Choosing the Best Ductless Range Hood Vents for Your Kitchen

Ryan M. Grambart
Founder & CEO - CopperSmith
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Ryan M. Grambart

What are the advantages of ductless range hoods?

When you’re shopping for a new range hood for your kitchen, it’s beneficial to weigh up the pros and cons of ducted and ductless range hoods. There are advantages and disadvantages and one option may suit you better than the other. Here are some advantages to consider before you buy:

Simpler, faster installation

Ductless range hoods do not require ductwork, which means that they are much faster and simpler to install than ducted range hoods. Saving time on fitting a new range hood can bring the cost down if you choose professional installation. If you opt to install a range hood yourself, you will find it easier to fit a ductless range hood than a ducted hood. 

Suitable for small spaces and apartments

If you have a compact kitchen, or you live in a condo or an apartment block, a ductless range hood is an ideal, space-saving solution. You can enjoy the benefits of a ducted system without worrying about the hassle or expense of installing complex ductwork. 

 An affordable option for homeowners who travel or eat out frequently

Some people travel a lot while others love to eat out frequently. If you don’t use your cooker or stove frequently, you may not want to spend a fortune on a range hood. Ductless range hoods are often more affordable than ducted hoods because they are less complex and they are easier to install. 

 Flexibility

Installing a ductless range hood can give you more flexibility when designing your kitchen. If you would prefer an island stove to a traditional range, which is fixed to the wall, for example, a ductless range hood is a great option. 

Is a ductless range hood the right choice for me?

There is a staggering selection of range hoods available today. As well as choosing a design, finish and customizing the size options for your range hood, you can also choose between ducted and ductless range hoods. Customers have different requirements and preferences and this is why it’s important to consider the pros and cons based on your individual needs. Ductless range hoods are ideal for some people, but for others, a ducted system may be better. Here are some essential questions to ask before you decide whether to opt for a ducted or ductless kitchen range hood:

How much do you cook and what types of dishes do you make?

If you cook every day, you love to entertain, or you’re a fan of cooking foods that have a strong aroma, it’s best to choose a ducted range hood to remove odors and improve air quality. If you cook very rarely, a ductless range hood is an excellent option. 

Are you shopping for an indoor or an outdoor kitchen?

If you are looking for a range hood for an outdoor kitchen, we recommend installing a ducted range hood. 

Do you want to install the range hood yourself?

Ductless range hoods are simpler and quicker to install than ducted hoods. If you choose a ducted range hood, you may need professional help. 

 What is your budget?

Typically, ductless range hoods are less expensive than ducted range hoods because ducted products are more complex and they often require professional installation. 

 

custom ductless range hood

Finding the perfect ductless range hood for your kitchen

At CopperSmith, we offer an extensive range of ductless and ducted kitchen range hoods. We have a fantastic selection of designs available with endless customization options to help you design the perfect product. Before you order a ductless range hood, we recommend following these simple steps:

1. Measure the dimensions of your stove or range

2. Consider the position and location of the stove

3. Explore design options, including styles and finishes: choose a material that caters to the conditions. We recommend ducted range hoods for outdoor kitchens. Stainless steel is a brilliant choice. For indoor kitchens, you can choose from brass, stainless steel and copper range hoods. Copper hoods are ideal for those keen to add instant aesthetic appeal to a rustic, traditional or farmhouse kitchen, or blend old and new. 

4. Set a budget for your new kitchen hood and compare prices

5. Get in touch if you’re looking for a custom range hood or you need advice

If you need help with finding the right range hood for your kitchen, or you’re keen to design a custom range hood, contact us today! We provide a free custom quote service and we produce personalized designs using innovative 3D imaging technology. If you’re looking for inspiration, our talented team is on hand to help. Click here to request a custom quote

One of the most important decisions you'll make in choosing your range hood is the choice between making your hood ducted and ductless. Ducted range hoods remove polluted air from your kitchen and home entirely, sending the exhaust through additional ductwork to the outdoors. Ductless hoods, on the other hand, purify your kitchen air completely in-unit through a heavy-duty charcoal filter. By removing the need for supplementary ductwork, ductless range hoods can simplify installation considerably. Any range hood, a wall-mount range hood, an under-cabinet range hood, or an island hood, can be made ductless.

In this blog, we'll answer some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding ductless range hoods, so you can find the best ductless range hood for your home.

advantages of ductless range hoods

How ductless range hoods work

A ductless, sometimes called a recirculating range hood, captures polluted air in exactly the same way as a vented range hood, utilizing high-powered insert fans to collect exhaust from your stove or oven. Instead of removing the air to the outdoors, like a ducted range hood, a ductless range hood filters all of the air through its heavy-duty charcoal filter, then recirculates that cleaned air back into your space without needing to pass through any other ductwork.

Are ductless range hoods any good?

Recirculating range hoods are just as effective as ducted variations at removing harmful pollutants from your kitchen.

The only appreciable difference is that, since it does not fully remove the air from the space, there can be some residual heat or moisture.
For most, this is not at all a problem. If you are specifically concerned about heat and moisture, you may want to choose a ducted hood.

Do ductless range hoods need to be vented?

By their very nature, ductless hoods do not need to be vented to the outdoors. This makes them especially appealing for island range hood installations or for cooktops that are along interior walls. For example, you may have an under-cabinet ductless range hood located in an interior kitchen, where it is cumbersome to connect ducting. In these cases, a ductless outfit can be best.

Do ductless range hoods need electricity?

Your high-powered insert fan does require electricity to function. A ductless hood must process a large amount of air to fully purify the cooking fumes at play. The power of this fan can produce a higher level of sound than a weaker fan or a remote blower. If you are looking for a quiet range hood, consider getting a lower-CFM fan or else ducting your hood to install a remote blower.

Do ductless range hoods plug in?

World CopperSmith insert fans will be hardwired, a more stable connection that does require a licensed electrician for installation. It's worth it, though, as after installation you won't have to worry about your hood's power source again.

How do you clean a ductless range hood?

Cleaning your ductless range hood is a breeze. The surface of your hood can easily be cleaned with a clean rag soaked with some mild detergent. The other step is cleaning your filter. Ducted hoods use stainless steel baffle filters, while ductless hoods use charcoal. Some other hood manufacturers use a carbon filter kit, but we've found that a charcoal filter is a superior choice. You'll soak the filter in hot water, detergent, and baking soda, before giving it a scrub, as detailed here in our article on cleaning range hoods.

How much does a ductless range hood cost?

The base prices for World CopperSmith range hoods vary from $3,200-$4,500. While the decision to make your hood ductless won't change the price much for manufacturing, you will save money by avoiding additional ductwork, making ductless range hoods an economical choice.

Your ideal ductless range hood by World CopperSmith

You're ready to start customizing your ductless range hood! With a veritable cornucopia of design options, your imagination is the only limit on the look of your premium hood. Choose a copper, brass, or stainless steel range hood to coordinate with your appliances, and rest assured that, no matter your aesthetic choices, you'll be receiving a hood of the utmost quality.

July 29, 2022