The Best Under-Cabinet Range Hoods
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Under-Cabinet Range Hoods and hope the blog can help you.
Make cooking a cooler, cleaner experience by clearing the air in the kitchen with the best under-cabinet range hood.
Under-cabinet range hoods are a huge asset for home cooks, fitting neatly underneath an existing cabinet over the stove to remove smoke, heat, and grease from the air. They work by pulling in the air above the stove, then cleaning and discharging it during or after cooking. Some models have features for additional convenience and usability, such as lights and timers. Whether a homeowner is doing a full-on kitchen renovation or simply upgrading the stove, an under-cabinet range hood can make preparing meals much more enjoyable
Choosing a quality range hood isn’t a difficult task—if you know what to look for. Rather than picking the first random model you see, use this guide to learn about the important considerations to keep in mind as you shop, as well as descriptions of some today’s best under- cabinet range hoods.
- BEST OVERALL: Hauslane Under-Cabinet Kitchen Range Hood
- RUNNER-UP: Vesta Arlington Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Broan-NuTone Ductless Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- UPGRADE PICK: Kobe Range Hoods Brillia Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- BEST COMPACT: ZLine Kitchen and Bath Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- BEST LARGE: Broan-NuTone Mantra 36-Inch Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- BEST FOR DUCTED INSTALL: Cosmo Ducted Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- BEST FOR DUCTLESS INSTALL: Empava 400 CFM Ductless Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- BEST CONVERTIBLE: Winflo Convertible Under-Cabinet Range Hood
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Under-Cabinet Range Hood
The rattling, noisy under-cabinet range hoods once common in home kitchens are no more. In fact, today’s models boast so many improvements in power, styling, and features, it’s worth learning a bit about what’s available to become a smarter shopper. Below, discover important information on size, speed, airflow, and other key range-hood factors
Size
Choosing the correct size under-cabinet range hood ensures that it will work well and look right in the kitchen. For that reason, these appliances come in standard sizes that generally match both range and cabinet widths.
Typical range tops come in 30-, 34-, and 36-inch widths, so range hoods come in similar sizes. There are also compact models that measure 20 to 24 inches wide for apartments, as well as large models for commercial kitchens. When planning for an under-cabinet range hood, choose one that matches the size of the stove and the cabinet above it.
Airflow and Fan Speeds
The amount of air that a range hood can pull in, clean, and discharge is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). Cooking large meals or very greasy foods may require more cfm than smaller, lighter fare. For a bit more power, go with a range hood that produces at least 500 cfm.
Flow is only part of the story, however. Most under-cabinet range hoods offer at least two speeds. The lower speed is usually very quiet and good for removing a bit of steam from the air. The higher speed is louder but useful when getting rid of smoke or greasy air.
Note: Ductless (see below) ranges have fans, but since they’re simply recirculating air (not pushing it outside), they don’t have a cfm rating available.
Vent Type
There are essentially three types of vents for under-cabinet range hoods: ducted, ductless, or convertible. Ductless and ducted have their pros and cons, while convertible hoods bridge the gap between the two.
Ductless range hoods don’t have an exhaust vent, so they recirculate the air within the kitchen. They pull the air into the hood, pass it through the filter, and push it back out. This allows the hood to be installed on any wall in almost any configuration.
Ducted range hoods are far more effective than ductless, as they push the hot and greasy air directly outside. However, to accommodate this type of range hood, installation on an exterior wall is typically required. Also, there needs to be a clear passage for ductwork through the wall framing.
Convertible hoods can operate as ducted or ductless models. Users can choose how they’d like to clean the kitchen air and then follow the manufacturer’s instructions to configure the range hood.
Additional Features
Some higher-end under-cabinet range hoods offer some additional features to make them more useful and convenient for both electric and gas stoves. Built-in lights are extremely helpful, especially for times the back burners are in use. An exhaust timer that automatically shuts the fan off after 10 minutes is another worthwhile feature. To reduce noise, some models offer remote fans that install farther down the ductwork (such as outside or in the attic).
While ease of installation isn’t a feature, it is certainly important to consider if putting in the range hood will be a DIY job. Models that offer templates, guides, and/or easy assembly are a plus.
Our Top Picks
Armed with solid intel on what to look for when shopping for the best range hood to fit below a cabinet, shoppers can start vetting models. Following is a lineup of top-tier models—any one of them could be the ideal under-cabinet range hood for today’s home kitchen.
Best Overall
Hauslane Under-Cabinet Kitchen Range Hood
Folks looking for a high-quality under-cabinet range hood that looks as good as it cleans air will want to check out this model from Hauslane. This under-cabinet range hood comes in both 30- and 36-inch sizes, and shoppers can choose from matte black, matte white, or stainless steelfinishes. It also has two powerful fan motors that exchange up to 500 cfm of air, with six speed settings to control airflow. Additionally, it comes with an auto-off function so cooks can leave the area to serve and dine without having to go back to the stove to shut off the fan.
This under-cabinet range hood is all about flexibility. It has three venting options, including two top-mount (rectangular and round) as well as a back-mount option. Also, the built-in LED lights are changeable, allowing users to select the appropriate lighting temperature to complement the kitchen. The only real drawback is that for all of its customization, this model is ducted, not convertible, so installation restrictions apply. Still, the digital display, simple controls, and clean design of this Hauslane range hood may make it the ideal choice.
Product Specs
- Type: Ducted
- Size: 30 or 36 inches
- CFM: 500 cfm
Pros
- Available in multiple sizes
- Several venting options
- Powerful dual-motor system
- Changeable LEDs
Cons
- Not convertible
Get the Hauslane under-cabinet range hood at The Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Runner-Up
Vesta Arlington Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Home chefs who like to experiment with different cuisines, cook large meals, or simply want a stout fan for clearing smoky situations may want to consider the Vesta Arlington Under-Cabinet Range Hood. This ducted hood features a top-mount 6-inch round duct and two turbo fan motors that create up to 850 cfm of airflow, to clean grease and smoke from the air quickly and efficiently.
The Vesta Arlington has a touch-screen control panel that activates the fan, controls lights, and changes speeds. It has three speeds, allowing the user to find a happy medium between fan noise and airflow. Folks looking for a more flexible duct system might be disappointed, however, because this range hood isn’t convertible, and it only has one duct port to choose from.
Product Specs
- Type: Ducted
- Size: 30 inches
- CFM: 850 cfm
Pros
- Powerful 850 cfm motors
- Touch-screen controls
- 3 fan speeds for noise and airflow control
Cons
- Limited ducting options
Get the Vesta Arlington under-cabinet range hood on Amazon or Vesta.
Best Bang for the Buck
Broan-NuTone Ductless Under-Cabinet Range Hood
When it comes to saving a bit of money while still successfully removing odors, smoke, and grease from the air, the Broan-NuTone Ductless Under-Cabinet Range Hood might be the right choice. This affordable model easily installs under 24- or 30-inch cabinets and utilizes basic rocker-type switches for the fan and light.
This simple range hood comes in four finishes, including white, off-white, black, and stainless steel. As a ductless hood, it has no vents, but this design allows for a simple installation process. To illuminate the stovetop, it can handle light bulbs (not included) up to 75 watts. Do note that because this is a nonducted fan that simply filters recirculating air rather than pumping it outside, there isn’t a cfm rating for this model.
Product Specs
- Type: Ductless
- Size: 24 or 30 inches
- CFM: N/A
Pros
- Affordable
- Several sizes and finishes
- Basic design for simple use and installation
Cons
- No cfm rating
Get the Broan-NuTone ductless under-cabinet range hood on Amazon or at The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Kobe Range Hoods Brillia Under-Cabinet Range Hood
When it comes to balancing good looks with great capabilities, the Kobe Range Hoods Brillia might be an upgrade worth pursuing. While its sleek low profile lends great style under almost any cabinet, it’s best suited under tall cabinets, where its slim design allows for enough clearance from the cooktop. And with a fan speed of 750 cfm, it can handle heavy-duty filtering.
This stainless steel range hood comes in three sizes: 30, 36, and 42 inches. Each has a top-mounted 6-inch duct connecting to ductwork above the range hood. This range hood also has mechanical push-button controls, allowing users to switch between the three fan speeds easily.
Product Specs
- Type: Ducted
- Size: 30, 36, and 42 inches
- CFM: 750 cfm
Pros
- Slim design looks great and works under tall cabinets
- Comes in several sizes
- Mechanical push buttons
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Kobe under-cabinet range hood on Amazon.
Best Compact
ZLine Kitchen and Bath Under-Cabinet Range Hood
A big metallic fan may not suit every kitchen—physically or aesthetically. That’s where the compact ZLine Kitchen and Bath’s Under-Cabinet Range Hood might be ideal. At a mere 20 inches wide, this range hood is designed to fit inside a cabinet, hiding out of sight while providing up to 400 cfm of airflow.
This ducted model features a top-mount duct design. It also has two bright LED lights, and the push-button controls let the user toggle through four fan speeds. Although the maximum airflow this model can reach is relatively low, its compact design makes it useful for small kitchens.
Product Specs
- Type: Ducted
- Size: 20 inches
- CFM: 400 cfm
Pros
- Compact 20-inch design
- Fits inside a cabinet
- Push-button controls
Cons
- Relatively low airflow
Get the ZLine under-cabinet range hood at Lowe’s.
Best Large
Broan-NuTone Mantra 36-Inch Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Larger ranges need hoods that can cover them, and the Mantra from Broan-NuTone has what it takes. This range hood measures 36 inches across, making it suitable for wider stoves in residential kitchens. It comes in four finishes, including black, black stainless, stainless, and white, allowing it to work with almost any appliance set.
The Mantra features a two-speed fan that produces up to 375 cfm. That’s slightly low, but the increased surface area of the range hood should help it pull more air at once. Also, this range hood features the brand’s EZ1 installation system, which makes short work of single-handed installations. Additionally, it’s convertible, functioning as a ducted or ductless range hood for greater flexibility.
Product Specs
- Type: Convertible
- Size: 36 inches (30 inches also available)
- CFM: 375 cfm when ducted
Pros
- 36 inches wide for lots of coverage
- Several finishes
- Easy installation
Cons
- Max airflow a bit low
Get the Broan-NuTone Mantra under-cabinet range hood at The Home Depot.
Best for Ducted Install
Cosmo Ducted Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Swapping out an old ducted range hood for something a bit more modern might be an easy move with the Cosmo Ducted Under-Cabinet Range Hood. This convertible range hood is flexible, but it features a 7.5-inch round duct on top that allows it to fit with most existing duct systems.
This 30-inch range hood has a host of worthy features and bonuses. The 500 cfm airflow rate is plenty for most home cooks, and 1.5-watt LED lights keep the stovetop illuminated without sapping a ton of electricity. Also, this model comes with a remote control to toggle between the four fan speeds, activate the automatic shut-off timer, or flick the lights on and off. It’s slightly expensive, but with all those features, it’s still a good value.
Product Specs
- Type: Convertible
- Size: 30 inches
- CFM: 500 cfm when ducted
Pros
- Standard top-mount duct
- 4 fan speeds
- Remote control and auto shut-off timer included
Cons
- Expensive
Get the Cosmo under-cabinet range hood at The Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Best for Ductless Install
Empava 400 CFM Ductless Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Ductless range hoods te