We all love the aroma of our favorite food when it’s been cooked, but the smells that accumulate during the process are not quite pleasant. Luckily, some genius invented range hoods a while ago and helped numerous chefs and cooks get rid of unwanted odors.
Most range hoods are ducted, which means that they’re attached to a duct with tubes that transfer the particles of smelly air to the outdoors. It’s just that your kitchen needs to have proper ventilation, and you don’t have many options about where to place the hood. If you’re having the same problem, a ductless range hood might be just the solution for you.
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Okay, So What’s a Ductless Range Hood?
A ductless range hood is a device that circulates currents of air through a charcoal filter, which traps the dirt, grease, and smells and releases the filtered air back into the kitchen.
Here are some of the best ductless range hoods for you to choose from.
1. EKON NAB02-30″ 900CFM Range Hood Insert
The EKON NAB02 range hood is conveniently convertible, which means that you can use it as either a ducted or ductless range hood. The incorporated charcoal filter enables vent-less recirculation of the air.
Its powerful motor allows five different speed options and eliminates large quantities of smell and smoke from the air. It has a timer, which you can adjust to start or stop working in 1-15 minutes.
This device is reasonably quiet. When set on maximum speed, the sound can reach no more than 65 decibels.
The range hood is also easy to clean. In addition to the charcoal filter, it has two permanent stainless steel filters. Both types of filters are detachable and washable. The stainless steel filters are dishwasher safe, too.
For an impressive aesthetic, the outer surface of this range hood is made of stainless steel. The two built-in LED lamps with adjustable light intensity are a great addition to the overall appearance of the product and your kitchen.
Specifications
- Brand Name: EKON
- Model Info: NAB02-30″
- Item Weight: 45 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 30 x 18.5 x 13.13 inches
- Item model number: NAB02-30″
- Efficiency: High Efficiency/home
- Capacity: 900 Cubic Feet
- Noise: 65 dB
- Installation Type: Built-in or insert design
- Cover: Stainless Steel
- Control Console: 4 Speeds Touch Control, LCD Display and Remote Control
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Wattage: 240 watts
- Airflow Displacement: 900 Cubic Feet Per Minute
- Lighting: LED lights
- Certification: ETL & CETL
- Material Type: Stainless Steel
- Included Components: Remote control, 6″ air outlet, installation parts and screws, manual
2. Cosmo COS-QS75 30 in. Under Cabinet Range Hood
Cosmo COS-QS75 is a ducted range hood that can be converted to a vent-less, ductless one. Be warned, however: the carbon filter kit is not included and has to be purchased separately.
The airflow is set at the optimal 500 CFM. Two centrifugal motors enable the fan to work at four different speeds. The noise level is always below 65db. The touchscreen control panel has backlights and you can use the remote control that’s included in the package.
Two stainless steel permanent filters are included in the package. They’re durable, removable, and fully washable.
Lastly, the hood has two energy-saving 1.5 LED lights, which are not only a useful addition to your existing lighting solution but also helps your kitchen look better.
The seller offers a 5-year limited parts warranty.
Specifications
- Brand Name: Cosmo
- Model Info: COS-QS75
- Item Weight: 52.8 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 22 x 29.5 x 10 inches
- Item model number: COS-QS75
- Capacity: 500 Cubic Feet
- Noise level: 65 dB
- Part Number: COS-QS75
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Control Console: Touch
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Fuel type: Electric
- Material Type: Stainless steel
- Included Components: Premium Stainless Steel Filters, Hardware, Damper and Remote Control
3. FIREGAS Under Cabinet Range Hood 30 inch
This Firegas range hood is thinner and less powerful than the previous two, but it’s a great space-saving option. It’s also very affordable, especially for a convertible model that can be used as either a ductless or ducted range hood. Despite its low price, this hood has the charcoal filter that’s included in the package. Moreover, it can be installed against a wall or under a cabinet, whichever you prefer.
The airflow capacity of this vent hood is only 200 CFM, and professional chefs probably wouldn’t be satisfied with it, but it’s still perfectly sufficient for everyday use at home. The exhaust fan works at 3 speeds. Because the capacity is smaller, the noise is also reduced. At the highest speed, the maximum noise intensity level is 54dB.
Like the previous models, this one has a stainless steel cover. On the bottom, it features two 3-layer filters made of aluminum. These are durable, removable, corrosion-resistant, and dishwasher-safe. Their purpose is to catch dirt and grease particles from the steam.
The controls are easy to operate: there are 5 buttons that regulate the speed of the fan, as well as the intensity of the light provided by two LED lights.
This range hood comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Range Hood Model NO.: FGS-USF22A75AC
- Charcoal Filter Model NO.: CC170
- Material: #430 thick brushed stainless steel
- Mount Style: Under Cabinet
- Dimensions: 30″ X 19.5″ X 5.3″
- Package Size: 32” X 22.4”X 8.3”
- Net Weight: 11.5 lbs
- Power Source: Plug-in
- Rated Voltage: 120V / 60Hz (USA & Canada standard)
- Vent Size: 4.7″ Pipe Diameter
- Motor: fan motor, 1X 80W
- Light Power: 2X1.5W Build-in LED
- Airflow: 3 Speed with Max 200CFM
- Noise Level: <54dB
- Control type: Push button control
- Filters: 2*3-layers aluminum Filters ,1*charcoal filter
- Installation: Top or Back Vent, 3-Prong Plug
- Ductless / Ventless: Charcoal filter included
- Certification: ETL Compliance with US and Canada Safety Standards
- Warranty: 5-Year Limited Parts Warranty
4. CIARRA CAS75918B Under Cabinet Range Hood 30 inch
This is another sleek and elegant convertible ducted-ductless range hood that fits well into every space. Just like the previous model, it’s relatively inexpensive. Unlike the previous one, it doesn’t include the charcoal filter. However, you can buy it separately and easily install it.
The range hood has five push buttons for speed and light control, as well as three 5-layer aluminum mesh filters. The layered filters enable perfect separation of dirt and grease. They can (and should!) be removed and cleaned often. As we said before, the carbon filter, which is necessary for the range hood to operate as a ductless one, is not included in the package.
It has a 3-speed exhaust fan and 2 LED lights. The noise level is less than 6.5 sones (about 55 decibels) at the highest speed.
Specifications
- Brand Name: CIARRA
- Model Info: CAS75918B
- Item Weight: 11.24 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 29.76 x 19.7 x 3.9 inches
- Item model number: CAS75918B
- Noise level: 6.5 Sones
- Part Number: CAS75918B
- Color: Silver
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Wattage: 100 watts
- Fan Speed: 3
- Air Flow: 200 cfm
- Noise Level: 6.5 sones
- Vent: top / rear
- Top vent: 4.72 inch diameter
- Material: 430 grade stainless steel
- Cable Length: 1 meter
- Filter: 3x aluminum mesh
- Current: 2 A
- Voltage: 110V-120V/60Hz
- Power of Motor: 1 x 100 watt
- Power of Light: 2 x 3 watt
5. Broan-NuTone 413004 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood
This is the first ductless-only range hood on our list. Best of all, it’s the least expensive one. Its performance is average but suitable for people who prefer fast, easy meals that don’t take too long to cook. The exhaust fan can be set to work at two speeds.
The surface is made of stainless steel. The charcoal filter is included in the price. These filters lose their features over time and need to be replaced once in a while, depending on the use. Replacement filters can be bought separately.
In addition to air filtration, this ductless range hood provides lighting, but only if you purchase lightbulbs. The maximum supported electric power of the bulbs is 75W.
When it comes to installation, you have options: it can be installed as hardwired or you can use a power cord. However, the power cord is not included in the price and must be bought separately.
Specifications
- Brand Name: BROAN NuTone
- Model Info: 413004
- Item Weight: 10 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 17.5 x 6 x 30 inches
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: Yes
- Installation Type: Under Cabinet
- Part Number: 413004
- Special Features: Manual
- Color: Stainless Steel
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Wattage: 240
- Material Type: Stainless Steel
- Included Components: Charcoal Filter
- Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year limited warranty
Buyer’s Guide
As we’ve seen, ductless range hoods are cost-effective solutions for anyone who doesn’t have the option to install a ducted range hood. Ductless hoods are independent of ventilation systems and can be placed anywhere in your kitchen.
We’ve also seen that there are many convertible hoods. Any of these can be a fantastic solution if you intend to go vent-less, but you’ve been planning on installing ductwork someday. If you don’t have such plans, perhaps it’s better to stick to a ductless-only model.
Other features you can look at are the fan speed and airflow capacity (especially important for combined hoods), the material of the outer filters, and whether there’s a charcoal filter included.
Keep in mind that what’s good for someone is not suitable for everyone else. Think about your own kitchen habits. What kind of food do you prepare? Do you need a super-powerful range hood? This is especially important if you’re mindful of overall costs.
A good rule of thumb is that ducted hoods always end up being much costlier, especially if you need to install some sort of ventilation.
In our opinion, here are the best choices for our readers:
- The best ductless range hood overall: EKON NAB02-30 is the most powerful, convertible range hood. It’s also the most expensive, but it far outperforms all the others.
- The economic choice: Broan-NuTone. Despite its modest characteristics, this range hood is good enough for many users, and it definitely doesn’t cost a fortune.
- Best value for the money: Firegas Under Cabinet Range Hood. This perfectly functional convertible range hood is still very affordable, and you don’t have to buy any of its parts separately.
Final thoughts
We reviewed some great ductless range hood options for your kitchen. Hopefully, you’ve found exactly what you need. Want help choosing other types of kitchen appliances? Go ahead and check our other reviews.
