Kenmore 5234

Kenmore offers a wide variety of range hoods, but the Kenmore 5234 stands out in reviews -- it receives better scores in formal testing and is less expensive than most models with similar cubic-feet-per-minute (CFM) ratings, which measure ventilation strength. As with most under-cabinet models, this range hood isn't particularly striking in appearance and it doesn't include a lot of extras. The lighting is incandescent rather than halogen, and the 5234 lacks the delayed shutoff included in more expensive models. On the other hand, it's not too loud and it draws a fairly powerful 360 CFM. The Kenmore 5234 can be adapted to run in a ductless kitchen, but experts recommend using outside ventilation wherever possible. If you really need a ductless range hood, the Broan Economy 413001 (*Est. $45) is much less expensive and is rated highly by owners. The Kenmore 5234 is 30 inches wide and comes in white, black, bisque and stainless-steel finishes. Kenmore makes similar range hoods in 36-inch and 42-inch widths.

The Kenmore 5234 is included in ConsumerReports.org's 2006 report on range hoods. This review is a few years old but remains useful because range hoods evolve slowly and specific models are rarely retired or replaced. Because Kenmore products are sold exclusively through Sears, the only user ratings we found for this model are at Sears.com.