Buying the Right Ductless Range Hood: A Few Major Factors
After seeing all these range hood reviews, you might be tempted to buy the first one that catches your fancy. But regardless of the best range hoods brand, you need to consider a few things before getting the right one for your kitchen. Here’s what you need to know:
Ductless or Convertible:
Some ductless or non-vented range hoods are just that–they don’t have any vents and simply recirculate the air in your kitchen after filtering out the smoke and grease.
They are meant for smaller kitchens and use up less space. If this is what you want, then the Broan Nu-Tone 413004 Non-Ducted Range Hood is your best bet.
But other hoods are convertible, which they can be used as a ductless or ducted one. As a result, you can easily convert them to a version if you move into a larger house. The best convertible range hoods are the Cosmo ones.
Size:
The size of a range hood determines whether or not it will fit in your kitchen. Because of this, you have to measure the space under your cabinets or above your cooktop first, and then see if the range hoods will fit there.
Most 30-inch range hoods will fit well in an average kitchen. Some people want something larger, and, in that case, you can go for a 32-inch one instead. However, if you have a very small kitchen, you will be better off with this tiny, 24-inch range hood.
Mount Type:
Some range hoods are mounted to the walls. These are great if you don’t have cabinets above your stove or cooking area. Others are made to be mounted under your cabinet, and these are often slimmer, smaller models.
You can also choose to get a chimney-style range hood for your kitchen. These go right up to your ceiling, so they are best if you don’t have cabinets over your cooking range.
You can decide on the type of mounted hood you want based on the layout and design of your kitchen as it can vary wildly.
Any Questions?
If you have other questions about ductless range hoods, check out this section of the article! We answer questions that we’ve noticed people often have about their range hoods.
01. Do I Need a Range Hood?
You might think you can just open a window while cooking, and you’re good to go. But look at it this way; when you cook, you produce lots of grease, steam, smoke, and residue. A range hood will remove them almost immediately.
But without a range hood, you are breathing in all that nasty stuff. Sounds gross, right? Getting a range hood will keep the air in your kitchen clean and this has 2 main benefits.
It’s good for your health and it stops your kitchen from getting smelly. This makes them a necessity in the kitchen.
02. How High Should I Position My Hood Range?
Your hood range should be mounted 28-36 inches above your cooking range or stove. It needs to be at least 28 inches over the cooking area as anything close can be a fire risk as the electrical components of the hood will be too close to the heat from your cooking range. Anything higher than 36 inches will also be ineffective.
03. How Often Should I Change My Range Hood Filters?
The best time to change the charcoal filters of your ductless range hood is 3 to 6 months. You will know that it is time to change your filter when the air in your kitchen starts feeling heavy when you cook and it doesn’t smell clean.
04. How Do I Clean My Range Hood?
A greasy range hood just invites more dirt and ickiness, so do make sure that you clean yours from time to time.
- First, wipe down the entire exterior of the range hood.
Do this with a soft cloth or even an old dish towel warm water, detergent, and white vinegar. You can also use a mild grease-cutting spray to finish off. This will get rid of all the grease and dust on the outside. - Clean the stains on the inside of the hood. Since this is where all the grease is concentrated, use a scrubbing brush and something like OxiClean or a strong, grease-cutting soap. You can even use baking soda to get rid of the stubborn stains and residue.
- Replace your charcoal filter. If you’re using a stainless-steel filter, take it out and clean it.
- Wait for the range hood to dry completely before turning it on again.
05. Is It Better to Have a Range Hood with a Higher CFM?
The higher the CFM of your hood range, the faster it circulates or ventilates your kitchen. So as a rule of thumb, the more the CFM the better.
But it really does depend on your style of cooking. If you cook large, heavy meals frequently, it is best to get a range hood with a larger CFM.
Final Say
While no one likes sweating in the kitchen for hours over a large meal, we do like the idea of a clean kitchen that is pleasant to work in. The best ductless range hood will remove all the smoke and grease from your kitchen without using up too much space.
As these ductless range hood reviews show us, the addition of a kitchen can really improve your cooking experience. Although they don’t look like much, they can keep your kitchen smelling fresh and make it easier for you to cook with a cool head.
In other words, they can give your kitchen a real upgrade! So why not try out a range hood?
