Types of Range Hoods

Range hood styles, venting and installation options

There are three main types of range hoods: under-cabinet, wall-mounted and island chimney. These differ mainly by where they are installed, but performance, styling and price also vary considerably between types. If you're building a new home or renovating your kitchen, it's a good idea to decide which type of range hood you want before you plan the final layout. For example, if you plan to install your range in an island, you'll be limited to an island chimney or downdraft range hood -- neither of which performs as well as under-cabinet or wall-mounted models. Likewise, if you plan to have cabinets above your range, you won't be able to install a stylish wall-mounted range hood.

Some high-end kitchens are designed with the range hood as the room's centerpiece. As demand for stylish appliances increases, more manufacturers are making luxury range hoods that resemble abstract sculptures more than ventilation devices. Designer and custom-built range hoods often cost more than $2,000, but plenty of stylish models are available for as little as $400 to $500. High-end range hoods usually have additional features to enhance airflow, but experts say that inexpensive range hoods do just as good a job of removing smoke, steam and odors produced by everyday cooking.

Range hoods are designed for specific locations and rely on existing ducts to vent air outside, so if you're just replacing an old range hood, you'll need to use the same basic type unless you plan to renovate your venting as well. For under-cabinet installations in particular, make sure to measure before buying. A 30-inch width is standard, but 24-inch, 36-inch, and 42-inch range hoods are also fairly common. Wall-mounted and island chimney range hoods are more forgiving, but if your ceiling is a non-standard height, the new hood may require a modification to fit.

Here's a rundown of the basic types:

One alternative is a microhood, which combines an under-cabinet range hood with a built-in microwave oven to save counter space. Although not quite as effective as regular range hoods, they're especially convenient in small kitchens. Microhoods are covered in our report on microwave ovens.

Most under-cabinet models and a few wall-mounted and island chimney range hoods can be converted to a ventless or recirculating configuration for use in homes without kitchen ventilation ducts. In most cases, a conversion kit is required, but a few inexpensive range hoods are recirculating-only. Recirculating range hoods can help reduce cooking odors and steam, but don't remove smoke and heat from the air and have a minimal impact on air quality. If you must use a ventless range hood, experts recommend opening a window while cooking over high heat or using an indoor grill.

All vented range hoods should be attached to ductwork that carries air outside, but we read a number of reports indicating that building contractors sometimes cut corners by venting the range hood directly into the attic. According to home repair columnist Gene Austin, this practice can ruin insulation and cause the framing lumber to mold and rot over time. Similar problems can occur when downdraft range hoods release air under the house rather than outside. If it isn't possible to vent your range hood outside, consider a recirculating range hood. This is a better solution than going with a downdraft range hood (which isn't a hood at all), which experts say just doesn't work well.