Types of Range Hoods: Which Is Right For Your Kitchen?

How Different Types of Range Hoods Work

Before choosing a hood style, it’s important to understand how range hood ventilation systems function. Performance, installation method, and airflow all depend on a few core factors:

Venting vs. Recirculating Air

All range hoods fall into one of two categories: venting the air outside or recirculating it back into the kitchen.

• Venting range hoods: These systems pull air—including smoke, grease, heat, and odors—out of your kitchen through ductwork that exits outside the home. They’re ideal for frequent cooking, especially when using gas ranges or high-heat methods like frying and searing.
• Recirculating range hoods: These hoods filter air through carbon or charcoal filters and then release it back into the kitchen. They’re more adaptable for apartments or homes without external ducts but generally less powerful in removing strong odors and grease.

While a vent hood for a gas stove is highly recommended, legal requirements can vary depending on your property type and location:

Ductless vs. Ducted Range Hoods

Your kitchen’s existing ventilation system dictates whether you should go with a ducted or ductless range hood:

• Ducted hoods require connection to external venting, which provides more efficient removal of airborne particles and heat. They’re ideal for serious home chefs and larger kitchen setups.
• Ductless hoods are easier to install, especially in older homes or rental units, and rely on replaceable filters. However, they may require more frequent maintenance to stay effective.

Why CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) Matters

CFM measures the volume of air a range hood can move each minute. The higher the CFM, the more effective the hood is at ventilating large kitchens or handling heavy-duty cooking. A gas stove, for instance, typically demands at least 400 CFM or more for adequate performance.

Tipos de campanas extractoras

Choosing the right range hood can improve your kitchen air quality and transform the look of your space. Here's a breakdown of the most popular range hood types and their benefits:

Campanas extractoras bajo encimera

Mounted beneath upper cabinets, under-cabinet range hoods offer dependable ventilation while keeping a low profile. They’re available in both ducted and ductless models and are perfect for compact kitchens where every inch matters.

Campanas extractoras de pared

Wall-mounted hoods are attached directly to the wall above your range and often include a chimney-style flue. These hoods are generally ducted and known for their strong airflow and bold style.

Campanas extractoras en isla

Ideal for open-concept homes with cooktops installed in a kitchen island, island range hoods are suspended from the ceiling and require robust ventilation power due to their central placement. Their floating design adds a sculptural element while maintaining effective airflow from all sides.

Insert/Liner Range Hoods

Insert or liner hoods fit within custom cabinetry or decorative mantels. These hidden hoods let you fully personalize the outer appearance without sacrificing ventilation power.

Downdraft Ventilation Systems

Downdraft hoods are an innovative solution for minimalist or non-traditional kitchen layouts. These systems retract into the counter when not in use and pull smoke downward through hidden ductwork. Though not as powerful as overhead hoods, they’re ideal for kitchens where upper ventilation isn’t an option.

Microwave Range Hoods (Over-the-Range Microwaves)

These combination units pair a microwave with a built-in recirculating range hood, saving space and money. While generally less powerful than dedicated hoods, they work well in small kitchens or apartments with installation constraints.

Ceiling-Mounted / Ceiling Cassette Hoods

Great for sleek, modern kitchens with open layouts, ceiling-mounted range hoods are installed flush with the ceiling to maintain clean sightlines. They require high CFM ratings due to the greater distance from the cooktop but offer an elegant, unobtrusive design.

Custom Range Hoods

If your kitchen has unique architecture or design needs, a custom range hood gives you full flexibility. These models are tailored to your space, ensuring both visual harmony and peak performance. You can integrate smart technology, choose finishes, and optimize airflow based on your exact cooking habits.

What To Consider When Choosing a Range Hood

Not every kitchen needs the same kind of ventilation. The right range hood should match your cooktop layout, cooking style, and the overall design of your space. Here’s what to consider when choosing a range hood for your kitchen:

• Kitchen layout and available space: Your kitchen’s configuration will determine whether a wall-mounted, island, under-cabinet, or custom hood makes the most sense.
• Cooking frequency and style: High-heat or greasy cooking calls for a higher CFM and ducted ventilation.
• Ducted vs. ductless: Go ducted for stronger performance or ductless for easier installation in older or rental homes.
• CFM rating: Match your hood’s airflow capacity to your stove size and usage intensity.
• Noise level: Modern range hoods use advanced noise reduction, keeping operation quiet even at high power.
• Design and aesthetics: Match finishes and styles to your cabinetry and kitchen decor.
• Ease of cleaning: Look for stainless steel or glass models with removable, dishwasher-safe filters.
• Smart features: Consider motion sensors, auto-adjusting fan speeds, and timed shut-off options for added convenience.

Types of Range Hoods to Avoid

Not all range hoods perform the same way. Avoid these models if you’re seeking clean, breathable kitchen air:

Ductless Models Without Proper Filtration

Some ductless range hoods rely on outdated or ineffective filters, which simply recirculate smoky, greasy air instead of purifying it. Without modern carbon or charcoal filtration, these hoods do little to improve indoor air quality—and may even make things worse.

Inadequately Powered Hoods for Large or Gas Ranges

A hood with insufficient CFM won’t cut it for high-BTU or oversized ranges. You’ll end up with lingering smells, greasy surfaces, and a frustrating cooking experience. Always choose a hood that matches the intensity of your stove and cooking habits.

Frequently Asked Questions about Types of Range Hoods

What is the best type of range hood for gas stoves?

A powerful, ducted range hood is ideal for gas stoves, which produce more heat and combustion byproducts. Look for models with at least 400 CFM and effective grease filtration, such as wall-mounted or under-cabinet ducted hoods.

Can I install a new range hood in an old kitchen?

Yes, upgrading to a new range hood is possible in most kitchens, even older ones. Depending on your space, you may need electrical or ductwork modifications, but ductless options can simplify the process.

Is a ducted or ductless range hood better for heavy cooking?

Ducted range hoods are best for heavy, high-volume cooking. They exhaust pollutants outside, keeping your kitchen air cleaner and your walls free from oily residue.

What type of range hood is easiest to clean and maintain?

Look for stainless steel hoods with smooth finishes and removable baffle or mesh filters. Models with dishwasher-safe components and minimal seams are easiest to keep clean over time.

Find the Perfect Range Hood for Your Kitchen with FOTILE

A quality range hood makes a world of difference—not just in how your kitchen looks, but in how it feels and functions. FOTILE range hoods combine cutting-edge ventilation, whisper-quiet technology, and sleek, space-conscious design for the ultimate kitchen upgrade.

Explore FOTILE’s full collection to find a range hood that fits your kitchen and your lifestyle.