Best Under Cabinet Range Hood Reviews For The Money
Do you want to be able to cook seamlessly without the issue of acrid vapors clouding your kitchen?
Look no further! What you need is a range hood.
Herein, I can help you choose the best under cabinet range hood, the one that’s perfect for you.
You will no longer have to endure the heat of the kitchen and bear the discomfort.
This is also good for your kitchen. It prevents smoke from diffusing all over and makes it so that the kitchen remains clean.
If you’re using air conditioning inside your kitchen, this is a prerequisite! Otherwise, your air conditioner might get damaged.
Image | Product Name | Editor’s Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Broan-NuTone 413004 Range Hood | 5 out of 5 | |
  | Chef 30” PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood, Stainless Steel | 5 out of 5 | |
  | Broan-NuTone F403604 Two-Speed Four-Way Convertible Range Hood | 4 out of 5 | |
  | Cosmo 5MU30 30-in Under-Cabinet Range Hood | 5 out of 5 | |
  | AKDY Wall Mount Range Hood | 4.5 out of 5 |
What Is Under Cabinet Range Hood ?
Now, you might be wondering, what on Earth is an under cabinet range hood? Good question! After you know the answer, I bet that you’ll want one for yourself.
A range hood is a pumping device that efficiently redirects all smoke and gases that evolve from cooking and sends them outside the kitchen. It can be of many sizes and shapes. But they do the same job. Usually, they are placed over the stove and under the kitchen cabinet, hence the name.
What are the Benefits of Using This?
Now, we care about your kitchen, and we care about you. So, here we have a list of reasons why you should get an under cabinet range hood.
Ventilation
This one should be quite self-explanatory. While it is possible to cook without using an under cabinet range hood, it causes the apparent problem of smoke and gases. They can easily cloud up your kitchen and make it very difficult for you to stay, especially if you’re cooking something smoky or smelly.
Smoke is little bits of airborne particles. And other than the basic effects such as acute irritation, it can cause significant respiratory damage. It can really cause healthy people to develop respiratory issues. And for those who are already afflicted, it can cause major issues.
Spices can also be a problem as they cause irritation. They might cause sneezing and eye irritation. Plus, some people can be allergic to certain spices, and it can be lethal if they are exposed to that. In a regular kitchen, this can happen often. An allergic reaction is never a pleasant sight to see.
All these can be avoided if you use an under cabinet range hood. Not only will you be safe, but you’ll be comfortable as well while cooking any meal. It’ll pump all of the smoke and any toxic spices right out of the kitchen and dump it outside so that you can cook comfortably and safely.
Heat Removal
Excess heat can be injurious to health. In small amounts, heat can cause sweating and irritation. While that itself is uncomfortable enough and can be a big deterrent to cooking for many, the heat can also cause severe damage to people who are sensitive to it.
It can range from skin rashes to even accelerating some skin conditions. Even well-ventilated kitchens aren’t handy at siphoning out the heat. Heat tends to diffuse up, and it’s highly unlikely that your kitchen will have a roof.
The heat will, therefore, simply drift around and slowly diffuse. However, more heat will be added much faster as you cook. Consequently, your kitchen will heat up.
A range hood, however, can solve this because of its suction. It draws heat away directly and thus prevents it from diffusing all over your kitchen. As soon as the heat evolves, it is siphoned out and dumped outside far away from your kitchen and far away from you.
Convenience
Having an under cabinet range hood has many other miscellaneous benefits. For example, if you have smoke detectors, they won’t go off every time you make grilled chicken. The smoke will be redirected and sent out of the kitchen and out of the house where it can safely diffuse without issue.
If you have a fully air-conditioned home, having a hood is a must. Otherwise, the heat evolved from the kitchen will seriously mess up your air conditioner and its functions. With a range hood, the heat and smoke will be safely redirected away and will cause minimal interruption to the cooling effect.
There are a lot of brands out there, and it can make things confusing. However, fear not, for here is one of the best under cabinet hood reviews you’ll find on the internet. So, read on!
Our Top 15 The Best Under Cabinet Range Hood Reviews
With so many choices, it’s easy to get confused. However, we are gonna guide you by reviewing the most excellent hoods out there.
1. Broan-NuTone 413004 Range Hood
Manufactured by Broan-Nu Tone, this model is characterized by its user-friendly design. It is straightforward and easy to install. All you really have to do is tighten the bolts on. That’s about it. It’s something you can do by yourself, and it only takes a few minutes to accomplish, so you can start smoking and barbecuing right away.
One of the big reasons why it is so easy to install is because it is really lightweight and easy to work with. You can easily lift it up and set it. This also means that maintenance is easy. You can just lift it down and fix it up if there are any issues. But I really doubt that there will be.
I doubt it because it has got an extremely impressive, stainless steel finish. Stainless steel is not only strong, but it’s also very resistant to corrosion. This can make it last a decade at the very least. So, you can sit back, relax, and let this wonderful machine do its thing.
The reason why I mentioned barbecuing and smoking is that it is very good at eliminating odors. When you cook something that results in a lot of smoke or causes a lot of intense smell, it often lingers in the kitchen. However, with this, all odors are immediately absorbed and pumped out.
One of the other reasons it’s really good for cooking smoky stuff is that it has good suction. Once you let the fan run, it’ll suck up everything. It’s quite effective at eliminating gases as soon as they are emitted. The powerful suction keeps your kitchen clean and as less smoky as possible.
Highlighted Features:
- Easy to install
- Prevents odors
- Good suction
- Lightweight
- Great finish
2. Chef 30” PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood, Stainless Steel
This amazing hood might just be the best under cabinet range hood that’s out there on the market right now. Aside from its amazing performance, it also comes with amazing features such as an LED (light-emitting diode) lighting system. LEDs are known for their bright light output and efficiency.
It has excellent suction. You can cook easily with this as it directs all the exhaust outside. In particular, this is very good for things that emit a lot of smoke and odors. These can cause irritation to the eyes and nose. You can rest assured when cooking those because it sucks them out as soon as they emerge.
This is also why it’s excellent for smoking. You could have volumes and volumes of smoke emitting from your grill pan and even then, have an almost smell free kitchen after you’re done. That’s why barbecuing inside is also a good idea if you have this. Just remember to put the fan on high.
And don’t worry, the high setting won’t cause a racket at all. There are damping mechanisms installed throughout the machine to cancel out any noise that arises from using the machine. Even on “high” setting, the fan makes a barely noticeable whirr. On low settings, it’s barely audible.
Finally, on top of everything else, this machine is quite easy to install and work with. You may need someone else if you aren’t very DIY-savvy, but if you are, it’s as easy as 1-2-3. You unpack and fasten it on. It isn’t really that heavy either, so you need not worry. It should take less than thirty minutes.
Highlighted Features:
- Excellent suction
- LED lights
- Quiet fan
- Installation is quick
- Suitable for smoking and barbecuing
3. Broan-NuTone F403604 Two-Speed Four-Way Convertible Range Hood
If you’re often finding yourself cooking something that emits smelly gases, this might be your choice. For example, many Asian dishes and fish may smell a lot. And for those, this is perfect. Made by Broan, this under cabinet hood is perfect as it has got amazing suction.
This powerful suction isn’t that noisy either. Its noise dampening mechanisms are installed within to absorb any noise emitted by the fan. In fact, the fan is so quiet that someone just outside the kitchen wouldn’t even realize what you were doing. Therefore, it’s a must-have, especially if you live in an apartment.
In case you think you need a technician to set this up, think again. Not only is it a top-notch, high performing instrument, it’s also quite simple to operate. You just screw it on. That’s all you have to do. If you’re a fairly capable human being, you definitely won’t need any assistance. It’s that easy.
It has also got an excellent lighting system. This product uses a set of very bright LEDs to light up your stove. You don’t even need the kitchen lights when you turn these on. LEDs are known for their extraordinary brightness and great efficiency. And the lighting system on this shows that.
On top of all those amazing features, it also has a great finish. It’s made of stainless steel; shiny and very appealing from a visual perspective. They also make the hood very resistant to rust as well as other forms of corrosion. This makes the hood easily last for decades.
Highlighted Features:
- Good suction
- Set-up is easy and quick
- Excellent lighting system
- Attractive finish
4. Cosmo 5MU30 30-in Under-Cabinet Range Hood
As a budget hood, this is an excellent choice. This is for those who don’t really cook that extensively or cook things too smoky often. It is a small investment, and yet it still does provide very good service. So, if you ever want to cook something smoky on occasion, it’ll come through.
Despite its low price, it is a bit complicated. Setting this machine up is rather troublesome, and you often end up needing to call someone. Let me go out and say it – don’t try to set this up on your own. Even if you have good DIY skills, I suggest you ask someone to help you.
To sort of mitigating the difficulty in installation, it has got a pretty lightweight build so you can easily prop it up or take it down for maintenance. However, don’t think that it’s flimsy. No, it’s quite durable, and chances are you won’t need to take it off in the next decade. It has got very good longevity.
Also, it shows a good performance. It is quite versatile in that you can choose between several different fan speeds. Therefore, you can select the one that specifically suits your cooking. You don’t want maximum fan speed when making an omelet, for example, because it’s noisier and uses extra electricity.
Aside from these very good qualities, it’s also got a few additional features to aid you in cooking. Namely, its LED feature is great. The LED gives you a very bright light so you can rest assured and cook with no inconveniences. By virtue of its LED type, the light is much more efficient than typical lights.
Highlighted Features:
- Excellent budget hood
- Efficient lighting
- Versatile
- Good durability
- Excellent longevity
5. AKDY Wall Mount Range Hood
Manufactured and brought to you by AKDY, this model is excellent if you are frequently cooking smoky dishes and barbecue. It has got a very good smoke removal system, and this product is extremely efficient. Grilling, barbecuing and all other sorts of cooking you would do outdoors can be done here.
I suppose this comes hand in hand with efficient smoke removal, but I think it deserves a separate mention because how good this under cabinet range hood is at doing its job of removing odor. You could be in the living room and not know what’s cooking. This is particularly good for cooking fish.
This machine is also quite easy to install. Unless you have excellent DIY skills, I suggest asking a friend to help but if you are determined to do it on your own, you can. Even then, you should be done in an hour or so as it is quite simple. If there are two people working, it could take a couple of minutes.
It has also got good lighting. The lights are very bright, and it covers a significant portion of a typical kitchen. So, you can even do cutting under its lights if you have that kind of stove. The brightness is owed to the LED nature of the lights.
The one drawback that I have to mention is that it’s a little fragile. It’s rather prone to sustaining damage, mainly denting. The solution to that is careful handling. Be wary when you set this up and be careful when you remove it to clean or for maintenance. Handle it delicately, and it will last.
Highlighted Features:
- Wide area lighting
- Efficient smoke removal
- Effective odor removal
- Easy installation
- Good finish
6. Cosmo 5U30 30-in Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Another model by Cosmo, this one is more focused on getting rid of smoke and grime, or so it seems. It’s made to eliminate smoke as soon as they emerge from cooking food by virtue of their great suction. Never again must you endure a smoky kitchen.
It’s also good at filtering out grime. That’s a sort of self-clean process as well. Grime and grease that evolves from cooking can make everything nasty and oily and so it’s a good idea to have it sucked up. However, it can clog up the vents, so the grease filters help by accumulating grease and letting you clean it off the filter.
The hood is extremely versatile as well. Also, the vents can be adjusted to the top or back. One of the biggest problems with under cabinet hoods is that they don’t fit the kitchen. That’s just unfortunate. With this, you have more options and can choose to vent it out either at the top or at the back.
Also, the versatility extends beyond the installation to even the operation. It can be set at their different fan speeds. Most homemade things can be done at regular or even low speeds. For extensive cooking, you should definitely set it to high fan speed and let this machine do its magic.
Also, it has got excellent light fixtures. They are so remarkably bright that they can light up your entire kitchen. You don’t even need a separate kitchen light for that. Other delicate work while cooking can also be done under these lights. They are LEDs, and so they are also power-saving and efficient.
Highlighted Features:
- Power-saving lighting
- Double grease filters
- Three adjustable fan speeds
- Odor eliminator
- Versatile venting
7. Cosmo QS75 30-in Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Again, this is another product by Cosmo. This one is focused more on being very versatile. In an ode to that, it has got a wide selection of suction degrees. I would, however, suggest going for the lowest setting if you are cooking regular things because the higher settings can cost you more electricity.
However, that’s probably the only drawback that you’ll face from this. This is because it has excellent noise cancellation properties. It has noise dampers that cover up any noise. Many hoods, no matter how quiet on the low setting, have a bit of noise on high setting. This, however, goes above and beyond to remedy that.
Don’t think that just because it’s not noisy, its operation capacity is low. Oh no! It is a very powerful hood that has amazing suction. You can rest assured and install smoke detectors even in your kitchen. This sucks up the smoke so fast that it doesn’t even trigger them, no matter the volume of smoke.
Along with smoke, it can draw heat away quite fast. That can be an issue with some hoods. They might be able to draw away smoke, but because they are not as powerful, the heat has time to diffuse away. With this, there isn’t a chance of that happening. It can draw heat to keep your kitchen relatively cool.
Operating this machine is also quite easy. It comes with a remote control that lets you easily adjust its settings from wherever. Therefore, you can sit and relax and use this with ease. The remote lets you turn the thing on and off, and lets you adjust and control the fan speeds as well.
Highlighted Features:
- Three-speed exhaust
- Noiseless at all speeds
- Excellent suction capacity
- Can reduce heat
- Remote control
8. BV Range Hood
Manufactured by V&B, this model is known for its high power. It can suck up just about any volume of smoke and exhaust with ease. So, go ahead and cook all the smoky meals you want. The smoke will be gone as soon as it evolves from the pan. It’s a very powerful machine.
The impressive power of this machine makes it an excellent smoke eliminator. That’s why I mentioned cooking smoky meals before. Smoke diffuses fast; however, this machine is faster than that. It can suck up smoke almost as soon as it emerges and therefore it makes for an excellent tool if you barbecue or smoke often.
Despite its high and impressive power, it’s not noisy at all. Even at the highest speed setting, it’s relatively quiet. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about a constant buzz as you work in the kitchen. In everyday cooking, where you don’t need the highest fan speed, it will be as if the hood isn’t there.
Installation is easy. The instructions are simple, and you can easily grasp how to install this. As simple as it looks, it’s not easy for one person. I suggest that you ask someone else to help you with it. That’s because the machine is a bit heavy and as such, you might not be able to handle it on your own.
There is one drawback, however. The lighting on this is poor. It does well for simple tasks, but it can be quite inconvenient. Therefore, I suggest investing in a light fixture of some sort, or better yet get a powerful kitchen light that illuminates the whole room adequately.
Highlighted Features:
- Little noise
- Powerful suction
- Prevents smoke
- High odor reduction capability
9. VESTA 860CFM 30” Stainless Steel Under Cabinet Range Hood
This under cabinet hood, by Vesta, is quite a good addition to your kitchen, especially if you love the versatility. In fact, this is definitely one of the best under cabinet range hood right now. It is extremely versatile and very much suited for someone who intensively cooks.
One of the best examples of its versatility is its variation in exhaust speed. It has, not three, not four, but six different fan speeds. That really lets you choose the one that’s perfect for the particular type of cooking that you are doing. If you’re making french fries, level two should do but if you’re grilling something, crank it all the way up.
Another example of its versatility is that it has three light intensities to choose from for its lighting system. Yes, not only does it have an efficient lighting system and employs the use of LEDs, but it also has different levels so you can choose the one you want and work with that.
It has a unique feature, and that is the oil drip pan it comes with. This filters out the oil from all the fumes and has it collected in one corner. This makes it so that the vents don’t clog up and restrict airflow. Also, this makes it much easier for you to conduct maintenance. All you have to do is clean the pan once in a while.
Operating this is also quite easy. All you have to do is to operate the touchpad. Yes, it has a touchpad that controls the entire operation. There are no knobs to twist, and no levers to crank. It is just a touch that you can the machine suit your needs effectively.
Highlighted Features:
- Great suction
- Oil drip pan
- Six different fan speeds
- Three light levels
- Touchpad controls
10. Chef Range Hood C190 30” Slim Under Cabinet Kitchen Range Hood
As a budget under cabinet range hood, manufactured by Chef, this model boasts a very good suction capacity. In fact, it’s so powerful that it can sustain the weight of paper towels. This makes it a very good choice if you want an effective suction capacity.
You might think that this excellent suction comes at a literal cost, but you’d be dead wrong. It’s a very low priced hood. So, if you’re the type that makes barbecues and grills occasionally, you might want to check this one out. It comes with all the features that make an excellent range hood but at a lower price.
I’d be wrong to say that it comes at no price, however. It does have one unfortunate drawback, and that is the noise it produces when it’s running. I suppose a lot of resources go into noise reduction, and the lack of those resources makes this machine such a good budget pick.
It is a sort of trade-off. Nevertheless, if you are the type who cooks infrequently, the trade-off might be worth it.
Other than that flaw, it’s a great machine. For example, installation is extremely easy. You can fix it up easily. It is a piece of cake. While I do recommend taking the aid of someone else for safety, but if you’re a strong and very capable person, you can install it very quickly by yourself as well.
Even maintenance on this is easy as pie. The reason is that it comes with built-in grease catchers. These filters work to sift out the grease from the exhaust and make it so that they accumulate in the filters. Not only does this prevent the grease from clogging up the vents but it lets you easily clean the grease off.
Highlighted Features:
- Good budget pick
- Powerful suction capacity
- Grease catchers
- Easy installation
11. Cosmo UC30 30-in Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Yet again, let’s talk about another product by Cosmo. They are good at this, no wonder there are many good models by them. Like many Cosmo hoods, this one is extremely versatile. Versatility is very important. You might find an excellent hood, but due to the lack of versatility, it might not fit your kitchen.
It is deemed versatile because of its adjustable vent. Therefore, you need not worry about where the exhaust cavity can be placed in your kitchen. The fact that some kitchens can only have that cavity at a certain place can greatly restrict your options. However, you don’t need to worry about this. You can adjust it in any way you want.
Like many Cosmo models, this is very easy to install. It’s a cakewalk. You can easily do it yourself. While with others I might have suggested that you might need the aid of others, with this you honestly don’t. It’s so simple to mount under your cabinet, and the fact that it’s quite lightweight makes it very easy to handle.
Moreover, it has extremely good suction. It is powerful enough to support the weight of paper easily, so smoke and gases aren’t really a match for it at all. It will constantly work to clear out all smoke and dust.
Additionally, it comes with an LED lighting system that illuminates the work area so you can cook without any inconveniences. It also has an excellent, appealing finish. The finish is of stainless steel, which makes it quite durable and of high longevity.
Highlighted Features:
- Stainless steel finish
- LED lighting system
- Good suction
- Flexible vent
- Easy to install
12. Chef Range Hood
Manufactured by Chef, this hood is quite a good pick, especially if you are looking for something that is user-friendly. It’s really easy to install, and while you might need more than one person, you can do it by yourself too. Either way, it should not take longer than a couple of minutes, a half-hour at best.
A good under cabinet has to have excellent suction, and this machine has that. The fans installed in this are powerful. They work to keep your kitchen free of smoke constantly. The excellent suction also prevents odors from diffusing throughout the kitchen. They are immediately sucked in.
Good suction, however, often comes at a cost for many under cabinet range hoods. This because it can cause a ruckus. Some users just reside themselves to just using the low setting to avoid the noise. With this, you need not worry. Even at a high fan speed setting, this noise is quite minimal.
This model is also quite versatile in that it has a rather convenient venting system. There are three options for venting. That’s right, three! This makes it an excellent choice for those who want something versatile. It is certainly not picky about the type of kitchen that it can be fit into.
I think the most important feature that this under cabinet range hood has is its unique self-cleaning feature. That’s rare among hoods. It filters out all soot, grime, and grease and then lets the rest flow out. That way, the vents have more airflow, and you can easily clean out all the dirt by washing the filter.
Highlighted Features:
- User-friendly design
- Excellent suction
- Comparatively low noise
- Self-cleaning feature
13. Proline Wall/Undercabinet Range Hood
This one, manufactured by ProlinePower, is something that I recommend if you live in a smaller home. It’s smaller, slimmer and has a low profile.
The noise profile of this machine is like its size, and that is tiny. Time and time again, many under cabinet hoods have failed in this department, especially in the high setting. That’s because, at those speeds, it’s just too difficult to keep things quiet. It’s not impossible, though.
But this one can maintain quietness at even high fan settings. It’s even easy to install. This makes it perfect for anybody who’s living alone, whether an office worker or a student. You can do it by yourself. Its smaller size makes it much more manageable than typical under-cabinet hoods and also rather simple to set it up.
Don’t scoff at it just because it’s small. It is quite good at the job it does. This product is very effective at reducing smoke. It has got good suction, and that makes it ideal for the rapid removal of smoke. Therefore, it’s a good choice if you do a lot of barbecuing and smoking.
It has got an effective LED lighting system. LEDs are quite popular these days, and one of the reasons they are so popular is because they emit very bright lights. This makes the cooking on your stove much easier, and you get to do all the delicate things easily. They are also quite efficient and save a lot of power.
Highlighted Features:
- Quiet, even at a high setting
- Slim profile
- Effective at smoke removal
- Easy to install
14. XtremeAir Ultra Series UL10-U30, Under cabinet hood
At this point, you might guess that this is a sort of prerequisite for range hoods, and you’d be right. Again, like the aforementioned under cabinet range hoods, this model is very good for suction. It has got good power, and the output lets you easily keep the kitchen breezy.
The highest price for that good suction that you might have to pay is that you might need to withstand a little whirr or something like that if you’re running this at maximum setting. However, it’s quite unlikely that you will, unless you are doing extensive cooking, and therefore it’s going to sound like nothing at all.
This model, in addition, also had good lighting. Its LEDs are embedded into its illumination fixture, and that makes the lighting more than just sufficient for everyday cooking. LEDs are especially bright, so you could use them for pretty much anything you do upon your stove. They also help save energy.
Maintenance is rather simple on this as well. All you have to do is run a cloth across. The surface cleans easily and does not have dirt or grime clinging anywhere. You can also try using soap or other cleaning agents. It’s completely safe, and after about a half-hour it should be glistening.
Well, the reason you can easily use water and cleaning agents is that it has got a stainless steel finish. Stainless steel, as we know simply, does not rust. It is extremely resistant, and therefore, it can shrug off a little moisture easily. Stainless steel is also very durable, and it has also got extremely good longevity.
Highlighted Features:
- Good longevity
- Easy to clean
- Stainless steel finish
- High durability
15. Cosmo 63175 30-in Wall-Mount Range Hood
Yet again, we have another product by Cosmo. Cosmo has definitely graced the market with their quality products, and they definitely deserve a commendation for that.
With that being said, let’s talk about one more product. Characteristic of Cosmo products, it has got a simple design, and you can easily operate it. It has a user-friendly interface.
Setting this bad boy up is also rather simple. Again, because of its overall simplistic design, the installation process is something anyone can grasp. Also, the machine isn’t really all that difficult to handle, so chances are, you can probably install it all by yourself. And you can do it quite fast as well.
However, it should be noted that this is a budget hood, and as such, it is of limited versatility. It is made for a specific, mainstream type of kitchen. So, unfortunately, if you have a variant kitchen, you might be disappointed as it’ll be much harder to fit this machine into your kitchen.
Nevertheless, chances are, your kitchen isn’t a variant, and in that case, this is perfect, especially if you’re the type who grills or cooks rather infrequently. It’s quite inexpensive, and it lasts for at least a decade.
That makes this an ideal choice. It’s almost like dipping your toes in the water but still getting the full benefits of the bath.
It operates rather quietly as well. The fans are geared to make a little noise as possible, and there are noise dampening mechanisms installed that soak up the noise like sponges. One complaint, however, is that on starting up, the fans made a loud groan before switching to quiet mode. Therefore, I suggest not using it at late hours.
Highlighted Features:
- Simple installation
- Low noise
- Excellent smoke absorption
- Inexpensive
Things to Consider Before Buying Under Cabinet Range Hood
Reading the under cabinet range hood reviews alone isn’t enough to get you your desired product. Here are the things you need to take into account before making your decision.
Suction Capacity
This is arguably the most important aspect of an under cabinet range hood. The best under cabinet range hood have excellent suction. After all, it’s the basic job of the machine- to pump out all the exhaust gases that evolve in cooking. And therefore, it is a very, very important aspect to look out for when you’re shopping.
However, you shouldn’t be under the impression that suction is everything. It definitely is not. And for everyday cooking, extra high suction can be a bad thing. While not inherently bad, high suction capacity has its costs. It often comes with noise. And it costs you a lot of power too.
If you find yourself frequently cooking smoky or smelly food, this feature is especially important. Otherwise, it’ll stink up your entire kitchen, perhaps your entire house. The suction capacity must keep up with the rate of emission to minimize diffusion of the gases all around the kitchen.
Many brands offer excellent suction, but the trade-off is often the noise. I suggest that you endure a little bit of noise if you really want effective smoke and gas removal. There are few hoods that offer silence across all suction intensities. There is one on this list, and if you can spare the bucks, you might get that.
Noise
The noise itself is quite a subjective word. Now, I can’t speak for everyone, and neither can I present noise levels in decibels, but I can provide a sort of insight into what most people feel about “noise.” Some are completely fine with noise. Others are very sensitive. It all depends.
Typically, if you operate on a high-speed suction setting, you’ll get noise. Most machines can’t avoid that. Although there are few machines that can remain quiet, they are often on the pricey side and therefore put many people off.
It really depends on your own preferences. Like I said before, the noise is usually the cost of a benefit. However, if you don’t use that benefit, it’s not really worth buying. For everyday cooking, low suction capacity is enough, and therefore, it is more profitable to get one of those.
Yes, they might be noisy at a high setting, but chances are you’ll rarely use that anyway, so it doesn’t really matter.
Where you live can also affect the noise. The hustle and bustle of the big city can mask the noise that your hood might generate.
In fact, noise complaints rarely come from urban users. In rural or even suburban areas, it’s much quieter, and therefore, that little buzz can stick out like a sore thumb.
Ducting System
This is quite a simple matter, really. It’s about whether or not there is a ducting or venting system. The lack of and inclusion of a ducting system both have their pros and cons, but it mainly comes down to two things- convenience and cost. Ducted systems have greater convenience, but they also cost more.
The ducted system has pipes that carry the exhaust out of the kitchen. They are more versatile, and you can just about fit those in any kitchen with little difficulty.
However, the extra piping makes the under cabinet hoods that employ this quite expensive. Without ducts, there is a direct connection between the outside air and the smoke and fumes from cooking. This necessitates that your stove is adjacent to the outer wall.
Otherwise, it’s impossible. While this does mean that your kitchen may be unsuited, most kitchens are placed in the outer portion of a house. Besides, it’s cheaper.
Airflow
While you might think that suction and airflow are the same, they are not. However, they are related. In fact, they are complementary to each other. Good suction is useless without airflow and airflow is crippled without good suction. They work together to make your kitchen free of smoke and gas.
Ducted systems actually have worse airflow. Momentum is lost in the twists and turns that a ducting system has, due to its pipes. This can build pressure within the hood and render the suction fans useless. So be careful of that. Otherwise, you might end up damaging the machine.
On the other hand, systems that directly pump the gases out promote better airflow. Not only does the straightforward path conserve the momentum as much as possible, but the shorter path conserves the velocity of the gases as well. This makes for excellent airflow and little change of pressure build-up.
Pressure build-up and consequent explosions seem like worst-case scenarios, and yes, indeed they are. However, having bad airflow should still be a deterrent.
Although it might not cause an accident, soot and dust will settle if the air isn’t fast enough to eject it out, resulting in worse airflow. It is a cycle that can end in total machine failure.
Additional Features
The basics of the hood are things everyone gets right, more or less. However, the selling point for many products might be the additional features that come with it. That could range from better lighting to fancy remote controls. It all depends on what you, the customer, really wants.
As mentioned before, the lighting can be very important. Having adequate lighting on your cooktop lets you cook better, and it’s just so convenient.
LED lights are often hailed as the best because of their superior lighting and better efficiency. Some lights can be so bright that you don’t need kitchen lights! The user interface and controls can be something that sells the product or breaks the deal. Usually, people expect easy, straightforward controls.
They might be knobs and buttons, but simplicity is the key here. Some premium products have touchpads or even remote control mechanisms for the convenience of the user.
Best Rated Under Cabinet Range Hood Brands on the Market
Let’s talk about the top brands on the market. Shall we?
Cosmo
Cosmo probably makes the best under cabinet range hoods out there. It has got a very wide range of products out there for just about anyone. There are many variations that you can choose from. You can get the budget picks, or even just regular types or premium ones too. It has got it all.
It’s also known for containing among the most versatile hoods on the market now. This is a very reliable brand, as well.
Chef
Let’s talk about Chef. Just like its name, it’s definitely dedicated to cooking, or at least making the cooking easy for you. Located in San Francisco, this company has quite a few showcases of its fine products online.
I suggest that you check them out. They’re quite good.
Vesta
Vesta manufactures hoods that are powerful and versatile. So, if you are a high profile chef, you might want to take a look over there. Their products are known to provide extensively well service, and they are very high performing.
There is a lot of versatility in their products as well. I definitely recommend it.
Proline
This company focuses on the finish and outlook of the hood more. If you have a modern and high-tech kitchen, you might want to check them out. They have under cabinet range hoods that vary a lot in color and shape.
Broan
Broan offers a good range of hoods at a wide range of prices so that you can get the one that you need. They have a good array of options to choose from.
The hoods they manufacture often focus on odor removal. Therefore, if you tend to cook things with smelly spices, this might the brand to look into.
How to Install It on Your Kitchen?
Here is a step-by-step guide for the installation process.
Step 1: Remove the Filter and Fan
The reason you need to do that is that they can and definitely will get in the way when you’re installing the machine.
Step 2: Turn Off the Power
Safely first! And the safety precaution here is to turn off the power. Make sure that the power is off. Range hood function with a lot of electricity and so, a shock could be lethal.
Step 3: Follow the Instructions
The hood should come with a manual that says how to install it. Read it carefully.
Step 4: Drill in the Duct
This one should be simple. You should drill the duct in. Be careful when handling the drill. Install any ducts or vents that you might need to.
Step 5: Mount the Hood
As per instructions, mount the hood above your stove. Make sure that it fully covers your stove. Fasten it on.
Step 6: Connect the Wires
Wire it correctly to your power line.
Step 7: Fix on the Fan and Filters
Now careful reattach all the filters and fans. You’re almost done.
Step 8: Switch on Power
Turn the power on. Congratulations! You have successfully set up an under cabinet range hood. Enjoy!
How to Take Care of Your Under Cabinet Range Hood?
In this section, we’ll talk about how you can take care of your under cabinet range hood.
Occasional Cleaning
Remember to wipe the sides and exterior of the machine from time to time to prevent the building up of grime and dirt. Otherwise, it’ll be a nasty mess. The exterior is the outlook of your machine, and it should look good. A dirty hood can ruin the look of a kitchen. Here is few products that will help your make clean.
Cleaning the Filter
This is very important! The filter is where all the nasty grime accumulates. While that keeps the vents free of them, they still gather in the filters. If you don’t clean them in due time, they will slowly build and eventually restrict airflow.
Take the filter out and give it a good wash. If it is made of aluminum mesh, the metal should be fine even if it is washed with a cleaning agent. If it is a charcoal filter, you might need to replace the charcoal. However, fear not, charcoal filters clog up much slower than aluminum mesh.
General Care
Be easy on it. Don’t put it through high performance every waking moment unless it’s geared just for that. If you take care and use it well, an under cabinet range hood can last for more than a decade. Domestic ones can especially last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are some of the most commonly asked queries regarding under cabinet range hoods:
1. Can it be mounted on the wall?
Most hoods can be. It’s usually a good idea to assume that it can.
2. Is it possible to vent it to the rear?
It depends on the hood. Obviously, it’s not a problem for ducted hoods as you can manipulate the exhaust. Most ductless hoods are vented to the rear while others have both rear and top options.
3. Do I need to fit a bulb?
Usually, the LED lighting systems come with the entire package. However, with regular bulbs, you often have to set it separately.
4. What type of filters do I use?
That usually comes with the hood. It could be aluminum mesh or charcoal.
5. Can it handle outdoor level cooking?
Sure, it can. Most hoods come with that guarantee.
Final Words
That’s about it. I’d like to thank you for reading through the under cabinet range hood reviews. I hope that this gave you an insight on what to get and help you to find the best under cabinet range hood.
Let me know if you liked my recommendations in the comments.
