Ductless range hoods go by several names for many people. For some, it is duct-free, for others, it is non-vented or recirculated. Call them whatever but they still serve the same purpose – to remove odors, steam, and other particles when cooking. The steam, smoke, heat or other toxins produced when you cook can affect the air quality in your home. Proper ventilation is important and this is where buying the best range hood comes in.

A ductless range hood is a great alternative to the ducted hood but they both have their share of advantages and disadvantages which we will tell you later on in this article. These models are great because they help filter and recirculated the air in the kitchen to help maintain a safe environment for your family.

Because these models come at different styles and prices, we have selected some of the best ductless range hoods dominating the 2020 market. To help you make the right buying decision, we will show you the benefits of these models and why we chose them over the rest. Besides, we have also included a buyer’s guide on this article to let you know what to look out for when shopping around. But first,

What is a range hood?

A range hood is an enclosure that uses a fan to collect smoke, fumes, steam or other toxins generated while cooking. These models are designed to filter out whatever is coming off the stove away from you. In a great way, range hoods help make your kitchen cleaner because they help keep these particles from collecting on your kitchen walls or ceilings.

What is the difference between a ducted range hood and a ductless range hood?

A ducted range hood is connected to a duct with pipes that carries all these particles from the kitchen to the outdoors. Some kitchens limit where they can be placed. Ducted range hoods are common in commercial kitchens but if you choose to go with them, then you need to have proper ducts installed to move the dirty air out of your kitchen.

Ductless range hoods, on the other hand, can be installed anywhere. These models operate by filtering the air and then blowing it back into the kitchen. The filter helps remove odor, smoke and other toxins from the air which is then cleaned and recirculated back.

Advantages of a ductless range hood It is versatile and can be installed anywhere you want.

It is versatile and can be installed anywhere you want. It is environmentally-friendly as the air is not released to the atmosphere

It is environmentally-friendly as the air is not released to the atmosphere It does not take a lot of space.

It does not take a lot of space. Their modern design adds a nice touch to any kitchen. Some people even choose to paint them so that they match their kitchen interior décor.

Their modern design adds a nice touch to any kitchen. Some people even choose to paint them so that they match their kitchen interior décor. It is super affordable and easy to install.

It is super affordable and easy to install. It is perfect for remodeling projects.

It is perfect for remodeling projects. It may have a timer so you can always turn it on or off whenever you want.

Are you looking for a perfect way to keep your interiors fresh? You need to invest in the best range hoods. For the best ductless range hood, you will adore this model by Sattiz. It boasts superior construction which boasts stainless steel body and 60 watts brushed motor. It has five push buttons for easy customization and control of the devices functionality. Besides, it features dual 50W GU10 halogen light which is incredibly energy efficient. Well, this device operates quietly and won’t distract your concentration. It is a three-speed range hood and it can only reach 60 decibels maximum. Thus, it can be installed anywhere even where concentration is key.

Apart from enhancing the fresh atmosphere in your living area, the Chef WM639 WALL MOUNTED RANGE HOOD is a perfect décor boost. It boasts a contemporary design that features a combination of tempered glass and stainless steel which depicts a bold and minima; statement to matches the modern kitchen styles. Also, this is a powerful ventilator rated 900CFM. This device is capable of removing fumes and smells from your kitchen. It also boasts three-speed operation and super quiet performance. It is dishwasher safe and hence extremely easy to clean the filters. Besides, it features an intuitive user interface with beautiful LED lights for daytime and nighttime control of the device.

This is one of the best ductless range hoods. It is designed for heavy-duty cooking. Rated 600CFM, this is more powerful compared with most rivals. It is capable of eliminating odors, toxic pollutants, grease and other unpleasant smells from the kitchen. Besides, it boasts a single quiet centrifugal blower. And, there is a ductless option available. In terms of construction, you will love the 19 gauge stainless steel. It is rust proof and features a brushed finish. You can choose from the available 6-speed levels controlled by a user-friendly touch display.

This range hood boasts dual function design. You can choose vent out or recirculating mode with the optional charcoal filters. Well, this equipment is configured for both options. It is rated 760CFM and is designed with a 4-speed fan. Also, its construction is durable and stylish. It features 21- gauge 430 brushed stainless steel. With its special design, it fits well in most garage and workshop settings. It is designed to fit 7feet to 12 feet ceilings although there’s an optional chimney short kit. Also, it possesses stainless steel filters which are dishwasher safe.

Are you looking for a range hood that is energy efficient and one that transforms the beauty of your surroundings? The BV range hood is a high airflow ducted unit. It features functional lights and stainless steel baffle filters. The entire hood is easy to disassemble for easy cleaning. It provides 900CFM high power at the same time boasting an output of 7.5 sones at maximum fan speed. The stainless steel filters are easy to remove without using specialized tools and are dishwasher safe.

Are you tired of searching for the best range hood? Look no further because the Cosmos range hood has all the features you might be looking for. It features a slim profile and hence saves a lot of space. Besides, this range hood can be used ductless with the optional filter kit provided. Moreover, this range hood is easy to install even under cabinets. It is rated 250 CFM, HAS THREE motor speeds and emits only 56 decibels maximum. The construction features 20 -gauge stainless steel – 430 grades for unmatched quality. It features aluminum multi-mesh filters and is capable of trapping grease, oil, and odors. Besides, it possesses two exhaust ports to fit various home design and configurations.

This range hood is extremely powerful yet performs quietly. It boasts 760CFM with three-speed settings. It boasts an innovative design and works to ventilate your kitchen freeing it from contaminants. The best thing about this device is that it can be installed on walls and under cabinets. You will also love the arc flow permanent filters which are readily dishwasher safe. Thus, it saves you the cost of replacing filters. It features a contemporary design that is both powerful and elegant addition to your kitchen space. Also, it features premium 430 grades, 20-gauge thickness stainless steel. So, it is built to last for a long time.

Are you tired of kitchen smells wondering whether there can be a lasting solution? The Chef PS18 under cabinet range hood will relieve your worries. Apart from being one of the affordable options, it also boats a classic design that will boost the appearance of your kitchen. It features a full stainless body and digital user control. This makes it a fine piece of art to integrate into your kitchen remodel. It boasts 860 CFM and 6-speed settings. It uses steel baffle filters which are easy to remove and are dishwasher safe.

Kitchen is considered the powerhouse of any home. However, it can emit some unpleasant smells if left unmanaged. The Cosmo COS-668WRCS75 Pro-Style Wall Mount Range Hood is one of the best to make your kitchen smell pleasant all the time. It boasts a modern European design that fits a variety of decors. It boasts a professional design that encompasses a three-speed motor and brushed stainless steel body. It is easy to control as it features LED lighting and a friendly touch control panel. Besides, it is easy to transform from ducted to ductless design as it includes an optional carbon filter kit. It uses stainless steel ARC Flow filters which are able to trap cooking grease and oil as well as unpleasant smells.

This is one of the best under cabinet range hoods you can install in your modern kitchen. It boasts brushed stainless steel construction together with a three-speed motor. The other aspect that makes it beat its rivals is the quietness during operation. Although it is rated 900 CFM, this gadget only produces 65 decibels of noise levels. This means it can be installed at any place where noise is indeed prohibited. It uses permanent Arc Flow filters which don’t need regular replacements. The only maintenance required for the filters is to toss them in a dishwasher. Besides, it features efficient and bright LED lighting for easy visibility at night.

If you want to experience unparalleled performance and unbeatable elegance in your kitchen, the Cosmo 63175 range hood is a terrific choice. It is designed to match the décor of modern kitchen designs. Rated 760 CFM, this is an extremely powerful range hood that removes odors and a smells without straining. It features a ducted design that removes foul smell outside. However, you can invest in an optional ductless model that uses removable carbon filters. These filters are quite efficient in trapping grease and oil. The installation is a breeze since all the necessary hardware and instructions are included.

Do you want to try out the best ductless range hood in your kitchen? You will experience the magic performance with the Cosmo 5MU30 under cabinet range hood. It is designed to save your space while elevating its elegance. It features a slim profile design making it a perfect choice for wall mounting and under cabinets. It features an energy efficient motor that operates quietly within a noise level of about 56 decibels. The installation hardware and instructions are included and the electrical requirements are 3 prong plug and 120V. The body features 430 grade 20- gauge brushed stainless steel. Besides, it delivers superior filtration as it features durable aluminum mesh filters.

Even by looking at its exquisite design, you won’t doubt this one being the best range hood. It features a slim profile design yet the performance is terrific. Amazingly, its price is by far much affordable compared with its rivals. However, it installs in ductless design only with charcoal filters. Additionally, it features a protective lamp lens for even distribution of light over the cooktop. It accepts bulbs up to 75 watts. Besides, it can work in an ADA compliant application. It provides an effective ductless filtration system which removes odors, smokes, oil, and grease. So, it is a perfect addition to any modern kitchen where top performance and elegance are key aspects.

How to choose the best ductless range hood

These models come in different styles and also pack different features. You want to be sure that you are spending money on a model that delivers nothing but the best results. To get you started, we have included some of the most important things to consider when shopping for the best ductless range hood.

Cooking range size Before shopping for a ductless hood, you need to find out the size of your cooking range because you want to go for a model that covers the entire area. The standard size is 30 inches which are wide enough to cover most surfaces. We would recommend you to consider buying a larger ductless hood though because it will be powerful enough to remove the smoke and grease from your kitchen. Mounting style Another important fact to consider is how you want to fit the ductless hood. The most common models available on the market are wall-mounted range hoods. These are great options to buy if you are remodeling your kitchen and planning to place the stove against the kitchen wall. Under cabinet range hoods are easier to install than then rest so if the stove sits under the cabinets, this is a model you can consider. For a kitchen island, a unit hanging from the ceiling can be a great choice. These models are however lighter so you won’t get as much power as the other models. What we are trying to point out here however is that the style you choose depends on the location of the stove and your kitchen’s design. Power of the fan The power of the fan is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher it is, the greater the airflow which in turn makes them faster and more effective. A model with an airflow capacity of at least 300CFM is a great buy for most homes. Filtration system The quality of the filters helps determine the true effectiveness of any ductless range hood. Most models you will find on the market have either a charcoal filter or an aluminum mesh filter. There are however those models that use both filters. We prefer charcoal filters because they are more effective in removing all kinds of particles. This does not mean that aluminum mesh filters are not effective. These filters are also great at pulling impurities from the air. They are however not as effective when it comes to absorbing odor or grease. On the downside though, when you consider buying a unit with a charcoal filter, you need to know that these filters cannot be cleaned. You need to replace them at least every six months. Build quality The most important thing you need to check when shopping for a ductless range hood is the quality of the construction. The best models on the market are made of stainless steel. This material is thick enough to stand whatever is thrown its way which means that they can last for a long time. Ease of use You want to go for a model that is not only easy to install but easy to clean and maintain. Ensure the unit you go for comes with filters that are easy to remove, clean and replace. Budget If you want something that offers the best advantages for a long time, then you need to be ready to dig deeper in your pocket. Some of the most effective and durable models have higher price tags. This does not mean though that cheaper models don’t function well. When shopping around, expect to spend something between $75 and $300 for the best ductless range hoods in 2020.

Consider the brand

Another important thing you want to consider is the brand. Go for models from reputable brands with years of experience in making the best range hoods. Some of the reputable brands on the market include:

Cosmo Cosmo is a well-known brand when it comes to making kitchen appliances. They integrate design, technology plus performance to give you the latest most effective products on the market. Range hoods are no exception here. Most homeowners prefer their models because they are cost-effective. The products we have included on our list from Cosmo should be your best options if you want a unit that is affordable. Broan When it comes to anything ventilation, this is your go-to brand. From attic ventilation and heaters to fresh air systems and range hoods, this brand truly stands out from the competition because of their specialization. Furthermore, they have years of experience and a wider customer base with over 80 percent of homeowners preferring their range hoods over other models. Chef Kitch Chef has over 15 years of experience in making range hoods. They pride themselves in making some of the top selling range hoods on the market. Some of their models actually rank as Amazon top sellers. This is, however, no surprise because their units are made of high-quality materials. We love their WM-639 wall-mounted ductless range hood because of its effectiveness and build quality. They may have the most expensive range hoods, but this only means that they deliver as expected.

How often should I clean my range hood?

If you use your stove daily, then this means that you need to clean the hood and its filters monthly. If you do not cook often, then seasonal cleaning is okay. You can use a damp soap piece of cloth to wipe over the hood depending on how greasy it is. We would, however, advise you to maintain a regular habit of wiping your hood every time you cook. Maintaining this routine helps stop as much grease and grime build up.

Final thoughts: which model should I buy?

Choosing the best model on the market is ultimately your choice whether you go with a ducted or ductless range hood. On the positive side though, while ducted hoods are more efficient, we still prefer ductless range hoods because they are more flexible and perfect for many homes.

The products we have listed above outrank the rest when it comes to performance and the features they pack. Hopefully, we have given you a head start when comparing the best ductless range hoods in 2020.