The difference between ducted and ductless range hoods is how they handle air. Ducted range hoods vent air outside, while ductless hoods filter and recirculate it back into the kitchen. This article explains the difference between ducted and ductless range hoods and their impact on your kitchen.
I spoke with Billy Sovine, an environmental health and safety manager at Alabama-based Sovine Trading Company, to lay out the pros and cons of each and help you decide which is best for your kitchen.
Ducted Range Hoods
A ducted range hood, also known as a vented hood, uses a duct system to extract polluted air from the kitchen and expel it outside. It connects to an exhaust pipe that channels the air through an outside wall to safely vent it away from your home.
Ducted range hoods require a path to vent air outside, which limits where you can install them, especially in smaller kitchens. The hood’s powerful performance and quiet operation offset this drawback.
A ducted range hood features a powerful fan and filters that trap grease and impurities before venting the air outside through ductwork. They provide excellent ventilation, which makes them ideal for heavy cooking or kitchens that need maximum airflow to maintain clean air. Commercial kitchens widely use these hoods.
Installing and maintaining a ducted range hood involves extra work on the vent pipe that connects to the home’s exterior. The duct requires regular inspections and upkeep to prevent damage or the loss of essential components over time.
Read More:
- How to Install a Range Hood Vent Through the Ceiling
- How to Install a Range Hood Vent Through the Wall
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Effectively removes smoke, odors, and contaminants | ✘ Requires more complex installation |
| ✔ Operates more quietly than ductless models | ✘ Needs a dedicated duct system |
| ✔ Eliminates the need for frequent filter replacements | ✘ Higher initial cost |
| ✔ Designed to handle frequent, heavy-duty cooking | ✘ Limited placement options due to venting requirements |
| ✔ Low maintenance with fewer components to clean | ✘ May not be suitable for certain homes or smaller kitchens |
| ✔ Provides a higher airflow rate for optimal ventilation | ✘ Higher upfront expenses compared to ductless models |
| ✔ Simplified design without the need for charcoal filters | |
| ✔ Cost-efficient due to durability and performance | |
| ✔ Built for long-lasting reliability and performance |
Ductless Range Hoods
Also called recirculating range hoods, ductless hoods draw in kitchen air and filter out smoke, steam, grease, and food particles using an activated carbon filter. Instead of venting outside like a ducted system, they recirculate the cleaned air back into the kitchen.
The best ductless range hoods use two filters to clean the air: a carbon charcoal filter that traps fine particles and odors and a mesh or baffle filter that captures grease and larger debris. A fan then circulates the filtered air back into the kitchen through the hood’s vents.
A ductless range hood offers greater versatility and can be installed almost anywhere. It does not require connection to exterior pipes or ducts, so mounting is easier. Many models even feature timers and can be programmed to turn on or off automatically for added convenience.
While ductless range hoods are affordable and flexible, they do not perform as well as ducted models, which vent air fully outside the home. Ductless hoods recirculate air within the kitchen, making them less effective for heavy cooking. They also need regular filter maintenance, including cleaning or replacing the filters once or twice a year to keep them working efficiently.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Typically more affordable than ducted models | ✘ Can increase kitchen humidity due to recirculating air |
| ✔ Easier and quicker to install, saving time and money | ✘ Requires regular filter cleaning or replacement for optimal performance |
| ✔ Versatile, with flexible placement options in various locations | ✘ Less effective for heavy frying, grilling, or high-heat cooking |
| ✔ Energy-efficient operation | ✘ Offers a lower airflow rate compared to ducted models |
| ✔ Suitable for DIY installation without professional help | ✘ Noisier during operation |
| ✔ Practical for occasional or light cooking needs | ✘ Less efficient at removing smoke, odors, and contaminants |
| ✔ Ideal for apartments and homes without existing ductwork |
Which One Should You Choose
Which range hood is best for your kitchen? Choosing between a ducted and ductless model depends on several key factors. Consider the following points to help guide your decision:
Kitchen Size and Layout
Choose a ducted range hood for large kitchens, as its powerful ventilation effectively clears a greater volume of air. On the other hand, a ductless range hood is ideal for apartments with limited kitchen space.
Your kitchen layout also plays a vital role in choosing the right range hood. Environmental Health and Safety Manager Billy Sovine explains, “If the kitchen has easy access to an exterior wall or roof for venting, a ducted range hood is typically the better option because it expels air directly outside, ensuring optimal air quality.
“For interior kitchens without access to exterior walls, a ductless hood may be more practical as it recirculates filtered air back into the room.”
Cooktop Size and Fit
Make sure your range hood is the right size for your stove. If it is too small, it will not remove smoke and humidity properly. It might not fit well if it is too big and could look out of place. If your cooktop is large and occupies a lot of counter space, it may be challenging to find a ductless range hood that fully covers it.
To work effectively, range hoods should extend at least three inches beyond each side of your stovetop. While ducted models can be quite large, ductless options are typically more compact.
Cooking Style and Kitchen Usage
A ducted range hood is ideal for those who often prepare large or heavy meals because it offers greater power and can efficiently handle intense cooking demands.
Mr. Sovine also notes, “Ducted range hoods are ideal for homeowners who frequently cook dishes that produce strong odors, smoke, or grease, such as frying or grilling, as they effectively remove contaminants. Conversely, ductless hoods may suffice for light cooking or kitchens with minimal ventilation needs.”
Noise Level
A ducted range hood is better if you value a quieter kitchen. Venting air outside, it operates more quietly than ductless models, as it minimizes the air circulation within the unit. Noise tolerance varies from person to person, influencing their range hood choice.
Installation Requirements and Cost Considerations
Along with the cost of the unit, you should also account for the installation expenses when purchasing a new range hood. The cost can become quite high if you need to install new ductwork for a ducted range hood. Check out our article on how to install a range hood to get an idea.
Mr. Sovine emphasizes, “Installing a ducted hood often requires additional costs for ductwork, particularly in renovations or homes without pre-existing ducts. Ductless hoods are easier and less expensive to install but may require regular maintenance, such as replacing or cleaning filters.”
Other Factors to Consider
When deciding between a ducted and ductless range hood, air quality and humidity play a key role. A ducted hood is the better choice to avoid a humid kitchen with recirculated air. However, a ductless hood will suit your needs if you are comfortable with recirculated air and can tolerate more noise.
In certain places, a homeowner will have a limited option in choosing between a ducted and ductless range hood. As Mr. Sovine explains, building codes or HOA regulations in some areas may dictate what type of range hood homeowners can install.
Choose What Works Best for You
You will decide whether to choose a ducted or ductless range hood. Both options have their benefits and drawbacks depending on your kitchen setup and needs. Think about the factors mentioned to understand your needs better. Then, simply choose the range hood style that best fits your preferences.
When to Call a Pro
Installing a range hood, especially a ducted model, requires complicated electrical and ventilation work that is not easy for every DIYer.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Read more articles about range hoods:
Main Photo Credit: Ducted Range Hood: New Africa / Adobe Stock
Ductless Range Hood: Steven Pavlov / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0, created using Canva Pro
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