If you are looking for the best ductless range hood for your needs, you are in luck. We break it all down to make your choice easier.
Keep reading to get answers to the following:
- What is a ductless range hood?
- How does a ductless range hood work?
- Difference between ducted vs ductless?
- Are ductless range hoods effective?
- Top ductless range hood pick
Top 7 Best Ductless Range Hoods
Here is the quick list of the top 7 best ductless range hoods. I go into a much deeper dive later in the article, so please be sure to check that out further down below!
Broan-Nutone 413004 (TOP PICK)
- Broan-NuTone 413004
- Cosmo COS-QS75
- CIARA CAS75302
- Broan-NuTone BW5030SSL
- Golden Vantage RH0327
- Winflow W103C30
- Kitchenexus KITT-16JA
What is a ductless range hood?
A ductless range hood is a kitchen appliance that usually hangs above the stove. You may also hear ductless range hoods referred to as unvented range hoods, or recirculating range hoods.
Typically, they have an awning-type look and are equipped with a fan, or blower that draws in fumes, smoke, airborne grease, heat and steam all of which can occur while cooking. After this air is drawn in, it passes through a filter and then recirculates the air back into your kitchen.
Ductless range hoods have 3 common filters:
- Stainless steel baffle
- Aluminum mesh
- Charcoal
Download this cheat sheet to hack your monthly electric bill.
Ductless vs Ducted range hoods
The main difference between ducted and ductless range hoods is whether they transport dirty air outside of your home or clean and recirculate it back into your kitchen.
Ducted Range Hoods
Ducted range hoods connect to a duct in your kitchen to move smoke and fumes outdoors. This cuts down on dirty air as well as heat and humidity in your kitchen.
They are typically used in a commercial setting, but can also be found in homes.
Pros to ducted range hoods include:
- Better energy efficiency
- Lower heat and humidity levels in the kitchen
- Tend to be quieter than ductless hoods
- Less maintenance than ductless hoods
- Typically more efficient
- Can be quieter than ductless
- Vents air completely out of the kitchen
Cons to ducted range hoods include:
- Less flexibility in kitchen design
- Has to be installed where a duct system exists
- High cost if ducts need to be moved for installation in a specific area
Ductless Range Hoods
Ductless range hoods don’t connect to a duct, and thus are more flexible when it comes to design. They instead use a filter to clean the air in your kitchen and recirculate it.
They are typically found in homes, not businesses.
Pros to ductless range hoods include:
- Design flexibility
- Cheaper installation in ductless areas
- Versatility in where they can be installed
- No pipe or duct installation needed
- Usually more affordable than ducted
Cons to ductless range hoods include:
- The filter must be cleaned or replaced every 6-12 months
- Less energy-efficient than ducted range hoods
- Tend to be louder than ducted range hoods
- Heat and moisture flows back into the kitchen
Did You Know?
Range hoods were invented in 1937.
The first was made by Vent-A-Hood in Dallas, TX.
How does a ventless range hood work?
In short, a ventless (ductless) range hood draws in kitchen air and runs it through a filter. From there, the filtered air circulates back into the kitchen. This is why ductless range hoods are also referred to as recirculating range hoods.
Are ductless range hoods effective?
Yes they are absolutely effective. With ductless range hoods, note that the air generated from cooking passes through a filter, and then recirculates back into your kitchen. So while these unvented range hoods may not be as effective as their vented counterparts, they still go a long way in helping clean kitchen air.
With that, let’s jump into the top picks for the best ductless range hood.
Our picks for the best ductless range hood
Broan-NuTone 413004 (Top Pick)
This is the highest rated ductless range hood on Amazon. With over 7,000 reviews and a 4.7 star average, you can rest assured that this is a quality buy. Furthermore, it is cheap.
What we like
- Sleek appearance
- Easy to install
- Quiet fan
- Two fan speed settings
- Replaceable filter for easy cleaning
- Good filtration
Take note
- Flimsy construction and cheap hood quality (doesn’t seem to make a huge difference once installed)
- Ability to see the lamp and fan while cooking may be unsightly
- Possible low suction power
Specs
| Item Weight | 10 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 17.5 x 6 x 30 inches |
| Model Number | 413004 |
| Finish | Metal |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
Recommended >> How to Know If Your Dryer Vent is Clogged
Cosmo COS-QS75
The Cosmo COS-QS75 features a 4-speed fan as well as twin centrifugal motors. The filters are very easy clean and are even dishwasher-safe.
What we like
- Beautiful design
- Comes with remote
- Easy to use
- Dishwasher-safe filters
- Great filtration and fan power
Take note
- Additional kit required for ductless installation
- Heavy machine and unclear instructions may make installation difficult
- Many reviewers received damage machines
Specs
| Item Weight | 52.8 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 22 x 29.5 x 10 inches |
| Model Number | COS-QS75 |
| Finish | Metal |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
CIARA CAS75302
The Ciara CAS75302 is a chimney style range good with three LED lights as well as three dishwasher safe filters.
What we like
- Easy to install
- Easy to use
- 3 fan speed settings
- Good filtration
- Great price
Take note
- Noisy fan
- Faulty buttons may need to be pressed hard in order to work
- Plastic wrap may be difficult to remove due to its abundance
Specs
| Item Weight | 27.7 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 30 x 19.7 x 27 inches |
| Model Number | CAS75308 |
| Finish | Silver |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
Broan-NuTone BW5030SSL
This Broan-NuTone is an excellent choice with three-speed push button control features and a very sleek, clean look.
What we like
- Versatile and can be installed vented or non-vented
- Great suction power and filtration
- Looks beautiful in the kitchen
- Easily washable filters
Take note
- Noisy fan may bother those used to a quieter cooking experience
- Additional kit required for ductless installation
Specs
| Item Weight | 31.2 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 19.75 x 29.5 x 25.5 inches |
| Model Number | BW5030SSL |
| Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
Golden Vantage RH0327
The Golden Vantage has a 3-speed fan as well as a touch panel with a digital clock. In addition it features a mesh filter that is dishwasher safe.
What we like
- Beautiful design and smooth interface
- Black color to match or contrast with other appliances
- Dishwasher-safe filters
- 3 fan speed settings
- Filtration works well for those who don’t do big cooking
Take note
- Poor instructions may make installation difficult
- Filters for ductless installation sold separately
- Filtration may struggle with high quantities of smoke
- Clock moves too quickly and displays wrong time
Specs
| Item Weight | 29.9 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 33.5 x 23.5 x 16.5 inches |
| Model Number | RH0327 |
| Finish | Black/Stainless-Steel |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
Kitchenexus KITT-16JA
The Kitchenexus is made from durable stainless steel and features push button controls. It is a great choice to for a 30 inch range hood.
What we like
- Simple design and touch panel display
- 3 fan speed settings
- Good suction
- Easy to use
- Dishwasher-safe filters
Take note
- Installation may require a professional or more than one person
- Might make a high-pitched noise when turned off
Specs
| Item Weight | 23.1 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 29.8 x 18.8 x 5 inches |
| Model Number | KITT-16JA |
| Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
Winflo W103C30
The Winflo W103C30 is another chimney style range hood that is adjustable. It can easily fit a 7.5 or 8.5 foot ceiling.
What we like
- Simple push button panel
- 3 fan speed settings
- 7.5-8.5 ft. adjustable chimney can be expanded further with additional purchase
- Can be installed ducted or ductless
- Dishwasher-safe filters
- Good suction and filtration
Take note
- Purchase of an additional kit is needed for ductless installation
- Metal on hood is thin and some reviewers received damaged products
- Noisy fan and possible weak suction
Specs
| Item Weight | 21 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 19.21 x 29.5 x 36.22 inches |
| Model Number | W103C30 |
| Finish | Stainless Steel |
| Material | Steel |
Download this cheat sheet to hack your monthly electric bill.
