Ductless range hoods, also called recirculating range hoods, are great because they eliminate the odors from cooking appliances. However, many believe these units aren't as effective as traditional range hoods.
There's no doubt that ductless range hoods are quieter than traditional kitchen range hoods. But do they work any better? In this article, we'll examine the pros and cons of ductless range hoods and determine whether they make a difference.
What Are Ductless Range Hoods?
You can fit ductless hoods in virtually any location. "Ductless" means that these hoods do not require vents. So, they are not required to be installed in a location that contains a duct.
Instead, recirculation is required for the operation of these hoods, which first purify the air they draw into themselves and then expel that air back into the room.
The carbon and charcoal in the filter remove strong cooking odors, cancer-causing chemicals, and particles of smoke from the air so that they may be recirculated back through the residential kitchens.
How Ductless Range Hoods Work
The main purpose of a ductless range hood is to provide an efficient way to ventilate the kitchen without having to install a separate ventilation system. This type of hood works by drawing air into itself using a fan or blower.
Then, it filters out the odors and particles of food cooked on your stove. Finally, it expels the purified air.
This process helps keep your kitchen clean and free of unpleasant smells. It also reduces energy usage, especially during the winter.
Are Ductless Range Hoods Effective?
Many people think that ductless range hood systems don't work very well. They believe that they're just a waste of money.
However, there are several reasons why ductless range hoods might be more effective than traditional range hoods:
1) The Carbon Filter
Carbon filters are used in most ductless range hoods. These filters contain activated carbon granules that trap odors and other pollutants, improving indoor air quality throughout your home and not just in the kitchen.
2) Recirculating Air
Most ductless range hoods recirculate the air drawn into them. This allows the air to pass through the filter multiple times before being expelled back into the kitchen. Traditional range hoods only exhaust the air once.
3) Quieter Operation
Because ductless range hoods don't need to be connected to a ventilation system, they operate at lower speeds. This makes them much quieter than traditional range hood systems.
4) Energy Savings
Because ductless range hoods do not need to be connected to an external ventilation system, they don't consume as much energy as traditional range hoods do.
Ductless Range Hoods Have Many Benefits
See for yourself below:
- No Ventilation Required
- More Energy Efiicient
- Easy To Install
- Quieter Than Traditional Range Hoods
- Better Suited for Colder Climates
No ventilation required
Ductless range hoods do not connect to an external exhaust or vent. Therefore, you can install them without having existing ventilation. This opens up the areas where you can install the ductless range hood and also saves you money on installation fees.
More energy efiicient
Traditional range hoods usually require a connection to the outside world. Because this requires additional equipment, it uses more electricity. In addition, it takes up more space because it needs to be located near the area where the air will be exhausted.
Quieter than traditional range hoods
Traditional range hoods tend to make a lot of noise when they're operating. However, this isn't always a problem. For example, you probably won't mind the sound if you live in a small apartment with no one else around. If you want to avoid making too much noise, you should consider installing a ductless range hood instead.
Better suited for colder climates
Traditional range hoods aren't really designed to handle cold weather conditions. When temperatures drop below freezing, these units allow warm air to escape from the kitchen through vents. Ductless range hoods do not have this issue.
Disadvantages of Ductless Range Hoods
- May Not Work Well for Commercial or Larger Kitchens
- Expensive
- Less Powerful
- High Maintenance
May not work well for commercial kitchens
Some people worry about whether or not ductless range hoods will work well in commercial kitchens. Ductless hoods do not vent fumes and need more cleaning. As a result, they may not always work well in some commercial kitchens.
Expensive
The price tag is often the biggest concern when shopping for a new range hood. The average cost of a ductless range hood ranges from $1,000 - $5,000. Some models even go higher. You may find that a traditional range hood costs less.
Less powerful
A traditional range hood has a powerful fan that pulls air into the unit. Then, it pushes the air out through the exhaust port. With a ductless range hood, there's only a blower with less fan power. This means that the power of the unit is limited.
High maintenance
Ductless range hoods require more maintenance than ducted hood models. This is partly due to the more cleaning they require; however, most of the maintenance involves replacing and cleaning the charcoal filters inside.
Where You Can Install a Ductless Range Hood?
If you want to install a ductless range hood, you should choose one that fits where you plan to put it.
For example, if you live in a condo building, you probably wouldn't want to install a ducted range hood because it would take up valuable space. However, you could install a ductless range hood instead.
Ductless range hoods are also independent of vents, which means that they won't need to be installed next to an external wall, (wall mount), or close to an existing ventilation system. As a result, you can have it installed pretty much anywhere it will fit, provided it's still in or close to the kitchen.
What Size Ductless Range Hood Do You Need?
The size of your ductless range hood depends on how big your gas stovetop is, the size of your kitchen, the number of appliances you have, and how much existing ventilation there is in the room.
Alternatively, you can buy a more robust device if you cook for a lot of people.
It helps to take measurements of your kitchen space, so you know how much air your ductless range hood will need to filter. Measure the height, length, and width of your kitchen to get the cubic feet measurement.
Doing so means you have all you need to contact a seller to find out what sized device you'll need.
Things to Remember When Choosing the Right Ductless Range Hood
When choosing a ductless range hood for your kitchen, remember these things:
- Make sure the model you buy has a carbon filter.
- Look for a quiet fan or blower.
- Choose a model with a high-quality motor.
- Consider purchasing a warranty.
See more on these points below.
Look for a quiet fan or blower
A good quality ductless range hood will include a fan or blower that draws air from the kitchen and pushes it out again. This process is quieter than traditional models; however, some ductless range hoods are quieter than others.
Choose a model with a high-quality motor
A good quality range hood will use a powerful fan or blower. A powerful motor can also prevent buildups of harmful toxins and gasses, which in turn will improve the health of anyone spending time cooking in the kitchen.
Consider purchasing a warranty
It's always a good idea to purchase a warranty when you buy any appliance. The same goes for a range hood.
There are two types of warranties available: manufacturer's warranty and extended service contract (ESC).
The manufacturer's warranty covers the product for a certain period of time. During this period, the manufacturer will repair or replace the product free of charge, should it break down.
An ESC is similar to a manufacturer's warranty, but it lasts longer. An ESC usually costs less than a manufacturer's warranty.
How Much Does an Effective Ductless Range Hood Cost?
Depending on what features you want, a ductless range hood can cost between a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars for custom range hoods.
You can get a basic model for under $500. These models come with everything you need, including filters, fans, motors, and even remote controls.
However, if you want a more customized look, then you might spend more money. Custom range hoods start at around $1,000 and go all the way up to several thousand dollars.
These units often feature unique designs, such as LED lighting, built-in safety features, and personalized custom finishes.
Are Ductless Range Hoods Effective in Commercial Kitchens?
Yes! In fact, many commercial kitchens already have ductless range hoods installed. These types of hoods are especially useful for smaller restaurants and hotels.
They also reduce illnesses since they remove harmful bacteria from the air. They also make sure that employees aren't exposed to dangerous chemicals while working in the kitchen, although not as effective as a traditional model.
As a result, busy commercial kitchens will likely benefit more from a ducted model than ductless models due to the added ventilation needs of a working kitchen.
Conclusion
If you don't want to install a conventional venting system in your kitchen or just don't have room for a ducted range hood, you're in luck.
Ductless range hoods offer several advantages over standard ventilation systems, including lower installation costs, reduced noise levels, and improved indoor air quality.
However, they aren't perfect—they require regular maintenance to ensure proper operation. And because ductless range hoods use fans instead of vents, they may create additional problems, such as condensation buildup inside the home.
But if you're looking for a cost-effective solution that won't disrupt your daily routine, ductless range hood systems might be right for you.
To see our wide variety of ductless range hoods contact us, and we will help you find the perfect range hood for your home.