Best Overall
Cosmo 30-Inch Ducted Wall Mount Range Hood
- It’s an externally-vented range hood with good airflow capacity, adjustable fan speed, and LED lighting.
It’s an externally-vented range hood with good airflow capacity, adjustable fan speed, and LED lighting.
- It can be converted into a ductless hood, but the kit needs to be purchased separately.
It can be converted into a ductless hood, but the kit needs to be purchased separately.
This range hood from Cosmo is our best overall pick for a few reasons. It has a good airflow capacity of 380 CFM, and it’s ducted so it vents odors and cooking grease outside your house. If you’d prefer a ductless option, though, the range hood can accommodate that with a carbon filter kit—but that’s sold separately.
The hood comes with permanent filters that can be popped right into the dishwasher for cleaning. The LED light is an energy-efficient pick that will illuminate your stovetop, which is especially handy if it’s tucked into a dim corner of the kitchen. It also has three fan speeds (low, medium, and high) so you can adjust the air movement as needed.
The wall-mounted hood comes with a three-year limited warranty on parts, which offers some peace of mind. We also like that the price is on the lower end of the average range.
Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 39.4 x 19.75 inches | Mount Type: Wall mount | Vent Type: External, convertible with additional kit | Airflow Capacity: 380 CFM | Speeds: Three | Warranty: Two years
Key Terms to Know
- CFM: Cubic feet per minute, which indicates how much air a range hood can move each minute.
- External vs. Ductless: This refers to the way polluted air is removed from the kitchen. External hoods require a ducting system to push polluted air out of your home, while ductless systems use filters to recirculate clean air. Some range hoods are convertible and can perform both ways.
- Capture Area: The width and depth of the hood in relation to the cooktop below it. Your range hood’s capture area should be as wide as the range and should cover the entirety of the back burners and half of the front burners.
Best Budget
Broan-NuTone 30 in. Ductless Under Cabinet Range Hood
- This is an affordable, ductless range hood with two fan speeds.
This is an affordable, ductless range hood with two fan speeds.
- You’ll need to buy the lightbulb separately, and the hood doesn’t come with a power cord.
You’ll need to buy the lightbulb separately, and the hood doesn’t come with a power cord.
For a budget-friendly range hood that won’t break the bank, consider this ductless option from Broan. It’s designed as an under-cabinet hood and includes a charcoal filter to clean the recirculated air.
This is a stainless steel hood with two rocker switches. One switch controls the two-speed fan, which can be set to high or low speed. The second switch turns the light on or off, but take note that you’ll need to buy your own 75-watt lightbulb separately to use this switch.
The hood’s motor comes lubricated from the manufacturer, so you won’t need to worry about an extra step before installing. Take note that you can either install the hood with hardwiring or operate it with a power cord. However, the power cord does not come with the range hood, so you’ll need to buy that separately.
Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 6 x 17.5 inches | Mount Type: Under-cabinet | Vent Type: Recirculating | Airflow Capacity: Not listed | Speeds: Two | Warranty: One year
Best Splurge
KitchenAid 3-Speed Canopy Hood
- It offers automated fan controls, lighting options, and powerful airflow capacity.
It offers automated fan controls, lighting options, and powerful airflow capacity.
- Not everyone will love the glass controls for fan and lighting as they’re more modern and can be less intuitive to operate than rocker switches.
Not everyone will love the glass controls for fan and lighting as they’re more modern and can be less intuitive to operate than rocker switches.
KitchenAid’s range hood is not the cheapest option, but it offers some compelling features and is rated at 585 CFM. It’s a wall-mounted hood with external ventilation and perimeter ventilation, which pulls in air from around its edges and can create a more efficient airflow. This hood will work for stoves with up to 65,000 BTUs.
It includes three fan speeds plus an automatic mode, which activates the fan when the temperature heats up. The automatic sensor can also slow down or speed up the fan based on temperature, so you concentrate on your cooking without worrying about finding the proper fan speed. In addition, the hood includes the option to pulse the fan on high speed for five minutes at a time to more effectively eliminate smells or grease with high-temperature cooking.
Its lighting options include two LED bulbs for daytime cooking and a halogen light to serve as soft lighting at night. Though not everyone will love the glass controls, they offer a sleek look that pairs well with the stainless steel finish of the hood.
Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 24.63 x 19.69 inches | Mount Type: Wall mount | Vent Type: External | Airflow Capacity: 585 CFM | Speeds: Three | Warranty: One year
Best Wall-Mounted
Fotile Draft Range Hood
- This is a quieter range hood that’s wall-mounted but could also be inserted under a cabinet.
This is a quieter range hood that’s wall-mounted but could also be inserted under a cabinet.
- Its modern aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, and the price is on the higher end of the spectrum.
Its modern aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, and the price is on the higher end of the spectrum.
We chose the Fotile slant vent because of its quiet operation and 850 CFM airflow capacity. With two fans, it's a more powerful range hood in terms of air movement. It also includes three fan speeds and a delay option that automatically turns off the fans after you finish up in the kitchen.
The touchscreen controls offer a locking option, which allows you to wipe down the surface of the controls after cooking something especially greasy without worrying that you’ll accidentally change the settings. It also has a detachable filter that can go into the dishwasher to be cleaned. The LED lights will create a nice, bright cooking area so you can easily spot the exact moment when your morning bacon is perfectly cooked.
The range hood is designed with an overly large surface area to ensure your entire stove sits beneath it for better airflow. It even has a shield or baffle plate that opens automatically to funnel in grease and odors more effectively. Though it’s a wall-mounted hood, it can be converted into an under-cabinet mount as well.
Product Details: Dimensions: 29.88 x 17.4 x 18.3 inches | Mount Type: Wall mount or under-cabinet | Vent Type: External | Airflow Capacity: 850 CFM | Speeds: Three | Warranty: Five years
Best Island
Cosmo 30-Inch Island Mount Range Hood
- This island range hood has three fan speeds, LED lighting, and the option to be converted to a ductless system with the appropriate kit.
This island range hood has three fan speeds, LED lighting, and the option to be converted to a ductless system with the appropriate kit.
- The glass visor could more readily show grease splatters and require a bit of extra cleaning.
The glass visor could more readily show grease splatters and require a bit of extra cleaning.
We chose this Cosmo range hood as the best for islands for a few reasons. Its sleek design will work well with multiple decor themes, but it’s more than just an attractive addition to the kitchen. With 380 CFM of airflow capacity, it’s a good choice for an island stove top with multiple burners capable of producing all kinds of cooking odors, steam, and grease.
You’ll easily see what you’re cooking on the stove thanks to the four LED lights. The hood includes three fan speeds (low, medium, and high) so you can choose what setting works best for you. The digital controls are for the fan speed as well as a timer, plus the interface includes a clock to help you keep track of time when expecting guests to arrive for a home-cooked meal. It’s externally vented, and its permanent filters can be washed in the dishwasher.
Though the glass visor is aesthetically appealing, take note that it may show grease splatters easily, meaning you may want to clean it a bit more often. This model could be converted to a ductless system with an additional purchase.
Product Details: Dimensions: 29.2 x 47 x 23.6 inches | Mount Type: Island (ceiling) | Vent Type: External, convertible with additional kit | Airflow Capacity: 380 CFM | Speeds: Three | Warranty: Two years
Best Under-Cabinet
Hauslane Chef Series PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood
- For smaller spaces, this under-cabinet, ducted range hood is a handy option with multiple fan and suction options along with LED lighting.
For smaller spaces, this under-cabinet, ducted range hood is a handy option with multiple fan and suction options along with LED lighting.
- The touchscreen controls don’t have a lock to prevent accidental operation when wiping it down.
The touchscreen controls don’t have a lock to prevent accidental operation when wiping it down.
If you’re a bit short on space and have cabinets above your stove, we recommend this model from Hauslane. It mounts directly beneath your kitchen cabinets and has an airflow capacity of 500 CFM to remove cooking odors and smoke.
It’s an externally vented hood but includes ducting options in three sizes to ensure it connects with your home’s current duct system. The LED lights can be changed out to achieve brighter or softer light, depending on your preferences. You can also choose fan speed and air suction level with six different settings. And the hood comes in stainless steel, black, or white to fit with any type of color scheme in your kitchen.
The digital display includes touchscreen operation but doesn’t have a screen lock for easy cleaning. It also includes a clock and a delayed, automatic option for shutting the fan off after a certain time so you can set it and forget it.
Product Details: Dimensions: 29.75 x 8.13 x 35.75 inches | Mount Type: Under-cabinet | Vent Type: External | Airflow Capacity: 500 CFM | Speeds: Six | Warranty: Two years limited, lifetime motors
Best Ductless
GE Appliances Under The Cabinet Hood
- Installing this convertible ductless range hood is quick and easy.
Installing this convertible ductless range hood is quick and easy.
- The CFM airflow capacity is a bit lower than other hood options.
The CFM airflow capacity is a bit lower than other hood options.
For those who prefer a recirculating option that doesn’t require ducting, this GE range hood includes a recirculation kit, something that is often an additional purchase with other range hoods. It’s an under-cabinet style that’s ductless, although if you end up needing external venting you can convert it in the future.
The rocker switch controls don’t offer as modern of a look, but they’re simple to operate. One rocker turns the incandescent light on or off while the other lets you toggle between high or low fan speeds. The fan has a 200 CFM airflow capacity, which is on the lower end of other range hood options, so it may be best for smaller stoves and kitchens.
Another added benefit of this option is that installation should be easy, taking about 10 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it comes with a limited one-year warranty.
Product Details: Dimensions: 29.88 x 5.5 x 20 inches | Mount Type: Under-cabinet | Vent Type: Convertible | Airflow Capacity: 200 CFM | Speeds: Two | Warranty: One year
Best Compact
Cosmo COS-5MU30 Under Cabinet Convertible Range Hood
- This range hood is slim in profile and has three fan speeds. Plus, it can be converted into a ductless system.
This range hood is slim in profile and has three fan speeds. Plus, it can be converted into a ductless system.
- If you want a quiet fan, you’ll likely need to buy rigid ductwork to bring noise levels down.
If you want a quiet fan, you’ll likely need to buy rigid ductwork to bring noise levels down.
If you don’t want your range hood to take up crucial cabinet space, this model from Cosmo offers an intentionally slim profile. Its airflow capacity is slightly lower at 220 CFM, but the space-saving design makes up for that. If your apartment or condo has a small kitchen, this will fit right in.
The hood has push-button controls to operate the three-speed fan and its two LED lights. This is an externally vented model, so it will need to be hooked up to your ductwork. However, if you’d rather skip that step, you can purchase a separate kit to convert it to a ductless range hood instead.
Noise levels start at around 50 decibels, although that’s with certain conditions met, like using the lowest fan setting and purchasing rigid ductwork separately. If you’re hoping for a quieter operation, know that you may need to pay a bit more money to upgrade ductwork for this range hood.
Product Details: Dimensions: 30 x 5.5 19.75 inches | Mount Type: Under-cabinet | Vent Type: External, convertible with additional kit | Airflow Capacity: 220 CFM | Speeds: Three | Warranty: Two years
Best Design
ZLINE Wall Mount Range Hood
- The copper finish is resistant to rust and corrosion.
The copper finish is resistant to rust and corrosion.
- It has push-button operation for the fan and lights rather than a digital touch-screen.
It has push-button operation for the fan and lights rather than a digital touch-screen.
If you’re after an appealing design that also does its job well, we think this range hood from ZLine stands out from the pack. It’s made of steel and is finished with seven-layer baked copper in a hammered design. It doesn’t include a digital touchscreen, but the push buttons blend right into the aesthetic of the hood, giving it a cohesive look. The buttons operate the fan as well as two LED lights.
This isn’t just a pretty kitchen appliance, though. Its airflow capacity of 400 CFM and four fan speeds mean it powers away kitchen odors as well as smoke, grease, and steam. It’s a wall-mounted option that’s externally vented, but you’ll have the option to convert it into a recirculating system if you spring for a carbon filter kit.
This beautiful yet practical range hood is resistant to rust and corrosion. Even though the price is higher than some other styles, this one wraps up style, functionality, and longevity into one appealing package.
Product Details: Dimensions: 36 x 10.5 x 19.7 inches | Mount Type: Wall mount | Vent Type: External, convertible with additional kit | Airflow Capacity: 400 CFM | Speeds: Four | Warranty: Three years
Best Ventilation
Vesta Arlington Under Cabinet Range Hood
- It has two motors and an 850 CFM airflow capacity, making it a powerful ventilation option for the kitchen.
It has two motors and an 850 CFM airflow capacity, making it a powerful ventilation option for the kitchen.
- It weighs in at 40 pounds, so you may need to recruit help during the installation process.
It weighs in at 40 pounds, so you may need to recruit help during the installation process.
The airflow capacity on the Vesta Arlington range hood is an impressive 850 CFM—one of the higher options on this list—and it has two turbo motors. As an under-cabinet mount, it doesn’t take up a lot of space while it efficiently and effectively removes odors from cooking or baking. Even the occasional burnt cookie won’t be a match for this hood.
It’s made of stainless steel and has three speed settings. The touchscreen display controls the fan speeds and the LED light, providing a modern look and feel to match the sleek stainless steel. Plus, you can program a delayed shut-off time so you don’t need to remember to return to the kitchen and turn off the fan once the smells have cleared.
Keep in mind that it weighs just over 40 pounds, so it isn’t going to be the lightest option. That may mean you’ll want help installing it, but the powerful ventilation makes up for any additional labor due to the heavier weight.
Product Details: Dimensions: 29.75 x 6.2 x 22 inches | Mount Type: Under-cabinet | Vent Type: External | Airflow Capacity: 850 CFM | Warranty: One year
Best Microwave
GE Over-the-Range Microwave
- It comes in five colors to match with your existing appliances.
It comes in five colors to match with your existing appliances.
- There are only two fan speeds.
There are only two fan speeds.
Maximizing countertop space is crucial when you’re designing a kitchen. An over-the-range microwave can check off two needs in one, all while freeing up some crucial working space. This model from GE performs everything you’d expect from a standard microwave and offers a venting system comparable to standalone range hoods.
In addition to standard time and power settings, this 1000-watt microwave is equipped with an integrated melt mode that lets you melt cheese, butter, chocolate, and other ingredients without the worry of scorching. It also helps take the guesswork out of preparing meals and snacks with multiple quick-start buttons, as well as weight and time defrost controls.
Maintaining a pleasant cooking environment is easy with this microwave's two-speed, 300 CFM venting system. The vent can be connected to an existing ducting system to remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from the kitchen. But if your kitchen doesn’t have a ducting system, the microwave comes with a charcoal filter kit that can be used instead to recirculate cleaner air. A handy indicator light shows when the filter needs to be replaced, and the task is simple enough to complete on your own.
The microwave is available in five colorways to match with your existing kitchen appliances. Plus, the hood has a cooktop light for better visibility while cooking or to use as a night light.
Product Details: Dimensions: 29.88 x 16.4 x 15 inches | Mount Type: Under-cabinet | Vent Type: External or recirculation, includes recirculation kit | Airflow Capacity: 300 CFM | Warranty: One year
Best Portable
AirHood Portable Range Hood
- It has a sleek retro design and comes in four colors.
It has a sleek retro design and comes in four colors.
- It’s not as powerful as a traditional range hood, and it’s best suited for single-pan cooking.
It’s not as powerful as a traditional range hood, and it’s best suited for single-pan cooking.
Weighing in at just under 6 pounds, the 13-inch AirHood Portable Range Hood is easy to set up and use in your kitchen or on the go. The device works similarly to an air purifier, filtering out oil, smoke, and dust created from cooking and recirculating cleaner air back into your kitchen.
This portable device is a great pick to use next to your outdoor grill, or for renters without the ability to install their own hood. As a food and recipe writer and cookbook author, Allison Robicelli spends many hours in her apartment kitchen with limited space and minimal ventilation.
“Adding the AirHood to my kitchen has been a lifesaver, allowing me to cook basic dinners without involving the fire department,” Robicelli says. “Even if you have a semi-functional exhaust fan, it definitely helps with controlling smells, oil splatter, and anything else that becomes airborne when you're cooking.”
The AirHood comes in two models: a fully wired version and a wireless option which can provide up to eight hours of power between charges. The oil filter is removable and dishwasher safe, but all other components should be washed by hand with a mild detergent. As for appearance, the AirHood has a retro design that makes it an attractive addition to any kitchen decor. It’s available in black, white, mint green, and orange.
While this device will help reduce smoke and smells, with an airflow capacity of only 90 CFM, it’s not as effective as a traditional mounted hood. The manufacturer recommends using it for single-pan cooking, so it may not be the best pick if you’re using multiple burners to cook a feast. And because of its small size and proximity to your cooking area, you’ll need to clean the filters more often than with a traditional range hood.
Product Details: Dimensions: 8.70 x 13.15 x 5.51 inches | Mount Type: None | Vent Type: Recirculation | Airflow Capacity: 90 CFM | Warranty: 12 months