Range hoods are an essential piece of every kitchen. The best range hoods either ventilate or filter smoke, grease, and bad odors from above your stovetop. They help to keep your kitchen clean and your lungs healthy by purifying the air in your home. Whether you’re a passionate home chef who prepares food daily or someone who only cooks occasionally, a range hood is a necessary piece of equipment that every kitchen should have.
After reviewing dozens of different range hoods we have identified the best around for your kitchen. Considering factors such as fan power, ventilation efficiency, filter quality, and overall design we have chosen our top picks and put together a list of many other great range hood options for you to consider.
We’ve chosen the Broan-NuTone 42-Inch Range Hood as our overall top pick. Broan-NuTone is a brand that you’re going to see a number of times on our list, and that’s because the company produces high-quality range hoods at an affordable price. We chose this model as our top pick based upon its efficiency and its universal design that will fit into most homes.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Range Hoods
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Range Hood Overall | Broan-NuTone 42-Inch Range Hood | 4.5 |
| Best Island Range Hood | FIREBIRD Euro Style Island Mount Range Hood | 4.1 |
| Best Budget Range Hood | Broan-NuTone Under-Cabinet Range Hood | 4.6 |
| Best Ductless Range Hood | Broan Ductless Range Hood Insert | 4.6 |
| Best Copper Range Hood | AKDY Embossed Copper Hood Fan | 4.6 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Range Hood Overall: Broan-NuTone 42-Inch Range Hood
The Broan-NuTone 42-Inch Range Hood is a ducted under-cabinet range hood with efficient two-speed operation at a strong 190 CFM output. This range hood is certified by the Home Ventilating Institute for its stellar performance and value. The power is sufficient for most consumer’s needs with many users touting the rocket-like performance of the fan to be far more powerful than they initially expected it to be.
Despite its strong motor, this range hood is quiet with a 6.0 Sone rating which indicates a comfortable noise level for ventilation units. The lower speed setting is exceptionally muted and will produce adequate ventilation for typical stovetop cooking while the higher speed pumps up the power tremendously for those exceptionally smokey situations.
This Broan-Nutone range hood features a dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filter that is easy to remove and clean. A 75w light bulb socket can be used to provide ample lighting over your range, and it will be safe from splashes behind its protected cover. The range hood can be fitted to work for ADA-compliant applications if necessary.
Broan-NuTone 42-Inch Range Hood Key Features:
- Two-speed operation at 190 CFM
- Dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filter
- ADA-compliant application
- One-year warranty
Best Island Range Hood: FIREBIRD Euro Style Island Mount Range Hood
Upgrade the space above your stovetop island with a FIREBIRD Euro Style Island Mount Range Hood. Constructed of stainless steel and tempered glass, this beautiful ceiling-mounted range hood will complement any kitchen island with its timeless design. The touch-sensitive controls give it a contemporary vibe, and the four bright 1.5w LED lights will put your kitchen island into the spotlight of your kitchen stage.
This range hood features a convertible design. By default, this unit is ready to connect to your ductwork for complete kitchen ventilation, but a carbon filter is provided if you would rather ductless operation. The three selectable fan speeds and mighty 343 CFM fan will circulate the air however you choose. Smoke and grease cannot escape its draw.
Two stainless steel baffle vents collect grease for easy cleanup and disposal. Even with its stellar performance, this range hood clocks in at a quiet 5.0 Sone rating. The included flexible exhaust stack allows for installation in kitchens with a range of acceptable ceiling heights.
FIREBIRD Euro Style Island Mount Range Hood Key Features:
- Three-speed operation at 343 CFM
- Touch-sensitive controls
- Convertible design
- Three-year warranty
Best Budget Range Hood: Broan-NuTone Under-Cabinet Range Hood
There’s not much sacrifice to be made in choosing the budget-friendly Broan-NuTone Under-Cabinet Range Hood over our top overall pick. You’ll find a lot of the same high-quality, yet affordable design elements shared between the two, but this unit comes in at a price that simply can’t be beaten.
This range hood measures 30 inches across which will neatly fit under cabinets in tight spaces. Though the 160 CFM is a tad bit less powerful than the one found in our top pick, it will still be adequate for home kitchen use. This is a ducted range hood with the option for vertical or horizontal discharge, and the noise level is marked at a 6.5 Sone rating.
An ADA-compliant design, dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filter, and a protective lamp lens for the 75w bulb round out the feature list.
Broan-NuTone Under-Cabinet Range Hood Key Features:
- Two-speed operation at 160 CFM
- Dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filter
- ADA-compliant application
- One-year warranty
Best Ductless Range Hood: Broan Ductless Range Hood Insert
The Broan Ductless Range Hood Insert is similar in design and appearance to our other Broan recommendations, but this one takes a ductless approach to kitchen air-quality. No ductwork is required for this range hood. Instead, a combination grease-charcoal filter traps airborne particles to purify your kitchen’s air as it is circulated through the hood.
Three different color and size options are available for this model. It can be had in white and bisque colors, and there is an optional bare metal stainless steel package available. As for sizes, there are 24-inch, 36-inch, and 42-inch options available that will fit into just about any home. All designs must be hardwired into the household electrical system.
Other standard Broan features are included such as dual rocker switches, an ADA-compliant design, and a 75w light bulb socket with a protective cover. Users claim that this range hood filters the air well, and some have even replaced their aging ducted range hoods with this ductless design to better seal off their drafty homes from outside elements.
Broan Ductless Range Hood Insert Key Features:
- Ductless air recirculation
- ADA-compliant application
- Three different color and size options
- Removeable combination grease-charcoal filter
Best Copper Range Hood: AKDY Embossed Copper Hood Fan
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the stunning AKDY Embossed Copper Hood Fan is sure to catch a lot of attention. The embossed copper design is supported by an interior stainless steel frame for long-term durability. This unit is sure to contribute a sophisticated air to any kitchen, and its quality construction is the unseen value that ensures you’re getting your money’s worth.
The undercarriage itself is also quite dashing. A dark steel housing holds the push-button control module as well as two warmly lit LED lamps and a set of stainless steel baffle filters. The push-button controls operate the fan speed and lights with more charm than modern touch-sensitive controls can muster, and the warm LED lamps are more inviting than the cold blue LEDs seen on many other models. The steel baffles do a wonderful job of catching grease and they’re easy to clean.
This entire range hood is easy to clean, in fact. Its smooth metallic design wipes clean effortlessly, and the copper motif hides modest amounts of dust and grease well. This is a convertible design that can be made ducted or ductless, and chimney extensions are available if you have higher than average ceilings.
AKDY Embossed Copper Hood Fan Key Features:
- Three-speed operation at 343 CFM
- Embossed copper design
- Dual LED lamps
- Three-year warranty
Who Should Buy a Range Hood
Everyone and anyone who cooks in their kitchen should have a range hood. It could be that you need to replace a failing unit, or maybe you’ve moved into an old home that’s ready for a remodel, but whatever the case may be, you should have a working range hood to keep your kitchen clean and your lungs healthy.
Even if you only cook at home on occasion, it is essential that you have a range hood. A home can quickly fill with smoke, grease, and bad odors that will stick around for ages without proper ventilation and filtration.
If you plan on installing your range hood on your own, then you’ll definitely need a boost. Consider getting one of The Best Step Ladders.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing a range hood.
- Ducted or ductless. Perhaps the most important consideration is whether you want to install a ducted or ductless range hood. If you’re replacing an older range hood and already have the ductwork in place, you should almost certainly purchase a ducted range hood as a replacement. Ducted units actually ventilate your home while ductless range hoods use a carbon filter to cleanse and recirculate the air in your kitchen. The work required to install ducts can be quite expensive, and extremely difficult in some scenarios, and in such situations, a ductless range hood is the right choice.
- Power. While not everyone needs an industrial-strength range hood, its important to know how much power the unit has before you make a purchasing decision. Ducted range hood power is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) of displaced air, though you will find some range hoods also boast a horsepower rating. Ductless range hoods are not measured in CFM because they do not displace air. Any range hood on our list will be of adequate power for a typical home, but the higher the CFM means the better a ducted range hood will keep your kitchen air clean.
- Filters. There is an assortment of filters that are used in range hoods. Slotted steel filters are fantastic at trapping grease and last forever, aluminum mesh filters can be reused a number of times before being replaced, charcoal filters can completely remove all smoke and odors from the air, and other reusable and disposable filters work to varying degrees. It’s best to understand what filters your range hood uses, and how often they need to be cleaned or replaced to ensure efficient operation and long-term reliability.
- Lights. This may be a consideration that is not often considered, but each range hood comes with its own light or set of lights. Budget-friendly range hoods usually utilize singular incandescent bulbs, while many top-tier models use a suite of LEDs with dazzling luminosity. Think about how much light you like to have while you cook, and take that into consideration when deciding on a range hood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a range hood and how does it work?
Range hoods are installed above your kitchen range to ventilate or filter the smoke and steam created by the meals you cook. Range hoods have internal fans that pull in air that is then either ventilated through ductwork to the outside of your home or filtered through grease and smoke-trapping filters and recirculated into your home.
Do range hoods have to be vented outside?
Range hoods can be vented outside, but do not need to be. Most have the option to recirculate air inside of your home after cleaning the air through a charcoal filter or other smoke and smell-trapping filter. These recirculating range hoods do not need to be vented with ductwork.
Which is better ducted or ductless range hood?
A ducted range hood has several benefits over a ductless range hood. Ducted range hoods are often more powerful because they can utilize larger fans with more powerful motors to create a strong flow of air to the outside of your home. They’re usually the more effective option, though ductless range hoods can work quite well so long as you remember to replace your filters as needed.
Do I really need a range hood?
Anyone who cooks in their kitchen should have a range hood. Range hoods expel and filter smoke, grease, and unwanted smells from your home. Ventilation and filtration of smoke and grease are essential in order to maintain a clean kitchen and a healthy breathing environment for you and your family.
Other Range Hoods We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other range hoods. Even though they didn’t make our five best range hood list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your kitchen. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Island Range Hoods
AKDY Professional Island Mount Range Hood
Comprised of black stainless steel and featuring modern design elements such as a touchscreen interface and bright LED lights, the AKDY Professional Island Mount Range Hood is a beautifully showcases that utility machinery can be made quite stylish. This range hood will look great over any kitchen island.
Key Features:
- Three-speed operation
- Ventless/ductless is optional
- Three-year warranty
Cost: $500
AKDY Stainless Steel Island Mount Range Hood
The sleek AKDY Stainless Steel Island Mount Range Hood features a more stylized design than its more neutral counterpart, and it’s a look that will pop in the right home. Push-button controls operate the various fan speeds as well as the four LED lamps.
Key Features:
- Three-speed operation
- Tempered glass aesthetic
- Four LED lamps
Cost: $300
Cavaliere Island Mounted Range Hood
More powerful and quieter than many competitors, the Cavaliere Island Mounted Range Hood is a premium purchase that’s easy to clean and maintain. The 19-gauge stainless steel construction is rustproof, and the steel filtration baffles are durable and dishwasher safe.
Key Features:
- Four-speed operation at 860 CFM
- Quiet operation
- Stainless steel filter baffles
Cost: $430
The Cosmo Island Range Hood has an LCD touchscreen with three fan speed levels and LED light controls. ARC-FLOW Permanent stainless steel filters allow for incredible airflow while trapping grease, and they’re dishwasher safe for the lifetime of the product.
Key Features:
- Three-speed operation at 900 CFM
- LCD touchscreen
- Five-year warranty
Under-Cabinet Range Hoods
The Air King Advantage Range Hood has dual rocking switches to control fan speed and light power. This unit can be converted to a ductless hood with the addition of carbon filters. It uses a 60w cooktop light.
Key Features:
- To-speed operation at 180 CFM
- Dual rocker switches
- One-year warranty
Cost: $65
Awoco Stainless Steel Rectangle Range Hood
Power and adjustability are the hallmarks of the Awoco Stainless Steel Rectangle Range Hood. This under-cabinet unit has an ultra-powerful 900 CFM air displacement, and the vent duct can be connected through either the top or rear ventilation ports.
Key Features:
- Three-speed operation at 900 CFM
- Top and/or rear vents
- Three-year warranty
Cost: $340
Broan-NuTone Ductless Range Hood Insert
The Broan-NuTone Ductless Range Hood Insert removed smoke and odors from your home through its ductless filtration system. This device has two fan speeds, a 75w light socket, and a washable aluminum filter.
Key Features:
- Two-speed operation
- Dual rocker switches
- One-year warranty
Cost: $58
Broan-NuTone Four-Way Convertible Range Hood
Able to install in four different ways, the Broan-NuTone Four-Way Convertible Range Hood will work in nearly any home. This hood installs ducted with 3-1/4-inch by 10-inch vertical and horizontal, 10-inch round vertical, and non-ducted.
Key Features:
- Two-speed operation
- Four installation methods
- One-year warranty
Cost: $65
Broan-NuTone Stainless Steel Ductless Range Hood
This Broan-NuTone Stainless Steel Ductless Range Hood has everything that makes it stand out from its sister products right in its name. The ductless operation and stainless steel construction are highlights, and like other Broan products, it comes well rated by most users.
Key Features:
- Two-speed operation
- Dual rocker switches
- Stainless steel construction
Cost: $70
Cosmo Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Have you always longed for a remote-controlled range hood? Then your wish has been granted! The Cosmo Under-Cabinet Range Hood is a powerful hood with a modern touchscreen interface and remote-controlled operation. Husband burning dinner again? Turn the fan on full blast from the couch!
Key Features:
- Four-speed operation at 900 CFM
- Touchscreen and remote control operation
- Five-year warranty
Cost: $305
Hauslane Chef Series Range Hood
High-quality design and superior construction are evident in the Hauslane Chef Series Range Hood. With six fan speeds, an auto delay shutoff function, and intuitive touchscreen menu, and a dishwasher-safe baffle filter, use and maintenance of this hood will be a piece of cake.
Key Features:
- Six-speed operation at 900 CFM
- Auto delay shutoff
- Dishwasher safe baffle filter
Cost: $300
Kitchennexus Touch Screen Range Hood
Though the Kitchennexus Touch Screen Range Hood doesn’t boast class-leading power numbers, its slim design and hybrid baffle filters make it a unique option in the segment. It’ll take up less room under your cabinet than most, and the hybrid steel/mesh baffle filters do a fine job at cleansing the air of impurities.
Key Features:
- Three-speed operation at 300 CFM
- Slim design
- Hybrid baffle filters
Wall-Mounted Range Hoods
The FOTILE Side-Draft Range Hood features an always-open 90-degree baffle plate and memory functionality that’ll never forget your preferences. The impeller design traps 92% of grease in the unit’s grease trap, making for clean air and easy cleanup.
Key Features:
- Three-speed operation
- Impeller design and grease tray
- Five-year warranty
Cost: $800
FOTILE Tempered Glass Range Hood
Engineered in much the same way as the previous model, but with tempered black glass and additional software functionality, the FOTILE Tempered Glass Range Hood is a luxury for those who must simply have the best. In addition to all of the features of the previously mentioned model, this unit also has a touchscreen with screen lock and automatic delay functions.
Key Features:
- Three-speed operation
- Touchscreen functionality
- Five-year warranty
Cost: $1,100
Mueller Deluxe Eurocentric Range Hood
The Mueller Deluxe Eurocentric Range Hood can be transformed into a ducted or ductless system. It has a unique LED sliding touch sensor and touchscreen buttons, and also features Teflon-coated fan blades. Three-layer aluminum stainless steel charcoal filter trap odors and grease like nothing else.
Key Features:
- Five-speed operation at 775 CFM
- LED sliding touch sensor
- Two-year warranty
Cost: $750
SINDA Solid Copper Stove Range Hood
When quality construction, attractive design, and high power collide above an oven range, you get the SINDA Solid Copper Stove Range Hood. This is the creme de la creme of range hoods on our list. The powerful motors are amazingly powerful and can be set to four different operating speeds.
Key Features:
- Four-speed operation at 960 CFM
- 16 gauge copper construction
- Ductless and remote-blower options available
Cost: $3,800
The Winflo Kitchen Range Hood comes in at a lower price point than the other wall-mounted range hoods on our list, but it’s no slouch. This unit has ample power, and the contemporary design is complemented by a touch sensor menu and LED display.
Key Features:
- Three-speed operation at 450 CFM
- Touch sensor LED display
- Aluminum grease filters
Budget Range Hoods
Broan Bisque Ductless Range Hood
This is as low budget as it gets, but the Broan Bisque Ductless Range Hood comes from a quality brand name you can trust. Its dual-speed functionality is enough for most people, and the 75w lightbulb functionality is plenty bright enough to cook under. This is a ductless hood with a charcoal filter.
Key Features:
- Two-speed operation
- Dual rocker switches
- 75-watt cooktop lightbulb
Cost: $25
CIARRA Stainless Steel Range Hood
An excellent wall-mounted hood in its own right, the CIARRA Stainless Steel Range Hood is as capable as other wall-mounted units on our list, but it’s priced at an affordable amount that the others simply cannot match.
Key Features:
- Three-speed operation at 450 CFM
- Ducted or ductless operation
- Touch control
Cost: $180
Winflo Island Mount Range Hood
If fancy LCD touchscreens and half a dozen fan speeds aren’t required in your book, the Winflo Island Mount Range Hood can be a great addition to your kitchen island. This hood brings it back to the basics with reliable rocker switches and a stainless steel flat panel that is easy to clean.
Key Features:
- Two-speed operation at 400CFM
- Dual rocker switches
- Stainless steel flat panel and aluminum filter
Cost: $280
