7 BEST RANGE HOOD: A COMPLETE BUYING GUIDE

When speaking of the functions and fashion in a kitchen, one of the most important factors is the best range hood. 

Any person who loves cooking as a hobby or profession requires the right kind of range hood for an excellent cooking experience.

This guide will take you through the 7 different types of range hoods, their features, and their benefits to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Range Hood?

This is also known as a vent hood and an exhaust hood. It is the most important kitchen appliance used to enhance the quality of air by removing pollutants including grease fumes, smoke, odors, heat, and steam from the air used for cooking.

Kinds:

There are two kinds of Range Hood:

• Ducted (External Venting): These are designed to vent the air outside your home, effectively removing smoke, odors, moisture, and heat from the kitchen.
• Ductless (Recirculating Venting): This type recirculates air using charcoal or carbon filters and then presents it back to the kitchen.

Varieties of Range Hoods For Kitchen Ventilation

1. Under Cabinet Range Hoods

These are the kind of hoods that are typically fitted under your kitchen cabinets. They are sleek and are perfect for close kitchen spaces.

• Design and Functionality: These range hoods are intended to blend very well with your cabinets in the kitchen. Normally, they are hardly visible and offer a built-in, ultra-slim look. They come with different fan speeds, options for lighting, and filtration systems to keep your kitchen cleaner and better-lit.
• Installation: Similarly, the installation of most under-cabinet range hoods is quite easy. There is minimal work needed on additional cabinetry. However, ducted models can be a bit of a headache because you might need to create a pathway for external ventilation.

Product Example:

Empava 30" 500 CFM Under Cabinet Range Hood

Pros:

• Space-saving.
• Simple setup.
• Comes in many designs.

Cons:

• Smaller models, thus limited airflow.
• May require a high frequency of filter change.

2. Wall Mount Range Hoods

These wall-mount range hoods are installed on a wall immediately above the stove and find many takers in most kitchens configured with a stovetop against a wall.

• Design and Features: The range hoods stand out in the kitchen and are often designed in a stainless steel finish. They allow for powerful fans and effectiveness in getting rid of smoke and odors. Some common additional features include touch controls and LED lighting.
• Installation: Wall-mounted hoods require a little more space and more installation hours. They must be securely mounted on the wall. If ducted, you are required to get a route outside.

Product Example:

Empava 30 in. 400 CFM Wall Mount Ducted Range Hood

Pros:

• Strong ventilation.
• Aesthetic appeal.
• Different style.

Cons :

• Requires a lot of space.
• Installation is a challenge.

3. Island Range Hoods

An island range hood will perfectly be suitable for an island cooktop kitchen and offers ventilation directly over the cooking surface.

• Design and Features: The ceiling-mounted extractors offer a full 360 degrees of ventilation. Most of them come in modern and classic designs that are appealing. They are normally fitted with good ventilation power.
• Installation: Since it is fitted in the ceiling, relative complexity is required in the installation. A professional must provide for the installation to remove misalignment or a safety risk.

Product Example

Empava 36 in. 400 CFM Island Ducted Range Hood

Pros:

• 360-degree ventilation.
• Sleek design.
• Perfect for open layouts.

Cons:

• More expensive.
• Professional installation.

4. Convertible Range Hoods

Convertible range hoods are adaptable as they may be ducted or ductless.

• Design and Features: They are great for people who may want to change the kind of ventilation system in their kitchens later. They are quite versatile in that area and have removable and washable filters and variable speed controls usually.
• Installation: Depending on your kitchen's construction, these may be installed as ducted or ductless; they also come with a convertible kit to interchange with the two modes.

Product Example:

Empava 30" 400 CFM Convertible Wall Mount Range Hood 

Pros:

• Versatile.
• Has many styles.
• Easy interchanging.

Cons:

• Conversion may require additional parts.
• Less powerful compared to exclusively built models.

5. Ceiling Mount Range Hoods

This category of ceiling mount range hood is more of a discreet ventilation solution, being most effective in an installation where the ceiling in the kitchen is high.

• Design and Features: These are designed to flush fit into your ceiling; thus, they offer a thin effect on the appearance. They are always fitted with powerful fans, most of which are controlled by a remote to easily change the setting.
• Installation: Sometimes the installation is a little bit obscure because you might need extra support structures in your ceiling. 

Product Example

Empava 30″ 600 CFM Ceiling Mount Range Hood. 

Pros

• Sleek design.
• Excellent ventilation.
• For spacious kitchens.

Cons

• Pain-in-the neck to clean
• The installation might also need different kinds of structural changes.

6. Microwave Range Hoods 

What makes them unique is the fact that microwave range hoods integrate a microwave oven into a ventilation system, therefore it save space.

• Design and features: These units conveniently sit above your stovetop. Most of them sport microwave functionality coupled with a built-in exhaust fan. Most of them have several fan speed levels as well as several lighting effects.
• Installation: They are mostly mounted to cabouterations. This offers simplicity of installation and moreover provides an elegant look overall. This is particularly suitable in kitchens where space is a premium.

Product example:

Empava 1.9 ft³ Over-the-Range Microwave with Range Hood

Pros:

• Saves on space.
• Has multifunctionality.
• Easy to install.

Cons:

• Less powerful ventilation.
• Higher pricing.

7. Downdraft Range Hoods

These range hoods are mounted in the stovetop or even the countertop. The ventilation goes up and captures any.

• Design and Features: Ideal for kitchens that cannot use conventional hoods where they offer adequate ventilation without interfering with the sightlines of the kitchen.
• Installation: It requires space behind the countertop for the blower and ductwork. Much better for new kitchen construction or major remodeling.

Product Example:

Empava 30" Downdraft Ventilation System 

Pros:

• Hidden when not in use.
• Modern look.
• Ideal for open designs.

Cons:

• Lower power.
• Require high maintenance.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A RANGE HOOD

Know the following before making a purchase:

1. Kitchen Configuration: How the kitchen is designed will dictate the size of range hood you need.
2. Blower Power: Be clear on the Ventilation Power you require.
3. Prices: With the variant costing of this range hood, pick that which goes well with your wallet.
4. Aesthetic Preferences: Consider style and material that goes with your kitchen decor.

FAQs

What is the best brand for a range hood?

It strongly depends on your needs, but some of the best range hood brands are Broan-NuTone, Zephyr, Vent-A-Hood, and Empava. 

They present the best quality with great performance and innovative designs. From these brands, you can find various styles and a number of features that make them very popular among both homeowners and professionals.

What is the quietest range hood 2024?

In 2024, the KOBE Brillia Under-Cabinet Range Hood, Cosmo COS-QS75, and Cosmo COS-5MU30 are recommended for their ultra-quiet operation, efficient performance, and budget-friendly design. 

These models offer up to 680 CFM, 65 decibels at maximum speed, and a digital touch screen for convenience.

Which hood is the best for a kitchen?

The best hood for your kitchen would depend on the layout of the place and your cooking habits. Wall-mount range hoods are ideal for those stovetops directly against a wall. 

Island range hoods work best with open layouts and a central cooking area. Consider your kitchen design along with your ventilation needs to decide on the best hood.

Which Type of Rangehood is Best?

For complete efficiency, one typically needs a ducted range hood vented outside to remove smoke and odors. 

With high-quality charcoal filtering and in kitchens not permitting exterior venting, however, a good ductless or recirculating range hood could still have some effect in cleaning the air. 

Your decision must thus be based on your kitchen structure and how often you cook.

CONCLUSION

Get the 7 best range hood for your kitchen by striking the right balance between functionality, style, and price. 

With these different types and varying features, you could easily make a decision that will better fit your cooking experience. 

Be it the sleek look of a wall-mount hood or the versatile functionality of a convertible hood, there is a range hood to your liking.

Explore Empava's range of hoods for high-quality options that combine style and performance. Happy cooking!