The best range hoods will remove cooking odors, smoke, and steam from your cooktop. Here, we’ve found under cabinet range hoods and ductless options from the leading brands including ZLine, AKDY, and Broan.
You can, of course, get the best range hoods in a variety of sizes but for a 30-inch cooktop, for example, you’ll need a 30-inch range hood to cover it. Aside from size, you’ll need to choose whether you’re after a ductless range hood that eradicates the fumes without the need for an external vent, or whether you want an under-cabinet range hood that does require external ventilation. This decision may depend on whether you’re able to have an external flue or not.
As with many home appliances, opting for an Energy Star certified range hood will help to bring running costs down, even if you have to pay more initially. That’s not the only thing to consider either. The power of top-rated range hoods is normally determined by their maximum fan speed. This is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and the higher the CFM, the more power you can expect. The hoods in this guide vary from 250 CFM right up to a whopping 600 CFM.
Whether you choose one of the best ductless range hoods or you prefer an under cabinet option, factors as simple as the built-in lights will make a difference to the usability. Some range hoods feature bright LED lights and some also have their controls along the front edge so they’re easier to see. Finally, most good range hoods have removable filters which make cleaning and maintenance a lot easier. Many of the filters are dishwasher safe so that you can get them sparkling in no time. For other home cooking essentials, don’t miss our guide to the best gas ranges.
1. ADKY RH0342 Range Hood: Best overall range hood
The ADKY RH0342 Range Hood is sleek and stylish and features three fan speeds and can reach up to 400 cubic feet per minute (CFM). This wall-mounted range hood is great at getting rid of cooking fumes and odors and does this pretty quietly too.
The filters on this range hood can easily be removed and placed in the dishwasher so you can keep on top of the hygiene levels. The ADKY RH0342 Range Hood is fitted with two lights, one either side of the filters which gives even brightness over your cooktop. One downside to this range hood, however, is that it is not Energy Star certified.
- Read our ADKY RH0342 Range Hood review
2. ZLine KL2-36 Range Hood: Best wall-mounted range hood
The ZLine KL2-36 Range Hood is one of the best wall-mounted range hoods. It provides ample power for removing cooking smoke and steam, and its fan can reach 400 cubic feet per minute.
This range hood has four fan speeds and comes with two 16-inch telescoping chimney pieces. The standout feature for this wall-mounted range hood, though, is that its motor has a lifetime warranty. The lights included with this range hood are also LED and are great for lighting up the area beneath them.
One thing that is worth considering, however, is that the ZLine KL2-36 Range Hood isn’t coated in an anti-fingerprint finish so it is prone to showing marks and can be challenging to keep clean.
- Read our ZLine KL2-36 Range Hood review
3. Broan CLSC130SS Undercabinet Range Hood: Best under-cabinet range hood
The Broan CLSC130SS Undercabinet Range Hood measures 30 inches and reaches 250 cubic feet per minute. While this certainly isn’t the most powerful range hood we reviewed, it is the most affordable option, and for the price you pay, you get a quality range hood.
The other benefit of this model is that it doesn’t take up as much space as a wall-mounted range hood and as the leading range hoods have, the filters can easily be removed so that you can give them a good clean in the dishwasher.
The switches on the Broan CLSC130SS Undercabinet Range Hood are positioned on the underside of the unit, rather than on the front, which might be frustrating for some users.
4. Frigidaire FHPC4260LS Range Hood: Best large range hood
The Frigidaire FHPC4260LS Range Hood is the largest model in our round up. It stretches 42 inches, making it a great choice for cooktops that have six burners.
The fan has three speed settings and it reaches 400 cubic feet per minute, but what’s really great about this range hood is that it has four lights to make your cooking area as bright as possible.
There’s also the flexibility with the Frigidaire FHPC4260LS Range Hood to install it over a kitchen island in either a vented or ductless way. Noise levels for this range hood are also typical for what you’d expect from a three-speed range hood.
5. Maytag UXD8630DYS Downdraft Hood: Best downdraft hood
The Maytag UXD8630DYS Downdraft Hood doesn’t need to be mounted on the wall or under a cabinet but instead is a fantastic space saving device that can slide up and down behind your cooktop.
This downdraft hood is the most powerful out of all the models we reviewed reaching 600 cubic feet per minute. The Maytag UXD8630DYS Downdraft Hood can rise to 14 inches high to remove smoke and odors when you’re preparing a meal and its fan has four speeds.
This clever technology doesn’t come cheap though, and the price will be a drawback for many.
Are range hoods necessary?
Range hoods collect the fumes and grease from your cooking, and they help keep your home from smelling terrible when you burn something. Although range hoods may not be required, they can accent your decor while providing ventilation and, depending on the model, excellent filtration. With hundreds of options and styles to choose from, it can be hard to find the right look and level of filtration. Read on for the features you should consider when choosing a range hood.