure that there are no sharp edges. This means that you not only get good looks but added safety, too. This is one of the best range hoods for gas stoves that you’ll find anywhere thanks to its powerful suction.
Highlighted Features:
- Extremely effective yet quiet operation
- Dishwasher-safe aluminum filters
- Protective lamp lens for distributing light evenly
- Comes with duct connector and inbuilt damper
- 160-CFM, 6.5 sone performance
8. Hauslane – Chef Series Range Hood C400 30″
The Chef range hood will bring a stylish metallic accent to your kitchen that any homeowner will surely appreciate. In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of the room, this appliance also provides amazing functionality, despite its compact size.
It has an effective kitchen exhaust fan that is designed for years of trouble-free performance. The curved design of this slim profile unit, as well as its simple lines and stainless steel finish, make it unique and eye-catching.
It has a powerful 750-CFM motor with six-speed settings that you can control using the touch panel. There’s also an in-built white stove light that is welcoming and warm. You’ll be able to illuminate your cooking area with ease, even in dimly lit spaces. Easy to wipe clean, this ventilator appliance offers a hygienic solution to keep the air in your home safe and clean.
Highlighted Features:
- The appliance features a stylish slim profile
- Powerful 750-CFM suction
- Six-speed fan settings
- Includes a bright white stove light
- Three-way venting option
9. Zephyr Range Hood
This 30-inch under cabinet range hood has a 3-speed 850-CFM internal blower with an output of five sones at maximum speeds. It comes with a self-cleaning filterless system and dishwasher safe residue cups.
Made from sleek stainless steel, this high-quality appliance is designed to last you for years to come. The powerful motor works effectively to remove smoke, odors, steam, grease particles in the air while you’re cooking in your home to ensure that the environment remains safe and comfortable for everyone in the house.
In addition to being powerful and effective, this model also has super-quiet noise leveling which ranges from 0.9 to 5 sones. This is a great product to consider if you’re looking for the best-rated range hood that is powerful but has a very quiet operation.
Highlighted Features:
- Exclusive features allow you to limit maximum blower CFM
- Self-cleaning filterless system
- Powerful fan with turbine blade design
- The motor offers ultra-quiet operation
- Includes dishwasher-safe residue cups
10. XtremeAir Range Hood
ExtremeAir has been recognized as being one of the best range hood brands available today. This product certainly proves why they are considered industry leaders with its powerful yet quiet kitchen ventilation features.
Well-constructed and high-powered, this appliance redefines the industry standard on quality, style, design, and durability. According to many online reviews from satisfied customers, this range hood is easy to install, easy to clean, and works perfectly to remove all pollutants from your air while you cook.
Highlighted Features:
- The motor comes with a lifetime warranty
- Powerful 900-CFM suction
- Dishwasher-safe slanted baffle filters
- Includes bright LED base lights
- Super-quiet fan operation
Benefits of Under Cabinet Range Hood
There’s no doubt that adding an under cabinet range hood in your kitchen is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the other occupants in your home. However, for anyone who is not yet convinced, here are five more reasons why you stand to benefit from installing a range hood in your kitchen.
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Added Style and Visual Appeal
An updated, stylish kitchen is the pride of most homes. Installing a range of hoods can create a dramatic statement piece or it can be designed to seamlessly blend into the surrounding decor depending on your preferences.
Either way, there are tons of different customization options for you to create the perfect range hood for whatever style of decor you have whether it’s contemporary, traditional, modern, rustic, old-world, etc.
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Improved Air Quality
Your kitchen is often the busiest room of the house but cooking and preparing meals can produce lots of smoke, steam, fumes, and unwanted airborne particles all of which decrease the air quality not only in the kitchen but the entire house as well.
A range hood with a high-quality filtration system will help to significantly improve the quality of the air by reducing all these unwanted byproducts of cooking so that the air in your entire home is cleaner and more breathable.
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Removal of Excess Heat
When cooking in the kitchen, it can get quite hot. Having a good quality under cabinet range hood is a great way to remove some of that excess heat and make the kitchen space more comfortable for anyone to work in for lengthy periods of time.
As the under cabinet range hood is pulling out the air to clean it, it’s also pulling out the heat from the kitchen and with the re-circulated air (in the case of a ductless range hood) also comes a cooler, more pleasant, and enjoyable kitchen environment.
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Provision of Additional Lighting
If you are one of those cooks who rely on visual cues such as texture or color changes in the food, then you’ll absolutely appreciate an under cabinet range hood with nice, bright lighting.
For kitchens that are not very well lit, a range hood with bright lighting is a great appliance to have as it provides the required amount of light directly over the stovetop for you to be able to eyeball exactly what you’re doing and accurately monitor your cooking progress.
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Increased Home Value
In addition to enhancing the visual appeal of your kitchen, installing a high-quality under cabinet range hood will also help to increase the value of your home. Most people consider the kitchen to be one of the most important rooms in any home and having an updated kitchen almost always supports higher selling values as well as quicker selling rates.
How to Install Under Cabinet Range Hood
As previously mentioned, under cabinet range hoods can come in either ducted or ductless versions. And the way in which you install the appliance will depend on which type you chose to go with. For the ducted versions, you will need to create holes in the wall to the outside for the ventilation and ducts. However, if you choose to go with the ductless alternative, it’s a lot easier to install.
Here are the installation basics:
Assuming you did your research and picked the right range hood, measured the available space, and bought a hood of the proper size, now you can get started installing the under cabinet range hood in your kitchen.
Step 1: Take Safety Precautions – The first thing you need to do is to turn off the power to the kitchen, then lock the panel box so that no one turns it back on until you’re done. Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask as you work.
Step 2: Check the Venting – If you are installing a vented hood, first check to ensure that you’ve got the proper ductwork matching the range hood. If it’s a new range hood that you’re installing, first make sure that the ducting doesn’t end up against the wall or in the attic. Once you’re sure that all vents leading outside the building, you can now proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Remove Old Range Hood – If you have an old hood, now is the time to remove it. Simply open up the panel which covers the electrical wiring and disconnects the wires in the old hood. Loosen the screws attaching the undercabinet hood to the cabinet above slide the hood off and set it aside.
Step 4: Reconnect the New Range Hoods – Place the new hood in position and thread all the wires through the small hole at the back. Connect the wires together and tuck them away before replacing the panel cover. After that, you can screw the hood securely in place. Make sure you use the types of screws that are recommended by the hood manufacturer.
Now turn the power back on so you can test your new hood to ensure that it is fully functional.
How to Clean & Maintain Under Cabinet Range Hood
Cleaning and maintaining your under cabinet range hood is something that you have to do on a regular basis to ensure that it stays functioning at its best. This is particularly true if you do a lot of heavy cooking which produces lots of smoke, steam, and grease particles.
No matter what style of range hood you have, when it comes to cleaning and maintenance, the process is similar across all the different types and styles of products. Your manufacturers will obviously have instructions on how best to care for your particular range hood, but as a general rule you’re able to clean most under cabinet range hoods in this way:
- Clean the Air Filter
This is the part of your range hood which removes the particles of smoke and grease from the air prior to pushing it outside your house or re-circulating it. Most filters are made of metal or charcoal. You can easily remove both types of filters to either clean them or replace them.
For metal filters, you can clean them in your dishwasher or by hand using warm soapy water or, if necessary, a degreasing solution. You cannot clean charcoal filters, which means that when they get so dirty that they begin to lose their effectiveness, it’s time to change them.
- Clean the Actual Range Hood
This is a simple process. All you have to do is ensure that the unit is turned off as well as that your stovetop is not hot. Use a degreaser or a house cleaning spray for regular cleanups to keep your hood looking its best. Just keep in mind that some sprays are abrasive and may damage the surface of your range hood. Also, don’t spray on to the electrical components or light bulbs.
- Clean the Fan
Another step to take when cleaning and maintaining your under cabinet range hood is to clean the fan or replace the motor. The fan is typically durable enough to not need maintenance, however, it’s still important to examine every part of your appliance when doing checkups.
The motor or bearings in the unit can sometimes be exposed to excessive amounts of grease and humidity which causes them not to function properly. When the motor starts acting up, simply remove the blower wheel which collects dirt and grease, and clean it using a powerful degreaser. If this doesn’t work, it most likely means you need a new motor.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is It Possible to Replace Range Hood Bulbs with LEDs?
A lot of people enjoy the clarity and brilliance of LED lighting. That’s why it can be tempting to replace halogen or incandescent bulbs in your undercabinet range hood with LEDs. However, it’s always advisable to only use the type of bulb that is recommended by the manufacturer of the range hood.
While changing the bulbs doesn’t forfeit the warranty, there is no guarantee that they will work properly. If this is an important factor to you when buying a new range hood, then make sure you choose a model that comes with LED lighting.
Q2: How Often Do I Need to Clean My Filters?
This depends a lot on the level of usage. However, a good recommendation would be to clean the mesh grease filters in your dishwasher about once a month or so. All metal filters should be cleaned either in the dishwasher or by hand using and non-phosphate detergent to help minimize discoloration of the filter.
You may need to wash your filters more often if you cook a lot and your cooking style is one that generates a lot of greases, such as from wok cooking or frying foods. Keep in mind, if you have none-ducted carbon filters, you cannot clean them and they must be replaced.
Q3: Which Is Better Ducted or Non-Ducted Range Hoods?
A: As stated earlier, each of these types has its own merits and drawbacks. You need to consider which one would work best for your needs. For instance, a ducted range hood has to have vents to the outside of your home.
And while this may be possible for some, for others, though be no way to install this type of range hood which means that they are only left with the option of using the ductless version. So it’s not a matter of which one is best, but rather what your home design allows, and which features you prefer.
Q4: How Do I Know How Much CFM I Need?
A: CFM is the acronym for ‘cubic feet per minute’, which is a unit for measuring the power outputs of your range hood. If you’re wondering what the ideal CFM is, the answer is that it depends on a variety of factors such as your cooktop, how often you cook, and so on.
As a general rule, a gas cooktop requires 100-CFM for every 10,000 BTU it generates, while for an electric stove, you can estimate the CFM according to its size. So, for instance, if your stove is 36 inches then it means you need 360-CFM at the very least.
To make things easier, if you’re someone who hardly ever cooks, you may find that 350-CFM is enough to cater to your needs. However, people who do a lot of cooking and generate lots of smoke and fumes may require 450-CFM and higher.
Q5: What Does Convertible Mean?
A: When used with regard to under cabinet range hoods, the term convertible simply means that the hood can be installed using different ducting modes. Generally, a convertible hood will accommodate round ducted and vertical or horizontal ducted, as well as non-ducted applications.
It has both features for non-ducted and ducted installation, and the appropriate parts are available in the box when you purchase the kit. This gives you the option to install it however you like without having to buy additional parts. However, you will have to purchase charcoal filters separately for non-duct hood installation.
Final Note
There is absolutely no doubt that installing an under cabinet range hood in your kitchen will provide you with many benefits by maintaining a clean and healthy atmosphere in your home. However, when it comes to choosing the right appliance for your home, this can prove to be a frustrating and overwhelming experience due to the sheer amount of options that are available to you.
Use our reviews and buying guide to help you choose the best buy under cabinet range hood for your kitchen from the many brands that are leading the market with high-quality, stylish, durable, and affordable appliances.