Best ductless range hood

It is a common problem for homeowners to smell food lingering in the kitchen long after cooking has finished. The impurity of the air is caused by grease, smoke, and dirt. Did you ever have to deal with a similar issue?

These are the reasons you should install a ductless range hood in your house.

Modern range hoods are an integral part of every kitchen. They keep the air quality in your home safe. They do this by collecting most of the emitted gases from cooking and leading them through an exhaust duct that vents outside.

While exhaust hoods usually vent air from your home. Some filters remove harmful substances and odors. These are called “ductless range hoods”.

In this buying guide, we will demonstrate what is ductless hood? Why would you prefer it over a traditional ducted unit? What would be the best ductless range hood for your kitchen?

So let’s get started

What’s a Ductless Range Hood and how does it work?

Ductless range hoods can recirculate instead of extracting air. The best way to improve air quality in your kitchen is through recirculation. It involves cleaning it and then redistributing it.

Read Also: Best kitchen hood for Chinese cooking

Recirculating hoods function in the same manner as exhaust hoods. They draw in air and pollutants using a fan. They clean the air with degreasing and charcoal carbon filters, instead of letting it escape. They return the cleaned air back to the room.

These details are important to remember when looking for a ductless range hood.

Effective Area

A hood should be at minimum the same size as the range or larger. A 30-inch range needs a 30-inch hood or a 36-inch hood. This rule ensures the hood has enough coverage to catch all the exhaust from the cooktop.

Experts recommend that you go for the larger size if your hood is installed above a kitchen island. This allows for more airflow and compensates for the absence of a wall behind it.

Filters

The carbon filters are essential to ductless Hoods. They can trap odors in the air and other invisible pollutants but they don’t last forever.

You should change your carbon filters at least once every year. It is possible to save money when you buy replacements in large quantities.

Noise

A range hood with a lot or too much noise is not recommended as it can hinder your cooking experience. There are many range hoods available these days that make it very loud noise. So we would suggest choosing one with low noise levels.

Read Also: Top 5 best Kobe range hood review

Lighting features

The range hood will be located above the stovetop so you will need adequate lighting. If your range hood has many features, it will have enough lighting to brighten the kitchen. You can save money by choosing range hoods that provide energy-saving lighting. LED lights are very efficient and less power-consuming.

Ductless range hood installation

The ductless range hood is easily attached to a wall or above a ceiling. It is important to consider your mounting preferences when shopping for a ductless range hood. It will also impact how the filter is installed. It is required for ductless filters.

These range hoods are also known as recirculating range hoods. Because they return filtered air into the kitchen. Recirculating range hoods will require a filter. You can choose from charcoal, carbon, or baffle filters. A ducted range hood may not require any filters.

Ductless range hood with charcoal filter

Charcoal filters are essential to ductless Hoods. Although they help to purify the air, they are not durable.

They will be necessary for any recirculating hood or ductless cooker. As they are responsible to get rid of odors and absorb fumes. This is your only option. The other two options are up to you. You can replace the charcoal filter and keep the Mesh, or Baffle, clean.

These filters should be replaced two to three times per year. This is more important if you cook frequently or are especially smoky. By purchasing replacements in bulk, you can save money. 

Top 12  best ductless range hoods

CIARRA CAB75918B 30 inch Range Hood (With the best Features)

CIARRA CAB75918B is our first choice for the best ductless range hood. It is a convertible ductless and ducted range hood. Both of these can be combined in one range hood. This can also be used as an insulated range hood if your chimney is already pre-installed. You can use it as an under-cabinet / wall-mounted range hood.

It can also serve as a standard ductless range hood. All you need is the carbon filter. The carbon filter is not included in the range-hood. So You have to get them separately.

The speed of these hood exhaust fans effectively removes smoke and other odors. The high-speed fan is ultra-quiet, requiring less than 6.5 sones.

The key features of this hood are mesh filters and led lights, which is one of its most distinguishing features. The LED lights can withstand extreme heat and will brighten up your kitchen. The mesh filters are able to capture oil and grease very well. The mesh filter has five layers of aluminum. These two features will allow you to clean your stovetop and kitchen easily.

Pros

• You can covert these ductless to the ducted hoods.
• Easy to operate.
• You can clean or wash these hoods easily.
• These hoods have two led lights.
• Three-speed exhaust fan.
• You can control these hoods by pressing the button.

Cons

• Have to buy separately carbon filters.
• The fan makes a rattling sound.
• Grease filter sizes are not optimal

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Cosmo 5MU30 30 Convertible range hood (With the Best Value)

In our list, we added Cosmo 5MU30 30 as our second choice. Cosmo has beautiful premium range hoods. They are made with the finest care and use cutting-edge technology.

If you are looking for a kitchen vent that doesn’t take up too much room in your kitchen? Then Cosmo 5MU3030 is the right one. It offers you a slim kitchen stove outlet. These range hoods are best and ideal for small apartments. It is a convertible (Ductless to Ducted) hood. You can also use these hoods as under cabinet range hood.

Other features include LED lights, a 3-speed exhaust fan, and a three-speed exhaust fan. It can be used to vent top and back and can be mounted against a wall as well as underneath the cabinet.

These hoods have a 3-speed motor, this motor provides 56dB max. It is effective and has efficient features. But they also make very little noise during operation. The filters can be used again and again because they are made from aluminum mesh. They are very durable and can capture oil, grease, and other contaminants. This hood will keep cooking fumes at bay and remove bad odors.

Other features include LED lights and a three-speed exhaust fan. It can be mounted against a wall, or underneath the cabinet.

Pros

• Convertible ductless to ducted.
• These hoods have multi-layer mesh filters.
• You can use this venting system to vent top or back or place it against a wall or under a cabinet
• Reusable aluminum mesh filters that trap oil and grease effectively.
• These hoods are very slim and that saves your kitchen spaces.
• Easily removes smokes, odors.

Cons

• The exhausting fan is extremely loud.
• The suction power is very low on these hoods.
• Have to buy carbon filters separately.

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Cosmo COS-QS75 30 Under-Cabinet Range

Cosmo COS-QS75 30 under-cabinet range hood is another perfect and budget-friendly best ductless range hood. This hood provides 500 CFM. It can be placed underneath your cabinet.

It is also a convertible one, ductless to direct, which is very useful if you have a small kitchen. It has a fan with 4-speed and a twin centrifugal engine. The fan is compact in size so that the fan will fit in any space. The exhaust system’s effectiveness is sufficient for your kitchen. It will fully ventilate the kitchen perfectly.

An optional carbon filter is needed for this. You also can purchase these filters separately. These filters are made from stainless steel. So, these filters are easy to clean and safe for the dishwasher.

It has 1.5-watt energy saving efficient LED light. They not only shine brightly in your kitchen, they also last a long time and are extremely durable. An auto-shutoff timer can be a valuable option in the kitchen. It removes lingering odors from your kitchen after you’re done with cooking.

Pros

• It has 1.5-watt energy light which is durable.
• This hood delivers 500 CFM from the exhaust fan.
• You can use carbon filters.
• You will get a digital touch control plane which makes these hoods easily useable.

Cons

• Nuts and screws can be removed easily.
• Vent material is not long-lasting.

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Broan-NuTone 403023 30-Inch

Broan-Nutone 403023 30-inch is another best hood with premium quality. If you’re looking for a high-quality range hood, this range hood will satisfy your needs.. The hood improves the lighting and ventilation of your kitchen above and below the stove. The range hood can be wired in the hardwired option, or you can buy the power cord set, which can be purchased separately.

The 2-speed fan located above the cooktop can be used to exhaust both the top and rear of the cooktop, making it more efficient. The range hood’s maximum height is 30”. This means that the cooktop must measure at least 18 feet.

Effective incandescent lighting perfectly distributes light on the cooktop surface. It also provides adequate lighting in the kitchen. You can fit any bulb that is 75 watts or more. It provides 160 CMF and the sones rate is 6.5. It has two 2795 RPM motors.

This is a one-piece appliance with aluminum mesh filters. You can wash these filters in the dishwasher. They will retain more grease and keep your kitchen clean. It’s also easy to clean.

Pros

• 
  It has an optional top and rear exhausts system.
• Its exhaust fan delivers 160 CMF.
• It has 75-watt incandescent lighting.
• It has a 2-speed fan with rear or top exhaust options.

Cons

•  The range hood makes a lot of noise.
• The fan of this hood is quite small.

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IKTCH 30 inch Built-in/Insert Range Hood

IKTCH 30 inches Built-in/Insert Range Hood is another best appliance for your kitchen. This insert range hood comes with high-quality stainless steel. It is easy to use and control because of the remote control panel. This range hood is rated at 900 CM. It provides enough airflow and ventilation.

The lights can be used to lighten the whole kitchen. They also save you energy. It comes two pcs 3 Watts Bright LED Lights. You can adjust the brightness to meet your specific needs. And also can be set to match your cooking needs.

The fan will remove any smoke or other odors efficiently while you continue cooking delicious food. The hood is very quiet and makes very low noises. The lowest setting has a noise level of 40 decibels. On the highest, it is 65 decibels.

Pros

• You can wash the filters in the dishwasher.
• The hood’s exhaust provides 900 CFM.
• The range hood’s body and frame are made of stainless steel.
• This hood has a time adjustable feature.
• This hood provides better air quality.

Cons

• You may face problems with the sensor.
• Exhaust fan makes noise.

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Broan-NuTone 413001 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood

This is the most effective and best ductless range hood from the brand Broan Nu-tone. It is available in a gorgeous white shade, the installment of this variety hood will certainly be fast and also simple. This range hood is easy to use.

The 75-watt bulb will not only brighten your stovetop/cooktop area but also increase the brightness of your kitchen. The main fact of this hood is that it has a various number of fantastic functions. The non-vented design makes it possible to use a hood with no ducts. This is a huge advantage for homes without air conditioners.

In this hood, you will get rocker button controls that supply simple fan speed modification to the individual. You can set the fan speed according to your preferences by selecting from the 2 fan speeds. The charcoal filter is reliable and can be conveniently changed when it fills up with odors or is damaged.

In addition to the mitered sides of this hood, the hemmed bottom includes nice looks and complements in your interior. This hood is also useable and safe for your kitchen.

Pros

•  You can add a charcoal filter to this hood.
•  You can change charcoal filters easily.
• Easily can change ductless to the ducted hood.
• 75-watt cooktop light.

Cons

• Low-quality material is used in the hood’s body.
• Fan speed isn’t enough.

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Cosmo 63190 36 in. Wall Mount Range Hood

Cosmo 63190 36-in is another great and best range hood from the cosmo brand. You can easily use this hood as a wall mount range hood and it’s very easy to mount on the wall.

This hood has many great features. And these features make your cooking easy. Besides, you will get a nice experience while using this hood.

This range hood has a built-in chimney. This chimney provides some significant benefits which will help you with cooking. This range hood is best for expels or removes smokes and odors. And for the exhaust system you can easily breathe in, feel safe.

The best feature of this range hood is you can control the LED light and the exhaust fan with just a push of the button. You can control the fan and lights, so you’ll have an amazing experience cooking. You can also choose from high, medium, or low suction speeds. You can now have a wide range of cooking options, allowing you to be creative in your culinary skills.

Pros

• You can convert this ductless to ducted.
• The exhaust of this hood has three fans.
• This range hood provides 380 CFM.
• Premium design with affordable price with 430-grade stainless steel.
• Baffle filters of this range hood are made of stainless steel.
• You can wash these filters (Dishwasher-safe).
• Carbon Filters are available for ductless.

Cons

• Sometimes the duct hose becomes loose.
• Hood makes noise.

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Tieasy Wall Mount Range Hood 30 inch

Tieasy 30 inch wall mount range hood is another features hood from the brand Tieasy. We added it to our list because it is made of premium 430 brushed stainless steel. This stove vent hood can be mounted on the wall and comes with a premium-quality stove vent cover.

This range hood has 5 layers of aluminum mesh filters. And these filters are removable and can be reused making them super easy to clean. The top vent on this hood measures 6 inches. You will enjoy better airflow in your kitchen because the motors are powerful enough to provide sufficient suction.

The 3-speed push-button control makes it easy to use and access the controls. The 450 CFM airflow will ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated.

You can choose to go ductless by purchasing the optional carbon filter. This range hood emits a low noise level of 55 decibels. It will ensure that you have a pleasant and relaxed cooking experience.

There are three-speed settings available to the fan: medium speed, high speed, and low speed. This allows you to cook various food types at different temperatures.

Pros

• It has a powerful motor with a low noise level.
• This range hood is easy to use.
• The range hood body is made out of stainless steel.
• This hood has aluminum mesh filters and provides better air quality.

Cons

• Sometimes you will see sparks when you use this hood.
• The suction level is a little bit low.

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ZLINE KB-36 Range Hood

ZLINE KB36 is another best ductless hood from the popular band ZLINE. The most and great fact about this hood is it has three years parts Warranty. You will get this hood in four different sizes. It is also one of the affordable hoods with some great features. You can also set it up mounted to your wall.

The hood weight is 44 lbs and comes with two telescopic chimney supports measuring 9.2 x 8. It measures 36 inches x 10.5″x16 inches and has a 760 CFM rating. It’s approved for use in North America and has a standard voltage of 120V and 60Hz. A three-pronged plug is available for wiring or direct plugging. Additionally, there’s a transition part of 6 inches. This means that a 6-inch round duct is recommended for use.

It has four-speed power. And it is known/popular for its quiet operation even at full power. This is the best option for busy kitchens. It is also quite affordable, at least for the features that come onboard.

If the chimney pieces are too small, you can buy additional extensions for these. There is also standard lighting with two 3W directional LEDs. Additionally, there’s a transition part of 6 inches. This means that a 6-inch round duct is recommended for use.

Pros

• You can choose ductless if preferred (additional charcoal filters are required).
• It is a modern, sleek model with push buttons at a good price.
• This range hood is much quieter than other models.
• This hood is extremely affordable for the amount of power and features that you get.
• The filters of this range hood are dishwasher-safe.
• The suction of this hood can take full advantage of the four speeds that go up to 760 CFM.

Cons

• The filters of these hoods aren’t secure enough.
• You have to purchase the additional wall mounting screws because provided ones are not very reliable.

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KOBE CHX3830SQBD-3 Brillia 30-inch

This appliance is made of durable 18-gauge, commercial-grade stainless steel. It has a seamless curved design. And a smooth satin finishing. It is 37.5 pounds, measures 30’’ wide by 22’’ long and 6 in deep. There is an additional option for a 36-inch range hood if you need one. It can be installed underneath the cabinet without a duct or in the wall with the duct covering included.

It includes two LED lights that can be used at night. The buttons are conveniently placed in the middle back of the button to preserve the elegant look. It comes with two types of filters that can effectively remove the smell of cooking or steam: a baffle, and charcoal. Two replacement baffle filters are included in the bundle to ensure that you save money over time. This ductless hood comes with an additional 1-year warranty.

It can achieve 400 CFM when at its maximum speed. These speeds are accessible via a mechanical push-button switch. It has three settings: a low setting, a high setting, and a quiet one. The lowest speed is 30-33dB, which means it won’t wake up anyone if they decide to cook at night.

Pros

• Premium-quality design with nice finishing.
• It provides 400 CFM.
• You will get three effective modes.
• Three-speed push-button.

Cons

• You have to hire an expert for installation.
• LED lights are not replaceable.

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Cosmo COS-QS75 30- In

Here is another best ductless range hood from the brand Cosmo. Cosmo Cos-Qs75 30-In is equipped with twin centrifugal engines capable of handling a 500 CFM airflow, and a 4-speed. This range can remove even the most severe odors without making a loud sound, at 65 db.

Two permanent baffles of Arc Flow stainless Steel filters are fitted to the filter. They do not need meshes or linings. They can be washed either by hand or in the dishwasher. They will capture the first layer of grease and keep it away from the twin centrifugal engines. The second pair of filters are made from carbon, and they will prevent any airborne particles from entering the motors. They are held together by filter rings that are placed in front of the motors.

Their touchscreen is backlit so that you can control the timer easily. You can set it to auto, adjust the speed and decrease or increase the running time by up to 15 minutes. Both the speed and power can be adjusted. You can also adjust power and speed to turn the light on/off. You can also set it up remotely using the remote. You will also receive a 5-year policy of protection.

The hood can be used as a ductless hood by being paired with a carbon filter. This allows it to operate at higher parameters and not need to communicate with the outside. It is a cutting-edge design with a minimal finish that makes it a great decorating piece. It is made with 18-gauge stainless steel and features an LCD touchscreen display panel. The cooking surface is illuminated by two light bulbs, so visibility can be maintained even at night. It can be easily hidden under a kitchen cabinet. It measures 29.5 in wide, 22 in deep, and 10 in high.

Pros

• You can control this hood through a remote.
• Stainless steel is used in the hood’s body.
• It provides high CMF (500).

Cons

• This range hood is quite heavy.
• The LED light isn’t enough for the stovetop.

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Broan-NuTone 413004 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood

Broan-NuTone 413004 is one of the best ductless hoods from the brand BORAN. These hood picks are only available in ductless configurations. This is the non-vented range hood.

Broan’s hoods are available in various sizes (21-inch up to 36 inches) and they will fit on stoves. It is made from stainless steel and comes with two speeds fan. Also, there is a 75-watt bulb is included.

One drawback to this hood: it will need hardwiring unless you purchase an additional power cord kit. The carbon filter kit comes already with it. You don’t have to buy a separate product.

Pros

• Carbon filtre kit avalable. You don’t need to buy a carbon filter kit.
• This hood has 2 speeds fan.
• Premium design stainless steel finish.

Cons

• You will need to hardwire.
• We didn’t find any CFM rating for this range hood.

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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Why choose Recirculating Range Hoods

There are many reasons that people will choose to have ductless range hoods instead of their ducted counterparts. One reason could be:

1. The ductless Hoods are more affordable – There are no installation costs, but you have to pay for charcoal filter repairs.

2. They are more energy-efficient than a very high CFM, but they don’t have to be so high that the air is thrown out the exit.

3. You wouldn’t like warm air leaving your kitchen through the vents during winter. While backdraft dampers work when your heaters are off, they will be ineffective when you need warm air.

4. These are great for remodeling jobs where vents will not be required.

Which is more efficient, a ductless range hood or a ducted one?

The ducted range hood will work better if you are able to. The ductless range hood doesn’t release any gases (gas stoves) from your stovetop. And also prevents moisture from building up in your kitchen. However, ductless fans are only necessary if you can open a window.

Are ductless range hoods good?

A ductless range hood is not the best choice for kitchen exhaust systems. However, when combined with an opened window, they can be a great option. The ductless window captures grease and odor, while your gas stove emits harmful gases and moisture.

Can recirculating range hoods really work?

They do. They clean up any odors and remove any grease and oil from your stove. They’re built for this purpose. You don’t need a recirculating hood if you want to get rid of moisture or stovetop gas emissions.

What does CFM mean?

Cubic Feet Minute (CFM) is the unit of measurement. This measurement determines the strength of your range hood relative to the maximum BTU that your cooker can produce. 100 CFM is required for a gas stove that can produce 10,000 BTU.

A 600 CFM range hood will be required for a cooker that produces 60,000 BTU. An electric cooker requires 100 CFM per 10 inches. For 36 inch cookers, you’ll need a range hood with 360 CFM of suction power.

How can you clean ductless range hoods?

Dust and smoke can accumulate on the exterior of your range hood so you should clean it regularly. To avoid grease and odor buildup in your home, it is important to replace your filters frequently. At least twice per year, you should change your filters.

Carbon filters should not ever be cleaned. These filters must be completely removed and then replaced. It is very simple to find out the exact location where dirt and grime are located on your range hood. A dull look can be caused by a grease buildup or small amounts of smoke. You can clean it with a kitchen cloth dampened with cleaner.

Where should my range hood be mounted?

This is the most important thing anyone should ask when searching for the best ductless range hood. Most electricians agree with the recommendation that your range hood can be mounted between 28 and 36 inches from the cooker’s top or base. Anything shorter than 28 inches could lead to the electric components of the range hood becoming damaged by the heat. Anything longer than 36 inches could cause the ductless hood to shift away from its center point. Decreasing its ability for absorbing odors.

Conclusion

The ductless range hood is a good choice for homeowners living in apartments or condos with limited wall space but might not be everyone’s favorite. We hope our article on best ductless range hood helps you to find the perfect range hood for your kitchen.

These components are very efficient and high-quality, keeping your house and kitchen safe and clean.
Still, if you have any questions about these incredible products we have reviewed today? Feel free to let us know by the comment section below as always we would love to hear your opinions. And also don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more useful content like this one. Thank you for reading.