10 Best Ductless Range Hood 2023 (Buying Guide)

The lingering smell of food that remains in your kitchen long after you’ve finished cooking is one of the most common problems many homeowners face. The smoke, grease, and dirt remain in the air, making it impure. Have you encountered a similar issue?

This is why you should consider installing a ductless range hood in your home.

Broan-NuTone Ductless Range hood

• Incandescent lighting
• Separate rocker switches
• Ideal size for stovetops
• Easily replaceable charcoal filter
• Even lighting
• Non-duct filter

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These can effectively filter out impurities in the air, capture smoke and grease, and even remove food odors. If you’re unsure about which range hood to buy or how a range hood works, here’s everything you need to know.

 

Benefits of using a ductless range hood

• Kitchen always remains squeaky clean and free of odors improving productivity and efficiency in the kitchen.

• They can be installed anywhere in your kitchen since the space and size of the kitchen is never a restriction for their installation.

• They are very easy to install as compared to the ducted hoods.

Buying guide for ductless range hoods

Even though ductless range hoods are more preferred than ducted range hoods, you still need to consider some factors before buying one. Here they are.

1. Filter type – Choosing the right type of filter is very important since the filter is recirculating the air in your kitchen along with the smoke and grease. These days, baffle or mesh filters are most commonly seen. Both are easy to wash and clean; hence you can choose any of the two.

2. Ventilation power – Always check the CFM rating of your range hood to know how well it would work as a ventilation power. A CFM range between 300 CFM – 600 CFM is always preferred.

3. Size – When choosing your ductless range hood, make sure that its size is in sync with your stove or cooktop size. Usually, a 30-inch ductless range hood can accommodate stovetops of 18 inches and higher.

4. Noise – A range hood that makes a lot of noise is usually not preferred since it can be a major hindrance to your cooking experience. Many models these days make very little noise so go for one with the lowest noise levels.

5. Lighting features – Since the range hood is going to be above our stovetop, you will need enough lighting. A range hood that is power-packed with features will definitely have lighting on it to brighten your kitchen area. If you want to go for energy-saving lighting, go for range hoods that offer the usage of LED lights, which are highly efficient and save a lot of power too.

Our Top 10 Best Ductless Range Hoods

Here are our top 10 picks and comparison of ductless range hoods:

1. Broan-NuTone Ductless Range hood

Ductless range hoods are much versatile when it comes to their installation. They don’t need a duct, and you can install them wherever you want, which is an added advantage. This high-quality ductless range hood from Broan-NuTone is basically a stainless-steel range hood insert.

It not only improves the ventilation inside your kitchen by removing steam and odor but with its lights and exhaust fan, it also improves the lighting on top of your cooktop.

The light is distributed evenly above your gas stove so that it isn’t too bright to annoy you or too weak that you can’t see properly. The charcoal filter present inside this range hood can be cleaned and replaced easily. Thereby, you can ensure that your kitchen is always fresh and smells pleasant.

The 30″ range hood insert is perfect for installing above any 18 inches and larger cooktop. You also have two options for installing the range hood either insert it hardwired, or you can choose a power cord kit.

2. Best Features: Ciarra 30 Inch Under Cabinet Convertible Range Hood

Here is a ducted and ductless convertible, both in one range hood. You can use this as a ducted range hood if there is already a pre-installed chimney in your house.

If you want to use it as a ductless range hood, you only need to install the carbon filter onto the motor. Remember that the carbon filter does not come with the range hood; hence you’ll need to purchase it separately.

A standout feature of this hood is that it has LED bulbs and mesh filters. While the LED light can withstand even high heat and add brightness to your kitchen, the mesh filters do a wonderful job of effectively capturing the grease and oil. The mesh filter is made from 5-layer aluminum. Thus, thanks to these two features, you can now easily clean your stovetop and kitchen.

You can also find an exhaust fan with 3 distinct speed settings. While the low-speed mode can be used for general ventilation, the medium-speed mode can be used for ventilation in standard cooking settings.

And when there is a large amount of smoke, you can turn to the high-speed mode, which provides the most effective ventilation out of the 3 modes.

3. Best Value Range Hood: Cosmo Under Cabinet Convertible Range Hood

Looking for a slim kitchen vent that won’t take much space in your kitchen? Check out this slim kitchen stove vent from Cosmo, a brand popular for so many years. Perfect for small apartments and condos, this under cabinet range hood has a ducted/ductless convertible duct and a reusable filter.

Other additional features include LED lights, a 3-speed exhaust fan, etc. It is also suitable for both top venting and back venting and can be installed under the cabinet or against a wall.

The 3-speed motor is not only powerful and quite efficient but also makes very little noise while working. The filters are reusable and made from aluminum mesh. They are quite durable and effectively capture grease and oil.

The grease is trapped even before they start building up, thus proving how efficient the filtration system is. I like the multi-layer filters, which are further capable of trapping more grease and oil while cooking.

Whether it is cooking fumes that you want to keep at bay or want to fight pollutants and stinking odors, this hood is the perfect choice for you.

4. Cosmo Under Cabinet Range Hood

With an exhaust capacity of 500 CFM, this under cabinet range hood from Cosmos is a convertible one: ducted to ductless, which is a huge advantage if you have a small spaced kitchen. With a fan having a 4-speed setting and twin centrifugal motors, the exhaust system is effective enough. It will completely ventilate your kitchen without much trouble.

Suppose you want to convert to the ductless option. In that case, an optional carbon filter kit that can be purchased separately is also available. Filters being made from stainless steel are easy to clean and are also dishwasher safe.

It has 1.5-watt energy-saving LED lights. They not only provide bright light in your kitchen but are very durable and long-lasting. An auto shut-off timer is a handy tool in the kitchen. Also, it helps remove odors that keep lingering in the kitchen long after you’ve finished cooking.

5. Broan-Nutone 30 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hood

If you want a premium quality range hood, then this one is the best-suited one. The hood significantly improves the ventilation and lighting in your kitchen as well as above the stove. This range hood can be installed through the hardwired mode, or you can purchase the power cord kit, which is sold separately.

Being a one-piece appliance, the aluminum mesh filters are dishwasher safe and effectively capture more grease to keep your kitchen fresh. Therefore it is very easy to clean.

The incandescent lighting is perfectly distributing the light on your cooktop surface. It also provides enough lighting in the kitchen. Any bulb up to 75 watts can be accommodated within this lighting.

The 2-speed fan over the cooktop has both top and rear exhaust options, enabling the duct to work most effectively. Since the range hood is 30″, the cooktop needs to be at least 18″ and more.

6. Best Value For Money: Iktch 30 Inch Built-In/Insert Range Hood

Made from high-quality stainless steel, this range hood insert comes with a remote control panel that is easy to use and control. With an exhaust fan rating of 900 CM, this range hood offers significant ventilation with enough air flow.

The fan, therefore, can efficiently remove even large amounts of smoke and other odor from your kitchen as you continue to cook some delicious food. Another added benefit is that the hood operates with practically no noise at all.

On the lowest setting, the noise level is 40 decibels, while the highest is 65 decibels.

The lights are not just bright enough to light up your entire kitchen but are energy-saving too. Two pcs of 3 watts Bright LED lights have an adjustable brightness level that you can change according to your cooking needs.

7. Best Premium Feature: Kitchenexus 30 Inch Range Hood

With a touch screen display that complements the aesthetics and interiors of modern kitchens, this 30-inch range hood from Kitchenexus is definitely worth investing in. It has several amazing features, from a ducted convertible to a ductless hood. It is perfect under cabinet range hood for your house.

It has bright LED lighting that will light up your entire kitchen and stovetop. It also has hybrid stainless steel filters, which are the most effective in capturing steam, smoke, and other gas and odor.

Doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or making your way to the top; this range hood is all you need to make you feel like a pro chef working your way through a grand kitchen. A powerful motor with 300 CFM capacity is quite efficient and offers exceptional performance.

8. Best Overall: Broan-Nutone Convertible Range Hood

Here’s yet another one of the best ductless range hoods from the brand Broan Nu-tone. Available in a beautiful white color, the installation of this range hood will be quick and easy and can be done by you only.

The 75-watt bulb is not just going to brighten your cooking area but your life as well because this Broan-NuTone range hood has several amazing features.

The non-vented design allows you to use the range hood without any air ducts itself, which is a huge plus point for homes without air ducts. The range hood also has rocker switch controls which provide an easy fan speed adjustment to the user.

With the 2 different fan speeds, you can now adjust the blowing speed of the fan according to your convenience.

The charcoal filter is durable as well as efficient and can be easily replaced when it gets damaged.

Along with the mitered sides of this range hood, the hemmed bottom adds to the aesthetics and complements your interior quite well. At the same time, they also contribute to your safety while using the stove.

9. Cosmo 36 in. Wall Mount Convertible Range Hood

Have you been looking for a stylish, classy, yet functional range hood that can be easily mounted on the wall? Well, I can safely say that your search should end here with my favorite 36″ wall mount range hood from Cosmos. It has tons of super cool features, which will make your everyday kitchen experience quite the memorable one.

The hood comes with an included chimney set which has significant benefits. Along with removing unwanted smoke and odor from your kitchen, this range hood also helps to remove any harmful pollutants that might be lingering in the air. Thus, letting you breathe freely and safely.

With push buttons, you can control both the fan and the lights; you’re surely going to have a great experience while cooking.

The 3 fan speeds also let you choose between high, medium, and low suction speeds. Thus you can now experience quite the versatility in your cooking experience by cooking many different food items.

10. Tieasy 30-Inch Wall Mount Range Hood

The range hood has a 3-speed push-button control, making it easy to access and operate the controls. With 450 CFM air-flow, you can be assured of proper ventilation inside your kitchen.

Being a chimney-style range hood that can be mounted onto the wall, this one comes with a high-quality stove vent hood made from premium quality 430 grade brushed stainless steel.

If you want to convert to the ductless option, you can simply choose the optional carbon filter kit. At a noise level of 55 decibels, this range hood makes as little noise as possible, thus ensuring a smooth and relaxing experience while you are cooking.

The 5 layered aluminum mesh filters of this range hood are removable and reusable, too, hence being super easy to clean. The top vent of this hood is 6″ round-shaped one. The motors are also quite powerful enough to offer the required suction, leading to better air-flow within your kitchen.

The fan comes with 3-speed settings with low speed, medium speed, and high speed, which can effectively cook different food types at different temperatures.

Do recirculating range hoods really work?

If you wonder whether ductless range hoods are as effective as ducted range hoods, then the answer is yes. Ductless or Recirculating hoods are as effective and efficient as ducted hoods.

Ducted range hoods vent the air outside the house; recirculating range hoods simply recirculate the air through stainless steel or mesh filters. When air passes through these filters, they effectively capture dirt, smoke, steam, grease, and even odors, making your kitchen clean and fresh.

And did you know that you can easily convert your ducted range hood to a ductless range hood? All you need to do is purchase a separate filter. The majority of the range hoods listed in this article can be converted from ducted to ductless.

Conclusion

Are you confused about all the amazing products we’ve listed above? Well, let me make it more easier by telling my best ductless range hood.

The Cosmo Wall Mount Range Hood is my favorite range hood for so many reasons. With an ultra-quiet design and power-packed features, thus it is surely a must-buy.

If you are looking for one of the best overall island range hoods, then my top pick is the Broan-NuTone Range Hood. It has a non-vented design that works perfectly as the range hood operates and comes with extra lights to brighten up your kitchen.

I also love the Iktch 30-inch range hood, which offers value for the money you are investing in. with some great features at a great price. This range hood also has remote control settings that will make the user’s life easier.

I hope this will help you in choosing the best one for your kitchen… Do share your experiences in the comments.

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