The most common types of range hoods are island range hoods, wall-mounted range hoods, down-draft range hoods, under-cabinet range hoods, range hood inserts, and microwave hood combinations.
With so many types available, selecting the ideal range hood can be challenging. This article will help you explore all these range hood options so you can choose the right one for your kitchen.
We also asked mechanical engineer Colin Young for his insights on how homeowners can choose the most suitable range hood for their kitchen. “Existing features is a good place to start,” he says. “Is there already exhaust vented from the range location to the stove? If so, it would be best to continue using that range venting method.”
Young also emphasizes the importance of considering space and other restrictions: “If the kitchen is small, a microwave ventilation system may be best to save space. Under cabinet range hoods can work if they have ventilation pumped outside. If venting cannot be installed through the cabinet above to outside, I would not recommend this option.”
OK, let’s take a closer look at the different range hood types…
Key Features Summary
The table below summarizes the different types of range hoods and their key features:
| Range Hood Type | Key Features |
| Wall-Mounted Range Hoods | • Easy installation and maintenance • Efficient ventilation • Versatile sizing options • Integrated lighting • Enhanced kitchen aesthetics |
| Island Range Hoods | • 360-degree ventilation • Suspended from the ceiling • Centralized placement • Built-in lighting • Sleek, modern design |
| Under-Cabinet Range Hoods | • Compact and space-saving design • Easy installation • Integrated lighting • Fits beneath cabinets • Affordable pricing |
| Hood Inserts | • Customizable design • Seamless integration with cabinetry • Minimalist appearance • Built-in lighting • Variety of sizes and finishes |
| Downdraft Range Hoods | • Retractable design • Low-profile design • Ideal for island and open-kitchen layouts • Space-saving solution • Quiet operation |
| Microwave Hood Combinations | • Space-saving design • Combines microwave and ventilation function • Easy installation • Fits above the range or cooktop • Built-in lighting |
Wall-Mounted Range Hoods
Of all the available types, wall-mounted range hoods are the most popular with homeowners. This type of range hood has a wide base that matches the width of the gas range or electric cooktop. The wide range of sizes makes wall-mounted range hoods well-suited for residential and commercial kitchens.
Wall-mounted range hoods feature a bell-shaped canopy that captures air particles. Some models push the air outside your home through ventilation ducts, while other ductless models recirculate air back into the room.
Wall-mounted hoods are usually installed on the kitchen wall above the stove.
Ideal Design and Placement
A wall-mounted range hood’s design is perfect for open floor plan kitchens and those with large professional ranges. Pairing it with a large oven and stovetop enhances the kitchen’s appearance and creates a strong focal point in the cooking area.
Wall-mounted range hoods are best suited for kitchens where the stove is positioned against the wall, giving the installation crew ample room to position the appliance. They are perfect for homeowners who want a stylish, functional design that complements their decor while staying out of the center of the room.
Island Range Hoods
If you have a kitchen island with a stove, installing an island range hood is your best option. This type of kitchen design has a different airflow demand, making this type of hood best suited as it covers a larger surface area without the assistance of walls to ventilate the air particles. The shape of an island range hood is similar to a wall-mounted hood but offers a panoramic view.
An island range hood is mounted or hung from the ceiling above the cooktop. It is vented toward the outside through ductwork going into the ceiling and out of your home through the roof or an exterior wall. The downside of this range hood is its suspended design, which makes cleaning more difficult, although ductless hood vent systems and convertible models are available that are easier to maintain.
Read more: How to Clean a Range Hood
Stylish and Functional Features
An island range hood, found at the center of the kitchen, makes a unique style statement. The hood’s central location makes it a statement piece; anyone can look at it from any angle, regardless of where they are in the kitchen.
From chimney-style designs to curved shapes and even glass canopy models, island range hoods are made to complement the aesthetics of your kitchen.
Island range hoods provide effective range hood venting where wall-mounted options are not feasible. They are ideal for open-concept kitchen layouts, offering a modern and stylish focal point. Additionally, island range hoods help maintain a clear line of sight through the room, enhancing your kitchen space’s functionality and aesthetics.
Under-Cabinet Range Hoods
An under-cabinet range hood is the perfect fit if you have a smaller kitchen with cupboards or kitchen wall cabinets. It will only take up a little space and is less bulky, which is ideal for apartments and other areas with limited space.
This type of range hood is installed beneath the kitchen cabinets, directly above the stove or cooktop. This low-profile design can tuck neatly beneath your existing cabinets, blending seamlessly with the kitchen design.
Space-Saving Design and Easier to Install
The width of an under-cabinet range hood must be similar to that of the kitchen’s cooktop, helping it catch the smoke, heat, and other air pollutants to maintain the air quality on the cooking surface. With its space-saving properties and slim design, you can maximize the storage space of your cabinets above the cooktop and stove.
Under-cabinet hoods are often more affordable and easier to install than larger models. Ductwork can be hidden inside the cabinets at the expense of a portion of the storage space above the cooktop. However, ductless recirculating range hoods in this style are more popular, filtering the air and pushing it back to the kitchen after removing the unwanted air particles.
Read more about range hood installation:
- How to Install a Range Hood
- How to Install a Range Hood Vent Through the Wall
- How to Install a Range Hood Vent Through the Ceiling
An under-cabinet hood is best suited when your kitchen has limited space, as it can fit easily under the overhead cabinets and will not take up additional space. If you are a homeowner who likes lower-profile, efficient ventilation in your cooking area that does not compromise your storage, this range hood is the perfect fit for your kitchen.
Hood Inserts
If you want to hide your kitchen hood and prefer to build a customized cover to match your kitchen cabinet design, a range hood insert is an excellent option. Range hood inserts vent air in the cooking area without standing out from your existing cabinetry.
The best thing about range hood inserts is the ability to create a customized range hood cover to complement the cabinet’s design. This can appear like a standard cabinet or take whatever shape fits your kitchen’s design. The insert itself lines the bottom of the cover, blending seamlessly into it.
Customizable Ventilation
Most range hood inserts require air ducts, but a few models offer ductless ventilation. Range hood inserts offer the same venting capabilities as other traditional range hoods.
Range hood inserts are perfect for custom kitchen designs in which the ventilation systems must blend in with the cabinetry. They are ideal for homeowners who prefer a customized look, as they allow the freedom to choose a design without sacrificing functionality. This type of range hood offers excellent ventilation while maintaining a discreet and minimalist style in the kitchen.
Downdraft Range Hoods
If you don’t want to put your range hood in the kitchen or ceiling, or do not have the space to do it, a downdraft range hood may be your best option. Unlike traditional range hoods, downdraft range hoods are installed under the countertop. This type of range hood is perfect for kitchen islands and those homeowners who want to hide their kitchen ventilation system.
The best thing about the downdraft-style range hood is its retractable nature. This ventilation system is completely hidden when you are not cooking and can be activated by pressing a button. Once activated, the vents rise several inches behind the cooktop to ventilate smoke, odors, and contaminants from your cooking activities.
Effective Air Cleaning
Instead of catching the air above the stove, a downdraft vent removes smoke before it rises into the air. This range hood captures all the air particles just above the cooktop, effectively removing more smoke, odors, grease, and other particles from your cooking area. It also creates a backsplash that prevents sauces and grease from splashing onto the wall or spilling behind your countertop.
The downdraft range hood’s venting system uses ductwork that runs beneath the stove and into the floor. It sucks smoke and other air particles downward, removing all these fumes from your kitchen. Although less common, ductless downdraft ventilation kits are available on the market.
Upsides and Downsides of Downdraft Vents
The main downside of downdraft vents is the costly installation process, which requires integration with the kitchen’s countertop or cooktop. In addition, this type is not compatible with oven-stove combinations, as they require the use of space under the cooktop.
This type of range hood is perfect for kitchens with limited overhead space. It can also be used on island cooktops with a more minimalist aesthetic than its overhead cousin. Providing a sleek and quiet ventilation solution, a downdraft range hood offers an innovative approach to kitchen design while maintaining a clean and open kitchen area.
Microwave Hood Combinations
A microwave hood combination is a unique two-in-one appliance. This kind of microwave oven is installed above the stove and can filter smoke and odors while you cook. The best thing about this appliance is its space-saving feature, freeing countertop space and retaining cabinet storage.
Versatility and Space-Saving Features
This kitchen appliance can be mounted on the wall or below an overhead cabinet. Most models recirculate the air back into the kitchen, while some can integrate with your air ducts to vent kitchen air outdoors. Microwave hood combinations are available in various finishes and colors, including stainless steel, black, and white.
Microwave hood combinations are perfect for kitchens with a limited area as they combine two essential appliances into one single, compact unit. If you want to maximize your counter space while enjoying the benefits of a microwave and a kitchen ventilation system, then a microwave hood combination is a perfect choice.
Read more:
Find your Perfect Range Hood and Consult a Pro
Are you ready to find the perfect range hood for your kitchen? This guide, I hope, has helped you to become familiar with the features and benefits of each type. Whether you need a space-saving range hood or a statement piece, our insights will help you make an informed decision.
For expert installation and advice, you can consult a handyman to ensure your range hood fits nicely into your kitchen.
Note: Home Gnome may get a referral fee for matching you with pros in your area.
Main Image Credit: Sergey Ryzhov / Adobe Stock Free / License
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