The 10 Best Ductless Range Hoods – [Reviews & Rankings]

Whether you’re an amateur cook or a professional, you know how important it is to have a range hood over your stove.

However, with many people living in condos and newer homes either don’t have access to the necessary ducts for a range hood, or they’re inconveniently placed. The best ductless range hoods allow you to maintain the air quality of your kitchen without complicated installation.

Ductless range hoods, or non-ducted range hoods, remove smoke, steam, smells and grease particles from cooking. While a ducted range hood simply sucks these pollutants right out of your home, a ductless range hood sucks them in then uses a charcoal filter to purify them. Installation is much simpler, and using it is as simple as turning it on before cooking.

If you’re building a home or renovating a kitchen without proper ducts, you’ll need to invest in a ductless range hood. They’re often more cost-effective than their ducted counterparts and are easier to move around. Ductless range hoods also give you more options as to where and how it can be installed (Source).

Prior to purchasing a ductless range hood, you’ll need to consider how often its charcoal filter needs to be replaced. You should also consider the speed of the fan in CFM (cubic feet per minute) as well as the noise level (Source). You should also be sure to check that it can fit in your kitchen.

Get cooking without fear of your smoke alarm going off with one of these top-rated ductless range hoods.

What Is the Best Ductless Range Hood?

The best ductless range hood is the Broan 413004 ADA. This 30-inch stainless steel range hood outperforms everything else that is currently on the market and comes in an attractive package that compliments most kitchen layouts.

Featuring a rocker style fan and a grease-charcoal filter, this hood is incredibly effective at removing pollutants from the air. While other products may suffer from noisy fans, the fan on the Broan 413004 is practically silent on its lowest setting.

The included light is very strong considering its size and will easily light up the stovetop below. Thanks to its stainless-steel construction, cleaning this hood is a breeze and you don’t have to worry about abrasive cleaners removing the finish.

Quick Comparison of the Top 5 Ductless Range Hoods

1. Broan 413004 ADA Range Hood – Best Overall

Broan 413004 is a 30-inch stainless steel range hood from one of the leading brands in the industry. If you are looking for a top-quality ductless range hood that’s capable of effectively delivering better air quality, then this Broan model is the real deal.

To start off, the whole unit is made from stainless steel. It’s very solid and well-constructed. The sides have been mitered while the bottom is hemmed. The control panel on the front is quite basic. There are only two switches, one for light control and the other for the fan. So, operating the unit won’t be much trouble.

When it comes to performance, the Broan 413004 does not disappoint. It has a rocker-type fan. It’s not the strongest in the market, but it’s very reliable when it comes to moving the air. Steam or any airborne cooking contaminant will not escape all over the kitchen.

The filtration system, on the other hand, does a great job of keeping the air clean. It includes a grease-charcoal filter that’s very effective at filtering out all manner airborne cooking contaminants including smoke, grease, and odor.

The light is bright, and it illuminates the cooking area very well.  The range hood can accept up to 75-watt bulbs. Installation is easy too. The wiring is straightforward, and it’s something that you won’t have any issues with when installing the unit.

The only setback on this Broan range hood is that it doesn’t feature automatic sensors and the charcoal filter cannot be cleaned, so you will have to replace it after every six months to ensure optimum performance.

However, despite this, the unit does its work efficiently. It’s not a high-end model, but it’s more than capable of filtering the air from all kinds of airborne contaminants that result from frequent cooking.

2. The Z-Line ZLKB-30 Range Hood – Most Powerful Ductless Range Hood

Taking the second position is the ZLKB-30 range hood from Z-Line. Despite being fairly priced, this is one of the most powerful models in the market. It’s a hood range that’s built to last.

The steel construction is rigid, and it’s covered with a protective wrap to prevent scratches. When put up, the look and finish are terrific. The stainless steel surface is beautifully polished and will blend in well in any modern kitchen.

However, the feature that makes this Z-Line model stand out from the rest is its super-strong motor. It’s a 760 CFM motor that offers some serious sucking power. The unit will very effectively suck smoke, odor, heat and any other pollutant that result from cooking.

You can adjust the speed up to four different speeds, and this is a big plus because you can set it depending on what you are cooking. It’s an ideal model for cooking processes that produce intense smoke like grilling steak on the gas grill top. But it can still do a great job for normal everyday cooking with the lower settings.

The filter also works very well in removing grease and other harmful elements from the smoke. It’s a baffled filter fitted with a charcoal filter for purifying and recirculating the air.

With regards to noise levels, it’s a bit loud but not overwhelming. You can have a conversation when it’s operating up to speed 3, but at speed 4, it’s kind of loud.

The lights underneath are such a nice touch. They give just the right level of brightness, and the best part is that they can swivel. You can adjust them to illuminate the cooking area or anywhere you want them to.

As for installation, it’s fairly easy and can be done by a single person although you might need a helping hand to lift it and set it up.  The only issue is that it tends to vibrate when the fan speed is high. Nonetheless, if fixed firmly on the wall, then it will remain still. So, it’s not really a big issue.

Generally, the Z-Line ZLKB-30 is solid, well-constructed range hood that can provide sufficient ventilation even at low speeds. It looks nice and will clean up the air thoroughly. If you are a looking for power and versatility, then this is an option you should consider. It can be installed both as non-ducted or ducted system.

3. Kitchen Bath Collection STL75 Range Hood – Best Wall Mounted Ductless Range Hood

Another interesting addition on our list is the STL75 range hood from Kitchen Bath Collection. This 30-inch unit is another versatile range hood that’s capable of providing adequate ventilation with or without a duct.

In terms of built quality, the STL75 is not as heavy duty as the Z-Line ZLKB-30 above. The whole unit is constructed using good quality stainless steel, but the thickness is a bit on the light side. The sheet metal is really thin. It won’t be much of a problem though if you can handle it with care.

Like the ZLK-30, the control panel is a touch screen, and the buttons are very responsive to touch. They work very well, so you will have no difficulties in operating it.

With a suction capacity of around 400CFM, the STL750 has enough power to get rid of intense smoke and odor from the kitchen.  The filtration system is a combination of aluminum micro-cell grease filters and charcoal carbon filters both of which are very efficient at trapping grease, fumes, and other pollutants. So, it can also thoroughly clean the air.

The noise level of the fan is a little high but not to the point of becoming annoying. It’s definitely not a deal breaker.  The lights on the hand are nice and provide great visibility. The only problem is that they not recessed well under the hood. They are too bright, so they emit quite a lot of light to the room, and there is no way of directing them to the rear.

Installing the STL750 is pretty easy, it’s light, and a single person can handle it. Aside from the super bright lights, the only other issue is that the unit produces a loud beep whenever you press a button. Other than that, everything else is good and the hood functions effectively.

The STL75 is a great fit for any modern kitchen. Despite its thin metal sheet construction, it’s a hood range that can last for long provided that you handle it with care. It offers great value for the money, and it’s an option worth considering if it has won your over.

4. Zuhne Ventus Range Hood – Most Efficient Ductless Range Hood

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Zhune Ventus range hood is not a high-end model, it’s an average range hood but what makes it stand out is its superior performance. The unit strikes a good balance between power and efficiency.

Its build quality is above par. The whole unit is made from stainless steel. It’s strong and feels durable plus the satin finish is scratch resistant and gives the range hood a very contemporary look especially with its angular design. It can blend nicely with any modern kitchen décor.

The soft touch control panel is very basic and easy to operate. There are five buttons, three for fan speeds and one for the task lighting. The last one is for powering up the unit. They are simple buttons with quick on/off function.

In short construction-wise, this Zhune range hood has passed the test. However, its main highlight is its efficient ventilation system. With a suction power of up to 450 CFM, the unit has more than enough capacity to handle most household cooktops.

You can set the fan according to what you are cooking as there are three settings for light, medium and heavy cooking. Besides raw power, the unit is equipped with baffle filter that’s also fitted with charcoal filters.

Therefore, whether installed ductless or with the duct, it will still effectively get rid of fumes, odor, and any other harmful contaminant.  The fan is relatively quiet on low, medium and even high fan speeds. It does not have a low light option, but the Twin 3W LEDs provide sufficient lighting.

The installation instructions are pretty clear and straightforward. If you have experience in installing a range hood, then it shouldn’t be a problem otherwise it would be better to have a specialist do the job.

There is no big concern about this unit. It’s a solid range hood and does its work efficiently plus the baffle filters are dishwasher friendly. So, it’s another good option to consider.

5. Air King AD1306 Range Hood – Best Value Ductless Under Cabinet Range Hood

Closing our top 5 list is the Air King AD1306 model which is one of the most affordable range hood in the market. It doesn’t require a major investment but will still perform like the more expensive models. If you are under budget but looking for a decent ductless range hood, then this is a great choice.

This unit is undeniably very basic in terms of its design. There is no much glamour about it other than the black finish that gives a decent look that will fit in any kitchen.  However, the construction is solid with the whole unit made from 23-gauge stainless steel.  It can last for a long period with little maintenance.

The built quality is good and so is the performance when it comes to keeping clean air in the kitchen. Operating at 180 CFM, it’s not the most powerful hood; however, it’s more than decent for the price.

It utilizes a combination of grease and charcoal filters which together can effectively get rid of grease, smokes, smells and any other unwanted particulates in your kitchen. The system offers adequate ventilation without the vent.  The grease-charcoal filter has to be replaced after 6 months.

It’s a little disappointing that the bulb is not included in the package. However, it uses a standard 60-watt bulb, so it will provide sufficient lighting to your cooking area. The unit is very basic, and it comes with a DIY installation guide, so putting it up and operating it won’t pose any challenge.

Generally, the Air King AD1306 is not a heavy duty hood considering its low airflow rating. However, for normal everyday cooking, it will do an excellent job.  It’s more capable of keeping the air in your kitchen clean and smelling fresh.

6. Cosmo 5MU30 – Most Popular Ductless Range Hood

California-based Cosmo Appliances has made a name for itself in recent years as a manufacturer of high-quality appliances. The Cosmo 5MU30 is no exception—in fact, it’s the most popular ductless range hood we tested. We’ll explain why.

Ducted and Ductless

One interesting feature of this Cosmo model is that you can convert it to either a ductless or ducted range hood. In some cases, people prefer a ducted range hood. That’s not a problem with this model.

Minimal, Space-Saving Design

The Cosmo 5MU30 was designed as a slim range hood that can fit into tight spaces. The company succeeded. This thinly-designed range hood is compact enough to perfect for larger apartments or condos.

Durable Construction

Although its minimal design might fool you into believing that this model is cheaply built, think again. It features a solid, 20 gauge brushed stainless steel build for maximum durability. This ductless (or ducted) range hood should last many years if cared for.

7. EKON NAP02 – Best Airflow Capacity Ductless Range Hood

If you cook while in a rush or otherwise tend to generate lots of smoke while cooking, this range hood is for you. If so, don’t worry—there’s no shame in it. I fall into that category. But it’s not just the EKON NAP02’s speed—a whopping 900 CFM—that makes this a top ten pick.

Nearly Silent Operation

The EKON NAP02 is so quiet that many people won’t hear it from 10 feet away. It can only reach a maximum sound level of 65 decibels (dB), even when set to “high.” That’s pretty impressive given that it’s one of the fastest hoods with the most suction on our list.

Powerhouse Motor

It would logically have a powerful motor to reach a speed of 900 CFM. Yet it’s so quiet that reconciling these two variables is difficult. However, it’s powerful, four-speed, 230-watt motor makes this possible. Talk about having your cake and eating it too.

Convertible Hood

Like the  Cosmo 5MU30 above, this EKON model features the ability to switch the hood’s exhaust mode from ducted to ductless. This is a feature that proves very valuable to some consumers, and the EKON NAP02 delivers with style here.

8. Kitchenexus  300CFM T-16JA – Most Innovative Ductless Range Hood

This model features a number of capabilities and features you simply don’t find in other models. These include its filters, display panel, and more—which we cover below. It’s also constructed from stainless steel, considerably increasing its toughness.

New Hybrid Baffle Filters

The Kitchenexus  300CFM T-16JA features high-quality stainless steel baffle and mesh filters. These innovative filters grab grease and odors in a hurry. That makes it easy to maintain a tidy kitchen free of foul odors and accumulated grease on random surfaces.

As an added bonus, these hybrid stainless steel filters are dishwasher safe. You can say goodbye to meticulously cleaning a nasty, sticky, hood filter.

Modern Display Panel

The Kitchenexus  300CFM T-16JA comes complete with an innovative, modern touchscreen display panel. This makes it easier than ever to select the setting you want and literally trigger it with the touch of a finger. The hood already has a sleek, attractive design, but the touchscreen display makes for an even more attractive kitchen device.

9. CIARRA CAS75206 – Best Ductless Range Hood for the Money

CIARRA is at the top of its game with the CIARRA CAS75206. It’s powerful yet quiet, exquisitely-designed and elegant yet affordable, and has advanced capabilities yet is easy to install.

It delivers a ton of value for the money and we’ll explain why.

Two Working Modes

Like a few others on this list, this ductless range hood features the ability to switch between ducted and ductless exhaust options. That mostly depends on personal preference, but it’s a nice-to-have feature that could be the deciding factor in someone’s purchase decision.

Elegant, Modern Design

The CIARRA CAS75206 is a sight for sore eyes. Its design is elegant and its sheen glows like the sun. It features a telescopic chimney, making it ideal for ranges on kitchen islands.

Powerful and Reliable

This model’s touch control 450 CFM air-flow, three-speed motor generates a lot of power. It has enough power to clear a room full of smoke in just a few minutes. You won’t be smelling any foul odors either because this air-flow motor takes care of it all.

10. Cosmo QS75 – Best Ductless Range Hood under $300

Common knowledge tells us that ductless hoods are better than ducted hoods in many ways. Let’s take a look at the Cosmo QS75 to see what else makes it so popular with consumers.

Super Powerful with Low-Decibel Noise

It can be very distracting when you are cooking and suddenly the sound starts to kick in. In general, ductless hoods are quieter, and this one is no exception. It puts out 900 dB of power while remaining a softly running machine. You shouldn’t have to worry about any distracting noise now. Nor should you experience any smoke or foul odors in your kitchen—the suction power of 900 CFM should take care of that.

Four Speed Fan with Remote Control

Once you put food on the stovetop to cook, you might shift gears and place your attention on something else. Or, you might just sit down and rest your legs. That’s not a problem with this ductless range hood because it comes with a remote control that allows you to change its suction velocity without needing to return to the stove.

Ducted vs. Ductless Range Hoods

In this piece we’ve covered ductless range hoods. Although some of the models on our list are interchangeable and can be used as either ducted or ductless hoods. But what’s the difference between the two?

Ducted Range Hoods

Ducted range hoods require an exhaust duct that sucks air and airborne particles from your stove and kitchen. Those particles are then sent through an installed duct and discharged outside of your house. This means that you must install a duct (tube) that connects to your range hood to the outside air.

The major downside of a ducted range hood is that it must be placed in a certain spot in your kitchen. If it is installed against an internal wall, running a duct outside is a challenge. It would require you to embed a duct in your wall.

That duct would then need to wrap around the kitchen to a point where it could go through a hole and deposit those airborne particles outside. Ideally, you’d want to place your stove against an outside-facing wall.

Traditional range hoods were all ducted hoods. But as technology evolved, ductless hoods began to emerge.

Ductless Range Hoods

If given a choice, most consumers today would opt for a ductless range hood over a ducted hood. They require less work to install as there’s no need to run a tube through a wall in your house.

They use suction and filters to remove grease and food particles from the air. That air is then filtered and emitted back into your kitchen as clean, breathable air. They take up less space than ducted range hoods and simply feature more advanced technology. Most people looking for a new range hood will look at ductless range hoods first and foremost.

There are many advantages to installing a ductless range hood. For example, with a ductless range hood, you can move your stove to a different spot in your kitchen. You can’t do that with a ducted hood as it must remain stationary.

That’s because you’ve already put a hole in your wall and if you remove the hood’s duct from that hole, you’ll be left with a gaping hole in the wall, which will let in the elements outside.

Plus, if you want an oven embedded in a kitchen island, you almost certainly need to buy a ductless range hood.

Are Ductless Range Hoods Effective?

As far as stove top range hoods go, ductless hoods are some of the most effective out there. While you might think that a ducted hood would work better since it redirects the harmful air outside immediately, that is not always the case.

These hoods provide a direct route in and out of your house, potentially leaving you vulnerable to things like cold air, rainwater, and even insects.

Ductless hoods on the other hand simply clean the air using charcoal filters and redistribute it among the house. This is an incredibly effective method of purifying the air.

Thanks to their convenience and effectiveness ductless range hoods can be found in nearly every modern kitchen. If you are looking for the best option in a stove top range hood, ductless is almost always the way to go.

Consider These Factors Before Buying

Ductless range hoods come in a wide variety of styles, and they differ greatly when it comes to features and build quality. You want to make sure that you spend your money on a unit that offers the best solution.

To give you a head start, here are five key things you should consider when evaluating different options.

1. Size of Your Cooking Range

The first thing you want to do before looking for a hood is to determine the size of the area over your cooking range. This is important because you want to get a unit that covers all your burners or rather the entire cooking range.

You should also measure the height of the range from the point where you plan to put the ductless hood. The standard size for most hoods is 30- inches wide which is enough to amply cover most cooking surfaces.

However, it’s better to bank on buying a larger hood. This way, it will be powerful enough to air out the grease and smoke from your kitchen.

2. The Mounting Style

Another crucial element you should consider is how the hood is going to fit. You want something that will not require some massive remodeling. This will, however, depend on the location of your stove.

Wall-mounted range hoods are the most common version you will find on the market, and these are ideal if you are remodeling and looking to place the stove against the wall.

If it sits under your cabinets, then you will have to go for under-cabinet hoods. These are amongst the easiest models to install.

3. Build Quality

Once you have figured out the size of your cooking range and the type of hood that suits your kitchen design, it’s time now to go shopping. And the first thing you should check when evaluating your options is the quality of the construction.

A good range hood is constructed using stainless steel that’s thick enough to withstand the elements and last for a long period. Almost all the components affected by grease and smoke including the filters and fan covers as well as the paneling. This will not only ensure durability but also make cleaning a lot easier.

4. Airflow

Airflow is one of the things that will have an impact on the performance of your hood. So, you want to ensure that you select a unit that has sufficient power to suit all your needs. The key feature here to check is the motor because it’s what will determine how quickly and efficiently the fan get to recirculate or remove the air. You should consider:

Using electric instead of gas can reduce toxins produced when cooking and can have a big impact on the quality of air in your home.

5. The Power of the Fan

The power of the fan/motor is measured in CFM which is cubic feet per minute. The higher the CFM, the greater the airflow and the greater the airflow, the faster and more effective the fans will vent the air through the hood’s filtration system.

In this case, you should consider units that offer at least 300 CFM. An airflow capacity of around 300 CFM is ideal for most homes. It’s sufficient for normal everyday cooking but the higher the capacity, the better.

6. Fan Speed Adjustment

The ability to control the airflow is equally important when it comes to ventilation. You might want to do some heavy-duty cooking like preparing meat on an indoor griddle which can result in a lot of smoke.

With a unit that offers fan speed adjustment, you will be able to adjust the airflow to an appropriate level to ensure optimal ventilation. Therefore, aside from having a high CFM, consider a unit that also allows you to set the speed of the fan according to your needs.

7. Filtration System

The true effectiveness of any ductless range hood will be mainly determined by the quality of its filters not necessarily a high CFM. So, this is one area you want to be extra vigilant when evaluating your options.

Most units will have either an aluminum mesh filter or a charcoal filter. They are some that utilize both filters or include a grease filter alongside the charcoal or aluminum filter. Between the two, charcoal filters are far more effective in removing all kinds of particulates including oils and odors.

Aluminum mesh filters are also good at pulling impurities out of the air but are not that reliable especially when it comes to absorbing grease and odor. However, they are reusable and easy to clean as most of them are dishwasher friendly.

Ready To Buy The Best Ductless Range Hood?

In general, there are many reliable and efficient ductless range hoods out there. The most important thing though is finding the one that will adequately address all your needs without necessarily draining your pocket.

The units listed above represent top quality and are very capable of keeping the atmosphere around your kitchen and home safe and clean. However, they are not the only ones.

So, if none of them impressed you, then the guidelines provided above can help you narrow down your options and select the best unit for your home.