An under cabinet range hood is an excellent method to modernize an ugly section of your kitchen. Under-cabinet range hoods provide more cabinet space above while keeping your kitchen clean and smoke-free.
This post will provide you with under cabinet range hood reviews, as well as the finest under cabinet range hoods for a variety of applications. In addition, we’ll go over the advantages of under cabinet range hoods and anything else you need to know:
Contents
- Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods Reviews
- Benefits of Having an Under Cabinet Range Hood
- Ducted vs. Ductless
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs
- What is best CFM for under cabinet range hood?
- How do I choose an under cabinet range hood?
- Which under cabinet range hood is quietest?
- Are under cabinet range hoods effective?
- What is better an 80 CFM or a 110 CFM?
- Is higher CFM better for range hood?
- Are expensive range hoods worth it?
- How much should I spend on range hood?
- Is 400 CFM range hood enough?
- How many CFM is a quiet range hood?
Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods Reviews
We’ll show you our favorite under cabinet range hoods and why we love them in the sections below.
1. Cosmo COS-QS75
- Good features to price ratio
- Stainless steel with LCD and remote control that seems and feels premium
- Can work ductless or ducted
- Customer support may be difficult to contact, therefore the five-year warranty is a pass.
The Cosmo COS-QS75 is a mid-tier range hood with several convenience enhancements. The first thing you’ll notice about this hood is that it has a remote for easily altering the fan speed. Furthermore, the range hood includes an appealing LCD screen that makes it simple to check your settings, as well as strong LED lights beneath to brighten both your stove and kitchen.
The Cosmo COS-QS75 is reasonably priced when compared to the other range hoods on our list. It has an airflow capacity of up to 500 CFM and a fan with four speeds. With four speeds and 500 CFM of power, this range hood effectively removes heat and smoke from your kitchen, and you’ll have both strong and weak settings for any occasion.
This range hood has a five-year limited guarantee. However, some customers have complained that contacting Cosmos customer service is difficult. As a result, the generous limited warranty becomes rather meaningless (and quite disappointing).
The Cosmo COS-QS75 has the following dimensions:
- 5 wide
- 22 deep
- 10 high
Furthermore, this under cabinet range hood is able to operate both ducted and ductless. It may also be transformed from one to the other afterwards. This means you can put it up ductless at first, then if you save enough money to install it ducted later, you can configure it that way rather than buying a new unit.
Overall, this stainless steel under cabinet range hood is an excellent mid-price alternative with a few high-end features. It’s particularly handy if you’re not ready to install a ducted range hood right now but would want to do so later.
2. Cosmo COS-5MU36
- Inexpensive
- Despite the absence of several convenience features, it still looks nice.
- Convertible to ducted or ductless
- Comes in two sizes, 30 and 36
- Difficult to collect on 5-year limited warranty
- Not very powerful
The Cosmo COS-5MU36 is the smaller, less costly sibling of the Cosmo COS-QS75 we discussed before. If you loved the luxurious stainless steel design of the COS-QS75 but didn’t like the price, this model could be for you.
The COS-5MU36, like the preceding model, is a ducted-to-ductless convertible device. This means you can change to a ducted arrangement in the future, as well as transition from ducted to ductless. This makes the 5MU36 ideal for moving into a new house, future home modifications, and much more.
Because this model is less than half the price of its bigger sibling above, you may anticipate it to be less powerful. This one is only certified for 200 CFM and runs at a maximum level of 56 dB. While it lacks the LCD screen of its bigger sibling, it does feature LED lights attached below to assist brighten your kitchen when needed, and it is available in two sizes.
This variant, unlike its larger sibling, includes tactile buttons that govern its functioning. It also does not seem to come with a remote. The range hood retains its attractive appearance and profile, although it seems significantly less contemporary as a result of the lost elements.
Fortunately, this device is also substantially shorter (from top to bottom) than its bigger sibling. The COS-QS75 is 10 inches tall from top to bottom, but this model is just 5.5 inches. This means it can fit into tiny under cabinet locations that the COS-QS75 may not be able to.
The COS-5MU36’s total dimensions are as follows:
- 25 or 29.75 wide
- 75 deep
- 5 high
Overall, the COS-5MU36 is a good choice if you want a stylish under cabinet range hood that won’t break the budget. Unfortunately, this item, like the Cosmo above, has a five-year guarantee that is impossible to collect due to Cosmo’s terrible customer support. However, from every other angle, this item is a good value.
3. Zephyr AK2100BS
- Ample power
- Limitable CFM
- Whisper quiet
- Several sizes and finishes to choose from
- Expensive
- Ducted only
The Zephyr AK2100BS is the epitome of a luxury range hood, and it is by far the most costly on our list. At almost three times the price of the Cosmo COS-QS75, this under counter range hood costs as much as comparable full-fledged appliances, but you get what you pay for.
To begin, this item can operate at up to 850 CFM, making it by far the most powerful range hood on our list. If that’s too powerful, the Zephyr includes a unique function that lets you regulate the blower speed to a preset CFM. Because certain places have code restrictions that force you to limit the power of your range hood, this may be useful.
This range hood is also quite quiet. Its noise level spans between 0.9 and 5 sones, which is substantially below our limit of 18 or 19. If you want a quiet under cabinet range hood, the Zephyr could be your best option.
The Zephyr AK2100BS is available in four sizes: 30, 36, 42, and 48, as well as three finishes: stainless steel, white, and black. The Zephyr’s precise dimensions are as follows:
- 75, 35.75, 41.75, or 47.6875 wide
- 75 deep
- 875 high
The key distinction between the Zephyr and the others we’ve looked at so far is that this model is not intended to function without ducts. As a result, if this is the model for you, you should be prepared to cope with the construction that comes with installing a ducted unit.
If you want the finest of the best, this Zephyr under cabinet range hood is a fantastic option. However, if you’re looking for a less costly, less powerful, or ductless device, you should seek elsewhere.
4. Hauslane Chef Series Range Hood C395
- Self-cleaning feature included
- There are three finishes available: Auto Clean, Auto Clean Premium, and Classic.
- Two sizes to choose from
- Features to price ratio isnt very impressive
- Ducted only
This Hauslane under cabinet range hood is another great mid-priced alternative. It’s just little more costly than the Cosmo COS-QS75 we initially looked at, and it delivers a comparable set of functions in a somewhat different form.
For starters, the Hauslane’s aesthetic isn’t as current as the Cosmo’s. This machine features tactile buttons rather than LCD touch buttons, which is OK if you want genuine buttons, but it loses some points in the appearance department as a result. If you want something a little nicer, you may always upgrade to the premium finish, which, strangely, costs the same price.
The Hauslane is available in 30 and 36 sizes, and its complete dimensions are as follows:
- 75 or 35.75 wide
- 22 deep
- 8 high
According to Hauslane, the noise level of this range hood should peak at roughly 58 dB, which is rather ordinary, albeit not very outstanding. Furthermore, like the Zephyr above, this device is only intended to be permanently ducted, not ductless.
This unit’s auto-clean functionality is one of its most exceptional features. This machine is intended to clean itself using the water it gathers from ordinary usage and does not need a water connection. This leads in increased motor life and improved vent hygiene.
Overall, this unit is a good alternative for people searching for a medium ground, but it doesn’t stand out. While the self-cleaning function is convenient, the inability to go ductless is disappointing.
5. Broan-NuTone 423604
- Several colors
- Four sizes
- Very inexpensive
- Looks and feels old
- Least potent on this list
- Loud
- Ducted only
The Broan NuTone is one of the most customizable under cabinet range hoods on our list. While it is ducted-only and not particularly powerful, it is available in a variety of color and size combinations.
This Broan range hood is also really affordable. It is the cheapest choice on our list, but you pay for it in power. This machine can only produce 190 CFM but can generate up to 6 sones of noise. This is not a very excellent power-to-volume ratio.
However, if you want a certain size or color, the Broan NuTone is likely to be able to satisfy you. This under cabinet range hood is available in the following colors: Bisque, White, Black, Stainless Steel, and Almond. The whole size range is as follows:
- 24, 30, 36, or 42 wide
- 5 deep
- 6 high
Overall, if you are really worried about your budget, are searching for a certain hue, or have major size and power constraints, the Broan Nu-Tone should be on your radar. Aside from those instances, though, you may receive a lot more value for your money from alternative models.
6. Ancona Inserta Chef Built-In Range Hood
- Very powerful for the price
- Hides inside a cabinet
- Stored at the expense of your cabinet space
- Ducted only
This Ancona range hood is a little different from the others we’ve seen thus far. The Inserta, as the name implies, is meant to fit within your cabinets rather than below them. As a consequence, you can only see the range hood from the very bottom.
This is ideal for individuals who do not want to view their range hood at all, but it will take up cabinet space. Furthermore, as one would assume, this built-in range hood has certain space needs.
This unit, like the other ones we’ve looked at, is ducted only and only comes in stainless steel. However, at 600 CFM, the device is very strong. This built-in range hood has the following dimensions:
- 375 or 35.375 wide
- 5 deep
- 10 high
While this range hood is a bit of a niche device, since it is solely made for individuals who wish to install their range hood within their cabinets, it is something you should think about. Because it is concealed, this range hood complements any design and is surprisingly strong for the price.
Benefits of Having an Under Cabinet Range Hood
While an under cabinet range hood performs the same tasks as a standard range hood, it offers certain significant benefits over other types of range hoods. Consider an exposed range hood (also known as a wall-mounted range hood). While exposed range hoods have a lovely and opulent appearance, they lack the additional storage that under cabinet versions may provide.
Other kinds of range hoods exist, such as island range hoods and professional-grade range hoods, but they will not meet the demands of a client looking for an under cabinet range hood.
Under cabinet range hoods outperform other kinds of range hoods in three ways. They are as follows:
- Cabinet space
- Easier to clean
- Quieter
We’ve previously discussed cabinet space. Because under cabinet range hoods are often vented via the wall rather than up through the ceiling, you may place additional cabinets above them. Furthermore, since less of the vent hood is visible, you won’t have to clean it as often. Finally, since under cabinet range hoods exhaust straight through the wall, they are often quieter than exposed types.
The greatest range hoods beneath the cabinet, like any other range hood, remove smoke, grease, heat, and other debris and chemicals out of your kitchen before they settle on your appliances or cabinets. This freshens, cools, and makes the air in your kitchen safer to breathe.
Ducted vs. Ductless
Before you buy an under cabinet range hood, you should know that there are two sorts. Ducted under cabinet range hoods exhaust outside your house via your wall or ceiling. However, ductless range hoods are available. The air that these range hoods take in is simply filtered and recirculated.
The primary difference between ducted and ductless units is price. Ducted models may need the services of a specialist if you lack the necessary infrastructure. Not only does hiring a professional for installation cost extra, but you’ll also spend more for supplies and construction.
A ductless type, on the other hand, is inexpensive and effective. You don’t need to cut into any walls or engage any expert contractors since these range hoods simply connect to your cabinets (and, of course, your electrical supply).
You may argue, however, that even the greatest ductless under cabinet range hood would not perform as well as a ducted range hood. Ductless range hoods do not remove heat since they recycle the air in your kitchen, and their performance is totally dependent on the quality of your air filter. Because ducted range hoods do not employ filters, they do not need to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions before buying the finest under cabinet range hood, take a look at some of our most commonly asked questions below. You may be able to locate the answers you’re looking for!
What Should I Consider Before Buying an Under Cabinet Range Hood?
Before you even start looking for a range hood, you should keep a few things in mind. The first is your stove. If you have a gas cooktop, for example, you may want to invest in a more costly ducted range hood, which may make your gas stove safer to operate.
The size of your cooktop is also important. The aim is for your range hood to cover at least the whole surface of your cooktop; a little more is good, but less is not ideal.
Next, evaluate the location of your stove. If your range is on a kitchen island, for example, island-style range hoods will be required. If your range is separate from your cabinets, you may choose an exposed wall-mounted range hood over an under cabinet hood.
Finally, what qualities do you need in a range hood? Do you like something low-key or something flashy? Are you seeking for something with smart features and wi-fi connection, or are you ready to forego form and function to save money? All of these considerations might have an impact on the final output.
What is CFM?
The power in your under cabinet range hood is measured in CFM. The greater the CFM rating of your range hood, the greater its power. If you often undertake smoke- and grease-heavy cooking, such as frying and grilling, you may want to consider a higher CFM. However, as previously said, if you do not use your cooktop much, you may be able to get away with a lesser rating.
What are Sones?
A sone is a unit of measurement used to determine how loud something is. The loudness of kitchen range hoods is often measured in sones, so you’ll almost certainly encounter a sones rating on numerous goods as you buy.
The greater your range hood’s sones rating, the louder it will be. Many range hoods feature varying fan levels, which correlate to different sones.
Sones may be difficult to monitor since they do not transfer evenly into decibels (or dB). One sone, for example, is merely 28 dB, whereas eight sones are around 58 dB. The general view on acceptable noise levels is that anything less than 70 decibels will not cause hearing damage. As a result, the most you should aim for in a range hood is about 18 or 19 sones.
Final Thoughts
While each choice on our list has advantages and disadvantages, the ideal under cabinet range hood for the typical individual will be one of the Cosmo models we examined. Both the COS-QS75 and the 5MU30 under cabinet range hoods are affordable, powerful, beautiful, and adaptable. They may be utilized ducted or ductless. What more could you want in a range hood that fits under the cabinet?
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