A range hood is an essential appliance in any kitchen, designed to improve air quality by reducing smoke, fumes, and other pollutants during cooking. It is an effective solution to ensure that the air inside your kitchen stays fresh and clean, providing a healthier and more comfortable environment for you and your family.
Range hoods work by extracting the air and contaminants generated during cooking and expelling them outside or filtering them through a ventilation system. By removing smoke, steam, and other airborne pollutants, a range hood helps to prevent the build-up of harmful substances that can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, investing in a range hood is a smart decision that can make your kitchen a safer and more pleasant place to be.
What is a range hood?
A range hood, also known as a kitchen hood or exhaust hood, is a device installed above a kitchen stove or cooktop that removes smoke, steam, grease, and other pollutants from the air. It helps to improve indoor air quality and prevent unpleasant odors and potentially harmful substances from building up in the kitchen.
Range hoods can be installed in various ways, such as ducted or ductless. Ducted range hoods vent the air outside through a duct system, while ductless range hoods use filters to trap the airborne particles before recirculating the air back into the kitchen. Range hoods can also come in different styles, sizes, and features to fit various kitchen designs and needs.
What are the different types of range hoods?
Range hoods are important appliances that help to remove smoke, heat, and grease from the kitchen when cooking. There are several types of range hoods available on the market. Some of the most common types include:
- Under Cabinet Range Hoods: These are mounted underneath the cabinets above the cooktop. They are usually made of stainless steel or other durable materials.
- Wall-Mounted Range Hoods: These are mounted on the wall above the cooktop. They are available in different sizes and designs and can be vented outside or recirculated.
- Island Range Hoods: These are installed above cooktops that are located on a kitchen island. They are suspended from the ceiling and vented outside or recirculated.
- Downdraft Range Hoods: These are installed on the cooktop itself and pull smoke and steam down through ductwork beneath the floor. They are not as effective as other types of range hoods but are a good option for kitchens where installing a traditional range hood is not possible.
- Insert Range Hoods: These are built into custom cabinets and are designed to fit seamlessly into the kitchen design. They are available in different sizes and can be vented outside or recirculated.
- Ceiling-Mounted Range Hoods: These are installed in the ceiling above the cooktop. They are a good option for kitchens with high ceilings and can be vented outside or recirculated.
The type of range hood you choose will depend on your kitchen layout, cooking habits, and personal preferences.
Why are range hoods so important?
Range hoods are important for several reasons:
- Air Quality: When cooking, smoke, steam, and grease particles are released into the air. These particles can be harmful to health and can also cause unpleasant odors in the kitchen. A range hood helps to remove these particles and improve indoor air quality, making the kitchen a healthier and more comfortable space to work in.
- Safety: Cooking produces heat, and if not properly ventilated, this heat can build up and cause damage to kitchen surfaces and appliances. A range hood helps to remove the excess heat, reducing the risk of fires and other safety hazards.
- Comfort: A range hood helps to keep the kitchen cool and comfortable by removing excess heat and steam. This makes it easier and more comfortable to cook for longer periods of time.
- Maintenance: Cooking can leave grease and other residues on surfaces and appliances in the kitchen, making them harder to clean and maintain. A range hood helps to reduce the amount of grease and other residues in the kitchen, making it easier to clean and maintain the space.
Overall, a range hood is an important addition to any kitchen, improving air quality, safety, comfort, and maintenance.
How does a range hood work?
A range hood works by capturing the airborne pollutants that are produced when cooking and removing them from the kitchen environment. The exact mechanism for removing pollutants may differ depending on whether the range hood is ducted or ductless.
In ducted range hoods, the polluted air is drawn through a filter and then transported outside the home via a duct system. The filter captures grease and other large particles, while a fan in the hood pulls the air through the duct and expels it outside.
In ductless range hoods, the polluted air is drawn through a filter that captures grease and other large particles. The air is then pushed through a charcoal filter, which removes odor-causing particles, before being recirculated back into the kitchen.
In both types of range hoods, the fan helps to create negative pressure, pulling the polluted air into the hood and through the filter. This process removes smoke, steam, grease, and other airborne particles from the kitchen environment, improving air quality and reducing the risk of respiratory problems.
The effectiveness of a range hood in removing pollutants from the air depends on several factors, including the power of the fan, the size of the hood, the type of filter used, and the height of the hood above the cooking surface. It is important to choose a range hood that is appropriate for the size of the kitchen and the type of cooking that is done in the space.
Conclusion
Range hoods are crucial appliances in any kitchen as it helps to improve air quality by reducing smoke, fumes, and other harmful pollutants. It extracts the air from the cooking area and filters out any contaminants, keeping the air fresh and clean. A range hood also helps to reduce the amount of moisture in the kitchen, preventing the growth of mold and mildew.
By investing in a range hood, you can create a healthier and more comfortable living environment for you and your family, while also improving the value of your home. Overall, a range hood is a smart and practical addition to any kitchen, and it is a worthwhile investment in your health and well-being.
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Range Hood on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Range Hood - Reviews
The Best
About this product
- These stainless steel range hoods insert are a high-quality ductless range hood that enhances ventilation and lighting over your stove with its non-ducted filtration system. It effectively removes smoke and odors, maintaining a fresh and clean kitchen environment.
- The hood features incandescent lighting that evenly distributes light over the cooktop and accommodates a 75W bulb (not included).
- Maintaining the hood is easy with its replaceable charcoal filter, which ensures optimum grease capture.
- It also has separate rocker switches that control the light and a 2-speed fan for easy operation.
- Rated at 120V, this versatile range hood insert measures 36" and should be installed at least 18" above the cooktop.
- It installs as non-ducted only with a charcoal filter.
- These range hoods also feature mitered sides and a hemmed bottom for safety and a sleek appearance.
- Overall, this range hood insert is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a versatile, easy-to-use, and effective ventilation solution for their kitchen.
The fan is quiet, and the light is not great but OK. This range hood is beautiful and fairly cheap. The ventless option is great for a kitchen that doesn’t have the ability to vent outside. The filters do a great job at filtering the odors and the light has the brightness needed while cooking.
Some customers received damaged range hoods. Others didn't receive the full kit.
Our Thoughts - It can be installed with no issues and looks great above the stove! Nice quality for the price. Plenty of fan suction but quiet.
Very Good
About this product
- This 30-inch under cabinet range hood boasts an ultra-slim, low-profile design that saves valuable space, making it an excellent choice for condos and apartments.
- These range hoods feature a user-friendly design with mechanical push-button controls that make them easy to operate. It operates quietly with a maximum sound level of 6.5 Sones at the highest speed.
- This stove hood vent provides superior filtration with its mesh filters that effectively trap cooking grease and oil, preventing unpleasant smells and odors from spreading throughout your kitchen.
- The kitchen exhaust hood comes in stainless steel and can be converted with ducted or ductless ventilation modes. To operate in ductless mode, you need to purchase the optional CACF006 carbon filter for recirculating.
- Additionally, the CIARRA ductless range hood offers a 2-year limited warranty against any defects, giving you peace of mind when purchasing this product.
- Overall, this range hood is a great choice for anyone seeking a space-saving, easy-to-use, and efficient ventilation solution for their kitchen.
Ease of installation, directions including template, a quiet motor, and sleek low profile look. If you don't have the option for a vent so it's nice to have the option for a recirculating vent with filters.
A few customers said that the shipment arrived with only the range hood. No wall plug, screws, installation manual, installation diagram, outlet cover, or outlet component. Others mentioned that suction power is not as powerful as expected.
Our Thoughts - The charcoal filters are a great solution when you can't vent outside. Love the design of the grease screens. They just pop out and can go in the dishwasher. It is a bit loud and the suction is not the greatest, but still a great value for the money.
Good Value
About this product
- This white range hood insert from our high-quality line offers superior ventilation and lighting for your stove, featuring a non-ducted filtration system that effectively eliminates smoke and odors.
- The incandescent lighting is bright and even, thanks to the protective lamp lens which accepts up to a 75W bulb (sold separately).
- Maintenance is easy with a replaceable charcoal filter that captures grease and keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
- The range hood insert measures 30", making it an ideal size for many kitchens, and should be installed at least 18" above the cooktop.
- The versatile design includes separate rocker switches to control the light and a 2-speed fan for easy use.
- This non-ducted filter system installs easily and efficiently, and the rocker-type fan and light control offer convenient operation.
- At 30 inches wide by 17.5 inches deep by 6 inches high, this range hood insert is compact and efficient.
They perform well, and the cost is very reasonable considering that you can buy two exhaust fans for the price of one locally at the Home Depot or Lowes. Works exactly as stated. Perfect fit, easy to install. Simple instructions.
Customer service needs improving. Some customers received dented and damaged range hoods. A few users said that the fan needs to have more suction.
Our Thoughts - The quality control needs to improve. Hard to beat for the price.
Good
COSMO COS-63175S Wall Mount Range Hood with Ducted Convertible Ductless (No Kit Included).
About this product
- Cosmo's premium range hoods are built with cutting-edge technology and the utmost care, providing customers with high-quality products at affordable prices. You can expect a better cooking and cleaning experience, a brighter kitchen, and improved air quality for better health.
- These range hoods feature efficient airflow with a 380 CFM system that easily removes smells and odors, providing a clean and fresh kitchen. It operates as a ducted range hood, venting outside and away from your home. However, it can be converted to a ductless range hood with the purchase of a Carbon Filter Kit Part # CFK1-TM (sold separately). With rigid ducting (sold separately) under optimal conditions, the noise level is as low as 45 dB at the lowest fan speed. The range hood also comes with flexible ducting for easy installation.
- Cleaning the Cosmo Arc-Flow Permanent Filters is effortless since they are dishwasher-safe and exceptionally durable. You don't have to replace these range hood filters; simply drop them in the dishwasher for easy maintenance and cost savings.
- The energy-efficient, 2-watt LEDs provide bright, high-lumen lighting for better visibility at night while being long-lasting and energy-efficient.
- The customer support team at Cosmo is based proudly in the USA, and the product comes with a 3-year limited parts warranty. The range hood measures 30 in. (W) x 19.75 in. (D) x Adjustable 25.6 in. - 39.4 in. (H) and requires an electrical input of 120V/60Hz with a 3-prong plug. The duct size required for the range hood is 6 in. Overall, this range hood is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an efficient, easy-to-maintain, and high-quality ventilation solution for their kitchen.
Better than expected, it works great, the price was great, and the quality is exceptional. The Cosmo 63175 30 in. Wall Mount Range Hood is a great product, and it looks sharp when properly assembled and mounted. The brushed stainless steel finish looks very smart, especially when mounted on backsplash tiles. The suction power is very impressive, and the noise level is reasonable at the highest setting, but definitely a bit too noisy for the lowest setting.
The hood has great suction, looks good, and the lights are bright but the digital clock failed within two months. The suction fan needs to improve; it needs more suction and is noisy.
Our Thoughts - Make sure if you use the expandable duct that comes with it you stretch it out fully around the hood. A few users did not and almost overheated because the interior vent flaps couldn’t open. This is not mentioned in the instructions they give you.
Good
About this product
- Introducing the Ciarra 30-inch range hood, a powerful and effective solution for your kitchen ventilation needs. With a 450 CFM capacity, it can efficiently remove smoke and odors, while operating quietly at a maximum of 8.5 Sones.
- Featuring an upgraded motor system, this wall-mounted range hood offers sturdy support for long-lasting use. Its user-friendly design includes a mechanical push button for easy control, and it is made of premium 430-grade brushed stainless steel, which is both easy to clean and highly durable.
- In addition, the Ciarra range hood comes with superior mesh filters that effectively trap cooking grease and oil, preventing unpleasant smells and odors from spreading in your kitchen. It also offers the option of ducted or ductless operation, with the latter requiring the purchase of a CACF003 carbon filter.
- Upgrade your kitchen with the Ciarra 30-inch range hood, a powerful and reliable solution that combines functionality, durability, and ease of use.
No problems with this product. Really easy to install. Remove the plastic film before hanging it. Overall it's excellent and looks great once it's installed.
It is flimsy and poorly made. Overall is not worth the price. The fan inside the hood- fell apart one week after purchase. Some customers received damaged range hoods with missing parts.
Our Thoughts - Wow, this range hood is a great value for the money. It's $260 for one at HD so a better price at Amazon. Has plenty of power suction from the fan.
Good
About this product
- Looking to upgrade your kitchen appliances? Look no further than our sleek, contemporary range hood. Made from heavy-duty stainless steel and available in matte white, matte black, and stainless steel, it's the perfect addition to any kitchen remodel.
- Say goodbye to lingering kitchen odors with our powerful suction system, which is customizable to meet your ventilation needs. Whether you're boiling, steaming, poaching, braising, frying, searing, or sauteing, our range hood can handle it all, and more.
- Save money and keep things simple with our 3-way venting options, which can be customized to fit your existing ductwork. And with 6-speed settings, you can adjust the suction and noise levels to your liking.
- Our range hood is also highly customizable when it comes to lighting. The standard 2700K light color can be easily swapped out to match your kitchen's lighting scheme.
- Cleaning and maintenance are a breeze, thanks to the easy-to-remove stainless steel baffle filters, which can be simply popped into the dishwasher. And with a buttonless design and touchscreen controls, everyday use is simple and convenient.
- Upgrade your kitchen with our contemporary, powerful, and easy-to-use range hood today.
This unit is easy to install, and it looks nice. After we were done installing the cap, The exhaust fans ran very well. Even at either of the lowest 2 speeds, there is a very good flow of air. On speeds 3 or 4, you can feel a huge air stream coming out. On either a 5 or 6-speed setting, there is so much air blowing out that makes a roaring sound that reminds me of a hurricane and blasts you with air if you are anywhere close to it. This is one powerful range hood.
This unit has an annoying chime, is very loud, and the fan doesn't extract the fumes as well as it should. A few customers received dead fans out of the box. Others said that the electronics like the timer, clock, and fan didn't work.
Our Thoughts - Sounds like some people received the short straw on this range hood. The manual and directions are excellent as is the packaging. We think the video used in the ad is just a bunch of hype, but the truth is that this fan actually does an excellent job. We think the secret is that it has a sealed enclosure that prevents the fans from swirling around the smoke back into the kitchen area.
FAQs
What does one need to know about buying a range hood?
When buying a range hood, there are several things you should consider to ensure you choose the best one for your kitchen. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Size: The size of the range hood should be based on the size of your cooktop. As a general rule of thumb, the hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop.
- Airflow: The amount of airflow needed will depend on the size of your kitchen, the type of cooking you do, and the type of range hood you choose. For example, a powerful range hood may be necessary if you cook with a lot of grease or smoke.
- Ducted vs. Ductless: Ducted range hoods vent the air outside, while ductless range hoods filter the air and recirculate it back into the kitchen. Ducted hoods are more effective but require the installation of a vent system, while ductless hoods are easier to install but may not be as effective.
- Noise Level: Some range hoods can be quite loud, so it's important to consider the noise level when making your choice. Look for range hoods with low decibel (dB) ratings.
- Design: Range hoods come in various designs, from sleek and modern to more traditional styles. Consider the overall design of your kitchen and choose a hood that complements your décor.
- Energy Efficiency: Look for range hoods that are energy efficient, with Energy Star certification if possible, as they will save you money on your energy bills.
- Cost: Range hoods can vary greatly in price, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Set a budget and choose a hood that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
By considering these factors when purchasing a range hood, you can find the best one for your kitchen and cooking needs.
What's a good CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) for a range hood?
The CFM rating for range hoods depends on several factors, including the size of the kitchen, the type of cooking you do, and the size and power of the cooktop. A general rule of thumb is that a range hood should have a minimum CFM of 100 for every 12 inches of cooktop width.
For example, if your cooktop is 30 inches wide, the range hood should have a minimum CFM of 250 (100 CFM for the first 12 inches, plus an additional 50 CFM for each additional inch).
However, this is just a rough guideline, and you may need a higher CFM rating if you do a lot of cooking that generates smoke, grease, or strong odors. In general, a range hood with a CFM rating between 300 and 600 is suitable for most kitchens, but you may need a higher rating if you have a larger cooktop or do a lot of heavy cooking.
It's important to note that range hoods with a higher CFM rating may be louder due to the high speed of the fan, so you'll need to consider the noise level as well when choosing the right range hood for your kitchen.
What is the typical lifespan of range hoods?
The typical lifespan of range hoods can vary depending on factors such as usage, maintenance, and quality of the hood. However, a well-maintained range hood can last between 10 to 20 years on average. Some high-quality models may even last longer.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the range hood, including cleaning the filters, will help to extend its lifespan. It's also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and use to ensure that the hood operates effectively and safely.
If your range hood is showing signs of wear and tear, or if it's not functioning properly, it may be time to replace it. A professional can assess the condition of your range hood and help you determine if it's time for a replacement.
