Best Under Cabinet Range Hood Buying Guide 2018

With more then one thousand 5 star reviews at Amazon and with price usually bellow $70 (be sure to double check this as price can vary due to casual discounts), this is the best under cabinet range hood.

My second top pick is for those looking for high end model and ducted vent option. The BV under cabinet range hood with 800 CFM airflow power will surely satisfy even the most picky shoppers and those with higher budgets.

If you are looking for my detailed under cabinet range hood reviews then be sure to proceed bellow, because I have reviewed 9 different models and brands. 

At the end of the page I am also sharing my ultimate buying guide with tips and tricks how to choose the best under cabinet range hood for your kitchen!

When you’re remodeling or building a kitchen, one important appliance you’d consider is range hood under cabinet. When you cook, the scents, smoke and particles released will continue to remain in the kitchen’s air for hours if there is no air filtration system.

A range hood, also referred to as vent hood, can move all that stuff out of the kitchen so you won’t have to worry about unpleasant odors or unhealthy smoke sticking around while or after you’re cooking. 

Most homes these days have range hoods in their kitchens. They are affordable and make sense with different types of kitchen designs. The range hood is installed right over your stove and under your cabinets, usually spanning the length of the stove so it can easily capture all the smoke and heat as it rises and before it accumulates near your cabinets.

They’re very easy to install and cost much less than other types of vent hoods. Many of these are designed to be functional without drawing much attention, while others are more stylish catering to the taste of buyers.

Some models include ducts to transport particles and smoke out of the kitchen. Others come without duct (ductless versions) that recirculate the air back into the kitchen. Range hoods with ducts are more efficient, but may cost more and may need professional installation. 

Besides cleaning the air while cooking, range hoods provide many other benefits:

The convertible range hoods allow both ducted and non-ducted options. You can easily make the switch depending upon your needs. 

Size of range hood depends upon the surface area of your cook top. Though it’s not a requirement, but its generally best if they’re of similar size as it helps range hood in capturing almost all the smoke and dust particles that rise up the cooking area before they drift to the other areas of your kitchen. 

Larger range hoods can be expensive, but if you’re buying one then extra is likely worth it. Range hood under cabinet should be able to fit into the space available under your kitchen counter.

Many models may stick out beyond the counter to approximately match the size of your stove. On the other hand, island and wall mount range hoods are only limited in size by how much space is available. It’s important to measure the space where you’ve plans to install your range hood so that you get dimensions right.

More powerful range hoods do a more effective job in your kitchen. If lot of heavy frying or cooking happens in your kitchen area, then it’s best to aim for a vent hood with sufficient power. Manufactures mention the power (in cubic feet per minute) you can expect from their range hoods. 

Ductless rang hood models lack the same power as the ones that vent air outside the house. This is mainly because their operational efficiency depends on the air filter installed in them. They merely clean the air and re-circulate it in the kitchen area. And smaller models are not as powerful as larger ones. 

According to Home Ventilating Institute, it’s best to think in terms of at least 120 CFM per linear foot of range for usual range hoods that are installed against a wall, and about 160 CFM for all types of island vent hoods where vent hood is required to move the air further to get it outside, which explains why more power is needed.

Visit our other page with detailed CFM range hood calculation instructions.

The simplest range hood under cabinet can cost you $150 and upwards without installation costs, while the most sophisticated ones will cost several thousand before installation. Larger hoods have more features and are stylish than small versions. Wall mount and island hoods are some of the some of the most expensive types available, while range hood under cabinet are usually the most affordable ones.

Most range hoods demand effective venting with the help of ducts that throw out smoke and dust particles outside. This entails high installation cost. The ductless models just re-circulate air after cleaning it using filters. 

Many vented range hoods are going to be loud, at least when they have highest settings. Some models are quieter than usual-they still make some noise, but definitely not as much.

If you get a chance to visit the showroom, you will get a feel on how quiet or lout a model is in person. If you can’t do that at your place, simply read customer reviews on what to expect from the range hood you’re considering. 

Many basic range hood models occupy limited kitchen space and won’t interfere with its aesthetics, but if you’re interested in a hood that is beautiful and really adds some value to the space, you certainly can. High end range hoods have arresting designs that visitors will surely notice. In fact, insert hoods allow you to collaborate with our contractor or designer to come up with range hoods that look exactly the way you want them to. 

If you’re not so much for the style, and just want something that works and isn’t too obvious, you can choose among many models (mostly under cabinet type) that easily fit the bill. But if you’re interested in range hoods that add some value to the visuals of the space, then some brands offer options that are likely strike your fancy.

Most range hoods offer different fan speeds. You can turn the speed up higher whenever you’re doing some heavy duty cooking, or simply turn it to low if you want to avoid the noise of higher levels. It’s best to have couple of options, but usually three to four speeds are sufficient.

As discussed above, range hoods can either be vented (with the help of ducts) or they are ductless, where their internal mechanism tries to remove as much food contaminants and smoke as possible with the help of filters. 

Ducted vent hoods are much better than ductless versions, but they can be cumbersome to install and may cost you more upfront.

All those who live in buildings or apartments with restrictions that won’t allow them to install range hoods with ducts, ductless models is a only option. However, it’s important to replace their filters on time to maintain their efficacy. You will also have to clean your hood frequently. 

Ducted range hood under cabinet may have aluminum filters to easily trap grease that you’ll have to take out and clean on regular basis. Most of these filters are dishwasher compatible. 

Unliked ducted models that vent air outside the house, the ductless range hoods come with a special fan (or a motor, blower) fitted with a charcoal filter that sucks up heat, particles, smoke, and smells, filters it, and then recirculates the air back into the kitchen. No ducting or changes in heating and ventilation system of your kitchen is necessary. They are also very easy to move and reposition anywhere.

Ductless range hoods are not as effective as vented range hoods in cleaning the air, but are cost-effective if ductwork has not been installed in your kitchen. All in all, having a ductless range hood in your kitchen is better than having none, but don’t expect the same performance as a ducted range hood. 

Depending upon the features they can cost anywhere between $60-$1000.

Most vent hoods, particularly ducted ones need complicated installation. On the other hand, ductless models are easy to install without any professional help. 

Here is our complete guide about range hood under cabinet installation.

Range hood can be a great addition to your kitchen that will go a long way in improving its functionality and looks. You have so many exciting options and should have no trouble in finding the best model that suits your needs and kitchen design. 

Having a right range hood under cabinet will save you from doing more frequent cleaning, will keep your kitchen area from smelling, and will ensure you’re not forced to open all windows of your kitchen (or maybe your house!) every time you cook to avoid setting off your fire-alarm. 

It’s a good investment for all those who aim to use their kitchen for cooking variety of dishes all that often. Isn’t that the whole point of a good kitchen?