Are ductless range hoods worth it?

Author: Emelia Beatty  |  Last update: Thursday, June 23, 2022

Unvented range hoods do filter some grease and cooking odors from the air, but the general consensus is that they're nowhere near as effective. Nor do they remove heat and humidity, so they won't help keep your kitchen cool while you cook. Above: An industrial-style vent (made of ducting) draws air up and out.

What's the point of a ductless range hood?

A ductless (or ventless) range hood does not vent out of the home, instead, it carries the debris and smoke form the air and filters it through a charcoal or carbon filter before releasing it back into the room. While many times this method is not as functional as a vented hood, it does work.

Is a ductless range hood better than microwave?

A recirculating OTR microwave uses charcoal filters to neutralize air before it is pumped back into your kitchen. Ducted range hoods connect to ductwork to pump air outside your home. Compared to ductless range hoods, they are more efficient and effective at neutralizing air.

How much does it cost to install a ductless range hood?

Ductless hoods install 2 to 3 feet above your stovetop but don't connect to any ductwork. They use suction fans to draw in air, smoke, and grease and circulate it through a charcoal filter. They tend to be the least expensive option, usually running from $200 to $400, including labor installation costs.

Do ductless range hoods meet code?

Range hoods always need to vent to the exterior. They can't exhaust into an attic, a crawlspace, or inside a ceiling cavity. The main code exception is for ductless or recirculating range hoods as long as they are listed and designed for that type of installation.

Are Ductless Range Hoods Worth It? 6 Fascinating Reasons Why It's Worth

Is it OK to vent range hood into attic?

No, you should never vent your range hood into the attic. The excess buildup of grease and moisture in your attic will ruin it and over time may cause mold damage. Instead, vent your hood through an interior wall or through the ceiling all the way outside of your home.

Do kitchens need exhaust fans?

An exhaust fan is required in a kitchen. A kitchen exhaust fan removes particles, smoke, carcinogens, and odors from your kitchen's air. They prevent your house from filling up with cooking smoke and setting off alarms. Many local residential building codes require them.

Are ventless hoods any good?

Unvented range hoods do filter some grease and cooking odors from the air, but the general consensus is that they're nowhere near as effective. Nor do they remove heat and humidity, so they won't help keep your kitchen cool while you cook.

Do range hoods have to be vented outside?

Range hoods do not have to be vented to the outside. You can purchase hoods without ductwork called ductless hoods. But, ducted range hoods are almost always preferred over ductless hoods.

Does Home Depot install range hoods?

Does Home Depot install range hoods? Home Depot does not install range hoods. Instead, your best option is to hire a renovation contractor to install your hood. Or, you can install the hood yourself.

Are over the stove microwaves out of style?

While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, the trend is on the way out in 2018.

Do Over stove microwaves vent outside?

There is no requirement that your Over The Range (OTR) Microwave be vented to the outdoors. All OTR microwave ovens can be set up to either allow the fan to recirculate the air back into the kitchen or be vented to the outdoors.

Do you need a vent above a stove?

Most residential building codes do not require a range hood above a stove or cook top, but you'd be wise to ensure your locale is not the exception. Even if it's not legally required, you should think long and hard before forgoing a hood altogether.

How effective are recirculating cooker hoods?

Recirculation/self-circulating cooker hoods are often much cheaper than extraction hoods because they don't include ducting. However, they are less effective at dealing with smells, grease, and smoke because they have to process the air, and inevitably they don't do that 100% perfectly.

Can you convert a ducted range hood to ductless?

A recirculating kit is an accessory for converting ducted range hoods to ductless or recirculating. It consists of a stainless steel vent and charcoal filters. Install the kit on top of your range hood to vent or recirculate air back into your kitchen.

How do you clean a ductless range hood?

The following step-by-step instructions will help you to easily clean your filter.
  1. Remove the Filter. Most filters will be easy to slide or pop out from the underside of their range hood. ...
  2. Prepare a Place to Clean It. ...
  3. Add Soap and Baking Soda. ...
  4. Soak the Range Hood Filter. ...
  5. Scrub. ...
  6. Rinse and Dry. ...
  7. Replace the Filter. ...
  8. 30 Day Returns.

Do you need a range hood for an induction cooktop?

For most people who use induction cooktops, the main concern is whether they need a range hood. However, just like with other cooktops, they do need a range hood over their induction cooktop.

How much does it cost to vent a range hood outside?

Cost to Vent Range Hood Outside

The cost of installing the ductwork needed to vent a range hood outside is about $500, depending on the labor it requires and the cost of the new ductwork.

What is the difference between a ducted and ductless range hood?

The major difference between the two is that a ductless range hood, which is more common in most kitchens, uses a fan or blower motor to pull all the grease and smoke out of the air, then recirculates it. A ducted range hood, on the other hand, vents all the bad air straight to the outside.

Do ductless range hoods work for gas stoves?

A non ducted or ductless range hood is not the best option for gas stoves because they work by filtering the air inside the hood and returning it into the kitchen. Even if you have a hood with a high CFM rating, charcoal filters will not capture all the gas produced by the stove.

Can you use recirculating hood with gas range?

We don't recommend venting your gas stove with a ductless hood. A ductless range hood merely recirculates your kitchen air. The air moves into your hood through charcoal filters and back into the kitchen. A ductless range hood can't get rid of a lot of the ultra-fine particles that are harmful to your health.

Do I need a vent hood for my gas stove?

Across the United States, the majority of residential homes cooking with gas do not need to vent their range. However, just because you don't have to does not mean that you shouldn't. If you use a commercial-style range, then you will be required to do so.

Which is better range hood or exhaust fan?

The range hood requires pipes that connect to a duct to transport the dirty air and foul odor away from the kitchen to outside. The exhaust fan effectively gets rid of the moisture in the kitchen that arises due to an increase in moisture and vapor from food preparation, a feat that the ductless fans cannot.

How do you vent a kitchen without a hood?

10 Things to Do If You Don't Have a Range Hood or Vent
  1. Use a window fan. ...
  2. Use a portable HEPA air filter. ...
  3. Use a fan in another room, like the bathroom. ...
  4. Get a grease splatter guard. ...
  5. Wipe down your kitchen cabinets frequently. ...
  6. If you paint your kitchen, use a satin or semi-gloss finish, or choose scrubbable paint.

Can I use an exhaust fan instead of a range hood?

Sure. You may install an exhaust fan instead of hood. The fan should be positioned right above your stove and make sure that there is no obstacle between fan and stove. Also proper ventilation is necessary to let air in.

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