08 Sep Ducted vs. ductless range hoods: which one to buy
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, a range hood is one appliance that is often overlooked. Your kitchen can be the heart of your home, and cooking is one of the best ways to bring your family together. However, the heat and steam generated in the process can create a very confined environment that is unpleasant to be in. A range hood is designed to eliminate those problems.
What are Range Hoods?
A range hood is an appliance that sits above the stove and helps remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors during cooking. Range hoods improve ventilation by removing grease, moisture, and odors from the air, making cooking more pleasant. They can also enhance your kitchen’s overall appearance and create an elegant look while improving the home’s resale value.
Range hoods are commonly used in kitchens to help remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your home. They can be ducted or ductless, which can affect mobility, pricing, efficiency, and maintenance.
What are Ducted Range Hoods?
Ducted ranges hoods are the most powerful type of range hoods. They work by drawing hot air and moisture away from the stove by using ducts that exhaust to the outside of the house. Ducted range hoods are more effective than ductless ones for several reasons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They provide better ventilation since ducted hoods remove grease, smoke, steam, and odors from the home completely. They also vent out carbon monoxide and other gases, keeping your kitchen healthier and safer. | Ducted range hoods require ductwork installation, which makes installation more time-consuming and costly. |
| Ducted range hoods have increased filtration ability, working to keep kitchen airflow fresh. | The installation process involves cutting through walls to make space for ductwork. |
| They’re more durable and provide flexibility in terms of the placement of your range. | Their complex system increases the maintenance cost. |
What is a Ductless Range Hood?
Ductless range hoods, also known as non-vented hoods, work by sucking in air, filtering it through a charcoal filter, and then recirculating it back into your kitchen. They don’t require any ductwork, which makes them a more affordable and simple option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They do not require any ductwork installation; therefore, installation costs are lower. | They are not as powerful as ducted hoods since they only filter and recirculate air back into the kitchen. |
| Ductless range hoods are more energy-efficient since there is no air escaping outside the home. | They don’t eliminate all the odors and moisture causing diseases. |
| They are quieter than ducted hoods since they don’t have to work as hard to push air outside. | The filter needs replacement regularly, increasing the maintenance cost. |
Choosing the Right Option:
When it comes to choosing a ductless range hood, there are several important factors to consider. One of the key factors to consider is the power of the unit. While ductless range hoods are not as powerful as their ducted counterparts, they still need to be able to effectively remove smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen. Choosing the right ductless range hood can be a daunting task, and it’s important to consider several factors when selecting the best option for your home. Cabinet Showroom offers some great tips for finding the best range hood for your home in their recent blog post, which includes factors such as duct type, noise level, and ventilation requirements. Their article also provides helpful information about the different types of filters available for ductless range hoods, as well as the importance of proper installation. By taking these factors into consideration and browsing options that meet these criteria, you’re sure to select a ductless range hood that meets your needs and enhances your cooking experience.
What is your kitchen layout?
You will want to consider the size and layout of your kitchen to determine the appropriate size of the range hood. You’ll want to choose a range hood that is large enough to provide adequate airflow throughout your kitchen. If your stove is positioned next to an exterior house wall, an external ducted hood could be a suitable option. However, if you live in an apartment or have a stove located in an island or backsplash, a ductless hood would likely be the best choice.
How powerful should the fan be?
When selecting a range hood, it’s important to consider your cooking habits. If you cook heavily greasy foods regularly, a ducted hood with high CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) airflow capacity is essential. Look for one with an efficient blower that can capture a high volume of air per minute. These hoods are more efficient and powerful enough to remove cooking fumes and other contaminants, preventing the accumulation of grease on your cabinets and walls. Another factor to consider when selecting a ductless range hood is the type of filter it uses. Ductless range hoods use charcoal filters to remove odors and pollutants from the air. However, these filters need to be changed at regular intervals to maintain optimal effectiveness.
What is your budget?
When purchasing a ductless range hood, consider your budget. While ductless range hoods are generally less expensive than ducted range hoods, higher-end models can be costly. Ducted range hoods are the pricier option compared to their ductless counterparts due to their complex and expensive installation process.
In conclusion, range hoods are essential in maintaining clean and fresh air quality in your kitchen, which can enhance the overall indoor air quality of your home. Both ducted and ductless range hoods have their pros and cons; therefore, selecting the right one for your kitchen is essential. Ducted hoods will provide better ventilation and eliminate cooking odors altogether, while ductless hoods are quieter and more energy efficient.
To choose the best range hood for your home’s kitchen, shop with Cabinet Showrooms for the quality kitchen appliances. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to create your dream kitchen.
FAQ’s:
How does a Ductless Range Hood work?
Ductless range hoods are an excellent choice for those who are unable to install a vent outside of their home. These hoods work by recirculating the air back into your kitchen, which means that they do not require any ductwork. When the air is drawn into the range hood, it’s passed through a charcoal filter. These filters are incredibly effective at catching most of the smoke, steam, and cooking odors that are generated while you’re cooking. They work by absorbing the particles and molecules in the air, and as the air passes through them, they effectively strip them from the air. As a result, cleaner, fresher air is returned to your kitchen. However, it’s important to note that these filters need regular replacement to ensure that they continue to operate effectively.
How to Install Ductless Range Hood?
If you have an accessible electrical outlet above where the range hood will be installed, the process of installing a ductless range hood is relatively straightforward. Before installation, it’s important to properly measure the space where the range hood will be installed to ensure that it fits comfortably in the area without blocking any cabinets or appliances. Installation includes mounting the unit to the wall, securing the unit to the cabinets, and connecting electrical wires. It’s important to ensure that the range hood is level during installation to ensure proper function. Overall, the installation process for ductless range hoods is relatively simple and can be done by most homeowners with basic tool skills.
Are Ductless Range Hoods Effective?
Ductless range hoods are effective in keeping the kitchen fresh and odor-free if they are appropriately used and maintained. They are also quieter, more energy-efficient, and easier to install than ducted range hoods.