9+ Best Ductless Range Hoods Under Cabinet | Unrivaled Guide 2023

Emissions from cooking are an unavoidable part of the kitchen. However, air quality can be greatly improved by purchasing a ductless cooker hood.

You may be wondering why ductless. Range hoods use ducts to suck in exhaust gases from the kitchen and discharge them outdoors through an exhaust vent. However, a hood that filters odors and toxins is called a ductless hood.

Also, duct or ductless range hoods do not vent air like regular hoods. They keep the kitchen clean by circulating and distributing air. This is because the air quality is improved by charcoal filters made of carbon, which recirculate air back into the cooking area.

To improve cleanliness and safety in your home while cooking, buy a ductless hood that can circulate air quietly while you work. Here are eight of the best of the best.

Best Ductless Range Hoods Under Cabinet

What is a ductless cooker hood?

Ductless or non-ducted cooker hoods recirculate air rather than extract it. Recirculation improves quality by cleaning and redistributing air around the cooking area.

Recirculating hoods, like exhaust fans, use fans to draw in air and harmful contaminants. However, instead of letting the air go directly outside, it is cleaned through a degreasing or charcoal filter before being returned to the room.

Because ductless hoods do not exhaust air out of the kitchen, they do not require duct work, which saves a lot of time and money. Also, there is no need to sacrifice cupboard space for air ducts.

Ducted and Non-ducted Range Hoods

There are several important differences between ducted and non-ducted range hoods.

Configuration

Ducted range hoods require ducts for operation and are available in top-vented and rear-vented configurations. The top-vented configuration runs ducts from the top of the hood to the ceiling, whereas the rear-vented configuration runs ducts through the rear opening and through the wall.

Ductless hoods, on the other hand, do not extract air and therefore have no ventilation pattern; they simply filter air before returning it to the room.

Convertible hoods (ducted and ductless) have a ventilation feature as well as a seat for a charcoal filter (not necessarily included). These hoods can be easily converted from ducted to non-ducted configurations.

Features

Ductless fume hoods generally have less suction than ducted hoods. However, they are also less noisy. Circulating fume hoods are typically rated around 180 CFM (cubic feet per minute). On the other hand, many fume hoods can easily reach 500 CFM.

Ductless hoods are more forgiving in their installation costs, in part because they do not require ducts for operation. Since no ductwork is required, installation is quicker and less labor intensive.

Most single-use ductless hoods are installed under cabinets above the cooktop. Convertible hoods (sometimes called ducted or ductless), which can be configured with either ventilation or recirculation systems, are more flexible. Several hood mounting options are available, including under cabinets, walls, and islands (ceilings).

Efficiency

In terms of kitchen air quality, ducted hoods are more efficient because they suck out any odors and smoke in the kitchen and replace contaminated air with fresh, clean air.

However, this air replacement can be problematic in cold climates. When heat is precious, you want to keep as much air in as possible. This is where ductless hoods come in handy. Ductless hoods simply recirculate the air in the kitchen, so there is little heat loss.

In other words, if you want to breathe quality air while cooking, duct installation is the way to go. However, if you do not want to install ducts or are concerned about heat loss, a ductless, filtered system will work just as well.

Best Ductless Range Hoods Under Cabinet | Comparison Table 2023

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Best Ductless Range Hoods Under Cabinet | Reviews 2023

Product Overview:

The Broan-NuTone BCSQ130SS Three-Speed Glacier Under-Cabinet Range Hood is a 30-inch range hood insert that fits neatly underneath cabinets. This range hood provides a complete solution to your kitchen ventilation needs by offering both an exhaust fan and overhead light. The Captur system provides a maximum of 375 CFM and 5.5 Sones performance, which helps to remove 97.4% of smoke and cooking odors from the air faster. The range hood has a 3-speed push-button control that allows for quick adjustments and improved air quality in your kitchen.

The Broan-NuTone BCSQ130SS also comes equipped with a bright, single-intensity LED module that evenly illuminates your cooking area. The LED lighting is controlled by a push-button control for ease of use. Additionally, the range hood features dual one-piece dishwasher-safe open mesh grease filters that offer easy cleaning and maintain optimum grease capture. This range hood is a 4-way convertible, meaning that it can be installed as 19.6L x 30W x 6H or as a non-ducted with air recirculation (filter sold separately) to provide versatile installation options.

Product Overview:

The Empava 30" Under Cabinet Range Hood is a high-quality, ETL-certified kitchen vent designed to provide exceptional ventilation for your kitchen. With its sleek stainless steel finish, brushed satin finish, and modern design, this range hood is both functional and stylish. It features a powerful 400 CFM airflow, touchscreen controls, and a fully sealed aluminum motor that minimizes noise levels while providing efficient ventilation.

The touch-sensitive panel is easy to operate, and the generous 30" width ensures that all smoke and food particles are caught in the hood before they drift into your kitchen. The stainless steel permanent reusable baffle filter can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher for hassle-free maintenance. In addition, the hood features energy-efficient LED lights that provide high-lumen lighting for better visibility at night. With a 3-year US-based manufacturer warranty, this range hood is both safe and reliable. Whether you're cooking up a storm or simply looking to add a touch of style to your kitchen, the Empava 30" Under Cabinet Range Hood is a great choice.

Product Overview:

The ZLINE 30" Recirculating Under Cabinet Range Hood in Stainless Steel (RK527-30) is a stylish and practical addition to your kitchen. The hood is designed to be mounted under a cabinet, with a brushed finish and stainless steel construction that gives it a sleek and modern look. The product dimensions are 24"D x 30"W x 22.75"H, and it weighs 65 pounds. The hood has easy-to-use push button controls that allow you to easily control fan speed and lighting. It features 4-speed fan control (270/380/490/600 CFM), which gives you the ability to choose the appropriate air flow for your cooking situation. The unit also includes a Charcoal Filter recirculating system that allows for ductless or recirculating use.

The hood has a noise level of 41 dB and is covered by a three-year parts warranty from the date of purchase. During the warranty period, Z Line Kitchen and Bath will provide free of charge non-consumable replacement parts for any components that fail due to manufacturing defects.

Product Overview:

The Comfee F13 Range Hood is a 30-inch kitchen hood that provides strong air suction to improve the air quality in your kitchen. It features a two-speed exhaust fan that removes smoke and cooking odors while keeping noise levels low. The hood is made of durable stainless steel and has a slim design that fits perfectly under your cabinet and saves space, making it ideal for condos and apartments. The product dimensions are 30 inches (W) x 18 inches (L) x 5.6 inches (H).

The range hood comes with two high-quality filters - one aluminum mesh filter and one activated carbon cotton composite filter, which should be replaced every 3-4 months. Additionally, the hood can be installed as either ducted or ductless, allowing you to choose the best option for your kitchen.

Product Overview:

The IKTCH 30 inch Built-in/Insert Range Hood is a stylish and modern kitchen ventilation solution, made from high-quality stainless steel with a brushed finish. With a maximum airflow of 900 CFM, this range hood can effectively remove smoke and cooking odors from your kitchen with ease. The 4-speed gesture sensing and touch control panel allow you to customize the suction level and noise level according to your preference, with a noise level of only 40 decibels on the lowest setting and a maximum of 65dB.

This range hood also comes with two energy-saving LED lights, with adjustable brightness to meet your cooking needs. The two matching, dishwasher-safe stainless steel permanent filters are easy to remove and trap cooking grease and oil for a clean and healthy kitchen environment. The IKTCH 30 inch Built-in/Insert Range Hood is a stylish and functional addition to any kitchen, and its elegant appearance and modern design make it a great choice for those looking for a high-quality and efficient kitchen ventilation system.

Product Overview:

The COSMO COS-QS75 30 in. Under Cabinet Range Hood is a high-quality stainless steel range hood that offers excellent ventilation for your kitchen. With a 500 CFM airflow and a backlit touchscreen, this range hood is designed to quickly remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen. The 4-speed fan and twin centrifugal motors ensure that the hood operates quietly, so you won't be disturbed while cooking.

The range hood features permanent filters that are easy to clean and dishwasher-safe. Made of ARC-FLOW stainless steel, these filters are extremely durable and long-lasting. If you prefer a ductless range hood, you can purchase the Carbon Filter Kit (sold separately) and convert the COSMO COS-QS75 to ductless. The hood also includes energy-saving LED lights that are bright, efficient, and long-lasting.

Product Overview:

The CIARRA Ductless Range Hood is a 30-inch under-cabinet hood vent with a sleek and modern design. The low profile design of this hood makes it perfect for small kitchens, apartments or condos. The hood is available in two color options, silver and black.

The hood features a mechanical push-button control for user-friendly operation and can be adjusted to three different speeds. The hood is designed to trap cooking grease and oil with ease, thanks to its mesh filters, preventing any bad odors from spreading in the kitchen. Additionally, the hood can be converted to either ducted or ductless mode depending on your ventilation requirements. The ductless mode requires the optional purchase of a CACF006 carbon filter for recirculating. CIARRA offers a 2-year limited warranty for this ductless range hood, ensuring customer satisfaction.

Product Overview:

The GE 36” Smart Designer Custom Insert with Dimmable LED Lighting is a high-end appliance designed to upgrade the look and functionality of your kitchen. Made of stainless steel, this insert has a sleek finish that adds a touch of sophistication to any kitchen decor. With a backlit electronic control console, this appliance is easy to operate and adjust to your specific cooking needs.

This custom insert comes with several advanced features, including a WiFi Connect function, adjustable CFM blower, and triple LED dimmable lighting. The premium baffle stainless steel filters help to keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean, and the UL certification ensures that you are getting a safe and reliable product. This insert is also equipped with three shelves, making it easy to store and access your pots, pans, and other kitchen essentials. Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, this appliance is sure to enhance your cooking experience.

Product Overview:

The Hauslane Chef Series Range Hood is a 30" wall mount kitchen fan designed with a contemporary stainless steel T-style hood and a black glass panel. It features a 3-speed touch control panel and can be used as both a vented or ductless unit. The hood has a product dimension of 20"D x 29.75"W x 39"H and a painted finish.

The onyx black glass panel adds a touch of luxury to the range hood, complementing its canopy design and making a statement in your kitchen. The buttonless touch panel is simple to use and can be easily cleaned with a quick wipe down.

How To Choose The Best Ductless Range Hoods Under Cabinet | Ultimate Guide 2023

Effective Area

As a general rule, the hood should be at least as large or larger than the range. For example, a 30-inch range requires a 30-inch or 36-inch hood. This rule ensures that the selected hood has sufficient range to capture all emissions from the cooktop.

For a hood to be installed over an island kitchen, professionals recommend choosing a larger size (6 inches). The lack of a back wall restricts air movement, but the coverage area is greater.

Filter

Charcoal filters are essential for ductless hoods. They help trap odors and invisible contaminants and clean the air, but they do not last forever.

Charcoal filters should be replaced two to three times a year, but if you cook frequently or are a heavy smoker, you will need to replace them more regularly. Usually, you can save money by purchasing replacements in bulk.

Extraction

Compared to ducted hoods, ductless equipment, even the best ones, have weaker fans. The suction power remains around 200 CFM. The reason for the weaker suction is by design. Ductless hoods require less power because they filter and redistribute air rather than extract it completely.

While higher suction power is definitely a benefit, it is not a clear indicator of the performance of ductless equipment; the efficiency of the filtration system is probably more important.

Price

Circulating hoods rarely sell for more than $100 because of their low power consumption and economical construction. However, ductless convertibles are priced about the same as ducted hoods, up to about $400 for the top-of-the-line models.

Power

When choosing a ductless range hood, you may see the words "CFM," which stands for "Cubic Feet per Minute. "CFM represents the amount of air the hood can move. Some ductless cooker hoods do not indicate CFM because they primarily use filters. However, if it is given, it should be between 300 and 600 CFM. The airflow rate correlates to the size of the cooker.

Size

For a ductless hood to function properly, its size is also important. The hood must filter out smoke and oil, so it must adequately cover the cooker. The hood should be at least as wide as the cooker itself, preferably 15 cm wider on each side.

Fan speed/noise

Depending on the type of cooking, you may want a fan that can keep up. For example, if you do a lot of cooking with oil, you need a fan that can work a little harder. Having multiple fan speeds allows you to meet a wider range of cooking needs.

It is important to find a fan that does not make too much noise even when running at full speed.

Filters

Most ductless hoods are equipped with either a charcoal filter or a metal grille. Charcoal filters are the most common filters for ductless hoods, but stainless steel and metal filters are also available. Charcoal filters use activated charcoal to absorb grease and odors. Charcoal filters should be replaced every few months to be effective.

For this reason, they are usually sold separately. The advantage is that they are relatively inexpensive and readily available. Generally, permanent filters are installed on top of carbon filters and do not need to be replaced. However, they do need to be cleaned to prevent damage.

Safety and Sanitation in the Kitchen

For the health of the kitchen environment, it is essential to check the ventilation fans, filters, and lighting when considering a hood. In addition, efficient and powerful technology is needed to keep the kitchen clean and prevent odors in the room.

Durability

Cooking hoods are meant to be used for a long time, so installation should be a one-time event; check the quality of the product, including certification. Insurance and warranties are an added value for replacement and damage control. Choose wisely for the longevity of your kitchen and for its aesthetics.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Keeping your cookware and kitchen up-to-date in terms of health and design is a given. However, you need to make sure that the hood meets all of your kitchen's requirements. It is essential to evaluate the function and performance of the parts before purchasing a particular hood. The technology must also be effective in the long term.

Easy Installation

Since most kitchen hoods are installed by yourself, check the parts and accessories. Find out about assembly details and all the tools needed for a complete installation.

Remember that some hoods do not include all accessories. It is always possible to hire a professional to repair the hood and all of its parts for a fee.

Best Ductless Range Hoods Under Cabinet | Video Explanation

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure a ductless hood?

You will need a tape measure. First, measure the width of your cooktop. Next, measure the width between the cabinets where the hood will be installed. You will also need to measure the height of the space above the cooktop. Keep in mind that there should be 24 to 36 inches between the bottom of the hood and the surface of the cooktop.

Finally, measure the depth of the range from the back (excluding the control panel and trim) to the front.

How do I clean a ductless hood?

Whatever material the ductless hood is made of, you will need hot soapy water. If it is made of plastic, you may want to use an all-purpose cleaner. Wipe the outside with a clean, warm cloth or paper towel.

To clean under the hood, focus on the amount of dirt. Place a large pot over the burner and bring it to a boil to loosen dirt and debris. Make sure the cooker is cool before proceeding or you may burn yourself. If hot water does not remove stains, use a cleaner that can break up grease. Remember to wipe the cleaner off with a hot towel and a warm, damp cloth to ensure that all cleaner residue has been removed.

Is a carbon filter effective on a cooktop?

Yes, but they are not as effective as stainless steel baffles or mesh filters. Charcoal filters trap contaminants and odors in the kitchen, but they are not suitable for heavy cooking, such as Asian or fatty foods. If you cook a lot, definitely choose a stainless steel baffle filter.

What should I look for in a ductless hood?

The most important factor in a ductless hood is the power of the fan. Many ductless range hoods lack the power to properly exhaust cooking gases from the kitchen. So if you need a ductless range hood, be sure to consider the most powerful option in terms of CFM.

Is ductless range hoods any good?

Conclusion

Our list of the best ductless cooker hoods may not include everyone's favorites, but rest assured that it is backed by extensive research. We hope you will find it helpful in making your next purchasing decision.

Jennifer Lawrence

Hi, I’m Jennifer Lawrence, Went to Calhoun High School (Georgia) my goal is to make the kitchen fun by providing a mathematical and logical component to our approach to cooking good food. I look not only at delicious recipes but also at kitchen tools and gadgets to give you the tips and tricks we hope you will find useful. Read More Here