Best Range HoodRange hoods are important if you cook at home, especially with a gas cooktop or range. They help vent smoke and fumes that are harmful to your health to improve the air quality in the kitchen. Here we’ll look at how air pollutants affect you, and also check out some of the best range hoods currently available. Indoor Air Pollutants and Range HoodsGas cooktops are preferred for their responsiveness; they’re much faster to heat up and cool down than electric coil elements. But they have some toxic downsides.Two byproducts of gas burners, carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are in large doses, leading to a higher risk of dyspnea, wheezing, and asthma attacks in children and the elderly.Without proper ventilation, the smoke and fumes produced by cooking will remain stuck inside your kitchen. The risk is greater in modern homes that are tightly insulated.conducted by Brett Singer and his associates at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) showed that, during a typical winter week, CO and NO2 levels in a home with a gas range can exceed national and state ambient air quality limits.One workaround is to open windows or run exhaust fans. Another is to buy an electric or induction stove, which will cut back on fume emissions but still produce smoke and consume much electricity.The best option is to install a ventilation hood over the range.
These hoods work similarly to exhaust fans but are focused on the cooking area. They help capture smoke and grease while ventilating the air around the cooktop. Things to Know About Range HoodThere are a few things to keep in mind that should help you filter out the noise and find the one hood that suits you most: TypesThere are three main types of range hoods: ducted, non-ducted, and convertible. They are also categorized by their mounting methods: under-cabinet, wall-mount, and island-mount. Ducted range hoods work by extracting indoor air pollutants and releasing them outside. They need ventilation connecting the kitchen to the exterior of the house, and the outlet ducts usually run up through the ceiling or the back wall.Setting up ducts requires money, effort, and possibly a compartment in your upper cabinets; the hoods themselves are also more expensive than non-ducted (or ductless) hoods.
However, venting the kitchen is the most effective way to remove harmful agents in the air. Non-DuctedNon-ducted range hoods are hoods that work without ventilation, which means you won’t have to set up ducts or sacrifice cabinet space. They focus on air recirculation instead of extracting the air from the kitchen. They’re also recognizable by their use of charcoal filters. Non-ducted hoods suck in the fumes and smoke and run them through filters. The air is then released back into the room, so you should open as many doors and windows as you can to further improve the air quality in the kitchen. Ductless hoods are less effective than ducted ones, but they beat having no hood at all.
ConvertibleThere are convertible range hoods that allow for both non-ducted and ducted setups. They have discharge outlets for ducting (one goes upwards and one goes through the back wall) but can be easily configured to use charcoal filters if your kitchen is not vented.The ability to change from ducted to ductless can be useful in cold seasons because running a ducted hood replaces the inside air with outside air. Ductless hoods, however, keep the warmth indoors.
Best Range Hoods of 2019 - Ducted and Ductless Range Hood Reviews. We have been reviewing range hoods for the past three years. In our most recent evaluation, we compared seven brands to determine which one offered the best ventilation designs, fan power, aesthetics, costs and noise levels.
Wall MountWall-mount range hoods are ducted hoods with an (adjustable) chimney, making them quite large. These are great for pollutant extraction and preferred for big kitchens.Setting up a wall mount range hood typically involves removing a cabinet compartment. If your kitchen isn’t designed with one in mind, it may compromise the look and feel of the room. But there are hood covers you can get that hide the ducts and help the appliance blend into your kitchen better. Island MountIsland-mount hoods work best in spacious kitchens with an island counter.
They are ducted hoods but their ventilation capacity is not as efficient as wall-mounts. Smoke and fumes have more freedom to spread since there aren’t any walls around the cooking area. The solution is to just get a bigger hood.Island mounts also put a lot of pressure on the ceiling since there are no walls to support their weight.
That means you should pay more attention to the bracing and make sure that the installation is done correctly. Under CabinetUnder-cabinet (mount) kitchen hoods are installed under the upper cabinets, right above the cooking range. They are more compact compared with wall-mount and island-mount hoods, therefore more suitable for kitchens with limited space.Also, they often have a ductless design so their installation is straightforward and normally doesn’t call for professional help. A downdraft exhaust system is a ducted system. It works by pulling the smoke and fumes downwards under the floor where the ducts run. Its effectiveness is limited because the mechanics go against the natural dynamics of hot air, making the system work harder than an overhead (or updraft) system.They are usually flush-mounted into the counter, right behind the cooktop. It’s one of the very few ventilation options available for kitchen islands.
You’ll also see them integrated with a gas cooktop or stove range every now and then. CoverageRange hoods for a home kitchen come in various sizes: 24, 30, 36, and 42 inches. When choosing one, your range hood should be at least as broad as your range. If you have the space, it’s always recommended to go for one size bigger.
For example, if you have a 30-inch cooking top then you should get a 36-inch hood.The extra reach is especially crucial if you’re getting an island-mount hood. Since there isn’t going to be any wall around to limit the air distribution, the broad coverage helps ensure that all the smoke and fumes are captured StrengthThe suction capacity of a range hood is typically measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM)— a measurement of airflow velocity. It’s often compared to the heating capacity of a gas cooking surface, which is measured in (BTU).A rule of thumb for range hoods is that for every 100 BTU you should have 1 CFM of venting power. So, for example, if you had a gas range totaling 40,000 BTU in cooking power, then you’d want a 400 CFM exhaust hood.Note: You may need to set up a fresh-air intake system/vent if your place doesn’t have one already. FiltersAll range hoods use mesh filters or baffle filters to trap grease.
Mesh filters are cheaper in comparison with baffle filters and considerably effective, but it’s tougher to clean and doesn’t last as long. Baffle filters are easier to clean and can be reused for quite some time before you need to replace them.Both types of filters are usually made of aluminum and advertised as dishwasher-safe (but it’s safer to wash them by hand). Baffle filters are sometimes stainless steel and can be found in more expensive models.Non-ducted range hoods also use charcoal filters to clean the air before releasing them back to the room. They can’t be reused and should be replaced every 6 to 12 months, depending on how regularly you cook.If you would like a brand new electric range to match your new hood, see our latest reviews for the. Best Range Hoods in 2019 ReviewsAfter some time researching what’s available, we think these are the best kitchen range hoods on the market:.
– Best to Buy in 2019. – Best Wall Mount Hood. – Best Ductless Range Hood. – Best Island Hood. – Best High-End Hood. – Best Under Cabinet Hood. – Best Mid-Range Island ModelHere are our picks for the Best Range Hoods.
– Best to Buy in 2019The Chef PS18 is an under-cabinet, ducted range hood that offers a premium build and polished look, touch controls, and plenty of venting power. Requires DuctingIt comes in 30 and 36 inches and is made of stainless steel, which has great impact absorption and corrosion resistance. When running at maximum capacity, the blowers can reach 860 CFM— enough to take care of 86,000 BTU. That’s stronger than four 20,000 BTU burners running at the same time.The model uses stainless steel baffle filters. They are effective at trapping grease and very durable against chemical or physical damage. You can clean them by hand or you could just put them in the dishwasher.Since the hood is a ducted model, installation will involve setting up vents for the kitchen, which will cost you both time and money.
However, if the kitchen is already vented, its under-cabinet design will be very easy to mount. Several owners have shared that it took them less than an hour to get the hood up and running.The discharge configuration includes an upward and a rear outlet. The upward outlet will fit a round adapter that is 6 inches wide or a square adapter that is 3.25 by 10 inches. The rear outlet is only compatible with square adapters.Instead of physical pushbuttons, the model features a touch screen, with controls for a delay timer, overhead light, fan speed, and a clock. In a way, the touch screen completes the modern aesthetic of the hood.
VerdictThe Chef PS18 is a premium ducted range hood that offers everything from performance to appearance. With all things considered, it’s the most well-rounded hood that we could find.The model is covered with a 2-year limited warranty. Requires DuctingThe series offers models ranging from 30 inches to 48 inches wide, which makes it suitable for both residential and commercial kitchens. The models are all made of stainless steel, from the hood to the chimney extension.The blower’s suction is adjustable, with speeds of 280, 400, 580, and 760 CFM. At the max setting of 760 CFM, the hood can handle up to 75,000 BTUs. That should be able to take care of five burners with 15,000 BTU each.ZLINE recommends using speeds 1 and 2 for light frying or boiling, 3 for heavy frying or boiling, and 4 for grilling or intensive frying.All models in the KB series come with aluminum baffle filters that said to be dishwasher-safe but the general rule is don’t put aluminum wares in the dishwasher.This is a ducted series, so you’ll have to vent your kitchen.
There’s no rear outlet and the ducts will have to run up through the ceiling. There’s an included stainless steel chimney that will cover the pipe up. You’ll also get a backdraft damper that prevents outside air from entering through the ducts.The models feature physical press buttons, a digital display, and LED lights. The power button can be used to activate the 3-minute delayed power-off function by simply pressing and holding the button until the display flashes three times. VerdictThe ZLINE KB series is an appealing find.
Their solid build and reliable performance should keep any owner happy for a long time.The series is covered with a 3-year warranty on parts and a lifetime warranty on the motor. Not Good For Heavy DutyThey have many size options, from 24 inches to 42 inches. The suction of these units peaks between 160 and 190 CFM— which is quite low but enough for recirculation purpose. They work best when installed no lower than 18 inches or higher than 20 inches from the range top.These hoods use aluminum mesh filters to trap grease and charcoal filters to remove odor and pollutants from the air before returning to the room.
It’s not ideal compared with ducted extractor hoods, but it beats having smoke and fumes up in your face. Remember to open doors and windows if you can.The mesh filters can be cleaned and reused but only for a limited number of times. You shouldn’t try to reuse the charcoal filters; they should be replaced once a year.The series is all under-cabinet mounts so installation is quite simple. Many users have reported that since there was no need for ducting, they were able to set it up in about 40 minutes. VerdictFor their price, models from the 41000 series by Broan are good bargains. The series is a suitable choice for small, non-ducted kitchens.The series is covered with a 1-year limited warranty. Requires DuctingThis is a 36-inch stainless steel ducted hood and it’s best for stovetops that are 30 inches or smaller.
The extra coverage will help capture everything without the help of a back wall. For larger cooking ranges, ZLINE also has the, which comes in 42 inches and 48 inches.The hood can deliver 760 CFM at its maximum suction, sufficient to take care of 76,000 BTU— that’s about 5 regular gas burners and plenty of suction for most uses. You can choose from 4 speeds in total, with the other three yielding 280, 400, and 580 CFM of suction.Other features of this model include aluminum baffle filters, a digital display, a chimney cover, a backdraft damper, and physical press buttons that control speeds and lights. You can use the 3-minute delayed auto shut-off by holding the power button for a few seconds until the display flashes.You can also reconfigure the hood to work in a ductless kitchen by inserting compatible charcoal filters from Zline. VerdictThe ZLINE GL1i is a solid pick for an island-mount range hood. It’ll bring functional features and an impressive build to the kitchen at a competitive price.The model is covered with a 3-year warranty on parts and a lifetime warranty on the motor. Expensive.
Needs DuctingThe JQG7501 is a ducted, 30-inch under-cabinet range hood (also available in 36 inches) that’ll bring a certain futuristic feel to your kitchen. It has a peculiar design with a 45-degree slanted surface that guides smoke and steam to the inlet opening. The surface is made of tempered glass which looks great and is easy to clean but doesn’t do well with physical impact.The hood can operate at three different speeds: 220, 400, and 510 CFM. If the capacity of a burner is lower than 18,000 BTU then the hood should be able to take care of 2 or 3 of them at once.The JQG7501 also features baffle filters that are hidden by an automatic cover and a touch-screen that controls lights, a delay shut-off function, and a screen-lock function. The screen lock allows you to clean the screen without accidentally activating it.If you don’t fancy the high-tech controls, there’s the, which is geared with physical buttons, costs less, and has a filter cover that’s always open.
VerdictWith all of its perks, the Fotile JQG7501 is among the priciest residential vent hoods. It’s not for everyone, but it’s a good unit for those seeking a high-end addition to their kitchen.The model is covered with a 5-year limited warranty.
Low powerThe F40000 comes in all sizes from 24 to 42 inches. They all have two speeds and max out at 160 CFM.
In cooking capacity, that’s only about one 15,000 BTU burner or two 8,000 BTU simmering burners. You’ll find them suitable for occasional, light cooking only.They use aluminum mesh filters and if you want to go for ductless, the charcoal filters are sold separately. The hood can be vented from the top, which takes both square (3.25 by 10 inches) and round (7 inches) ducts, or from the rear, which only takes a square duct.The hood itself is pretty simple to install, but the venting is usually not as easy. We recommend hiring certified help to do it. VerdictThe Broan F40000 series is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something basic and affordable.The series is covered with a 1-year limited warranty. Needs ductingThis is a 36-inch, stainless steel, island-mount range hood. It can operate at three different speeds and yield 600 CFM at maximum capacity— meaning the hood can handle four 15,000 BTU burners simultaneously.This hood features physical press buttons that control the speeds, lights, and an auto-shutoff feature that programs the hood to shut down after 5 minutes.
There’s no power button; instead, you turn it on and off with the speed buttons.The iChorus comes with a chimney duct cover and back-draft damper for your ducted setup. You can go ductless if you want with the charcoal filters that are also included. VerdictThe Zuhne iChorus 36 is not terribly strong for its size but it is a solid hood that is built to last.The hood is covered with a lifetime limited warranty. Best Range Hoods Comparison Chart ModelDuctedCFMStyleWarrantyChef PS18(Editor's Choice)Yes860Under cabinet2 yearsZ Line KBYes760Wall mount3 yearsBroan 41000 SeriesNo160Under cabinet1 yearZLine GL1iConvertible760Island mount3 yearsFotile JQG7501Yes510Wall mount5 yearsBroan F40000 SeriesConvertible160Under cabinet1 yearZuhne iChorusConvertible600Island mountLifetimeBest Range Hood BrandsThere are quite a number of range hood brands because the market is quite competitive. While that doesn’t ease the process of picking one, it is the competition that works in your favor— the consumers— when it comes down to the bucks.Here we’ve picked out the most promising companies out of dozens of them and given them a thorough check-up: Broan-Nutone Llcis one of the oldest and biggest names in residential ventilation.
Started in 1932, Broan has been considered the leading brand in fresh air facility for a long time. Their products range from whole-house air-quality systems to specific ventilation products like fans or vent hoods.Range hoods are no doubt one of their most successful franchises. Their best products are ones with simple designs and offer few key features, placing them mainly in the low to the mid-price range. ChefChef is a young brand who entered the industry about 15 years ago and their products boast major potential.
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Although it’s not popular, the brand is still one of the few favorites in local home improvement stores in South San Francisco.Chef’s most known series is their Pro Under Cabinet Hoods. With its contemporary, eye-catching designs and abundant utilities, so far the series has had quite a good run since it was first available a few years ago. Zlineand Bath is a family-owned company that is based in Ohio and Nevada, United States, founded by one Andy Zuko. Their products and reputation are built with honesty and commitment.Zline exhaust hoods are known for their longevity and durability. Loved by home cooks and professional chefs alike, Zline products— wall mount and island mount vent hoods in particular— has appeared many times on Top Chef since 2016 FotileFotile is a young global company that has been patiently building up its reputation with out-of-the-box thinking. It’s reflected most clearly in their Fotile V Range Hood series, with modern aesthetics and innovative mechanics.The brand aims the top-end market with costly features in their range hoods.
However, the quality of Fotile range hoods is vouched by their much-pleased customers. ZuhneMuch better known for its sink, Zuhne is not exactly a new name in the kitchen and bath fixture industry. By practicing professional attitude in business, the brand reinforces the existing approval of consumers further and further day by day.Though fairly new to the range hood scene, Zuhne chimney hoods have reaped a certain amount of success. The company managees to offer quality craftsmanship and attention to details in this unfamiliar appliance category.Filed Under: Tagged With.
Kitchen Bath Collection 30-inch Wall-mounted Stainless Steel Range Hood with Touch Screen Control Panel, Capable of Vent-less Operation. High-end LED Lights Over 3x Brighter Than Competing ModelsThis sleek kitchen hood has a touchscreen panel from which you can control it. It is mounted on the wall so if this is preference based on the architecture of your home then this is your best choice. It can be easily installed by any handy individual and doesn’t need an expert to handle it. This makes it a low-maintenance option for you.
Perfetto Kitchen and Bath 30″ Under Cabinet Stainless Steel Push Button Control Kitchen Cooking Fan Range HoodThis is low-priced but effective kitchen hood that fits under a cabinet if you don’t have space on your ceiling or walls. Don’t mistake the low price for poor performance, however.
This ventilation hood is efficient and will last a long time in your kitchen ideal for low and medium level cooking. If you only cook several times a week, this is perfect for you. If, however, you do heavy cooking in your kitchen then you might want to pick something heavy duty to work with. BV Stainless Steel 30″ Under Cabinet High Airflow (800 CFM) Ducted Range Hood with LED LightsAn attractive feature of this hood is that you can easily take it apart to clean it. If you really love to clean your appliances regularly, then go with this one because you can easily clean it as often as is within the instructions without having to get a professional. With this brand you get 3-year warranty as a guarantee that the product is top quality.
Broan 423604 ADA Capable Under-Cabinet Range Hood, 190 CFM 36-Inch, Stainless SteelThis low-key range hood is a good investment. With its large surface area, it gets smells and heat out of your kitchen giving you more comfort and if you are prone to headaches caused by heat and smells, then consider this as an option as it reduces kitchen temperatures drastically.
Broan QS130SS 220 CFM Under Cabinet Hood, 30-Inches, Stainless SteelThis hood is slightly smaller than the previous one on the list. However, it makes the list because it does almost exactly the same job. It is ductless, but not to worry because ductless kitchen ranges work very well when properly installed operated and cleaned. You will have nothing to worry about.
This is one of the quietest in the list. 250 CFM Ducted Under Cabinet Range Hood with Push Button Control Panel, Kitchen Vent Cooking Fan Range Hood with Aluminum Filters and LED LightingThis range hood features a chimney that is adjustable.
However, it can only be mounted on a wall so if you prefer a ceiling mount, then this is not the choice for you. It doesn’t matter whether you mount your hood on a wall or ceiling, just that most people prefer ceiling mounts to wall mount.
This item is easy to install and fairly priced too so if you’re not too picky, go for it. Kitchen Bath Collection STL75-LED Stainless Steel Wall-Mounted Kitchen Range Hood with High-End LED Lights, 30″This hood comes with LED lights that have 49 bulbs. They are energy efficient and ensure your food and kitchen is well lit during those early morning and night cooking sessions.
It comes with an aluminum duct, which is flexible. The carbon filters are some of the best in the industry and compete well with that of competing companies listed here. Proline Wall / Undercabinet Range Hood PLJW 185.30 600 CFM, 30″This range hood has a sleek glass finish, and still does its job efficiently. It doesn’t come with a vent, but a carbon filter is sold as a separate item in case you need one. Furthermore, it comes with two mesh filters that you can wash in your dishwasher.
However, you can always buy more filters if you need them. Though if they get spoiled before 3 years lapses, you could always return it to the manufacturer as per warranty specifications. Broan 423023 ADA Capable Under-Cabinet Range Hood, 190 CFM 30-Inch, BlackThis sleek range hood comes in five unique colors. Although on the pricier side, this range hood is durable and easy to take apart and clean. Very well worth the cost of buying it. This feature makes it a homeowners dream.
Moreover, it is quite a powerful machine and you can easily change the fan and light to your cooking intensity and preference. Broan 413004 ADA Capable Non-Ducted Under-Cabinet Range Hood, 30-Inch, Stainless SteelThis range hood ensures that your indoor air quality is as excellent as you deserve by providing an innovative way to keep your home environment free from harmful gases. The filtration on this hood is excellent and top of the range as this company has been at the forefront of home solutions for decades.Now that you have looked at ten kitchen range hoods that you could possibly get installed in your home, why don’t you get one for your kitchen and save yourself from the smoke and gases while creating a fresh home environment. Indoor air quality is five times more crucial to human health than outdoor air quality.