A well-ventilated kitchen is the unsung hero of any home, effectively removing smoke, grease, and stubborn cooking odors to keep your air fresh and your surfaces clean. Under-cabinet range hoods are a popular and practical solution, offering powerful performance while saving valuable space. They fit seamlessly into your existing kitchen layout, providing essential ventilation directly over your cooktop.
With numerous models available, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. Factors like CFM (cubic feet per minute), noise level measured in sones, and installation type (ducted or ductless) are critical to consider. This expert roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best under-cabinet range hoods on the market, detailing their key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision.
Our Top Picks for Under-Cabinet Range Hoods
- Hauslane | Chef Series Range Hood C100 30″ Under Cabinet Kitchen Extractor
- ZLINE 30″ Ducted Under Cabinet Range Hood in Stainless Steel
- Winflo 30 In. Convertible Stainless Steel Under Cabinet Range Hood
- Broan-NuTone 413001 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood with Lights
- Broan-NuTone BCSQ130SS Three-Speed Glacier Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- ZLINE 36″ Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood in Stainless Steel
- Broan-NuTone 413023 Ductless Range Hood Insert with Light
- COSMO COS-QS75 30 in. Haven Collection 500 CFM Ducted Range Hood
- COSMO COS-5MU30 30 in. Delta Collection Ducted Under Cabinet Range Hood
- COSMO COS-63190S 30-in Under Cabinet Range Hood
Hauslane | Chef Series Range Hood C100 30″ Under Cabinet Kitchen Extractor
Designed for everyday cooking, the Hauslane Chef Series handles everything from gentle simmering to more active cooking methods. It effectively manages typical levels of heat and smoke to keep your kitchen environment clean and comfortable. The unit is equipped with bright, energy-efficient LED lamps that provide excellent illumination over your stovetop.
You have full command over the ventilation power with its customizable speed settings. This allows you to adjust the suction power and noise level based on your cooking needs, ensuring efficient smoke and odor removal. Its straightforward design fits standard 6-inch round ducts for a relatively simple installation process.
ZLINE 30″ Ducted Under Cabinet Range Hood in Stainless Steel
This ZLINE model offers a robust ventilation solution with its four-speed fan control, providing a range of power from 270 to 600 CFM. This flexibility lets you select the perfect airflow for any situation, from light steaming to heavy searing. The easy-to-use push-button controls make operating the fan and lights simple and intuitive.
As a ducted unit, it is designed for external venting, effectively expelling smoke, grease, and odors directly outside your home. The fixed vent design with top-mounted ductwork allows for a clean and efficient installation. Its stainless steel construction ensures a durable and easy-to-clean finish that fits well in most kitchen decors.
Winflo 30 In. Convertible Stainless Steel Under Cabinet Range Hood
For powerful suction, the Winflo range hood utilizes dual blowers that operate at up to 466 CFM on the highest speed setting. This makes it highly effective at clearing the air during intense cooking sessions. A key feature is its convertible design, giving you the option to install it as a ducted unit that vents outside or as a ductless recirculating hood with optional charcoal filters.
The unit includes a modern touch sensor control panel for easy operation of the 3-speed fan, time display, and delay shut-off function. It also comes with two energy-saving LED lights to brighten your cooking surface. The included “QUICKINSTALL” hardware is designed to allow for a straightforward, one-person installation.
Broan-NuTone 413001 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood with Lights
This Broan-NuTone model is an excellent choice for kitchens where external ducting is not possible. As a non-ducted, ductless range hood, it uses a replaceable charcoal filter system to clean the air of smoke and odors before recirculating it back into the kitchen. This insert is designed to fit neatly under your cabinetry, providing both ventilation and lighting.
The hood is designed for use with an LED bulb (not included), offering effective lighting for your cooktop area. Maintenance is straightforward, with the charcoal filter needing replacement approximately every six months to maintain optimal performance and keep your kitchen air fresh.
Broan-NuTone BCSQ130SS Three-Speed Glacier Under-Cabinet Range Hood
The Broan-NuTone Glacier range hood is designed to be a complete under-cabinet ventilation solution. Its Captur system provides a maximum of 375 CFM, working to remove up to 97.4% of airborne smoke and cooking odors. With a quiet performance of 1.5 sones on low speed, it offers powerful ventilation without excessive noise.
Operation is simple via three-speed push-button controls, allowing for quick adjustments to the fan. It also features an integrated, single-intensity LED module that provides bright, even lighting over your stovetop. This model is also noted for being ADA capable, ensuring accessibility for all users.
ZLINE 36″ Convertible Vent Wall Mount Range Hood in Stainless Steel
This 36-inch ZLINE model offers versatility with its convertible design, allowing you to choose between externally venting or using it as a ductless recirculating unit with optional charcoal filters. This makes it adaptable to various kitchen layouts and installation constraints. The easy-to-use push button controls provide straightforward command over the fan speed and integrated lighting.
The four-speed fan control offers a range of power options from 120 to 400 CFM, giving you the flexibility to select the appropriate airflow for anything from light to heavy cooking. Its stainless steel finish ensures durability and a classic look that complements modern kitchen appliances.
Broan-NuTone 413023 Ductless Range Hood Insert with Light
This black ductless range hood insert from Broan-NuTone is a practical solution for improving kitchen air quality without the need for complex ductwork. It utilizes a non-ducted filtration system that effectively captures smoke and odors using a replaceable charcoal filter. The insert is designed to be installed under your cabinet, providing a streamlined look.
It includes a lighting fixture designed for an LED bulb (not included) to illuminate your cooking area. Keeping the hood in good working order is simple, as the charcoal filter is easily replaceable. Regular filter changes help maintain optimum grease capture and ensure your kitchen remains fresh.
COSMO COS-QS75 30 in. Haven Collection 500 CFM Ducted Under Cabinet Range Hood
Part of the Haven Collection, the COSMO COS-QS75 delivers efficient airflow with its 500 CFM capacity powered by twin centrifugal motors. The backlit touchscreen control panel offers a modern interface to manage the 4-speed fan and lights. As a ducted unit, it vents air outside your home for maximum effectiveness.
This model is designed with convenience in mind. Its ARC-FLOW stainless steel permanent filters are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup simple. While it is primarily a ducted hood, it can be converted to a ductless operation with an optional carbon filter kit. The unit operates quietly, with a noise level as low as 40 dB on the lowest fan speed under optimal conditions.
COSMO COS-5MU30 30 in. Delta Collection Ducted Under Cabinet Range Hood
The COSMO Delta Collection hood features a slim, space-saving profile, making it an ideal choice for condos, apartments, or smaller kitchens. Despite its compact design, it doesn’t compromise on performance, offering a 3-speed motor to handle various cooking needs. It is a convertible unit, suitable for top or back venting and can be installed under a cabinet.
Operation is managed through a straightforward push-button control panel for the fan speed, lights, and power. The hood is designed to be efficient yet quiet, with a noise level as low as 50 dB on the lowest setting. Like other COSMO models, it can be converted to ductless operation with an optional carbon filter kit.
COSMO COS-63190S 30-in Under Cabinet Range Hood
This COSMO under-cabinet range hood is designed to provide reliable ventilation for your kitchen. It is engineered to fit standard 30-inch spaces, offering a streamlined look that integrates seamlessly beneath your cabinetry. The unit is built to effectively manage smoke, steam, and cooking odors, contributing to a cleaner kitchen environment.
It features user-friendly controls and energy-efficient LED lighting to illuminate your stovetop workspace. The specifics of its CFM and control type can be confirmed on the product page, but COSMO is known for offering functional and well-priced range hoods that meet the needs of everyday home cooks.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Under Cabinet Range Hood
Choosing the right under cabinet range hood is more than just picking a style you like. I learned this the hard way after installing one that looked great but sounded like a jet engine and did a poor job of clearing smoke. To save you from my mistakes, here are the key things I now consider essential when shopping for one of the 10 best under cabinet range hoods.
First, let’s talk about power, which is measured in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM). This number tells you how much air the hood can move. For most home kitchens, a range between 300 and 400 CFM is a solid choice. If you have a powerful gas cooktop or do a lot of high-heat searing, you might want to look for models closer to 600 CFM or higher. Just remember, more power isn’t always better if you have a very tight, well-sealed home, as you might need to open a window for make-up air.
Next is noise level, measured in sones. This is a big one for open-concept living. A lower sone rating means a quieter hood. I find that a hood operating at 4 sones or less is quite tolerable for everyday cooking. If you love to have conversations while you cook, aim for something in the 1-2 sone range on its lower settings.
The type of filtration is another critical decision. Most hoods use either baffle or mesh filters. Baffle filters are my personal favorite. They are usually made of layered stainless steel and are excellent at capturing grease while allowing air to flow efficiently. They’re also easier to clean, often being dishwasher safe. Mesh filters, made of aluminum, can be effective but tend to clog more easily and may need more frequent replacement.
Finally, don’t forget about the installation details. Measure the width of your range carefully; your hood should be at least as wide, if not a few inches wider, to effectively capture fumes. Check the height requirements to ensure it will fit comfortably between your cabinets and your cooktop, typically 24 to 30 inches above the burners. Also, decide between a ducted and ductless (recirculating) setup. A ducted hood vents air outside and is far more effective at removing heat, smoke, and odors. A ductless model uses charcoal filters to clean the air before recirculating it back into the kitchen, which is a good option if ducting to the outside isn’t possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal CFM for an under cabinet range hood?
There’s no single perfect answer, as it depends on your cooking style and stove type. A good baseline is 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs your stove produces. For electric stoves, a range of 300-400 CFM is generally sufficient for most home cooking. If you have a high-BTU gas range or frequently cook foods that generate a lot of smoke, I’d recommend looking at models with 600 CFM or more to ensure strong performance.
Can I install an under cabinet range hood myself?
If you’re comfortable with basic electrical work and carpentry, a DIY installation is possible, especially for a ductless model that doesn’t require cutting through walls. However, for a ducted hood, the process involves cutting a hole in an exterior wall or roof and running ductwork, which can be complex. I always suggest checking your local building codes first. For safety and to ensure optimal performance, hiring a professional installer is often the best route.
How often should I clean the range hood filters?
For optimal performance and safety, you should clean metal baffle or mesh filters at least once a month if you cook regularly. I just toss my baffle filters in the dishwasher for a easy clean. If your hood uses charcoal filters for recirculating, these cannot be cleaned and need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you use your hood.
What’s the difference between a ducted and ductless under cabinet range hood?
This is one of the most important distinctions. A ducted hood uses a duct system to vent all the smoke, grease, and odors directly outside of your home. This is the most effective method for air purification. A ductless hood, on the other hand, uses a fan to pull air through a grease filter and then a charcoal filter before recirculating the “cleaned” air back into the kitchen. It’s less effective at removing heat and moisture but is a necessary solution where ducting isn’t feasible. When researching the 10 best under cabinet range hoods, you’ll see this is a key feature to compare.
Why is my new under cabinet range hood so loud?
A high noise level can be frustrating. First, check that the installation is secure; sometimes a vibration against the cabinet can cause extra noise. Ensure the filters are correctly seated and clean, as a clogged filter makes the fan work harder. Also, verify the damper (the flap in the ductwork) isn’t stuck. If all that checks out, the hood might simply have a high sone rating. When shopping, pay close attention to the sone levels listed in the specifications.