The Best Recirculating Cooker Hoods

Buying Guide

Range hoods are kitchen appliances installed over your stovetop with mechanical fans that pull grease, odors, heat, steam and smoke from kitchens. These unwanted cooking byproducts can be transported outside through ductwork. However, recirculating or ductless cooker hoods work differently.

Recirculating cooker hoods filter the kitchen air and blow it back into the room, which is good if there is no exhaust air outside. Recirculating cooker hoods suck air in and run it through carbon filters that absorb dirt and odors. The returning air is nice and clean.

Ductless cooker hoods do not require any ventilation, which makes them easier to install. However, they do not have as much suction; usually around 180 cubic feet per minute (CFM) while exhaust hoods can average 500 CFM. They do cost less, though, and are less noisy.

Most of these range hoods measure around 30 inches wide. Keep in mind that they should be the same size or one size larger than the range (the next size up is 36 inches). While ductless hoods have less power, they don’t need that much because the air is being redistributed, not extracted. Some experts feel that higher suction ratings do not always indicate better performance; instead, it’s more important to focus on the filtration system.

The two most common kinds of filters are made from carbon or aluminum mesh. When you buy a hood, make sure you get replacement filters as well, since they only last about four to six months (unless your kitchen gets exceptionally smoky, in which case they may last for less time).

• The majority of range hoods are installed above cooktops underneath kitchen cabinets, though other options may be available.
• Aluminum mesh filters can be cleaned and reused until they have to be replaced. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when you decide to clean them.
• Note that charcoal filters are not reusable.
• Lightbulbs for recirculating cooker hoods are usually sold separately.
• Some range hoods can be installed with or without ducts.
• You can also shop for high-tech ductless range hoods that have timers, LED lighting, dual fans, automatic shut-off functions and different fan speed options.