At a Glance:
Your range hood plays a powerful role in keeping your kitchen safe and clean. It quickly filters smoke and dirty air so you can feel comfortable when preparing your favorite meals. Without a ventilation system, your kitchen could quickly fill up with smoke – leaving you wheezing and coughing while your fire alarm goes off.
Ventilation systems come in multiple forms. Some are built into the bottoms of microwaves and placed above ranges while others are installed against walls. Learn more about built-in range hoods and explore a few key models that can make your kitchen safer.
What is CFM in ventilation?
Before you start shopping for under-cabinet range hoods, know that there is one key measurement of power that can help you differentiate various models. CFM stands for Cubic Feet Per Minute and is the amount of air that a hood is capable of moving. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the hood.
For example, if you have a hood with a 200 CFM and accidentally burn your cookies, it will take longer to filter the air and eliminate any smoke than a hood with an 800 CFM power level. Most range hoods have a CFM output of 300 at their highest levels but others are even more powerful.
When shopping for a range hood, start with the measurements you need for your kitchen space. Then find a power level that meets your needs.
5 Recommended Range Hoods
Broan® Buez1 Series 30" Stainless Steel Ductless Under Cabinet Range Hood
Broan Buez1 Series Ductless Under Cabinet Range Hood
This under-cabinet range hood was designed with easy installation in mind. It only takes a few minutes to clip in the appliance and hook it up to an electricity source. From there, you can enjoy bright lights over your range with a 75-Watt incandescent light and effective filtration whenever you are preparing meals.
This hood comes with an EZ1 one-person installation system. You won’t need help from a friend or family member to hold up the appliance while another person secures the unit to your cabinetry. This model comes with a limited one-year warranty so you can reach out if it isn’t performing as it should.
You can learn more about this kitchen hood by reading online reviews. One buyer writes, “The electrician had no problem removing the old one & fitting this one in its place, which I was very worried about. If the company had changed the dimensions it would have been a disaster, so I loved that they kept the same model in its catalog.” The buyer used their previous model for 22 years before replacing it with the same one.
Broan® Elite Alta™ 2 Series 30" Stainless Steel Convertible Under Cabinet Range Hood
Broan Elite Alta 2 Series Convertible Under Cabinet Range Hood
This model is the best under cabinet range hood if you are looking for a combination of advanced features and a sleek design. The Elite Alta series is made for people who want the most advanced ventilation systems and who don’t want to compromise on their kitchen designs.
The Captur™ system's advanced blower comes in three different speeds, which means you can adjust the ventilation whether you are preparing a basic meal or generating a lot of smoke in a complex dish. The blower control exhausts at 300 CFM.
This model is also designed to be quiet. The blower runs at 1.2 sones at normal speed, which creates a light hum compared to most filters. You can clean your air while still watching your favorite shows or holding a conversation. This model eliminates the need to yell over an air filter while cooking.
The mesh filter is dishwasher safe so you can keep using it throughout the life of your unit. It was designed to capture grease easily while making it easy to remove. You will love this non-duct model.
Broan® Elite EBS1 Series 30" Stainless Steel Slide Out Range Hood
Broan elite Series Slide Out Range Hood
Broan produces multiple under cabinet-mounted range hoods that you can consider for your kitchen. You can choose a model that has the right size measurements and power levels based on your kitchen design and cooking needs.
This is a more powerful unit than the previous models. It comes with a 400 CFM max blower that can be adjusted to three different speeds. This hood also comes with a 10-minute delay off-setting, which means the unit will continue circulating the air and turn off after an appropriate amount of time. This is better than keeping a fan on that you need to remember to turn off later or turning off a unit when there is still smoke in the kitchen.
When you buy this hood, you can opt for the duct or non-duct kit. It can accommodate most kitchen designs, even if you don’t have existing ductwork. Keep in mind that this model is intended for installation into frameless cabinets only. Talk to your contractor about your current cabinets or take a picture of your kitchen to show the experts at Spencer’s TV & Appliance. They can help you understand your ventilation needs.
Best® Ispira 30" Stainless Steel Black Glass Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Best Ispira Under Cabinet Range Hood
You might be surprised at how advanced some hoods can get. While you can find basic models for less than $200 some companies produce under-cabinet range hood options for more than $1,000.
This particular unit is known for its environmental focus. It is an Energy Star® certified range hood with eco-energetic components. However, these efficient features don’t affect its performance. The ventilation system can still operate at a maximum level of 500 CFM to quickly clean your air.
There are other bonus features that will make this filter an asset to your home. The PURLED™ light system boosts light output by 25% while reducing energy consumption by 88% compared to other hood lights. The bulbs on this model distribute light six times better than its competitors without negatively impacting your utility bills. Other bonus features include the Heat Sentry™ mode, which prevents the motor from overheating, and the automatic shut-off after five minutes.
This particular model comes in three different colors: black, white, and gray. You can also choose between 30-inch and 36-inch widths.
Best Classico 60" Stainless Steel Pro-Style Ventilation
Best Classico Stainless Steel Pro Style Ventilation Hood
If you are looking for a large under-cabinet range hood for your kitchen, consider this 60-inch model. The Best Classico range hoods actually come in six different sizes, with the smallest units having a width of 30 inches and the largest one expanding to 60 inches.
Check out some of the technology options that come with this model. The iQ Blower System™ uses GPS Technology to remove odors and smoke from your home. The ventilator can sense how much needs to be filtered and where the smoke is located.
This is essentially a custom ventilation system that allows you to choose your motor power. You can opt for a basic system that blows a maximum level of 280 CFM or expand to powerful cooking models that function at 1500 CFM. You can also choose between a vertical or horizontal duct direction depending on your kitchen design.
When you need to clean your hood, enjoy how easy it is to remove the hybrid aluminum mesh and stainless steel Hi-Flow™ baffle from the unit. You can easily pop these pieces in the dishwasher to remove grease and keep your hood performing at its best.
FAQ
Q: Do you need a duct system to install a ventilation hood?
A: You can still install a range hood in your home without existing ductwork. There are plenty of non-duct hoods on the market that filters the air and return it to your kitchen. This is different from duct-based hoods that collect dirty air and remove it from your home. To install a non-duct range hood you will need an electric connection to the appliance.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Range Hoods at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop ventilation appliances online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find an under-cabinet range hood for your home. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: Modern Kitchen Design: Custom Kitchens from Spencer's