The best range hoods are an integral part of the modern kitchen. If you cook regularly at home and spend more time scrubbing your kitchen, then it’s time for you to buy one.
A range hood is an advanced exhaust system that is installed directly above your cooking range. It eliminates smoke, heat, and unpleasant smells while you are cooking.
Not only will a powerful range hood decrease the time you spend in the kitchen, but it will also bring a positive impact on the health of your loved ones.
You can easily find one that coordinates with other appliances in your kitchen. Here are comprehensive range-hood reviews of the best-selling appliances to help you make the right choice.
Page Contents
- 1 5 Best Range Hoods for 2024 Reviewed by Consumer Reports
- 2 How to Choose the Right Range Hood for Your Kitchen
- 3 How to Install a Range Hood Under the Cabinet
- 4 Conclusion
5 Best Range Hoods for 2024 Reviewed by Consumer Reports
Let’s take a look at the five best range hoods for your kitchen reviews by Consumer Reports.
1. Hauslane | Chef Series 30″ PS18 Under Cabinet Range Hood
The Hauslane Chef Series is a combination of functionality and performance. It features unsurpassed CFM suction capacity coupled with ease of usage.
All Hauslane’s products provide two years-limited warranty for parts and a lifetime motor warranty. Once you purchase the unit, the maintenance costs will be next to nothing. You don’t have to worry about repairs for a long time.
The unit is built-in with a unique auto shut-off system. You don’t have to worry about turning it off once you step out of the kitchen. It removes all odors and harmful gases even after cooking and turns off at a delayed time.
The stainless steel hood is shiny and ultramodern and can perfectly coordinate with other appliances in your kitchen. The range hood unit is equipped with dual-motor power and professional standard suction competency.
You can select from six settings to control the suction and noise as needed. Depending on what you are cooking, you can change the settings of your system.
Turn on the highest power while frying heavy meals. If you have a light dinner to make, you can shift to the slowest setting with minimum sound.
Older models would be pre-set on a single power setting, conserving more energy, thereby increasing bills.
The baffle filters have an unparalleled design that filters greasy, heavy air before it ruins your food or other surfaces. The filters, made out of high-grade aluminum, are incredibly durable. To clean the baffle filter, just remove it from the unit and stick it in the dishwasher.
The under cabinet range hood is very easy to install and needs no complicated constructional changes. It is because it can be connected from the back too. You don’t have to compromise on any other design element in your kitchen or undergo renovations.
Pros
- Six variable settings
- Easy to install
- Durable baffle filters
- Auto shut off
Con
- The touchpad can scratch after regular wiping
2. FOTILE JQG7501.E 30″ Range Hood
The brand Fotile needs no introduction when we talk about kitchen appliances. Their utmost devotion towards restructuring is evident from every single product of their range.
This range hood is where thorough research meets implementation. You know how frustrating it can get if your kitchen has poor lighting that doesn’t focus on your stovetop. The range hood features a powerful LED light, allowing you to cook peacefully without straining your eyes.
With its unique ability to sense residual smoke, the range hood features an automatic shut-off system. It keeps working as long as there is any trace of smoke or heat in your kitchen. It will automatically shut down when the sensor indicates the surrounding is clear.
You don’t have to worry about spending extra time scrubbing your range hood. The filter and grease tray are dishwasher safe, making clean-up effortless.
When you need to clean the screen, hold the power button for two seconds. This turns off the screen, and a quick wipe is all you need to get it spotless.
The Fotile 30-inch range hood has a unique 90-degree baffle plate that opens automatically and covers all four burners equally. Two premium-grade metal fans operate at the same time for robust exhaustion and eject fumes and heat swiftly.
Pros
- Removes 92% oil and almost 100% odor
- Less noise (54dB)
- Five-year warranty
Con
- Requires professional assistance to set up
3. Cosmo 63175S 30 Inch 380 CFM Wall Mount Kitchen Range Hood
Cosmo Appliances is a budding name in contemporary luxury kitchen appliances. It is gaining popularity due to the premium quality units, a complete blend of execution and technology.
By providing budget-friendly options and incomparable features such as bright two-inch LEDs, easily controlled suction power, and hassle-free cleanup, Cosmo has earned thousands of satisfied customers.
The heavy-duty steel body features permanent filters, reducing the cost of buying new ones every time they get clogged. Just slide the steel filters out and clean using a hard brush or run them in the dishwasher.
The Cosmo 380 CFM is a wall mount range hood. If your cooking range is on an island or a peninsula, it is essential to look for a range hood attached to your ceiling. You can convert it to ductless by installing a carbon filter kit.
The suction power of 380 CFM makes the Cosmo hood range perfect to be used with any of the electric stovetops. It has a vogue design and is manufactured with heavy stainless steel. This prevents it from getting any bumps or scratches.
An LCD screen and three variable power settings allow you to control the exhaust capacity easily. Depending on your cooking, you can set the hood on low, medium, or high power without worrying about unbearable noise. At 65 decibels, it’s even quieter than an average dishwasher.
With dishwasher-safe filters and a sleek stainless steel body, clean-up will take you less than a minute.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Less noisy
- Easy to clean
Con
- Difficult to install to the chimney
4. Cosmo 668ICS750 30 in. Island Mount Range Hood
This is another of Cosmo’s best-selling range hoods suitable for stovetops placed away from the wall.
The unit features permanent filters that are easy to clean. All you need to do is pop them in the dishwasher; far more eco-friendly and cheaper than replacing them every time they are clogged. You have to spray a mixture of soap and water to wipe down the unit.
Equipped with a suction force of 380CFM, this range hood absorbs unwanted smells and fumes. While you can cook a heavy meal in your kitchen, no one in the other room needs to smell a thing!
The range hood is ducted, which means all smells are ejected far away from your house. It is crucial if you have an open kitchen and food odors make your living area smell unpleasant.
This premium range hood is available at an affordable price with essential features. The unit uses LED lights that are incredibly durable and make cooking easy-breezy.
The five-year-long manufacturer warranty is enough to provide you peace of mind when investing. Moreover, Cosmo prides itself on providing the best customer service all over the USA. They happily offer extensive assistance whenever needed.
Pros
- Five-year warranty
- Height is adjustable if the ceiling is high
- Can convert to ductless using additional filter
- Light bulbs are easily replaceable
Con
- Fewer power settings
5. Cosmo 5MU30 30 in. Under Cabinet Range Hood
Cosmo has gained popularity due to its competitive prices coupled with state-of-the-art kitchen appliances. Their 5MU30 under cabinet hood provides unsurpassed exhaustion power without creating a dent in your pocket.
The sleek stainless steel range hood is easy to install under any cabinet, providing a comfortable cooking experience.
In well-insulated homes, there is no outlet for smoke, heat, and moisture to vent out. With Cosmos’s under cabinet range hood, you can bid farewell to smelly and moisture-laden houses.
The unique system equipped with three power settings ensures that you no longer need to wake up to the smell of last night’s meal. Moreover, the unit combines formidable suction power without creating unbearable sound or noise. It’s a treat for your ears and eyes!
It provides maximum suction capacity through long-lasting aluminum filters and a triple filtration system. It also comes with an option if you prefer a ducted system. A ducted system will require an additional filter and set up, but it will make your house crisp and drier.
Pros
- Easily modified to Ductless/ ducted
- Less noisy
- Budget-friendly
- Five-year warranty for parts
- LED lights
Cons
- The plug is not hardwired
- Need more than one person to install
- Push-buttons may be challenging to clean
How to Choose the Right Range Hood for Your Kitchen
An exhaust system is as crucial as a stovetop. But how do you choose the right one for your kitchen and lifestyle? As you go through your options, keep these essential factors in mind.
Cost
A range hood can cost between a hundred to a few thousand dollars. Typically, oversized range hoods cost more as compared to smaller sizes. Moreover, a range hood with added features and state-of-the-art design will generally be pricier.
Under-the-cabinet hoods are generally on the lower end of the price scale, whereas wall mount and island styles are steeply-priced.
Installation costs also vary depending on the model. You will need to pay more for models that require a complex installation procedure.
Suction Power
A range hood’s exhaust capacity is calculated in cubic feet per minute (CFM). An electric stove produces less smoke and therefore requires under 400 CFM power. But if you have a gas cooking range, you will need at least 700- 1000 CFM power.
If you have a big family, you will require a powerful range hood. On the other hand, if you cook basic meals only on weekends, then a smaller unit will do the job for you.
It is important to remember that a ductless model will not provide the same result even if it operates on a high CFM power. This is because ductless range hoods circulate the air back in after filtration.
On the flip side, a ducted range pushes the air outside, resulting in an elevated indoor environment.
Sound
A range hood’s sound is measured in decibels or sones. Most manufacturers mention the decibel level when used in the highest power setting.
While it is vital to get a hood with solid power, it will be useless if it’s too noisy. This may not be an issue in commercial kitchens but carries utmost importance in a residential kitchen.
The amount of noise a range hood produces also depends on where the blower is located. If the blower is attached outside the house, it can provide excellent suction power without being too noisy.
Range hoods with external blowers are generally more expensive but significantly lower the noise inside your kitchen.
Depending on your cooking needs, you can choose a range hood that works well without creating too much noise.
Kitchen Layout
A range hood may not be the most sought-after appliance when designing your kitchen, but it plays a vital role once you begin cooking.
Ideally, the range hood should be at least as wide as the stovetop. It can extend up to three inches from each side. The best range hoods cover the stovetops entirely for concentrated suction.
Depending on your kitchen layout, you can install an under-cabinet hood, island hood, wall mount hood, or chimney range hood.
If you want to use a chimney range hood, it can act as a central point of your layout. On the contrary, an under the cabinet model will be understated and remain low-key.
Your kitchen design will also decide whether you can install a ductless or ducted hood. A ducted hood requires a duct for the heavy air to be vented out of the building. This is not always possible due to complicated layouts, and thus your choices are restricted.
Variable Power Settings
Unlike conventional range tops, most modern ones have three to six variable power options available. Apart from being eco-friendly, the settings allow you to select the fan’s power depending on your cooking.
When you have a simple weekday meal, a lower level would easily suffice. But if it’s an elaborate holiday meal for your extended family, you may want to set the hood at the highest speed.
The power controls always allow you to modify the noise created by the unit. Higher settings mean higher noise and vice versa. Without this imminent feature, you won’t be able to control the sound created by your unit.
How to Install a Range Hood Under the Cabinet
If you have basic knowledge about how electric appliances work, installing a range hood on your own will not likely intimidate you. We will walk through the process in detail, so you are confident and can install an under cabinet range hood without any hiccups.
The unsung hero of appliances, the range hood, is straightforward to install. However, before you begin setting it up, it is best to plug in the unit and check that all settings and buttons work correctly. It’s convenient to check at this point, rather than once you’re done.
It’s a better idea to remove your stove while setting the hood. If you are unable to do so, cover it with a piece of plywood. This prevents any accidental bumps or scratches on your beloved cooking range.
The installation process is easier when you have a helping hand since most range hoods weigh around fifty to sixty pounds. Nevertheless, you can do it alone using more muscle power and a cabinet jack(or a car jack).
Keep a few simple tools handy: a level, measuring tape, pencil, aluminum tape, keyhole saw, and a drill machine.
Next, determine the exact position of your hood. Professionals suggest that ideally, it should be thirty inches above the stovetop.
Then take exact measurements where the screws will be placed and drill holes in the cabinet on top. If your hood is ducted, measure the duct and make an appropriately sized hole in the vent’s cabinet.
With the help of a partner or using a cabinet jack, slide up the unit in place. Use a level to make sure that it aligns horizontally. Plug the power cord in the electrical socket. Finally, install the filters and grease tray included in the box.
Once you are done with the installation, run the unit to check that it is properly connected.
We hope that this installation guide was beneficial to you. If you are still unsure, it is best to hire a professional.
Conclusion
A range hood sucks out any lingering particles of grease suspended in the air, preventing sticky residue buildup on your counters, cabinets, and backsplash. It also helps circulate the air around the cooking range and protects from harmful fumes.
Since most houses have an open kitchen and insulation improvements, it is vital to keep the air clean which otherwise remains trapped inside. It is a rather petty investment when you think about the overall health benefits.
You know what they say: Health is wealth! Go ahead, and you will never have to set off that smoke alarm again.
