Smoke, steam, and fumes of all kinds are produced while cooking in the kitchen and can cause nasty odors and even negative health effects for your home and family. This is why you need proper ventilation, and a quality ductless range hood can help with that.
We reviewed 11 of the best non-ducted range hoods on the market in our search for the very best model, finding that the Proline Wall PLJW 185.36 was the best overall choice. When looking for the best non-ducted range hoods out there, we considered a range of factors, like noise level, which determines how loud or quiet the fans are when the hood is in operation. We also looked at what filters can be found in each hood to determine how effective it is at removing fumes and odors from home, as well as the fan speed options, the type of hood, and the CFM, which is basically the power rating of the fans in each hood.
More features: can be vented out the top or the back by removing the rear panels; 2 x 1.5 W GU10 LED bulbs
At the top of our list of the best ductless range hoods is the Proline Wall PLJW 185.36. When it comes to non ducted range hoods, Proline is one of the top brands in the business, making stylish, sophisticated, and high powered hoods you can rely on for years to come. The Proline Wall PLJW 185.36 is the perfect example of that, and the first thing you notice about this unit is its size and form factor.
The Proline Wall PLJW 185.36 is one of the slimmest under cabinet range hoods on the market today, with an overall height of just five inches. This is perfect for sleek, chic, modern kitchens with minimalist aesthetics. Not only that, but Proline are also very flexible about how you install the Proline Wall PLJW 185.36. Due to its design, the non ducted range hood can either be installed as a wall mounted unit or under a cabinet, and you simply need to remove rear panels to vent it out of the back rather than the top.
The Proline Wall PLJW 185.36 also comes with some stylish LED bulbs to illuminate your cooking area, as well as a super quiet motor that makes almost no sense at all, even on the highest of the unit’s four separate fan speeds. In short, this is one of the top range hoods out there, and the only real downside is the relatively short warranty.
More features: can be used as ducted; touchscreen, remote control, fan timer; twin centrifugal motors; LED bulbs
Next, we have the Cosmo QS75, which is arguably the best under cabinet non ducted range hood you can buy today. It fits neatly and effortlessly beneath your cabinets and boasts some of the most impressive tech specs out of any range hoods on the market, starting off with its 900 CFM rating and four separate fan speeds. It’s one of the most expensive entries on our list, but by paying the high price, you get a lot of power and quality for your money.
Interestingly, despite being such a high powered device, the Cosmo QS75 is also pretty quiet. It comes with a backlit touchscreen for easy and precise controls as well, plus twin centrifugal motors and very easy to clean Arc Flow filters that never need to be replaced. Not only that, but the Cosmo QS75’s filters can be placed in the dishwasher for even faster cleaning whenever you need it.
The Cosmo QS75 comes equipped with a set of energy efficient LED lights and one of the best warranties around, protecting you for five years in case the range hood breaks down during that time. It’s also got a remote control, letting you adjust the fan speeds and settings on the fly without even needing to touch the unit itself, along with a fan timer for your convenience. In short, the Cosmo QS75 has really been designed from the ground up with practicality in mind.
More features: motion activation + touchscreen; 4 speed settings w/ stir-fry mode; 2 min. delay shutoff
The stunning FOTILE JQG7505 non-duct range hood is designed to feature the latest non-duct technology and function for exceptional odor and smoke removal at home. The product features a 90-degree automatic open baffle plate which is able to deal with 6 square feet of space at 540Pa. Along with dual DC motors and side draft function, plus improved grease and oil capture, it’s one of the most effective non-duct hoods you can get. Customers will particularly love the modern aesthetic and technological features with hands-free and touch screen operations, making it as easy as ever to get the suction you need when you need it.
You can compare the FOTILE JQG7505 with more budget-friendly options that perhaps have analog controls, or that don’t offer the beautiful aesthetic, or the incredible control options. If you are on a budget, there are some great options out there for you. However, if you do want the latest in non-duct hood technology, this product is a fantastic choice. It’s highly effective at removing odors and smoke, it’s beautiful, durable, easy to use, easy to clean, and it’s quiet too.
We love the easy controls, which not only give you the option of operating the hood hands-free but also have 4-speed settings, stir fry mode, and delayed shutoff. This is a great set of features when you love to cook and want to enjoy a more modern and advanced technology type in your kitchen. We also appreciate the incredible side-draft wall-mounted structure, which is really effective at dealing with smoke and odors from the hob.
Some customers feel that the hood is very loud on the highest levels of suction, which could be problematic if you need to cook quietly. There were also issues reported around the durability and longevity of the lights, which can be replaced but may not last as long as you would expect for a premium product.
More features: 75W bulb; minimum height above cook top 18 inches; UL listed, HVI and Energy Star certified
Next up in our selection of ductless range hoods is the Broan-NuTone 413004. Many people hesitate about buying a ductless range hood due to the high prices often associated with these products, but the Broan-NuTone 413004 proves that you can get a great value deal and an amazing price, being available for under $100. Naturally, at such a low price, there are a few little issues with this model like the fact that it’s quite loud and has a short warranty, but it still does a lot of things right.
Not only is the Broan-NuTone 413004 one of the most affordable entries on our list of ductless range hoods, it’s also one of the strongest overall. It’s made from top quality materials and built to last, easy to clean and simple to maintain for years to come. It’s a little bulkier than some of the other options out there, but it’s easy to install and is a highly versatile device too, working flawlessly in ADA compliant settings.
Fitted with a charcoal filter and offering two separate fan speeds, the Broan-NuTone 413004 does exactly what you would want from a non ducted range hood. It cleans and purifies steam, smoke, and gases from your cooking and creates a harmonious and healthy environment all throughout the kitchen, protecting your family and making the place smell fresher too.
More features: can be used ducted; 5 minute delay-off function; 13 Sones performance; two built-in LED lights
Next, we have the Broan-NuTone BWP2306SS, which is one of the top wall-mounted non-ducted range hoods on the market. It’s a rather expensive hood, so you need to be willing to stretch your budget far in order to afford this particular model, but the advantages of the Broan-NuTone BWP2306SS are clear to see. It’s also one of the few models to come with its own chimney, but there are no visible seams on any of the chimney’s three faces, resulting in a very sleek and stylish appliance overall.
The Broan-NuTone BWP2306SS features beautiful LED lights that are bright enough to fully illuminate the cooking space. To keep things simple, it comes with backlit push buttons for easy operation on the fly. Dual one-piece dishwasher-safe hybrid baffle grease filters are really effective at getting rid of toxins, gases, fumes, and other undesirable elements in your kitchen.
With a noise level of about 35 decibels, the Broan-NuTone BWP2306SS is reasonably quiet on its lowest setting and shouldn’t be too noticeable. It also has three fan speeds and an impressive CFM rating with a maximum of 630. According to users’ experiences, installation is kind of difficult. unfortunately, the warranty is also on the short side, at just one year.
More features: can be installed both ductless and ducted, two LED lights, 5-layer filter
We simply adore the design of this range hood. It has a classic look while including tons of modern features that makes it one of the best models on the market. For starters, this model can be installed with or without ducts depending on your situation. This makes it an excellent option for anyone that is retrofitting their kitchen or building a new home. The versatility of the installation for this model makes it a great option in either case.
We also really like this model because it comes with a 5-layer filter that can be easily cleaned. Not only is this filter strong enough to pull out any smells, toxins, smoke, or steam from your kitchen, but it is also eco-friendly as well. After a month of use, you simply need to rinse it out in your sink, let it dry, and it is ready to be used again. This makes it much better for our planet since you won’t need to replace it all of the time.
This model is also one of the quietest on the market today. Even in its highest setting, it operates at a very quiet 70 dB. This is equivalent to a quiet conversation, which means that you will barely even notice it when it is on, which is a huge plus.
More features: removes 98.1% of smoke and cooking odors, 2-level built-in lights
If you are someone that is looking for a simple to install and operate range hood, then we highly recommend you check this model out. It is designed to be operated as a completely ductless model. This unit needs to be installed under a cabinet, which means that it would not work well over an island in your kitchen.
Though this model is quite compact, it is still very powerful. In fact, its easy-to-clean filters can remove up to 981% of smoke and cooking odors, which is quite impressive when you consider how quiet and slim it is in comparison to other models on the market today. In fact, this model only puts out around 50 dB of sound, which makes it one of the quietest that you can buy.
We also really like how easy the filters for this unit are to clean. After a month of use, you can simply place them in your dishwasher, allow them to dry, and put them back in the unit. This will keep them working effectively for years to come, making them both convenient and effective. This unit also utilizes two different fan speeds and two bright lights for added convenience.
More features: multi-layer filtration; backdraft damper; light bulbs
The attractive COSMO COS-5MU30 is made to offer you everything you expect from a non-duct hood and more, all within an extra slim design. It features a quiet 3-speed motor (56dB), multilayered reusable aluminum mesh filters, LED efficient lighting, easy button controls, and convertibility for top or back venting and ductless (with the purchase of an extra kit). Customers will particularly appreciate the aesthetic of the hood, which is designed to look fantastic in any modern kitchen setting.
This product is ideal for apartments, flats, and condos because of its slim design. It’s made to be space-saving and highly versatile in how it is fitted so that you can work around limited space and design specifications. For example, you can fit the hood against a wall or under a cabinet with ease, safe in the knowledge that when homeowners see the hood, they will appreciate its beautiful aesthetic appeal.
The product is really attractive, and we loved how the slim design works so well for condos and apartments where the function is needed, but regular hoods may not offer the form necessary to work in this kind of environment. The other great benefit of the hood is the easy light and fan speed controls on the front, which are easy to access and use during a busy cooking session.
The hood comes with a plug-in cord attached which some people may not prefer compared to a hardwired option as it can make installation a little more tricky. Some customers also found the LED lights a little dim and ineffective at illuminating the cooking area.
More features: adjustable chimney; 430 grade brushed stainless steel; energy-efficient LED lighting
With 450CFM air-flow in 3-speeds, 55dB quiet running noise, easy-clean filters, and an adjustable chimney, the Tieasy range hood has a lot to offer the modern kitchen. Designed with a gorgeous 430 grade brushed stainless steel exterior and handy front button operation, it’s made to offer both form and function to your family cooking space. Customers will particularly love how the strong LED lights are both eco-friendly and highly effective at illuminating your hob area, aiding in a more convenient cooking experience complete with efficient odor and smoke removal.
This product is ideal for kitchens where a lower CFM will not effectively clear the smoke and fumes of regular cooking. You’re not paying a premium for more intensive use suction, but you’re still getting a lot more power than a budget hood. The powerful motor included in the Tieasy hood effectively pulls smoke and odors from the area around your burners, avoiding the natural cooking air residues from negatively affecting your family kitchen and the rest of the home.
We really appreciated the fact that the product converts to ductless with a (sold separately) carbon filter kit, making it versatile or multiple installation types. We also felt that the buttons to operate the hood are well-positioned and easy to use. Lastly, the product is easy to install and comes with everything you need to get it in place, which is helpful during the often challenging process of installing a new kitchen.
The light in the hood is positioned at the back of the unit, which some customers felt did not effectively illuminate the cooking area. Once it operates at higher fan levels, some customers also feel that it is noisier than expected, which is problematic when you need to keep the cooking volume down in a family home or shared accommodation.
More features: can be used as ducted; touch screen; LED bulbs; mounting kit & manual
Last but not least, we come to the most versatile entry on our list and one of the top rated ductless range hoods to come with a chimney: the Zuhne Ventus Range Hood. This 30 inch wall mounted range hood is unique in that it can be connected in either a ducted or ductless way, giving you total flexibility in terms of how you want to install it. It’s made from the finest materials too, resulting in a very sleek overall design that can go the distance and last for years.
One area in which the Zuhne Ventus Range Hood stands out as well is in its warranty. The manufacturers were very generous with the warranty on this one, giving any buyer five full years of coverage in case any issues occur. Not only that, but they also include a range of free accessories in the box like the aforementioned telescopic chimney, anti-backflow flap adapter, and mounting kit. They’ll also provide free charcoal filters by simply calling them up.
Other great features of the Zuhne Ventus Range Hood include the impressive CFM rating of 450 and the relatively quiet noise level of just 48 dB, ensuring you can enjoy all of the advantages of this strong air purifying device without any hassle or noise. On the downside, it’s a bit bulky and large so won’t fit in every kitchen too easily, but is simply perfect in most situations.
More features: 40W candelabra bulbs; automatic detection
The Broan-NuTone PM390 Range Hood combines 390CFM, 4 suction speeds, and 6.0 Sones to create a strong and effective extraction of common kitchen odors and smoke. Dual incandescent candelabra bulbs illuminate the cooking area. At the same time, the single washable aluminum mesh filter ensures that grease and cooking debris is easily removed, and the hood can continue to smell fresh. Customers will particularly appreciate the automatic detection of lots of cooking heat, which tells the hood to go onto full power for improved safety and effective suction.
This hood is basic compared to more elaborate, advanced, or premium products. However, if you’re looking for a good hood for a budget kitchen fit-out for your home or a rental property, it’s a great choice. You get all the benefits of a quiet, effective 390CFM non-duct hood at a great price which is perfect when you simply need a reliable device to get a simple job done right.
We really like how versatile the fitting of the hood is, as it can work in an ADA-compliant application and various wall switch options. We also think that the automatic high heat detection is a clever addition that reassures you that the device is able to boost your safety when your hands are full cooking and dealing with creating a family meal.
The bulbs for the hood are not included in the original package, which could be a little annoying if you want everything you need to set the product up from the start. Some customers also felt that the operation switches are located in a dangerous/ annoying spot as they are underneath the hood – so you may need to switch the hood on before cooking to avoid this issue. Lastly, some customers found you require multiple people to install the product, which could be tricky if you’re hoping to get it installed alone.
There are many different non ducted range hoods out there, but how can you choose between them? This buying guide will make the whole process a lot easier, explaining what exactly ductless range hoods are, covering all the ins and outs of how they work, and highlighting the key features you need to think about when shopping for a ductless range hood and trying to find the best model for you.
When you cook in the kitchen, smoke, fumes, and other toxins can be released into the air of your home. They can build up in the kitchen and cause contamination, leading to all kinds of issues and safety risks for your family, but a non ducted range hood can help to ventilate your home and get rid of all those toxins.
A non ducted range hood, unlike a ducted range hood, simply makes use of a fan and filter system to clean the air and then blow purified air back out into the kitchen, rather than requiring a ventilation system with ducts to transport the air out of the house. These hoods are easier to install than their ducted counterparts and can do a great job of making your home safe and clean.
One of the first things you need to think about when putting the finishing touches on your kitchen is the ventilation. There are two main categories of range hoods for ventilation: ducted and non ducted/ductless. There are some key differences between these two varieties, and one of the biggest advantage of a non ducted range hood is the fact that it’s more versatile and flexible in terms of installation.
Since a ductless hood doesn’t need to be hooked into a vent system, you can install it more or less anywhere you like, simply mounting it on the wall or setting it up over your oven or range. This makes non ducted range hoods more convenient to use in the home, especially in kitchens that have unique layouts and designs.
However, ducted range hoods do have the advantage of taking all the dirt and fumes and simply sending them out of the home, rather than requiring a filter system that needs to be cleaned or replaced over time. So there are advantages to both systems, but many people appreciate the versatility and convenience of a non ducted model.
There are many different ductless range hood models out there, and the quality of individual models can vary quite greatly. Some models are quieter than others. Some have stronger fans and filters for more efficient cleaning. Some are easier to install or boast a range of convenient additional features like timers and automatic shut down. In short, the individual aspects of any ductless range hood can vary a lot from one model to the next, so it’s vital to shop around, compare your options, and consider a wide range of different aspects in order to identify the perfect model for you.
One of the first questions to ask yourself when shopping for a non ducted range hood is what kind of mounting system you want your hood to have. To work this out, you just need to look at where you’re going to be installing the hood and figure out what sort of space it will fill. There are two main mounting types to consider: under-cabinet and wall.
An under-cabinet non ducted range hood is fitted below an existing cabinet. This is perfect for kitchens where you already have cabinets above the range, rather than nothing but free space. A wall mounted hood, meanwhile, can be simply mounted up on the wall and doesn’t need any cabinets around it. There are even some units, like the Proline Wall PLJW 185.36, that can be set up either mounted on a wall or under a cabinet.
FilterThe filter is one of the most important parts of your non ducted range hood. This is what cleans the air, getting rid of all the fumes, steam, toxins, and cooking odors in your kitchen. Without a filter, a ductless range hood is relatively useless, as the whole purpose of these appliances is to clean and purify the air in your home.
This is why it’s always so important to look at what kinds of filters are in each model. Most ductless range hoods, like the Broan-NuTone 413004, will make use of carbon filters, which work effectively to remove odors and toxins of all kinds. You should be sure to check out whether or not the filter is dishwasher-friendly, as this makes it much easier to clean.
Every non ducted range hood has one or more fans inside it that work to suck in the dirty air and then blow our purfied air which has passed through the filter system. The fan is an integral part of the overall appliance, just like the filter, and many of the best non ducted range hoods offer a range of different fan speeds to let you make adjustments and power up the hood if you’re dealing with a lot of odors and steam. The more speed options you have, the more versatile your ductless range hood will be. The Cosmo QS75 has four separate fan speeds options for maximum versatility.
CFM stands for cubic feet per minute. This basically tells us the power of the fan or motor in your ductless range hood.
The higher the CFM, the greater the airflow will be from your appliance. And with faster and greater airflow comes more cleaning and purifying power.
In short, a better CFM results in faster and more efficient cleaning. For a typical home and average cooking conditions, 300 CFM is more than enough, but more may be needed in a bigger kitchen or when cooking for longer, such as the 600 CFM of the Proline Wall PLJW 185.36.
It’s no secret that non ducted and ducted range hoods can make a lot of noise when in action. They contain fans, which can get quite noisy when turned on, so the noise level is definitely a factor you might want to consider when buying a ductless range hood, especially if you tend to be easily bothered by loud sounds.
Fortunately, there are many ventless range hood models out there that have fairly quiet operation and silent fans, like the Kitchen Bath Collection STL75. These are the best options to choose if you prefer to avoid the high noise levels of regular range hoods.
One very important factor to consider when shopping for a self ventilating range hood is the size of it. Be sure to think about where you plan on installing the hood and measure out the size beforehand to make sure your chosen model will fit. Also, if you have a modern, stylish kitchen and want to avoid a bulky appliance right over the oven, there are plenty of slim range hoods out there to save space and look classy too.
WarrantyIf you’re investing in a new kitchen appliance or unit like a non ducted range hood, you have to spare a thought for the warranty. These units aren’t always very cheap and can sometimes cost several hundred dollars. They have to take in a lot of dirty air and toxins and can be exposed to some difficult conditions every single day, so there is a chance that you might encounter an issue with your range hood at some point.
This is why the warranty matters so much. If ever your ductless range hood suffer some kind of technical fault or issue, it helps to know that the manufacturer has your back and will cover the costs of any repairs or replacements that are needed. This can give you a lot of peace of mind in the long run and potentially save you a lot of money too. The Zuhne Ventus Range Hood has a very impressive 5-year warranty.
As mentioned above and throughout our ductless range hood reviews, the prices of these units can vary quite a lot. You can find some ductless range hoods for under $100, whereas other models cost several hundred dollars. It’s important to identify and set a budget for your hood and try to find a model that meets your needs and your budget.
The more you’re willing to spend, the stronger the range hood will be and the more efficient it should be at keeping the air in your home clean and fresh. However, it is perfectly possible to find some great value options with lower price tags and impressive tech specs too, like the Broan-NuTone 413004, for example.
Last but not least, don’t forget to take a detailed look at any potential extra features your ductless range hood might have. These extra features might only seem small at first, but they can make a big difference to your daily life and make your hood a lot more convenient and practical to use.
Examples include the classy touch screen and LED lights on the Zuhne Ventus Range Hood, with the lights helping to illuminate the space and the touch screen making the device more intuitive to use. Then, there’s the Cosmo QS75, which comes with a timer feature to let you shut down the hood automatically after a set time, and a remote control for easy use.
When you first buy your non ducted range hood, the first thing to do is figure out how to install it. The installation process will vary depending on whether you buy a mounted model or an under counter model, but all of the best manufacturers take the time to include detailed instruction guides in with each model, so you can simply follow the recommended steps to get your ventless range hood ready to go.
It terms of maintenance, you’ll need to remember to check over your ductless range hood from time to time in order to ensure everything is running smoothly and the hood is nice and clean. Be sure to clean the outside with a simple water-based solution, and remember that the filter will need to be washed or replaced now and then too. Read the instructions and guide included with your hood to learn more.
Overall, our top rated ductless range hood is the Proline Wall PLJW 185.36. With its slimline design and classy LED lights, this range hood looks the part and successfully functions just as nicely as it appears. It offers four fan speeds and super silent operations too.
The next entry on our list of best non ducted range hoods is the Cosmo QS75. This model stands out for its stylish design and many extra features, like the backlit touchscreen, fan timer, and practical remote control functionality. It’s one of the most fully featured ductless range hoods on the market.
Our third highest rated ductless range hood is the Broan-NuTone 413004. This is one of the most affordable ductless range hoods out there. Available at a tantalizing price, the Broan-NuTone 413004 gives you a thorough purification process without any issues.
