Not all kitchens were designed in such a way that they provide proper air ventilation. You will find that some kitchens tend to get smoky or feel like the air is closing in more easily than other kitchens.
Many kitchens have range hoods to try to combat the ventilation. After all, if you do much cooking, you know what it’s like to make something that maybe doesn’t smell amazing during cooking or to cook up things that put off a lot of smoke.
Range hoods are designed to vent out the air as well as grease particles, heat, smoke, and smells that come along with cooking. There are two different kinds of range hoods, ductless or ducted, and they both serve their own purposes.
In this guide, we will be sharing with you just what a ductless range hood is and give you a detailed review of our top 9 ductless range hood picks. There are many great options out there and we’ve narrowed them down for you! We’ve also put together a simple buyer’s guide to help you make a final decision.
Stick with us to learn about the best ductless range hoods and more.
Table of Contents
- Ductless Vs. Ducted Range Hoods
- The Best 9 Ductless Range Hoods Reviewed
- 1. Broan NuTone 413001 Ductless Range Hood
- 2. Cosmo COS-5MU36 Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- 3. Iktch Built-in/Insert Range Hood Stainless Steel Kitchen Vent Hood
- 4. Ciarra CAS75918B Under-Cabinet Slim Range Hood
- 5. Kitchenexus Range Hood Stainless Steel Vent Hood
- 6. Cosmo COS-668AS750 Wall-Mount Range Hood, Tempered Glass Visor
- 7. Broan Nu-Tone BCSD136BL Glacier Range Hood with Light
- 8. Hauslane Chef Series Range Hood C100
- 9. Air King AD1216 Advantage Ductless Under Cabinet Range Hood
- A Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Ductless Range Hood
- And the Winner Is…
- Conclusion
Ductless Vs. Ducted Range Hoods
Let’s start with a quick overview of what exactly a ductless range hood is and how it compares to its counterpart, a ducted range hood.
Let’s start with this. A range hood is an exhaust system that is operated by a fan. This hood system is installed over the range, stove, or cooktop space in any location. These can be installed in homes, apartments, restaurants, and more. They can be used anywhere that cooking may occur in some way.
Range hoods are designed to remove or filter grease, fumes, smoke, heat, steam, or even smells from the air surrounding the cooking space. This could help reduce the likelihood of grease fires but it can also combat odors, fumes, smoke, and heat in the air as well.
Ducted range hoods are built with a duct system. This system vents air directly to the outside. Obviously, this can take some serious installation effort, which may be a hindrance to some. These work great but they are not always an option that can be accommodated.
A ductless range hood is operated with a fan. There is a blower and a motor as well as a filter created into the range hood system. This filters the air and then recirculates it back into the kitchen. Ducted range hoods do filter more but ductless range hoods work very well when the other isn’t the best option.
The Best 9 Ductless Range Hoods Reviewed
In this section, we will provide you with a comprehensive review of our top 9 picks for ductless range hoods. There are so many options out there on the market, it could take you hours to sort through them.
So we’ve done the hard work for you! We’ve sifted and sorted to bring you the very best selections available!
Let’s get started.
1. Broan NuTone 413001 Ductless Range Hood
This ductless range hood from Broan falls into first place because it is budget-friendly and highly-rated all at the same time. You really can’t go wrong with this option. If you’re on the fence about trying a range hood but don’t want to spend a lot of money, this is your best option.
You can get this range hood in bisque, black, stainless steel, or even white. It also comes in 4 different size options so be sure to measure your space to know which size is right for you. This option has a light on it and can use up to a 75-watt bulb so you can see perfectly while cooking.
This range hood operates with a 2-speed fan and is effective at controlling smoke and odors during use. It also has a remote option which is ADA compliant, if needed. The materials are rust-resistant and durable. This is a coated steel range hood. You will also find that the filter is aluminum mesh and it totally washable, even in the dishwasher.
- Available in various sizes and colors
- Made with rust-resistant materials
- The aluminum mesh filter is dishwasher-safe
- Easy to use and operate
- Budget-friendly option
- Requires a surface or shelf above it to be mounted to
2. Cosmo COS-5MU36 Under-Cabinet Range Hood
If you want the best value for the money, you’re looking at it right now. This one does cost a bit more but it is the cream of the crop design that won’t let you down. If you think that someday you may spring for a ducted system, this option is convertible to ducted or ductless, depending on your needs.
This range hood is sleek and outstanding in design. It will certainly stand out and make a statement in your kitchen. It is made with premium brushed stainless steel and it operates quietly and efficiently.
You can’t go wrong with this modern design that is quality and looks in a single package. This option is 36 inches but is also available in a 30-inch model if needed. There are 3 speeds to the exhaust fan and the design is slim as well. This range hood also includes lighting.
- Looks great with brushed stainless steel
- Highly effective and modern
- Simple to operate
- Includes LED lights
- Can be ducted or ductless
- For the ductless system, you will need to purchase a separate charcoal filter kit for conversion purposes
3. Iktch Built-in/Insert Range Hood Stainless Steel Kitchen Vent Hood
This option is another of the truly best out there. This is the best insert hood you will find. It’s a bit different from your rectangular range hoods because it’s designed to be inserted into a built area. You might insert it into a wall space or a cabinet or you might build a cabinet/wall around it.
This is a top of the line product with all of the bells and whistles. This option has what is called gesture control. If your hands are messy, just wave your hand to adjust speeds or turn the fan on and off. Isn’t that an awesome feature?
The baffle filters are stainless steel and washable. The power functionality does have a delayed shut-off feature. There are lights that are energy-efficient. The unit itself is made from high-quality stainless steel. This range hood is also super quiet while operating. It can be ducted or ductless.
If you have the budget for it, this one could be a winner for anyone.
- Available in 2 different sizes
- Can be ducted or ductless
- Premium insert range hood
- Gesture control for speeds and features
- Powerful airflow with quiet operation
- The gesture controls can sometimes be too sensitive to motion
4. Ciarra CAS75918B Under-Cabinet Slim Range Hood
Here we come back to the traditional range hood that fits right underneath a cabinet over your stove. This one is stainless steel and made with a slim design so it doesn’t look overly bulky or awkward. It has a great range considering the slim design as well.
You get manual controls for the on/off switch, fan speeds, and lighting options. The lights are energy-efficient and plenty bright. This range hood can also be converted to ducted or ductless so it gives you some versatility, particularly if you decide to upgrade to ducted later on.
This option is a 30-inch range hood. You will need to purchase the carbon filters for ductless operation. It is space-friendly and made from quality stainless steel. Very simple to use and operate. It operates nice and quiet as well, which is always a bonus.
- Can be used ducted or ductless
- Simple to operate and use
- Stainless steel materials
- Sleek and modern design
- Quiet and effective
- The instructions are not very clear and can be challenging for setup
5. Kitchenexus Range Hood Stainless Steel Vent Hood
Here is another great option that it’s likely you may have never considered. It’s modern and sleek and made with some of the most high-quality materials out there. This has an updated baffle filter design that gives it more filtering power. This is a great upgrade if you’re replacing an old 30-inch model.
This model can be ducted or ductless. It has hybrid stainless steel materials that make it look great while also being sturdy and durable. This installs under a kitchen cabinet or with a duct system. It also has bright LED lights so you can see what you’re doing.
It’s easy to use and control. It has a powerful motor without being super loud to operate. The airflow is rated 300 CFM from the fan. The filters are steel baffle and mesh to capture more and filter better. They are dishwasher-safe and very durable as well.
This range hood has a nice, slim design and is very easy to install and manage. You’ll be quite pleased with how well it works!
- Powerful fan and filter system
- Can be ducted or ductless
- Stainless steel materials
- Unique hybrid baffle filter design
- Everything is simple to use and operate
- The fan is louder than most competitor models
6. Cosmo COS-668AS750 Wall-Mount Range Hood, Tempered Glass Visor
If you’re in it for the looks, look no further! This wall-mounted model is absolutely gorgeous but it also works excellently so you get the best of both worlds. This can be ductless or ducted and it mounts directly to the wall rather than requiring an overhead cabinet to mount to.
This range hood has a tempered glass visor over it, which makes it look sleek and pretty. It has a nice slim design and is operated with a digital touch screen so it totally pulls in modern technology that is reliable.
You can find this option in 30 or 36-inch sizes. It has efficient airflow rated at 380 CFM. The noise level is very low considering the CFM. You do need to purchase the separate carbon filter kit for ductless but it’s well worth the price. The stainless steel filters are dishwasher-safe and 2 are included.
This range hood has a 5-year parts warranty and the company has their customer service firmly planted in the USA.
- Gorgeous design and outlay
- Digital touch controls
- Can be ducted or ductless
- Mounts to the wall rather than to an overhead cabinet
- Highly-efficient airflow parameters
- Conversion kit required for ductless operation (sold separately)
7. Broan Nu-Tone BCSD136BL Glacier Range Hood with Light
Here we have another model from Broan, which is a reliable company that puts out simple and effective products. This model is 32 inches and is made with high-quality materials. You can get the same model in bisque or white colors as well.
This system is very simple but it works incredibly well. It’s nice and quiet and has great lighting as well. The CFM measures at 250 so you are getting good ventilation with the fan. It is also designed to operate quietly.
This system is easy to use and care for. It has simple controls for the fan and the lights. The mesh filters are dishwasher-safe so you can clean them easily as needed and get the gunk out to continue filtering. You can make this ADA compliant with a remote as well.
- Simple and effective
- Model available in 3 colors
- Easy to clean and care for
- Lights are nice and bright
- Operates quietly and efficiently
- Unfortunately, it seems many buyers have received dented and damaged hoods
8. Hauslane Chef Series Range Hood C100
Here is another unique option. It is designed a bit differently. Rather than flat, it has fans that protrude slightly but they are not gaudy or awkward by design. This is a simple and effective system that looks very sleek and has simple controls as well as lights on the underneath.
There are several different options with this particular model, including an auto-cleaning option. We’re reviewing the base model but want you to be aware that other selections are available. This model is still slim and totally easy to operate as well.
The ventilation is powerful and highly effective. The range is listed as affordable as it is a chef’s design, but it is more expensive than some of the other models. At the same time, it does deliver for its price. The design is slim and fits under a cabinet. It has a stainless steel finish and is strong and efficient.
This range hood is also easy to clean. It even has an oil tray and oil cups to make cleaning much easier. It comes with everything you need for installation and is quiet and easy to put in. It can be used for ducted systems as well.
- Chef-style design
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Powerful with quiet operation
- Slim and sleek design with protruding fans
- Easy to install and use
- The lights and the fan do not have separate controls for operation
9. Air King AD1216 Advantage Ductless Under Cabinet Range Hood
Finally, we end our review with this simple and effective option from Air King. This range hood is another simple and affordable option that works well for a budget-friendly price. This range hood has a simple 2-speed design that is operated by a simple switch.
There is a light under the hood, which also has its own switch for operation. This comes in black steel and is a smaller hood than most of what we have shared. If you need something more compact or simply want something smaller, this hood is only 21 inches.
This has a sleek design that will comfortably fit into a space and not stand out awkwardly. It’s very simple and yet operates very well. It even comes with a 1-year warranty. If you’re looking for something sleek, simple, and affordable, this might just be the right choice for you.
It is highly-rated across the board and will certainly deliver reliable results as well. Their products are designed to last for years.
- Very simple and yet effective
- Sleek and slim design
- Small range hood option (21 inches)
- Operates powerfully and quietly
- Budget-friendly choice
- May require some extra cleaning along the way
- Very limited available information to discern whether this is a long-lasting product
A Buyer’s Guide to Choosing the Best Ductless Range Hood
We’ve shared with you a lot of great options here. You will find insert range hoods, under-cabinet range hoods, and wall mount range hoods. You will find a variety of prices and features as well as styles.
We’ve only shared 9 of the endless options on the market and these 9 could still be overwhelming to you if you just aren’t sure what you are looking for. Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
In an effort to help you sort through the options, we’ve put together a buyer’s guide. The buyer’s guide will tell you what to look for and what you may want to consider as you pick out your new ductless range hood.
It is true that not all ductless range hoods are created equally. We think that’s pretty apparent in these reviews. So stick with us as we walk you through some tips for choosing the option that is right for you!
Coverage Area
We didn’t touch on the coverage area much in our reviews but we do think it’s an important feature to consider when picking out your new range hood. For example, you might find that some don’t span out very far.
Here’s what you really want to consider. Is the unit large enough to handle your cook space? You want a range hood that will effectively handle the use of your cook space. Some areas are smaller and some areas are larger.
There are a multitude of sizes here, ranging from 30-36 inches of coverage. You will even see that we shared a 21-inch option for those who maybe have a small kitchen space that you are trying to cover.
The best size totally depends upon your space. A good rule of thumb is to go with a size that is equal to or larger than your range for the best coverage. If your range is installed into an open space, like a center island, you probably want to size up if possible since the surroundings are open.
Budget
When it boils down to it, the most important aspect for you to consider is your budget. While you might really like the most expensive range hood, is it within your budget. We’ve shared an array of prices above and all of them are great options.
If you can’t afford the premium models, that’s total ok! We think you will be quite pleased with the selections that fall into your budget range, whatever that may be. Don’t think that just because you spend a little less, you are not getting a good model.
Every model we’ve shared here, no matter the cost, is a really great option in its own way! You can find many really great ductless hoods for under $100 and some premium options that cost a bit more.
Consider your needs and be sure to shop within your allowable budget to get something right for you.
Conversion or No?
What you will find is that many of the more expensive options are convertible to be ducted or ductless. Some of these even require that you purchase a conversion kit to use ductless. Pay close attention to this, particularly if you are working with a tight budget.
Do you really need a convertible option? Maybe you just like the style, and that’s quite alright! What we want you to consider is whether or not your budget allows space to purchase that conversion kit that is often sold separately.
We simply bring this part up to make you aware so you don’t think you are getting the whole thing for ductless operation when you might not be. If the range hood you are looking at says convertible, be sure to check whether or not you will also need a conversion kit.
If you never plan to operate ducted, you might be able to choose another model but don’t let that stop you if your favorite is one of the convertible options.
Filters
You will notice that there were several different filter designs and criteria. We recommend going with something that has a charcoal or carbon filter as these are what will best purify the air. Just be sure that the filter system does work effectively as that is the purpose of a range hood.
Be prepared to purchase new filters as you will need to replace them periodically. You may want to do a general search and make sure you can easily find replacement filters. Some filters are dishwasher-safe but that does not mean they will last a lifetime.
Power
Are you still trying to figure out what CFM means? This is an indication of the fan and suction power. CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. It is a measurement for the airflow from the ventilation system.
What you will notice is that many of these have a fairly low CFM. Somewhere around 200 CFM tends to be a common number. Ductless range hoods don’t need as much power since they are filtering and re-circulating air rather than blowing it out a duct system completely.
We shared CFM measurements for comparison purposes. If your range hood’s CFM is somewhere around 200 or higher, you will have plenty of power and suction with your new ductless range hood.
Remember that some of them with super-high CFM levels are designed to be either ducted or ductless so they have to have a high enough CFM to accommodate both settings.
And the Winner Is…
As we round out our guide, we wanted to announce our top pick. We actually have 2 top picks for you.
Our overall favorite is the Cosmo Slim Range Hood shared as option 2. It’s a bit more expensive than some models while still being affordable. This is a convertible option but it is slim and well-made. It’s reliable and easy to use and install.
Our runner up is the Broan Ductless Range Hood listed in our number one spot. This one is very affordable. It is simple and yet effective. You can choose other colors and sizes although the prices may vary for different models. We love this budget-friendly choice.
Conclusion
Ductless range hoods can be quite easy to find. When you know what to look for and what you need, it makes it far easier to narrow down the options and come up with your perfect solution.
Remember to make your decision based on what will work for your space and your budget. We’ve shared an array of options, all of which are great in their own way!
Whether you’re replacing an old range hood or you’re investing in one for the first time, we think you will be quite pleased with any of the options that have been shared here today.
Now, happy shopping!