Best Ductless Range Hood

Range hoods are an essential component of every modern kitchen because they maintain healthy air quality. In order to achieve this, they capture the majority of the emissions produced during cooking and channel them via an airway duct that vents to the outside.

While the majority of exhaust hoods vent air outside the house, others perform the opposite and filter out noxious substances and odors. Such are referred to as ductless range hoods.

What, though, is a ductless hood exactly? What makes you choose it over a ducted unit, though? What would now be the best ductless range hood?

What Are Ductless Range Hoods?

Ductless or non-ducted range hoods circulate air rather than removing it. Recirculation cleans and redistributes the air to improve the quality surrounding the cooking area.

Recirculating hoods, like exhaust hoods, employ a fan to draw in air and dangerous pollutants. However, they clean the air by passing it through degreasing and charcoal carbon filters before bringing it back into the room.

You’ll save a ton of time, effort, and money by using ductless hoods because they don’t take air from the kitchen and don’t need ventilation ducting. Additionally, you are not need to give up cabinet space for the air duct.

Ducted Vs. Ductless Range Hoods

There are a few key differences between ducted and ductless vent hoods.

Configuration

There are top-venting and rear-venting options for ducted range hoods, which require ducting to function. On the other hand, rear-venting systems exit the port at the back and direct the duct through the wall. A duct at the top of the range hood is connected to the ceiling via top-venting systems.

Contrarily, ductless range hoods do not have a venting arrangement since they do not extract; rather, they merely filter the air before returning it to the room.

Convertible hoods have seats for the charcoal filters and ducted and ductless venting systems (not always included). With these hoods, switching between ducted and non-ducted settings is simple.

Features

Generally speaking, non-ducted range hoods have less suction than their ducted equivalents. However, they are also quieter. Hoods with air recirculation are typically indicated at 180 CFM (cubic feet per minute). While most exhaust hoods can easily reach 500 CFM.

Because a ductless hood doesn’t need ducting to work, its price and installation are more forgiving. Since there are no ducts to install, installation goes more quickly and with less effort.

The majority of single-purpose non-ducted hoods are mounted above the cooktop beneath the cabinet. More flexible options include convertible (also known as ducted/ductless) hoods, which can be configured for either a vented or recirculating system. They provide numerous mounting options, such as island (ceiling), under-cabinet, and wall mounts for the hood.

Effectiveness

Ducted hoods are more successful when it comes to improving the air quality in the kitchen since they remove all of the smells and fumes and replace them with clean, fresh air.

In cold temperatures, though, that replenishing of air can lead to issues. You want to maintain as much air indoors as you can when heating is limited. Non-ducted hoods are useful in those situations. The heat loss from ductless hoods is low because they only circulate the air in your kitchen.

In other words, installing an air duct is the best option if you want clean air to breathe while cooking. However, a ductless, filtered system can still produce respectable results if you don’t want to add an air duct or if you’re worried about heat loss.

Ductless Range Hood Buying Guide

Keep these details in mind when shopping for a ductless range hood:

Effective Area

A hood should, as a general rule, be at least the same size as the range or one size larger. A 30-inch range, for instance, needs a 30- or 36-inch hood. The requirement makes sure that the hood of choice has adequate coverage to remove all of the cooktop emissions.

Professionals advise choosing hoods that are one size (6 inches) larger when installing them over a kitchen island. The additional coverage makes up for the absence of a back wall, which helps to control air flow.

Filters

Ductless hoods need carbon filters to function properly. By capturing scents and unseen impurities, they aid in air purification, although they are transient.

If you cook frequently or smoke a lot, you may need to replace your carbon filters more frequently—at least twice a year. Typically, ordering replacements in bulk will result in financial savings.

Suction

Ductless units, even the greatest ones, have weaker blowers than ducted hoods. Their power ratings remain in the 200 CFM range. If you’re wondering why there isn’t much suction, it is intentional. Ductless hoods use less power since they filter and distribute air rather than entirely removing it.

Large amounts of suction are undoubtedly advantageous, but for non-ducted units, the efficacy of the filtering system is likely more crucial.

Price

Due to the low power rating and inexpensive construction, recirculating hoods seldom go for more than $100. Contrarily, ducted exhaust hoods are roughly twice as expensive as ductless convertible ones, which can cost up to $400 for high-end models.

Reviews Of The Best Ductless Range Hoods

Broan 41000 Series Ductless Range Hood – Best To Buy

Even though the Broan 41000 line of ductless range hoods is relatively ancient, its efficiency speaks for itself. The series has held the top spot for a long time thanks to its small body, variety of size options, and constant performance in terms of air quality improvement.

Pros

• Affordable
• Slim design
• Multiple sizes
• Reliable quality

Cons

• Aluminum degreasers wear out

Basic But Effective Specs

The diameters of the 41000 series range from 21 to 42 inches wide. According to the typical size of most cooking ranges, the most popular size is 30 inches.

Their peak suction rates, which are roughly 190 CFM, are comparable. The series works best when positioned 18 to 20 inches above the counter and features a small, under-cabinet body structure.

This series’ models feature aluminum mesh filters to filter out grease from cooking pollutants like smoke. Additional carbon filters with charcoal aid in removing smells and small particles.

Cleanup And Maintenance

The aluminum mesh filters can be taken out, cleaned, and re-used, but they will ultimately need to be changed. Dishwashers typically aren’t used for aluminum utensils.Therefore, unless the manufacturers clearly say that they are dishwasher-safe, you should hand wash them with warm water, light degreasing soap, and baking soda.

Because they require more frequent replacement, charcoal filters are less durable than meshes. They are not reusable and have a maximum shelf life of six months, or around 120 hours of cooking.

These hoods also have a covering that resists stains. It only needs to have the exterior cleaned by wiping it with a damp cloth.

Easy Installation

The 4100 series is quite simple to install, even if ducting is not required. They all require the cabinet as a platform because they are under-cabinet hoods, thus unlike wall-mounts, you don’t have to put in the effort to take the cabinet out.

Owners claimed they could put up and start using these hoods in around 40 minutes in customer evaluations.

Highly Regarded

The 41000 series has been around for more than a decade, and it continues to enjoy positive reviews and recommendations.

Additionally, it is said that Broan’s goods are trustworthy for both residential and business applications. We’ve found extremely few recurring issues with the series as well as service-related complaints throughout our investigation.

For a range hood without ducts, Broan’s 41000 series is rather affordable. It’s functional and reasonably priced, and Broan has a solid reputation in the ductless industry.

All the models in the series are under a 1-year limited warranty.

Cosmo 5MU Series Ducted/Ductless Range Hood – Best Under Cabinet

Cosmo has become a more well-known brand in the range hood industry in recent years, and the Cosmo 5MU series includes two of the business’s most popular convertible or recirculating-optional hoods. The models have a relatively high CFM rate, stainless steel construction, and recirculation as an option.

Pros

• Slim design
• Convertible
• Stainless steel

Cons

• Aluminum degreasers wear out

Slim And Convertible

For the majority of contemporary kitchens, this convertible series from Cosmo is a good option. It has a sleek stainless steel body that hangs from the rear wall or fits directly under the cabinet. The 5MU30 and 5MU36 are the two models in the series, both measuring 30 inches in width.

Pushbuttons serve as controls. The hood pulls about 200 CFM of air at maximum speed. That is enough power to operate a recirculation hood. It is less spectacular for exhaustion: 200 CFM can only handle up to 20,000 BTU. A gas range’s standard power burner produces roughly 15,000–17,000 BTU. Therefore, this hood can leave part of the emissions behind if you’re using more than one of those at once.

First, adjust the fan’s lever to the air recirculating position before operating the recirculating arrangement. As a result, the air is released from the hood through the front gaps rather than the air duct. Install the fan’s charcoal carbon filters after that.

Unfortunately, the carbon filters (code CFK4) for these two Cosmos must be acquired individually because they come with ducted extraction hoods by default. Step-by-step instructions for installing a charcoal filter in a power blower are provided in the product manual.

Degreasers And Carbon Filters

Two and three mesh degreasing filters are included with the 5MU30 and 5MU36, respectively. These mesh filters have been treated to make them dishwasher-safe on low-heat cycles even though they are composed of aluminum. Even yet, if you want to extend the life of any metal items, manual washing is the best option.

For up to two years, mesh filters can be cleaned and used again. In contrast, charcoal needs to be replaced every six to twelve months.

Under-Cabinet Mount

Faster installation is made possible by the cabinet mount design. There are two different venting options: up- and rear-venting. Both require 5-inch circular ducts, and a rectangular outlet adapter is not provided.

A damper, also known as a backdraft regulator, will be installed and will aid in preventing air from entering the ducting. There are seal covers that you may use to cover the other holes if you want to go from top to rear venting or vice versa. The manufacturer recommends that the hoods are installed 24-26 inches above the cooking surface.

Verdict

Cosmo models 5MU30 and 5MU36 are excellent choices if you insist on a convertible design even though they aren’t the best range hoods currently on the market. They are important to remember, to put it mildly.

The series is under a 5-year warranty.

Cosmo 63175 Ducted/Ductless Range Hood – Best Wall Mount

We suggest the Cosmo 63175 as a wall-mount substitute. Users are won over by the hood’s sophisticated appearance, premium construction, and potent performance.

Pros

• Powerful
• Fully convertible
• Stainless steel
• Permanent degreaser

Cons

• Space consuming

Chimney And All

The wall-mounted range hood has a 30 inch covering and is constructed of brushed stainless steel. An incorporated chimney adapter hides the air pipe that extends from the back wall to the ceiling. The Cosmo 63190 has a 36-inch spread if you’d prefer something bigger.

The controls consist of five pushbuttons, just like on previous Cosmo range hoods. The blower’s maximum output is a generous 720 CFM. If you prefer to set up for air recirculation, run the hood at a low pace.

Keep in mind that removing the upper cabinet is probably necessary in order to install wall-mount exhaust hoods.

Permanent Filters

The 63175 includes two stainless steel baffle degreasing filters (the 63190 has three). Those are more expensive but endure a lot longer than the metal meshes seen on other models. Because they are composed of stainless steel, they are simple to wash in a dishwasher. They could also be washed by hand, which is a more thorough option.

The charcoal attachments (code CFK1-TM) are purchased separately.

Ducted Setup

Circular ducting with a 6 inch diameter will work with this Cosmo wall mount. Both the duct pipe and the backdraft damper are present. It lacks both an outlet adaptor and a rectangular outlet.

Non-Ducted Setup

In order to use the hood in a ductless kitchen, you must first install the entire unit as you would if venting were required, with the exception that you don’t need ducting and a draft regulator this time.

Place the charcoal filters inside the engine after attaching the device and adjustable chimney to the wall (make sure you check the code to get the right filters). Then it is ready to use. Be careful not to obstruct the chimney’s vent ports so that the air can circulate.

Verdict

By its specifications alone, the Cosmo 63175 is an effective wall-mount ducted/ductless range hood. But most importantly, it has received favorable consumer feedback, making it a good option for most kitchens.

The hood is under a 5-year warranty.

Broan PM390 Aluminum Hood Insert – Best Ductless Insert

This Broan hood insert and its fitting for hood covers will be a wonderful fit for medium-sized kitchens with an emphasis on aesthetics. The model provides a sensible compromise between price and usability.

Pros

• HeatSentry excess heat detector
• Convertible
• Compatible with hood covers

Cons

• Small
• Light bulbs sold separately
• Aluminum degreasers wear out

Nothing Too Fancy

The weight of the item is an important consideration because a hood insert is a component that fits inside a unique cover to create a unique range hood. The Broan PM390 Power Pack hood addition is rather lightweight due to its aluminum composition.

Despite the unit’s limited coverage, you may buy liners (30 and 36 inches) to make a specific capture zone and set up the frame for covers at the same time.

In order to ensure optimal performance, your cooking surface should be approximately the same size and should never exceed 24 inches.

The blower includes a sliding switch that allows you to select between three speeds with a maximum airflow of 390 CFM. A gas cooktop with a 39,000–40,000 BTU total rating can be supported by the hood with little difficulty thanks to that amount of suction.

Grease And Odor Traps

This hood insert’s single-piece, dishwasher-safe aluminum grease trap works to lessen damage during high heat cycles. However, washing metal parts by hand is a good idea.

The hood operates in ducted mode by default, however recirculating can be enabled by purchasing a separate filter kit. The set’s code is 357NDK, while the code for the carbon filters is B08999040. Make sure you buy the appropriate parts.

Ducted Or Ductless

Hood inserts are installed in the same manner as regular kitchen hoods. The distance from the cooking surface should be 24 inches. Mounting and ductwork (if you don’t have any already) are required for the process. The top outlet of the hood has a backdraft damper and is connected to a 6-inch circular duct.

Only if you want the hood to circulate air rather than extract it do you need the charcoal kit.

Heat Sensors

The Heat Sentry on the Broan PM390 Power Pack is an intriguing feature. If the airflow is insufficient, the sensors will alter the blower when they sense excessive heat. By doing so, the air quality is further enhanced, and the kitchen hood insert’s capabilities are fully utilized.

Verdict

The Broan PM390 Aluminum Hood Insert is a good, multipurpose product. With a track record for dependability, Broan, this kitchen convertible hood insert has received positive evaluations.

The model is under a 1-year limited warranty.

Cosmo QS75 Ducted/Ductless Range Hood – Best High-Tech

Top-of-the-line, heavy-duty convertible range hood with a host of cutting-edge technologies is the Cosmo QS75. It is the best high-tech ducted/ductless hood, in our opinion.

Pros

• Powerful
• Stainless steel
• Convertible
• High-tech

Cons

• Expensive

Plenty Of Suction

If you take away the touchscreen and remote, the Cosmo QS75 is just a solid, nicely built stainless steel range hood. It is 30 inches wide and can produce 900 CFM at its full power.

High-Tech Controls

The touchscreen regulates the LED lights, timer, automatic shut-off feature, and the four settings of the twin fan. Additionally, the hood is automatically opened when gas is detected thanks to a gas sensor feature.

For further touchscreen accessibility shortcuts, consult the manual. The remote control that comes with the hood may also turn it on.

If the high tech is not for you, the Cosmo QB75 has almost identical specifications but physical push-buttons.

Baffle Grease Traps

The permanent stainless steel baffle filters used by the Cosmo QS75 are very dependable, simple to remove, and completely dishwasher safe. Stainless steel filters are more expensive initially than aluminum filters, but they don’t need to be replaced and require no maintenance.

Although using the hood as a ductless recirculating hood is optional, a separate purchase of the carbon filter equipment is required (code CFK5).

The top-vent port of the QS75 features a damper that is easily incorporated into it (no rear port). The vent, if there is one, must be cut through the cabinet because the hood is under-cabinet mounted. The airway now needs to be larger due to the significant 900 CFM rating—8 inches round duct as opposed to the 6 inches on lesser variants.

Verdict

The Cosmo QS75 is overqualified if you desire a recirculating range hood. Having said that, its build quality, power, and adaptability are difficult to match if you have the cash.

The model is under a 5-year limited warranty.

Conclusion

Though it might not include everyone’s top picks, you can trust that our list of the finest ductless range hoods is supported by extensive study. We hope it will be a useful resource for you the next time you have to make a purchasing decision.