The 7 Best Types of Range Hoods (and how to choose)

Here at The Range Hood Store, we know range hoods are an essential part of a functional and stylish kitchen. They play the vital role of removing smoke, odors, and grease created while cooking, which can be harmful if inhaled and can cause damage if allowed to build up.

We also know choosing a range hood can be overwhelming. There are a lot of range hoods on the market today, and the type of range hood you select can significantly impact the ventilation effectiveness, visual appeal, and space usage in your kitchen.

So how do you know which type of range hood is the best and how to choose?

We’re here to help! As the experts in range hoods, we’ve put together an easy-to-understand guide that plainly explains each type of hood and highlights their unique features, benefits, and best uses.

Ducted or Ductless?

The first question you need to answer before deciding on a range hood is if it needs to be ducted or ductless. It is one of the most critical decisions when selecting a range hood because each option has its own set of advantages and is better suited for specific kitchen layouts and needs.

Ducted Range Hoods

What They Do: Ventilate air to the outside of your home through a system of ducts.

Advantages:

• Superior Ventilation: Effectively removes smoke, odors, and moisture from the kitchen.
• Long-Term Solution: Requires less frequent maintenance since no filters are needed.

Considerations:

• Requires ductwork installation, which can be expensive and difficult in some homes.
• Limited to kitchens with access to an exterior wall or roof for duct placement.

Ductless Range Hoods

What They Do: Circulate air through filters (typically charcoal) before releasing it back into the kitchen.

Advantages:

• Flexible Installation: Can be installed in kitchens without access to exterior walls.
• Cost-Effective: No need for ductwork, reducing upfront installation costs.
• Moveable: Easier to relocate or modify if your kitchen design changes.

Considerations:

• Requires regular filter replacement to maintain performance.
• Generally less effective at ventilating compared to ducted systems.

The 7 Best Types of Range Hoods

Once you’ve determined if you need a ducted or a ductless system, the next step is to determine which type of mount will work with your kitchen layout as well as complement your aesthetic preferences.

1. Wall Mount Range Hoods are installed on a wall above the cooktop and feature a striking chimney-style design. They are perfect for kitchens where the cooktop is positioned against an open wall and can serve as a bold focal point. Wall mount range hoods are extremely efficient at capturing smoke, odors, and grease, with style, making them ideal for many kitchens.

• Description: Mounted on the wall above a range or cooktop.
• Key Features: Chimney-like design, visible as a design element.
• Best Suited For: Kitchens with open wall space and a focal point design.

Consider If:

• You have wall space without overhead cabinets.
• You want a bold statement piece that doubles as a functional appliance.
• Your kitchen layout positions the cooking surface against a wall.

Explore Wall Mount Range Hoods

2. Island Mount Range Hoods are suspended from the ceiling and provide ventilation for island cooktops. These hoods help maintain an open, airy feel in the kitchen and can serve as a dramatic centerpiece. They are ideal for open-concept kitchens where the cooktop is centrally located on an island.

• Description: Suspended from the ceiling over a cooktop on an island or peninsula.
• Key Features: 360-degree ventilation, often a centerpiece in open-concept kitchens.
• Best Suited For: Open kitchens with an island cooktop and plenty of ceiling support.

Consider If:

• Your cooktop is on an island and you need powerful overhead ventilation.
• Your ceiling is high enough to support a suspended installation.
• You’re willing to have a range hood that acts as a centerpiece.

Explore Island Mount Range Hoods

3. Ceiling Mount Range Hoods are flush with the ceiling, offering a minimalist and unobtrusive design in contrast to island mount range hoods. Ceiling mount range hoods are great for providing powerful ventilation without interrupting the clean aesthetic of the space. However, they require a larger cutout in the ceiling than island mount range hoods.

• Description: Flush with the ceiling for a minimalist appearance.
• Key Features: Discreet and modern, ideal for low-profile designs.
• Best Suited For: Kitchens with high ceilings and contemporary aesthetics.

Consider If:

• You want a modern, subtle design with the hood out of sight.
• Your kitchen is spacious and features a contemporary or industrial style.

Explore Ceiling Mount Range Hoods

4. Under Cabinet Range Hoods fit neatly beneath upper cabinets and are a space-saving and budget-friendly choice. They are well-suited for small kitchens where functionality is prioritized over bold design. These hoods blend into existing cabinetry for a clean look, but if they are ducted, can take away valuable cabinet space.

• Description: Installed beneath kitchen cabinets.
• Key Features: Compact, blends seamlessly with cabinetry.
• Best Suited For: Smaller kitchens or spaces where cabinetry continuity is desired.

Consider If:

• You prioritize functionality over bold aesthetics.
• You have limited kitchen space but need reliable ventilation.
• Your cabinets are already installed, and you want a hood that integrates smoothly.

Explore Under Cabinet Range Hoods

5. Downdraft Range Hoods are built into the cooktop or countertop and retract when not in use, preserving open sightlines. These hoods are perfect for modern, minimalist kitchens or spaces where overhead hoods would interrupt the design flow. They are also a good option for island cooktops when an island mount hood isn’t feasible.

• Description: Built into the cooktop or countertop and retractable.
• Key Features: Pops up for use and disappears when not in use.
• Best Suited For: Kitchens prioritizing clean, uninterrupted sightlines.

Consider If:

• You don’t want an overhead hood to interfere with your kitchen’s design.
• You’re working with a countertop or island where retractable ventilation is possible.
• You prioritize style over maximum ventilation power.

Explore Downdraft Range Hoods

6. Range Hood Inserts are hoods designed to be installed into custom cabinetry or enclosures, offering complete design freedom when it comes to how the range hood looks. They are ideal for high-end kitchens that demand powerful ventilation while maintaining a cohesive, personalized aesthetic.

• Description: Customizable hoods that fit into a decorative cover or cabinetry.
• Key Features: Fully customizable, blends with kitchen décor.
• Best Suited For: High-end kitchens with personalized designs.

Consider If:

• You’re designing a high-end, bespoke kitchen.
• You plan to incorporate the hood into a larger architectural element like a wooden or metal enclosure.

Explore Range Hood Inserts

7. Over-the-Range Microwaves with Ventilation combine a microwave and range hood into a single appliance, making them a practical, space-saving option. These are best for smaller kitchens or apartments and can be installed below cabinets, though they offer less powerful ventilation than standalone range hoods.

• Description: Combines microwave functionality with ventilation capabilities.
• Key Features: Space-saving, often less powerful than standalone hoods.
• Best Suited For: Smaller kitchens where dual functionality is preferred.

Consider If:

• You need both a microwave and ventilation but lack space for separate appliances.
• You are comfortable with lower ventilation power than dedicated range hoods.

Explore Over-the-Range Microwaves

Range Hood Comparison Chart

Choosing the Right Range Hood

When selecting a range hood, keep these factors in mind:

Kitchen Layout: Match the hood type to your kitchen’s structure and your cooking habits.

Ventilation Needs: Ensure the hood’s CFM rating aligns with the heat and smoke output of your range.

Aesthetics: Choose a style that complements your kitchen’s overall design. Range hoods are available in many styles and finishes.

Space: For larger kitchens, wall mount and island mount are popular. For compact kitchens, under-cabinet, and over-the-range options are great space savers.

Price: Finally, ensure the hood aligns with your budget.

Choosing the right range hood is crucial for both function and style in your kitchen. Consider your kitchen layout, cooking habits, budget, and design preferences to find the best fit. We encourage you to explore different options and consult a professional for installation to ensure optimal performance and aesthetics.

Our range hood experts are here to help you find the perfect range hood if you have further questions. Thanks for reading!