Grasping the advantages of an under-cabinet range hood is crucial if you're considering getting one for your household. Its affordability and the straightforward self-installation process are substantial perks. The potential to avoid the expenses related to installation and the charges of a professional installer means you can conserve both your time and finances.
This article will answer that question and show you how to find one. We'll look at what makes the best under cabinet range hood, as well as provide some of our favorite products!
What is Under Cabinet Range Hood?
An under-cabinet range hood is a type of kitchen ventilation device. It is mounted above appliances such as a cooktop, oven, or even a steam oven so that the air from the cooking appliance can be removed from the kitchen and outdoors to ensure indoor air quality. In most cases, this removal from the room takes place via an exhaust system with a duct designed to take the air outside.
In most cases, kitchen ventilation systems can also include filters and a recirculation system that draws out cooking odors and steam from the range hood whilst sending it back into the room. This ensures that unpleasant aromas do not linger in your kitchen for very long after cooking or baking is finished.
Benefits of Using Under Cabinet Range Hoods
Safety
One of the best things about using a range hood is that it will ensure your safety when cooking. According to research, it has been seen that poorly ventilated areas have caused thousands of deaths around the world. A proper exhaust system installed inside your kitchen will help avoid fatal factors such as carbon monoxide poisoning and other harmful substances present in smoke or fumes that are emitted from the stovetop. The use of an under-cabinet range hood will also ensure that your kitchen space is well-ventilated, and it will improve your respiratory system as well.
Better Cooking Experience
If you are a professional chef or someone who loves cooking, then having an under-cabinet range hood can help you prepare quality food. It allows the heat to be removed effectively once it comes in contact with this equipment. This will allow your food to retain its moisture before cooking, which results in good taste for every meal served. By using this product, you won't have to worry about the grease overflowing since it has a wider area that can take all of that into consideration.
Improve Your Kitchen's Aesthetic Appeal
Aside from the benefits that you can get from an under-cabinet range hood, this also guarantees an improved aesthetic appeal. You will notice that most of these products come in a sleek and modern design. Many homeowners favor this style, as it adds style to the entire appearance of their kitchen space. An ideal blend of colors and styles can be achieved by using under cabinet range hoods.
Efficient
The primary purpose of having a product like this is for efficiency purposes since it's specifically designed to remove smoke and heat from stoves. In order for your food to be cooked well, it should come into contact with hot air, which comes from heating elements inside your stovetop or oven. If you are someone who wants a good ventilation system that will keep your stovetop clean and well-functioning, then this is the product that you should purchase.
Easy to Install
This is also among the reasons why many homeowners prefer using under cabinet range hoods. Many of them are easy to install even if you don't have any knowledge about how it works. You simply need to read the installation manual carefully or hire an expert to help you fix the unit properly in no time.
Saves Money
One good thing about buying under cabinet range hoods is that you can save more money compared to other appliances that are quite pricey, like dishwashers and microwave ovens. It's quite inexpensive, but it does its job well for your cooking area, which is to provide safety and ensure that your kitchen is well-ventilated.
List of 5 Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods Reviews
1. Cosmo 5MU30 Under Cabinet Range Hood
- The Cosmo 5MU30 stainless steel under cabinet range hood is the perfect solution for apartments and tight spaces. It helps ensure your kitchen doesn't get too warm or smelly when cooking while still looking sleek in any kitchen setting.
- Machine-welded seams keep air flows concentrated in one stream, which helps clear away smoke and odors before they can become overpowering. This durable appliance also has a slim profile, which saves space in small kitchens like condos or apartments with limited access to ventilation options.
- Cosmo removes unwanted scents and smoke from your kitchen without the noisy fan. It features a multi-layered filter combined with aluminum mesh, trapping grease and oil particles with superior efficiency.
- Cosmo is an elegant addition to any kitchen’s design, carefully styled to complement modern appliances and countertops alike. Product installation only requires electrical wiring and HVAC tape for duct installation.
- The quiet 3-speed motor eliminates blasting noise so you can cook all day long in comfort and style! But don't take our word for it—try putting on some music as those pots roast away on your range top!
2. EVERKITCH 30 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hood
- This Everkitch under cabinet range hood 30 inches brings you a stylish look that matches perfectly with your trendy kitchen. It is made of stainless steel material, has 1 mm thickness, and offers a polishing finish for sleek contemporary design. The heavy-duty housing makes this product stable without vibrations, even at the highest speed.
- This best under-cabinet range hood provides 3 speeds at low, medium, and high to meet all cooking needs while being gentle enough to keep any odor away from your home within normal sound levels so it won't wake up kids or disturb neighbors. Motor systems are equipped with durable copper motors, giving powerful air suction power.
- Made in stainless steel and dishwasher-safe filters, the EVERKITCH 30 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hood helps clarify grease and oil smoke. You can choose from three venting ways: top venting with a round-shape outlet, top venting with a rectangle-shaped outlet, or rear venting with a rectangle-shaped outlet. Made to be installed either under a cabinet or wall-mounted for your desired needs.
3. IKTCH 30 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hood
- The safe-breathing IKTCH 30 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hood has a powerful 900 CFM max airflow that's perfect for your remodeled kitchen that you've finally moved into. With two motors running at work instead of just one, this adjustable hood scrubbers the air with its integrated high-velocity grill vents to not only remove odors but also smoke quickly and easily.
- Operating on 4 different speeds adjustable by an easy-to-use dial and equipped with four MaxxAir blades for quieter operation than many other brands on the market, your fridgeless lifestyle is already looking much brighter thanks to IKTCH!
- Your kitchen is the place where you cook up delicious meals to share with those around you. In order for this process to work as smoothly as possible, IKTCH has designed a 30-inch hood that surpasses all others in quality and design.
- Made from stainless steel, the best undercabinet range hood will stand the test of time while maintaining an extremely low cleanliness level that is so easy to maintain by simply placing it2 pieces ofthe dishwasher! With 2pcs energy-saving LED lamps fitted inside, your projects can be seen clearly without using much power at all.
4. EKON 30-in Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- EKON 30-in Under-Cabinet Range Hood features quiet operation at 60 dB max for high-speed ventilation of your kitchen workspace. Made explicitly to accommodate stovetops up to 30 inches deep, this hood is perfect for new homeowners looking for a flawless fit under cabinets or established kitchens just looking for additional options that have not been tried before.
- The stainless steel kitchen hood is equipped with 2 pieces of 3W LEDs, providing bright, high-lumen LED lighting for better visibility at night. With the long-lasting and easy-to-clean filters that capture grease from cooking use, this range hood keeps the kitchen clean and removes air pollutants.
- This single, fully lined body rangehood looks professionally integrated beautifully with your kitchen remodel by both being classy yet also powerful.
- Installed under an area's countertop allows for steady sound levels in adjacent spaces because it muffles bumps from deep fryers or large appliances during operation.
5. Hauslane Chef Series 30" PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood
- Keep your kitchen running smoothly and with minimum fuss with the Hauslane Chef Series 30" PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood! This hood features a six-speed setting, ensuring it is exactly how you want it. The standard 2700K light color gives off a warm glow but can be swapped to match the rest of your kitchen lighting perfectly.
- There are no buttons on this range hood; instead, an easy-to-clean touch screen allows for seamless operation (not to mention the buttonless design!). With its dishwasher-safe stainless steel baffles and delayed shutoff option, keeping clean is made simple.
- With a classic silhouette and sculpted vents, this streamlined range hood will provide your kitchen with an upscale modern look. Quiet operation means you won't have to worry about pesky, unexpected noises from the powerhead motor. The low-profile air slats provide effective ventilation, so odors from cooking are eliminated for good!
- Set the right mood in the kitchen by lighting up your stovetop with venting that's as bright or dark as you want it using our blue LED light system. An advanced ventilation system ensures toxic fumes never foul your alchemy of flavor once again.
How to Choose the Best Under Cabinet Range Hood
There are many things you will need to consider when choosing a new range hood. We have compiled some tips you should follow in order to choose the best under-cabinet range hood for your kitchen needs.
Power Requirements
The power output of the stove should always be higher than the input needed for your cooking appliance. This means that if you have a range hood with 100 CFM and a stove with an input of 400 CFM, then the hood is more than enough to keep your kitchen safe and clean. However, if you notice that your stove has output over 500 CFM, then we recommend looking into purchasing a stronger range hood unit because it will help avoid excess heat buildup in your kitchen.
For example, a popular cooktop from GE uses 589–1,250 input BTUs per hour, whereas a standard under-cabinet range hood's power ranges from 400–1000 watts, or about 50–200 CFM. As long as the power output of the range hood is greater than the input needed, you will be safe to keep cooking.
Power Adjustment
You should also take into account the power adjustment feature on your new under cabinet range hood. Most appliances can go from their lowest setting all the way up to their highest settings. However, some only have one or two preset levels, which makes it very difficult to adjust and control them properly. This can result in a loud performance or overheating and thus creating more damage than good for your kitchen and home.
Range Hood Material
The material that you're under cabinet range hood is made out of has an effect on its final price as well as how frequently it needs to be cleaned or maintained. It is important that you consider the materials that are available for this appliance because it will help you understand what kind of features each one comes with. You can find more information on the different types of range hood material below:
Stainless Steel
This type is very durable and versatile; it can be used in both professional and residential kitchens without any problems. It also has a sleek design, which makes it easy to clean after each use. However, these units tend to be more expensive than other under-cabinet range hoods made out of plastic or aluminum.
Plastic
These units are cheaper than stainless steel but still come with many attractive features, such as LED lights, reflectors, two fan speeds, heat sensors, etc. The only downside is that they are not as stylish or durable as stainless steel range hoods.
Aluminum
This material is popular with homeowners because it is cost-effective and usually comes in bright, vibrant colors. It is also very easy to clean, which is why it has become so popular with kitchenware brands. This type of under-cabinet range hood does not require much power since aluminum tends to be thinner than other materials that are available on the market today.
Shape
By understanding what your specific needs are when it comes to your new range hood, you will be able to find the right product for you within the different shapes available on the market today. For example, if you need an under cabinet range hood for a small room or space, then make sure to choose a unit that is smaller in size. If you have a big open kitchen with a large cooking island, then we recommend going with a wider range hood so it does not get lost among all of the other appliances or furniture that is available.
In terms of shape, there are four main types to consider:
Standard Rectangle
This type usually comes in 36 inches and has an opening that ranges from 15 to 25 inches deep. It is great for commercial kitchens because it offers the right amount of power while also keeping up with high-performance standards. Round:
These models measure around 24-27 inches across, and they tend to be more compact than standard rectangles under cabinet range hoods. They can be used on any countertop, including islands, and they can be installed right next to a wall or cabinetry.
Square
These units measure around 24–25 inches on each side and offer the perfect amount of power for cooking because they are in the middle range among all other types available.
Custom
This type allows you to choose not only the shape and size of your under cabinet range hood but also its color and design in order to make it fit perfectly with your kitchen's existing decor. Depending on your budget, you will also be able to add additional features such as lighting, filters, etc.
Range Hood Brands
As previously mentioned, there are many different brands available when it comes to choosing an under-cabinet range hood for your home or kitchen. From well-known brands such as Frigidaire to more affordable houseware brands, it is important that you take the time to compare all of your options in order to get the best value for your money.
Sound
One of the most important features to consider when choosing the best under-cabinet range hood is how much noise it will produce. This can be a serious issue if you have babies or small children since they will be sleeping while it's on and could wake up if there's too much going on in your kitchen. You need to choose a model that runs at least 3 sones, which is an average amount for this type of appliance. On the other hand, you don't want too low of a number either because then it won't work as well, no matter what material it's made from. There are some models available on the market today that have been approved by Energy Star®, meaning they have been tested by the government to meet certain standards for energy efficiency.
Lighting
The lighting feature of an under-cabinet range hood is certainly something that should be taken into consideration as well. Most have LED or halogen lights that can brighten up your cooking surface and then dim automatically when you are finished with the stovetop. This helps extend the life of your light bulbs, which can easily burn out otherwise after being stuck on too long. It is also helpful when you are trying to see inside a pan while it's cooking on the stove so that you don't accidentally burn yourself when reaching for things inside there.
Price
This is the most important thing to consider, and it should be for any appliance purchase you make. You need to pick a unit that fits your budget but also meets all of your cooking needs. Luckily, many range-hood manufacturers today offer models in a wide range of prices, so there's something for every budget out there. If possible, try saving up money by shopping during sales or using coupons when making purchases online. This will help lower the cost even more when buying new appliances like this one that you really want in your kitchen.
How to Installation Under Cabinet Range Hood
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are under-cabinet range hoods effective?
Under-cabinet range hoods are effective because they can be installed in a place that is hidden from plain sight. While it may not receive the same amount of attention as other under-counter appliances, it is still an important element to have in a kitchen. It helps keep the air clean and fresh while venting out excess moisture produced by cooking. It also prevents unpleasant odors from being absorbed into the walls or taken up by clothing fabrics.
2. How high should a range hood be under a cabinet?
It depends on the cabinet depth. A range hood should be between 34 and 36 inches high to fit easily under a 4-inch-deep cabinet, but it can still function without being that height, if necessary. If you have a deeper cabinet than that, you might need to lower the height of the hood so it doesn't interfere with the opening and closing of your cabinets. If space is tight, consider installing some lighting under the bottom of the cabinets over counters or putting some lights up in the ceiling as well as underneath so there's enough light for both tasks.
3. Can you use an under-cabinet range hood without a cabinet?
Yes, you can! If you're under a cabinet range hood that has an attached base or legs, it will depend on how far the base extends. If the base isn't very long and it's sturdy, then yes, you can use it without a cabinet. However, if it's not manufactured to be used that way or doesn't have good support in the middle, then no, don't do that. You'll risk hurting yourself if it comes crashing down while cooking or cleaning.
4. Is my under-cabinet range hood countertop depth?
No! Under-cabinet range hoods are designed to go behind a manufactured (or custom) countertop of some kind, which we refer to as "cabinet grade laminate." The lowest part of an under-cabinet range hood is the front of the fan housing, which projects out from behind your countertop. The depth from cabinet grade laminate to this point is typically between 1.5 and 2" depending on how far back your overhanging countertop extends, and the width of your cabinet grade laminate is 3.75".
5. Can I use a ductless under-cabinet range hood in a mobile home?
No! Manufactured homes cannot support exterior venting due to their lightweight design and lack of exterior structural support. This means that you'll either need to do without the venting or install a range hood that can recirculate (recirculating fans don't normally extract smells like ducted range hoods).
6. Can I use an under-cabinet range hood for my BBQ?
Most certainly yes! Hoods intended for ventilation of stoves, ovens, and cooktops are designed to work with your grill. They will extract odors and grease but not allow heat out, which could damage the outer skin of your grill.
Conclusion
The under-cabinet range hood is a great option for anyone who has limited space in their kitchen. They can be installed underneath your cabinets, which means you won't have to worry about them taking up valuable countertop or flooring space. What makes the best under cabinet range hood? We've compiled our favorite products below and included what they're good at! Check it out if you want to find one that suits all of your needs!
