The 10 Best Ductless Range Hoods
Special Honors
Webstaurant Store If you're looking for a ventless solution that's suitable for a commercial kitchen, then you might want to take a minute to peruse this vendor's selection of offerings. Just note that these are expensive choices, and many will require a 240- or 208-volt supply. webstaurantstore.com
Elite Restaurant Equipment If you're willing to spend substantially more than you might on a consumer-level model, and you think an industrial look might work well in your kitchen, this company has a variety of options to choose from. While it's unlikely that their 12- and 15-foot models will fit in many residential kitchens, they also offer some 48-inch units that just might work. eliterestaurantequipment.com
Editor's Notes
February 16, 2021:
We removed the Kitchen Bath Collection Wall-Mounted due to availability issues, as well as two options from Zuhne — namely the Ventus and Taurus.
We also made three new additions this time around, all of which boast above-average airflow for the category. They were the Cosmo COS-QS75 — which moves 500 CFM, includes a backlit display, four fan speeds and a convenient remote control; the McBon IE71 — which moves 600 CFM, and is designed in such a way that it can be unobtrusively recessed right into an upper kitchen cabinet; and the IKTCH IKP02-30 — which moves a whopping 900 CFM, features slick touchless activation technology, and is backed by a 10-year motor warranty.
The IKP02-30 is the fourth chimney range hood we added to this list, joining the Akdy Convertible, Perfetto PKB-RH0279 and Winflo A-W103C30BL. I mention this for the sake of anybody who might be wondering whether these models are truly ductless. Indeed, they are ductless (or at least convertible), so you still have the option to sport a chimney-style appliance in your kitchen, even if you can’t feasibly run the necessary mechanical to it. Just be mindful of each unit’s height, to make sure it jives with your ceilings. Our choice from Winflo, for example, features a telescoping chimney recommended for 90- to 102-inch ceilings. If your ceiling is too tall for our pick from Akdy, extra lengths of chimney are available from the company.
Ductless range hoods are good, especially when compared to the alternative of no range hood, but they can’t compete with the functionality of a vented model (although there is some argument for using them to help conserve heat in cold climates). However, running your own ductwork to a hood fan generally amounts to an unpleasant afternoon in an attic that most homeowners – even capable DIYers – would rather avoid, and calling a tin-basher in to install said line can easily double the cost of this venture. So, if you decide to go ventless, that’s understandable, but if you are considering going with a vented option, while many of our choices listed here are either/or convertible models, you might just want to go ahead and hop over to our general list of Best Range Hoods.
Alternatively, if you’d rather dodge the installation process altogether, you might be interested in checking out our list of air purifiers, which is full of powerful, freestanding units that can help combat odors.
January 07, 2019:
Examined ductless and convertible choices at a variety of price points, including the Broan Two-Speed for those on a budget; although it does not include the carbon filter, it's usable and offered in various sizes and colors. If money isn't a factor, the Kobe Brillia is a fine, durable choice, while the Perfetto 30-Inch is one to consider for a style that's a little different.