An under cabinet range hood is a great way to liven up an unsightly part of your kitchen and make it more modern. Under-cabinet range hoods give you a bit of extra cabinet space up above while still keeping your kitchen clean and smoke-free.
In this guide, you’ll find under cabinet range hood reviews, including the best under cabinet range hoods for a variety of situations. Plus, we’ll explain the benefits of under cabinet range hoods and everything else you need to know:
Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods Reviews
In the sections below, we’ll show you our very best under cabinet range hoods and why we like them so much.
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 29.75 x 20.75 x 7.875
- Weight (pounds): 40
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 37.3 x 25.3 x 11.9
- Weight (pounds): 46
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 27.5 x 11.5 x 10.13
- Weight (pounds): 20
1. Cosmo COS-QS75
- Good features to price ratio
- Looks and feels expensive – stainless steel with LCD and remote control
- Can work ductless or ducted
- Customer service can be hard to reach, which makes the five-year warranty a miss
The Cosmo COS-QS75 is a mid-tier range hood that comes with a lot of extra convenience upgrades. The first thing you’ll notice about this hood is that it comes with a remote to make changing the fan speed easy. Additionally, the range hood has an attractive LCD screen that makes your settings easy to see, and bright LED lights underneath to illuminate both your stove and kitchen.
The Cosmo COS-QS75 is moderately priced – right in the middle compared with the other range hoods on this list. It can reach up to 500 CFM for airflow, and the fan can utilize four different speeds. With four speeds and 500 CFM of power, this range hood can clear your kitchen of heat and smoke efficiently, and you’ll have both strong and weak settings for any situation.
This range hood does come with a five-year limited warranty. However, there have been complaints that Cosmo’s customer support can be challenging to get in touch with. As such, this makes the generous limited warranty somewhat moot (and very disappointing).
The measurements of the Cosmo COS-QS75 are as follows:
- 5” wide
- 22” deep
- 10” high
Additionally, this under cabinet range hood has the convenient ability to work both ducted and ductless. It can be converted from one to the other later on, too. This means that you can set it up ductless to begin with, then if you save up enough money to install it ducted later, you can configure it that way rather than purchasing a brand-new unit.
All in all, this stainless steel under cabinet range hood is a great middle-of-the-road option that still gives you a few high-end features. It’s especially useful if you’re not ready to run a ducted range hood right away, but you’d like to somewhere down the line.
2. Cosmo COS-5MU36
- Inexpensive
- Still looks fancy, despite lacking some convenience features
- 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 expensive brother to the Cosmo COS-QS75 we looked at above. If you liked the luxury stainless steel look of the COS-QS75 but not the price, then this model may be more your speed.
Just like the previous model, the COS-5MU36 is a ducted-to-ductless convertible unit. This means that you can convert to a ducted setup in the future, or you can convert from ducted to ductless, too. This makes the 5MU36 great for bringing to a new residence, for future home improvements, and much more.
This model is less than half the price of its big brother above, so as you might expect, it’s a less powerful unit. This one is only rated to 200 CFM, and it operates at a volume of up to 56 dB. While it doesn’t have an LCD screen like its big brother, it does have LED lights mounted underneath to help illuminate your kitchen when you need it, and it comes in two different sizes.
Unlike its big brother, this model has tactile buttons that control its operation. It doesn’t appear to come with a remote either. The range hood still has a lovely look and profile, but it’s slightly less modern-looking because of those missing features.
However, fortunately, this unit is significantly shorter (from top to bottom) than its big brother, too. While the COS-QS75 measures ten inches from top to bottom, this model is only 5.5 inches. This means it can fit better into smaller under cabinet spaces that might be too compact for the COS-QS75.
The overall measurements of the COS-5MU36 are as follows:
- 25” or 29.75” wide
- 75” deep
- 5” high
All in all, the COS-5MU36 is a solid unit if you’re looking for an attractive under cabinet range hood that won’t break the bank. Unfortunately, like the Cosmo above, this unit also has a five-year warranty that’s a bit difficult to collect on because of Cosmo’s poor customer service. However, from every other perspective, this unit is a solid budget buy.
3. Zephyr AK2100BS
- Ample power
- Limitable CFM
- Whisper quiet
- Several sizes and finishes to choose from
- Expensive
- Ducted only
The Zephyr AK2100BS is the definition of a luxury range hood, and it’s the most expensive on our list by a significant margin. At almost three times the price of the Cosmo COS-QS75, this under counter range hood will set you back as much as other full-blown appliances, but fortunately, you get what you pay for.
Firstly, this unit can work at up to 850 CFM, the most potent range hood on this list by a good lead. However, if that’s too powerful, the Zephyr also has a unique feature that allows you to limit the blower speed to a specific CFM. Since some areas have code requirements that require you to restrict your range hood’s strength, this can come in handy.
This range hood is exceedingly quiet as well. Its noise level ranges from 0.9 – 5 sones, well below our limit of 18 or 19. If you’re looking for a quiet under cabinet range hood, the Zephyr may just be your best bet.
The Zephyr AK2100BS comes in four sizes – 30”, 36”, 42”, and 48” – and also comes in three finishes, including stainless steel, white, and black. The specific dimensions of the Zephyr are as follows:
- 75”, 35.75”, 41.75”, or 47.6875” wide
- 75” deep
- 875” high
The main difference between the Zephyr and the others we’ve looked at so far is that this model is not designed to work ductless. As such, if you have your heart set on this model, you should be prepared to deal with the construction that comes with installing a ducted unit.
If you’re looking for the best of the best, this under cabinet range hood from Zephyr is an excellent choice. However, if you’re looking for a less expensive unit, a less powerful unit, or a ductless unit, you should consider looking elsewhere.
4. Hauslane Chef Series Range Hood C395
- Self-cleaning feature included
- Available in three finishes – Auto Clean, Auto Clean Premium, and Classic
- Two sizes to choose from
- Features to price ratio isn’t very impressive
- Ducted only
This under cabinet range hood from Hauslane is another excellent middle-of-the-road option. It’s just slightly more expensive than the Cosmo COS-QS75 we looked at first, and it offers an array of similar features in a slightly different package.
Firstly, the styling on the Hauslane isn’t as modern as the Cosmo. This unit has tactile buttons instead of LCD touch buttons, and while this is fine if you prefer real buttons, this unit sacrifices some points in the “good looks” category because of it. However, if you want something a bit fancier looking, you can always upgrade to the “premium” finish, which, oddly enough, costs the same amount.
The Hauslane comes in both 30” and 36” sizes, and the full measurements of the unit are as follows:
- 75” or 35.75” wide
- 22” deep
- 8” high
Hauslane says that this range hood’s noise level should peak at around 58 dB, which is relatively standard, if not that impressive. Additionally, like the Zephyr above, this unit is also only designed to be permanently ducted, not ductless.
One of the more superior features of this unit is its auto-clean capability. Without needing a water hookup, this unit is designed to clean itself using the water it collects from routine use. This results in a longer motor life and better vent hygiene.
All in all, this unit is a decent option for those looking for a middle ground, but not much stands out about it, either. While the self-cleaning feature is nice, its inability to go ductless is a bit off-putting.
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 impressive under cabinet range hoods on our list in customizability. While it’s ducted-only and not very powerful, it comes in several different color and size combinations.
This range hood from Broan is also incredibly inexpensive. It’s the cheapest option on this list, but unfortunately, you pay for that in power. This unit can only produce up to 190 CFM, but it makes up to 6 sones of noise. This isn’t a very good power to volume ratio at all.
If you’re looking for a specific size or color, though, the good news is that the Broan NuTone can probably accommodate you. This under cabinet range hood comes in Bisque, White, Black, Stainless Steel, and Almond colors. The full list of sizes is as follows:
- 24”, 30”, 36”, or 42” wide
- 5” deep
- 6” high
All in all, if you’re exceedingly concerned with your budget, you’re looking for a particular color, or you have significant size and power restrictions, the Broan Nu-Tone should be on your radar. However, barring those scenarios, you can get a lot more value for your money from other 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 range hood from Ancona is a bit different from the other models we’ve looked at so far. Rather than going underneath your cabinets, the Inserta is designed to go inside of your cabinets (as the name suggests). As a result, you don’t see the range hood except for the very bottom portion.
This is excellent for those who don’t want to see their range hood at all, but at the expense of your cabinet space. Additionally, as you might expect, this built-in range hood has some precise space requirements.
This unit is ducted only like the last few units we’ve looked at, and it comes in stainless steel only. However, the unit is surprisingly powerful at 600 CFM. The complete dimensions of this built-in range hood are as follows:
- 375” or 35.375” wide
- 5” deep
- 10” high
While this range hood is a bit of a niche unit – it’s only designed for those who want to place their range hood inside their cabinets – it’s still something you may want to consider. Because it’s hidden away, this range hood matches any decor, and it’s impressively powerful for the price, too.
Benefits of Having an Under Cabinet Range Hood
While an under cabinet range hood functions the same as a typical range hood, it has some distinct advantages over other range hoods. Let’s consider an exposed range hood (or wall-mounted range hood), for example. While exposed range hoods have a beautiful and luxurious aesthetic, they sacrifice the extra storage that under cabinet models can offer.
There are other types of range hoods as well, such as island range hoods and professional-grade range hoods, but these types won’t match up well with the needs of a customer who wants an under cabinet range hood.
Under cabinet range hoods have three main advantages over other types of range hoods. They are:
- Cabinet space
- Easier to clean
- Quieter
We’ve already mentioned cabinet space. Because under cabinet range hoods are often vented through the wall instead of up through your ceiling, you can put extra cabinets above them. Additionally, because less of the vent hood is exposed, you won’t have to clean as much of it. Finally, since under cabinet range hoods vent directly through the wall, they tend to be quieter than exposed models.
Like any other range hood, the best range hoods under the cabinet clear smoke, grease, heat, and other debris and chemicals out of your kitchen before they have a chance to settle on your appliances or cabinets. This makes the air in your kitchen fresher, cooler, and safer to breathe, too.
Ducted vs. Ductless
Before you make your under cabinet range hood purchase, you should know that they come in two main types. Ducted under cabinet range hoods vent through your wall or ceiling and outside your home. However, range hoods also come in ductless models. These range hoods simply filter and recirculate the air they take in.
The main difference between ducted and ductless models is how much they cost. Ducted models can sometimes require a professional to install them if you don’t have the existing infrastructure for one. Not only does it cost more to hire the professional for installation, but you’ll also end up paying more for materials and construction, too.
A ductless model, on the other hand, is cheap and efficient. Since these range hoods simply attach to your cabinets (and your electrical supply, of course), you don’t need to cut into any walls or hire any professional contractors.
However, you could argue that even the best ductless under cabinet range hood won’t work as well as a ducted range hood, either. Because ductless range hoods recirculate the air in your kitchen, they don’t get rid of any heat, and their effectiveness entirely depends on the quality of your air filter. Since ducted range hoods don’t use a filter, you don’t need to worry about replacing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have a few questions left before purchasing the best under cabinet range hood, look at some of our most frequently asked questions below. You may be able to find the answers you need!
What Should I Consider Before Buying an Under Cabinet Range Hood?
There are several things you should already have in mind before you even start shopping for a range hood. The first is your cooktop. For example, if you have a gas cooktop, you may want to splurge for a more expensive ducted range hood, as this can make your gas stove safer to use.
The size of your cooktop makes a difference as well. The goal is to have your range hood cover at least the full area of your cooktop; a bit more is fine, but less isn’t ideal.
Next, consider where your cooktop is located. If your range is on a kitchen island, for example, you’ll need to look into island-style range hoods. If your range stands separate from your cabinets, you may want to consider an exposed wall-mounted range hood instead of an under cabinet hood.
Finally, what are you looking for in a range hood? Do you want something low profile or something flashy? Are you looking for something with smart functions and wi-fi connectivity, or are you willing to sacrifice form and function for the sake of your budget? All of these questions can influence which final product you end up with.
What is CFM?
CFM is the measurement of power in your under cabinet range hood. The larger the CFM rating on your range hood, the more powerful it will be. If you tend to do a lot of smoke-heavy and grease-heavy cooking, such as frying and grilling, you may want to look into a higher CFM. However, as we said before, if you don’t use your cooktop much, you may be able to get away with a lower rating.
What are Sones?
A sone is a unit of measurement for keeping track of how loud something is. The loudness of kitchen range hoods is often tracked with sones, so you’ll very likely see a “sones rating” on many products as you shop.
The higher the sones rating on your range hood, the louder it will be. Many range hoods also have different fan levels with correspondingly different sones.
Sones can be challenging to keep track of because they don’t translate evenly into decibels (or dB). For example, one sone is only 28 dB, but eight sones is about 58 dB. The consensus for safe noise levels is that anything below 70 dB will not cause hearing loss. As such, the most you should look for in your range hood is about 18 or 19 sones.
Final Thoughts
While all of the options on this list have their pluses and minuses, the best under cabinet range hood for the average person will be either of the Cosmo models we looked at. These under cabinet range hoods are inexpensive, powerful, attractive, and versatile – both the COS-QS75 and the 5MU30 can be used ducted or ductless. What more could you want in an under cabinet range hood?
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