The Best Best Kitchen Range Hoods in 2021: A Buyers Guide

Home Improvement

Did you know that a minor kitchen remodel is one of the best things you can do for your home in terms of resale value? In fact, the average cost you can expect to recoup on the project is around 77%.

When giving your kitchen a small upgrade, you might consider replacing the appliances or refinishing the cabinets. But, there’s something you might be overlooking: putting in a new kitchen range hood.

This simple change can elevate your kitchen design if you do it right. Luckily, we’re here to help.

Keep reading to learn about types of kitchen range hoods, how to choose the right one for your new kitchen, and some of the best models on the market.

Types of Kitchen Range Hoods

The first thing you’ll need to consider is what type of kitchen range hood you need. Is an under cabinet option the right choice, or would a wall mount hood work better for your space? Or maybe, you need a convertible option?

Let’s take the guesswork out of choosing the right model.

Ducted

Ducted range hoods come equipped with ductwork that takes the air in your kitchen and releases it outside. A ducted range hood requires a ventilation system that’s connected to the outside of your home.

While this can be an elaborate setup, it’s the best way to get smelly and potentially harmful air out of your kitchen.

Non-Ducted

A non-ducted range hood, on the other hand, recirculates the air in your kitchen instead of removing it from your home.

This range hood pulls in the contaminated air, recirculates it through a filter, and then releases it back into your home. While it’s not as effective as a ducted option, it’s less invasive and often cheaper to install.

Convertible

Do you like the idea of having options instead of limiting yourself to just one type of range hood? You’ll love a convertible model, which allows for both non-ducted and ducted setups.

This allows you to change between systems when needed. For instance, if you live in a cold climate, you may want to switch to a ductless system during the winter to keep cold air out of your home.

Under Cabinet

If your kitchen is on the smaller side, you might consider an under cabinet range hood. This option goes under the top cabinets above the range, making great use of existing space.

This type of hood comes with a ductless design.

Island Mount

Another popular ductless option is an island mount range hood. This goes over your kitchen island, installed on the ceiling.

However, keep in mind that because this type of hood doesn’t sit on a wall, you’ll need to be very careful with the installation to properly make sure the hood is in place. It’s best to hire a professional to help with this installation.

Wall Mount

If you don’t have an island or prefer to have a kitchen hood range that’s not in the middle of the ceiling, consider a wall mount option. In this case, you’ll remove a cabinet and place the hood in its place.

If that doesn’t fit with your aesthetic, you can get a hood cover to integrate into your kitchen’s design seamlessly.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Hood Range

Now that you know more about the different types of kitchen hood ranges, how do you go about choosing the right one?

Keep these considerations in mind when you start shopping.

Size

When shopping for kitchen range hoods, you’ll quickly notice that there are options in all different sizes. When choosing the right one for your kitchen, you’ll want to make sure you pick one that fits in the space.

A good rule of thumb is to measure your range’s width and choose a hood of the same width.

Fan Speed

When choosing a range hood, pay attention to the different fan speed options. Sometimes, you’ll want the air to circulate faster than others. By choosing a model with varying fan speeds, you’ll be ready to cook anything.

CFM

Range hoods are measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). This number determines how quickly air is exhausted. The higher the CFM rating, the more powerful the model. If you have a large kitchen, look for an option with a high CFM.

Additional Specs

You can get a basic hood range that gets the job done very easily with no frills. But what’s the fun in that? Look for additional specs in your hood range to take your kitchen to a new level.

Some options come equipped with Wi-Fi so that you can control your hood right from your smartphones. Others have timers, so the fans turn off automatically and temperature sensors that activate the fans when heat is detected.

The Best Range Hood Models for Your Home

Ready to start shopping? Here are some of the best models on the market, no matter what you need.

Broan-NuTone 413004

This ductless, under cabinet option is budget-friendly and comes with a replaceable charcoal filter to keep your air clean.

It also comes with two fan speeds and built-in lighting for convenience.

Hauslane Chef Series PS18

If cooking is your passion, you’ll want to treat yourself to this model. While it’s a bit pricy, it comes with a touch screen and three-way venting for maximum efficiency.

And, the filters are dishwasher-safe, making this an eco-friendly option.

Ciarra CAS75502 Glass Hood

If a convertible hood range is what you’re looking for, it’s hard to beat this model. The glass hood design is stunning, and it’s equipped with ductless and ducted ventilation options.

It also has dishwasher-safe filters and three fan speeds.

Upgrade Your Kitchen Today

Now that you know more about what to consider when shopping for kitchen range hoods, it’s time to give your kitchen the upgrade it deserves. Not only will it help keep the air clean while you cook, but it can help increase your home’s value too.

Looking for more ideas on how to improve your home? Browse through our other articles for inspiration.

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