What Are the Different Types of Kitchen Ventilation Hoods?

Maybe your kitchen is undergoing a total remodel, or maybe you've recently noticed your kitchen is smokier than usual while you're cooking. Either way, you've decided it's time for a new ventilation system! We've got a detailed breakdown of all the different types of vent hoods so you're sure to find the perfect one for your home. Read on, and breathe easy!

• Ducted vs. Ductless Range Hood
• Under Cabinet Range Hood
• Over the Range Microwave with Vent
• Wall Mount Range Hood
• Ceiling Mount Range Hood
• Downdraft Range Hood

Ducted vs. Ductless Range Hood

Before we get into the different styles of hood, let's explain the two types of ventilation. A ducted or vented hood is one that leads outside and empties out into the open air in the exterior of the home. If you don't already have this system in place in your kitchen, adding one may end up being time-consuming and expensive. However, its efficiency and effectiveness in removing smoke and humidity may be worth it for people who do large volumes of cooking. The other ventilation option is a ductless or recirculating range hood. This is a closed system that pushes kitchen air through a filter and empties it back into the kitchen. While many people find these styles to be less effective than ducted systems at removing humidity from a steamy kitchen, the fact that they can be installed anywhere without an exterior duct makes them a very convenient choice. Please note that some ducted range hoods are convertible to ductless. When selecting your style, be sure to take into account your kitchen's ventilation capabilities and your budget, as well as your personal preference.

Under Cabinet Range Hood

Under cabinet range hoods mount directly beneath an over-the-range cabinet and blend into the design flow of the cabinets above and around the range or cooktop. Careful measurement of available dimensions in the under-cabinet area is important when choosing this particular style.

Over the Range Microwave with Vent

If you'd like to save counterspace by using an over the range microwave, a microwave-hood combination is a great option. These styles feature a built-in kitchen exhaust fan on the underside of the microwave for removing fumes and steam from the range or cooktop below.

Wall Mount Range Hood

A wall mount range hood is attached directly to the wall above the range, and does not require a cabinet for mounting. These are usually installed higher above the range than a cabinet-mount hood.

Ceiling Mount Range Hood

Most commonly used over a kitchen peninsula or island cooktop, a ceiling mount or island range hood provides completely vertical ventilation with no need for wall or under-cabinet mounting. Please note that the opening of this style of hood needs to be wider than the cooking surface over which it's being mounted. Also, most models require an exterior duct.

Downdraft Range Hood

For kitchens lacking adequate space over a cooktop, a downdraft range hood can be an ideal solution. These vents are installed alongside the cooking surface and pull smoke and fumes downward or sideways instead of upward. While these are a great choice for small kitchens, please note that this style can only be used with a cooktop.

Hopefully we've cleared the air about your options for kitchen ventilation. If you've been drawn in by the prospect of owning one of these vent hoods, check out the options available - the sheer selection of possibilities will blow you away.