Types of range hoods and how to choose the best one for your kitchen

When it comes to picking out a range hood, you’ve got options. From sleek, wall-mounted designs to practical under-cabinet models, each type of range hood has its pros and cons, and the best one for you depends on your kitchen’s setup and your cooking style. Do you need heavy-duty venting for frying and grilling, or are you just looking to keep things fresh when simmering and baking? Let’s break down the different types of range hoods and help you figure out which one is the best fit for your kitchen.

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Under-cabinet range hoods

Undercabinet range hoods are a popular choice for smaller kitchens where space is limited. They’re mounted under cabinets, can save on headroom and fit seamlessly into the kitchen design.

Pros

• Space-saving
• Affordable
• Easy to install and available in both ducted and ductless models.

Cons

• May have less powerful ventilation compared to larger hoods
• Space between the hood and cabinet can be too tight for taller pots and pans

Wall-mounted range hoods

Wall-mount range hoods are mounted on the wall above a stove.

Pros

• Provides great ventilation
• Visually appealing and usually available in a range of styles and finishes

Cons

• Typically requires venting to the outside, which can mean a more complex installation.
• May look a bit bulky, especially if space is limited.

Chimney or island range hoods

Chimney or island range hoods are designed for stoves on kitchen islands with venting that goes up through the ceiling.

Pros

• Great for open-concept kitchens
• Provides powerful ventilation
• Can look visually appealing

Cons

• Installation can be costly
• Requires ceiling venting, which may need extra support for stability

Microwave (over-the-range) hood combinations

These hoods double as microwaves and are installed above the range, making them a great 2-in-1 solution for kitchens with limited space.

Pros

• Saves space by combining a microwave with ventilation
• Available in both ducted and ductless models

Cons

• Often less powerful than dedicated range hoods
• Dual-purpose design may be less efficient at heavy-duty venting
• Height can make it difficult to access for shorter users or children

Retractable downdrafts

Downdraft hoods are hidden until needed, then pop up from behind the cooktop to pull smoke and odors down and out through vents under the floor.

Pros

• Great for open kitchens or islands
• Space-saving
• Keeps sightlines clear

Cons

• Less effective than overhead ventilation for heavy cooking
• Requires under-floor venting, which can complicate installation
• May not handle greasy or smoky cooking as well

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Slide-out range hood

These compact hoods extend outward when in use and slide back in when not needed, often blending in with cabinetry.

Pros

• Space-saving and discreet
• Looks great in modern or minimalist kitchens

Cons

• Limited ventilation power compared to larger models
• Can be challenging to clean due to the compact design

Ducted range hoods

Ducted hoods vent air to the outside, which makes them highly effective at removing heat, smoke, and odors from the kitchen.

Pros

• Superior air quality by removing heat, odors, and moisture
• Ideal for frequent or heavy cooking

Cons

• Requires installation of ductwork, which can be costly and limit placement options in the kitchen

Ductless range hoods

Ductless hoods filter air and recirculate it back into the kitchen, which makes them more flexible for placement and ideal when ducting isn’t possible.

Pros

• Easier installation since there’s no need for ducts
• Can be placed almost anywhere in the kitchen

Cons

• Filters need to be regularly replaced
• Less effective at removing heat and moisture
• May not handle heavy cooking odors as well as ducted models

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How can I determine what type of range hood is best for me?

Several factors come into play when choosing the best range hood for your kitchen. Considering the following can help you narrow down the ideal option for your cooking style and kitchen setup.

Check the size

The size of your range hood should match or slightly exceed the width of your stovetop so that it can best capture smoke, steam and odors. Standard widths are 30″ and 36″, but larger cooktops or commercial-style ranges will usually require wider hoods. If you have a high-powered stove, a larger hood gives better coverage and airflow.

Determine the location

Location is key in choosing the right hood. For ranges against an exterior wall, a wall-mounted or under-cabinet hood can easily be vented outside. If your range is on an island, then an island or chimney hood may work best. You’ll need to consider both the space you have around the range and how you’d like the hood to integrate with your kitchen layout.

Look at the venting strength

Measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), the venting strength of a range hood determines how effective it is at removing smoke, grease, and odors. For light cooking, 300–400 CFM usually works just fine. For heavy cooking, especially with gas stoves, 600–900 CFM or more may be needed to handle stronger fumes and more heat.

Check the BTU rating

The power of your range or cooktop, which is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), should also influence your hood choice. As a rule of thumb, you’ll need 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs. Higher BTU ranges produce more heat, steam, and smoke, so you’ll need a range hood with strong ventilation power to prevent heat buildup and maintain good air quality.

Consider other features

Range hoods come with a variety of features, from built-in lighting and fan speed controls to smart features and automatic sensors. If you need more light on your cooktop, look for energy-efficient LED lighting. You can also find options with variable fan speeds so you can adjust the ventilation as needed, while smart controls can make it easier to monitor air quality or schedule filter maintenance.

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Additional information

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