9+ Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods | Unrivaled Guide 2023

Under cabinet, range hoods are essential kitchen appliances that help to maintain good air quality in the kitchen by removing smoke, steam, and other cooking odors. They are typically installed under cabinets above the range or cooktop and can be ducted or ductless. Choosing the right under cabinet range hood is important for efficient ventilation and to keep the kitchen free from harmful pollutants. The best under cabinet range hoods come with various features such as adjustable fan speeds, noise reduction technology, and LED lighting. In this response, we will explore some of the best under-cabinet range hoods on the market to help you make an informed decision for your kitchen.

Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods

Choosing a cooker hood, however, can be difficult. There are so many products on the market that it can be difficult to know which one is stylish and functional.

Like modern appliances, range hoods come in a variety of mounting styles. They can be mounted under cabinets, on walls, or designed to look like chimneys.

You can also choose between ducted and ductless options.

Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods | Comparison Table 2023

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Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods | 2023 Products Overview

Product Overview:

The Broan-NuTone BCSQ130SS is a 30-inch under-cabinet range hood insert that fits neatly underneath cabinets to provide a complete solution for kitchen ventilation. It features a Captur system that provides a maximum of 375 CFM and 5.5 Sones performance to remove 97.4% of smoke and cooking odors from the air faster.

The range hood also has a 3-speed push-button control for quick adjustments, integrated LED lighting, and a dual one-piece dishwasher-safe open mesh grease filter for easy cleaning and optimum grease capture. It also offers 4-way convertible installation options.

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Product Overview:

The Broan-NuTone 403023 range hood is a 30-inch under-cabinet convertible range hood that features a 2-speed exhaust fan and light. The black-colored hood fits neatly under cabinets and is easy to clean. It has a MAX 210 CFM and 6.5 Sones performance to quickly remove smoke and cooking odors from the air. The 2-speed rocker switch allows for quick fan adjustments.

The built-in light with a protective lens accepts up to a 75W incandescent bulb and is controlled by a rocker switch for ease of use. The one-piece dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filter offers easy cleaning and maintains optimum grease capture. It has a 3.25" x 10" ducted opening that can be connected vertically or horizontally to provide versatile installation at least 18" above the cooktop.

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Product Overview:

The IKTCH 30-inch under cabinet range hood is a durable and energy-efficient option for heavy-duty cooking. With a maximum airflow of 900 CFM and dual motors, it easily removes smoke and cooking odors from the air in your kitchen.

The contemporary design features a gesture sensing and touch control switch panel, digital screen, and full stainless steel body. The hood also has stainless steel baffle filters that are easy to clean and can be placed in the dishwasher. Additionally, it has 2 LED lamps with adjustable intensity settings to illuminate your cooking.

Product Overview:

The Broan-NuTone 30-inch Under-Cabinet Convertible Range Hood is a versatile and efficient solution for kitchen ventilation. It fits neatly under cabinets and offers both an exhaust fan and overhead light. With a MAX 210 CFM and 6.5 Sones performance, it quickly removes smoke and cooking odors from the air. The 2-speed rocker switch allows for easy adjustments to the fan speed.

The built-in light with a protective lens can accept up to a 75W incandescent bulb, providing even illumination to your cooking area. The one-piece dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filter is easy to clean and maintains optimum grease capture. The 3.25" x 10" ducted opening can be connected vertically or horizontally, providing versatile installation options.

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Product Overview:

The Everkitch 30-inch under cabinet range hood is a stylish and durable option for any kitchen. Made of 1 mm thickness stainless steel with a polished finish, this range hood features a heavy-duty housing that works stably without vibration. It offers 3 speeds at low, medium, and high, and has a noise level of less than 65dB at high speed, providing 400CFM airflow. The motor is equipped with durable copper material giving strong enough air suction power to clear odor in the kitchen.

The stainless steel filters are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, and the range hood can be installed in various ways, including top venting with a round-shape outlet, top venting with a rectangle-shape outlet, and rear venting with a rectangle-shape outlet. Installation is easy and comes with a 5 years motor guarantee and 3 years limited parts guarantee.

Product Overview:

The COSMO COS-5MU30 30-inch under cabinet range hood is a ductless convertible duct, slim kitchen stove vent with a 3-speed exhaust fan, a reusable filter, and LED lights in stainless steel. It is designed with a slim, space-saving profile, making it suitable for condos and apartments. The hood comes with flexible ducting for convenient installation and can be converted to ductless with the optional purchase of a carbon filter kit.

The hood has a 3-speed motor with a noise level as low as 50 dB on the lowest fan speed and includes durable reusable aluminum mesh filters to trap grease and oil. The multi-layer filters effectively trap grease and it uses a 5-inch round duct for the exhaust vent. It also comes with a 3-year limited parts warranty and requires a 120V/60Hz, 3-Prong Plug for electrical requirements.

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Product Overview:

The Broan-NuTone 423004 30-inch Under-Cabinet Range Hood is a stainless steel hood that fits neatly under cabinets to provide ventilation and overhead lighting in the kitchen. It has a maximum CFM of 230 and 6.0 Sones performance to effectively remove smoke and cooking odors.

The hood also includes a built-in light with a protective lens that can accept up to a 75W incandescent bulb and a two-speed rocker switch for quick fan adjustments. The hood is designed for a 7-inch round vertical duct attachment and has a dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filter for easy cleaning.

Product Overview:

The COSMO 5U30 30 in. Under Cabinet Range Hood is a slim and space-saving design range hood that can be installed under cabinets. It is suitable for condos and apartments as it can convert from ducted to ductless with the Carbon Filter Kit (sold separately).

This range hood has a 3-speed motor that is efficient and quiet, with a noise level as low as 40 dB on the lowest fan speed. It comes with reusable aluminum mesh filters to trap grease and oil and has 2 exhaust ports for various home configurations. The product dimensions are 29.5" (W) x 18.8" (D) x 5.3" (H), and it comes with a 3-year limited parts warranty.

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Product Overview:

The COSMO COS-QS75 30 in. Under Cabinet Range Hood is a stainless steel range hood that features 500 CFM airflow, a backlit touchscreen, a 4-speed fan, twin centrifugal motors, and energy-efficient, 1.5-watt LEDs. It also has permanent, dishwasher-safe, and durable ARC-FLOW stainless steel filters.

This range hood can be converted to ductless with the purchase of a carbon filter kit. It also includes a wireless remote control for convenience. The range hood dimensions are 29.5" (W) x 22" (D) x 10" (H) and has a 3-year limited parts warranty with customer support based in the USA.

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

Styles

Range hoods come in a variety of mounting styles. There are under-cabinet hoods, which literally mount under the cabinets. They tend to be smaller than other range hoods, but they are also more compatible with the cooker. If there are no cabinets above the hood, it is considered a wall hood. It is important to know that some wall hoods are ducted and some are not.

Most wall hoods are of the chimney type. This means that air and particles are sucked in, flushed down a shaft, and then discharged outside. However, if you prefer a stylish kitchen, an extractor hood may be preferable. The downdraft hood is integrated into the cooker. The most popular type is the telescopic one, which stands a few centimeters above the cooker. However, they are considered inferior hoods because they do not effectively clean the air and are expensive.

Ducted, Ductless, and Convertible Types

Ducted range hoods use ducts to suck in debris and push it outside. Although efficient, they are expensive. Ductless hoods, on the other hand, recirculate air through a filter. They are more affordable but require more maintenance because of the filter. Some hoods are convertible, which can be used with or without ducts but may require the purchase of a separate filter.

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CFM Ratio

Ducted range hoods are measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), the amount of air they intake and discharge per minute; the higher the CFM, the more powerful the hood. To determine what you need for your kitchen, it is important to calculate the CFM ratio by dividing the range's BTUs by 100. For example, if the BTU of the range is 22,000, you need a hood with a CFM of 220 CFM or higher.

Size of Cooking Surface

To make the most useful impact in the kitchen, the under-cabinet exhaust fan should be the same width as the cooking surface. This will allow the hood to catch the oily-smoke-laden air, filter it, and eventually exhaust it from the home. A hood that is slightly larger than the cooking surface is fine, but if it is too small, it will not be able to filter all the air it needs.

Because under-cabinet range hoods are installed under cabinets, they usually cannot cover the entire cooking surface, so you should strive to find a range hood that matches the width, not the depth, of your cooktop. Under-cabinet range hoods are designed to accommodate this smaller size and provide adequate ventilation as long as the width requirement is met.

Cabinet Size

Because this type of hood is installed under existing cabinets, it is essential that adequate space be provided. In addition to the unit itself, it must be 2 to 3 inches wide on either side to provide ideal ventilation. There must also be sufficient space nearby (e.g., walls and ceilings) for ducting and ventilation openings associated with the hood system.

Airflow (in CFM)

The CFM (cubic feet per minute) value for all cooker hoods indicates the amount of air the equipment can process, filter, and exhaust simultaneously. A higher airflow rate will ventilate faster (but not necessarily better) than a lower airflow rate. The CFM that works best for you depends on the size of your kitchen and your cooking style. For example, in a kitchen that generates a lot of heat, oil, and smoke, a hood with a higher air volume may be better.

Exhaust Timer

If it has this feature, it means the fan will shut off after a certain amount of time (usually 10 minutes). This is useful if you want to leave the cooking hood on after you are done cooking but do not have or remember how to turn it off.

Fan settings and speed

All cooker hoods should have at least two fan speeds: low and high. The low setting is quiet and ideal for cleaning the air during and immediately after cooking. High speed is more efficient, especially for cooking that produces a lot of smoke, steam, or oil; the three-speed setting includes many that are in between the extreme settings. For home cooking, higher speeds are usually not needed.

Ducted or non-ducted

If the hood is ducted, this means that the air treated by the hood is vented to the outside (through a duct system).

A ductless hood only discharges filtered air into the kitchen. Ductless units are less efficient than ducted systems, but they are practical for smaller kitchens, homes, and people who don't cook much.

Check carefully to determine what type of system you need for your home.

Existing cabinets

Perhaps the most obvious reason to choose a built-in cooker hood is practicality. If you already have cabinets above your kitchen cooktop, there is no need to remove them. Simply install the hood under the cabinets, install the necessary ducting, and no expensive modifications are required.

Overall size of the kitchen or flat

In a small apartment or kitchen, there is no need to purchase a large hood, as a built-in hood will suffice. You can save a lot of space without sacrificing the furniture you already have. Moreover, a small size does not mean reduced efficiency. A high-quality built-in hood can ventilate your kitchen and home without a problem.

Economical

Built-in range hoods are generally very economical. It is rare for a built-in range hood to cost more than $1,000, with most costing between $200 and $400 (and most on this list). Installation costs for built-in hoods are typically around $85 per hour.

Easy to install

Installing a built-in range hood is fairly easy. If you do not need to install new ductwork, simply install it on the back of an existing cabinet. Once you purchase your new hood, check the manual for exact installation instructions.

Some may even have a video showing the procedure. If you need to extend wiring, add ductwork, or modify the existing ventilation system, it can be more complicated, but as a general rule, you should expect to spend from half a day to a day at the most.

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Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods | Infographics

Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods | Video Explanation

Frequently Asked Questions

Are under-cabinet fume hoods effective?

Yes, under-cabinet hoods are effective in ventilating and filtering kitchen air during cooking. They remove and filter out all grease, combustion products, smoke, and steam, allowing you to enjoy a clean and comfortable kitchen and cooking experience. Under-cabinet cooker hoods are most effective when well cared for.

Can I ventilate the hood inside the cupboard?

We do not recommend it, but in theory, yes, the hood can be vented into the cabinet. If the cooking hood ducts lead to the cupboards, there is nowhere for the air to go. Allowing hot air to escape into the cabinets is not a good idea. Prolonged exposure to heat, moisture, and contaminants in the exhaust (which often contains most of the substances you are trying to remove during cooking) can cause serious damage to cabinets. Warping, cracking, and mold are all possible. There is also the risk of damaging items inside the cabinet.

What is the average installation cost of an under-cabinet extractor hood?

Currently, the average cost to install an under-cabinet hood is $750. Installation costs vary depending on the infrastructure required (e.g., additional ductwork) and whether or not it replaces an existing system, but are typically between $400 and $1,500. In general, you should expect to pay the contractor about $50 to $100 per hour for labor.

Do I need an electrician to install an under-cabinet hood?

If you need to add or extend the wiring for your new under-cabinet hood, you may want to consult or hire an electrician. Range hood wiring is not an incredibly complicated process, but as with all things wiring and electrical, it is always a good idea to call in a professional if you have any questions about the installation.

How should I clean the filter on my range hood?

Whether your range hood filter is mesh or baffle (stainless steel), you will need water and baking soda. Soak the filter in a mixture of hot water, soap, and baking soda and clean it with a brush. Many can be put in the dishwasher, but only occasionally. In any case, allow it to dry completely before putting it back in the hood.

How do I measure the cooker hood?

First, measure the size of the cooker. Many people recommend buying a hood that is larger than the size of the cooker. So, if your cooker is 30 inches tall, buy a 36-inch hood to catch all the debris that floats around while cooking.

You should also measure the space above the range, up to the ceiling, and make sure the range can be safely installed in that space. If the range hood is to be installed above the recommended height, increase the CFM. Moving the range hood too close to the cookware can be dangerous.

Are built-in cooker hoods effective?

A cooker hood without a fan will filter some grease and cooking odors, but the general opinion is that it is not nearly as effective. They also do not remove heat or moisture, so they cannot keep the kitchen cool while cooking.

And can built-in hoods be used without furniture?

There are hoods designed to be installed without cabinets, but they tend to be more expensive. See Faber's wall-mounted fireplace. If you are installing an inexpensive hood, such as a Broan, you may want to install a bracketed shelf and mount the hood on the underside of the shelf.

Also know, what is the quietest under cabinet hood?

The quietest hood is the Cosmo 5MU30 30". The Cosmo 5MU30 has a slim profile and is ideal for those looking for a space-saving hood. Ideal for flats and condos, its 3-speed, 200 CFM motor is powerful yet quiet.

With that in mind, is an under-cabinet range hood effective?

An under-cabinet range hood traps all the smoke and floating debris from the food being cooked, making it easier to clean cabinets and appliances. Under-cabinet range hoods not only remove airborne grease and combustion products from the cooking area but also help keep the kitchen clean.

What is the best CFM for under cabinet range hood?

The ideal CFM (cubic feet per minute) for an under cabinet range hood depends on the size of your cooktop or range, as well as the level of ventilation you require. As a general rule of thumb, the recommended CFM for an under cabinet range hood should be between 200 and 400 CFM for a typical electric cooktop, and between 300 and 600 CFM for a gas cooktop.

However, if you do a lot of heavy cooking, such as frying, searing, or stir-frying, then you may want to consider a range hood with a higher CFM rating. A range hood with a higher CFM rating will provide better ventilation and help to remove smoke, heat, and cooking odors from your kitchen.

Ultimately, the best CFM for your under-cabinet range hood will depend on the size of your kitchen, the type of cooking you do, and your personal preferences. It's always a good idea to consult with a professional before making a final decision on your range hood CFM rating.

What is the most efficient range hood?

Conclusion

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