Getting rid of the sticky film and grease of your kitchen manually is a heck of a task. It needs a lot of effort and time. Honestly, most of us don’t get much time to spend cleaning the kitchen. So why not buy a range hood and minimize our everyday hassle?
A range hood helps in filtering out airborne contaminants and removing unnecessary smoke, grease, and oil. The benefit of a range hood is not limited to the kitchen only, but the adjacent rooms and the entire house. Ductless hoods use carbon or charcoal filters to recirculate air.
What to consider while buying a Ductless Range Hoods with Charcoal Filter?
The smoke generated while cooking must be extracted from the kitchen to ensure sound health of the cook and family members. So, rage hoods are installed above the ranges. It can be ducted or ductless. Ductless range hoods work fine but not as effective as the ducted range. But it is not a bad option for your household. Then how can you get the best ductless range hood at an affordable price?
We have listed some notable points about a ductless range hood after talking with experts and some users. Check out these factors before purchasing a ductless range hood for your kitchen range.
Verification of the ductless model
In the market, both ducted and ductless range hoods are available in different models, names, and prices. Normally, a ducted range hood can be converted into a ductless range hood, but this might be not so convincing if you are determined to buy a ductless range hood.
All the ductless range hood comes with a filter. All the smokes from the kitchen is again re-circulated in the kitchen after filtering it through different filters. Check out if the range hood has a filter system with it.
Installation space
Usually, ductless range hoods are installed above the cooktop. So, smokes and fumes can directly be processed into the filter in the hood. It is best to buy a one-size large range hood for your stove. As a result, all the associated areas of the cooktop are under the range hood.
Under-cabinet range hoods are the best option for a small kitchen. But this may not be so effective in capturing smokes and fumes while cooking.
Type of the filter
Recirculating range hoods have three types of built-in filters- charcoal filter, baffle filter, and mesh filters. Charcoal filters are highly effective in removing smokes, fumes, and odor from the kitchen. These filters cannot be washed. After all the charcoal particles absorb smoke and odor and greasy air, it has to be replaced. You might need to change your charcoal filter at least 2-3 times a year.
On the other hand, baffle filters mainly work for removing greasy air. They are made of aluminum or stainless steel. It forces the greasy air to rush violently through the filter and collects grease on a tray. The tray must be clean once in every month just not attract insects or flies. Baffle filters are tricky to manage and comparatively expensive.
Another filter that can be installed in your ventless range hood is a mesh filter. Greases from the air are sucked in the pores between the metallic layers and accumulates in a collecting tray. The collecting tray should be washed at least once a week.
Constructive material
Almost all the ductless range hood is made of stainless steel. But there is variation in the steel in terms of quality. Though the quality will be better if you are ready to spend some more bucks. The premium quality stainless steel range hood is durable, corrosion and rust-resistant. They can even withstand high temperatures during cooking.
Visual
A beautiful kitchen is a dream of every cook. If your ventless range hood is larger in comparison to your kitchen space, it looks odd and creates difficulty in arranging utensils in the wall cabinet. So, carefully look for the best ductless range hood model with smart features and an aesthetic look.
Blower
The name blower may be unknown to many of you. It is commonly known as an exhaust fan that helps to suck up the smoky air and passes it to the filter. A local blower is installed in every range hood. But if the built-in blower is not sufficient to remove all the odor and smoke from the kitchen, you can additionally install an external blower at your expense.
Fan speed
The fan speed is the most important point that must be cross-checked before buying a ductless range hood. It is measured in CFM that is cubic feet per mint. When you are cooking grilled or barbeque fish and meat, more smoke is generated. In those cases, a more powerful exhausting fan is needed.
Usually, ductless range hoods have low fan speed as they re-circulate the fumed air in the kitchen after processing through the filter. In easy words, it mainly determines how much time is required by the blower to remove the smoky air from the kitchen. Normally, the CFM of most of the vent-less range hood is within 200.
Quiet operation
You do not intend to wake up your neighbor for cooking a lovely breakfast for your honey early in the morning. A vent-less range hood runs on a motor. So, motor and exhausting fans are mainly responsible for the Noise pollution from the hood. For residential areas, the noise level of this kitchen gadget should be below 65 decibels. Do not overlook this factor.
Built-in heat sensor
This feature is not found in all the rage hood models. Only some renowned brands installed this feature. It monitors the rise and fall in temperature during cooking and automatically switches on the exhaust fan to absorb smokes and fumes and passes it to the charcoal filter.
Smart control switches
All the ventless range hood has two fundamental switches. One controls the fan speed and the other is responsible for the activation of LED bulbs.
In some models of range hood, there is an auto-switch-off control system. If you have one of those models installed in your kitchen you do not need to bear the hassle of switching the hood every time you cook. You can simply set a timer and when the allotted time ends, the switch system automatically shuts down the ductless range hood system.
Light
Most of the ductless range hoods have lights of 2- 75 watts. These long-lasting and bright lights are easy to control using the illuminated push-button. They are either halogen light or LED light.
Mounting style
How you want to mount your range hood completely depends on your preferences. You can mount the total piece on the wall to save some space. Whereas some people prefer mounting it in the cabinet. This also protects the hood from damages.
There should be at least a 24-inch distance between the hood mounted on the wall and the cooktop.
Prices of the ductless range hood
Well, there is nothing much to talk about the price. There are hundreds of gadgets in the market. Each of them comes at a different price based on their quality and features. If you want a premium quality hood, you muck make up your mind to spend some extra bucks for smart engineering.
Visit the brand’s homepage and check reviews
Product descriptions are mentioned in all the commercial sites. But if you want authentic information about the usage of the gadget, you can directly mail the manufacturer or leave a text on their page. The last and important thing you could do to make a smart purchase is to check all the true reviews.
10 Best Ductless Range Hoods with Charcoal Filter 2020!
Here, we are going to review the ten top performing ductless range hoods with charcoal filter. Choose the ductless range hood that suits your requirements the most!
1. Broan-NuTone 413004 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood with Lights Exhaust Fan
Key Features:
- Built-in incandescent lamp
- Grease-charcoal filter combination
- 2-fan speed
- Two control switches
- Stainless steel materials
Broan is offering its top-rated ductless range hood at a low price. It might come with the basic features, but the product is well-engineered. Being an under-cabinet range hood, it doesn’t take up much of your kitchen space. However, it needs a clearance space of at least 18 in. It is one of the best ductless range hoods with charcoal filter.
You will not be disappointed with its performance. Any airborne contaminant or steam will not escape all over the place. It comes with two very basic control switches-one for fan speed and another for light activation. It accepts up to 75 watts bulb.
The 2-fan speeds let you choose between low and high speeds. Permanent lubrication on the fan makes it worthy of cutting down noise and friction. For clean air recirculation, the Broan-NuTone offers a combination of grease and charcoal filter. The filter is not washable; it’s replaceable.
2. Cosmo 63175S 30 in. Wall Mount Range Hood with Ductless Convertible Duct
Key Features:
- Measures 30 x 19.75 x 39.4 inches
- Stainless steel materials
- Energy-efficient parts
- Maximum noise level of 65 decibels
- Airflow displacement of 380 cubic feet per minute
The Cosmo is a well-respected and experienced brand and offers culinary appliances that excel in performance, modern luxury, and assembly ease. The Cosmo 63175S is a prime example.
Featuring a pyramid style design, this ductless range hood with charcoal filter is extremely effective for moving grease and smells away from your kitchen. The hood comes with sleek and energy-efficient 2-watts LED lights with illuminated push-button controls, air backdraft damper, 6 in. duct pipe, chimney flue, and a detailed assembly instruction.
You won’t need to replace the Cosmo ARC-FLOW filters. The filters are dishwasher safe that too with an unlimited number of washes!
With 380 CFM, the hood provides a powerful suction that removes smells and harmful air with absolute ease. The motor with a 3-speed fan option runs at 65-decibel max. This makes the unit quiet and comfortable.
3. Broan-NuTone BCSD130SS Glacier Range Hood with Light BCSD
Key Features:
- Measures 19.63 x 6 x 30 inches
- 0 inches in size
- Two rocker switches
- Airflow displacement of 250 CFM
- One year warranty
Here comes another great hood from the Broan! The hood can effectively improve air quality with 250 CFM ventilation. Your kitchen will have great lighting with the two-level halogen bulbs.
The hood promotes a quiet operation at 1.5 Sones at a normal speed. Featuring a forward positioned centric inlet, it removes smoke and odor faster. You can sue it easily as it includes dual dishwasher-safe and open-mesh filters for effective grease removal.
Do not worry about its quality as it is made from high-quality and durable stainless steel. Separate rocker switches are easy to operate. One is for light, and the other is for the 2-speed fan. The hood generally measures 30 inches. However, you should install it at least 18 inches above the cooktop.
4. Winflo 30 In. Convertible Stainless Steel Wall Mount Range Hood
Key Features:
- Powerful suction at 400 CFM
- Two white LED lights
- Noise level of less than 65 dB
- Three years limited on parts warranty
- Measures 19.21 x 29.5 x 36.22 inches
You may have to read the instruction manuals when you buy this product as the Winflo uses an intuitive digital control panel. It operates a powerful suction at 400 CFM at a high-speed setting. There is an easy to use push-button control for fan speed, power, and light. A 3-speed fan is there for the right amount of suction. The entire range hood is made of stainless steel.
Aluminum mesh filters are dishwasher-safe and easily removable. You will get two energy-saving bright white LED lights with it. The light is more than enough to illuminate your kitchen.
You will be impressed with its quiet operation as it has a noise level of less than 65 dB at high speed. Moreover, the adjustable and telescoping chimney fits 7.5 ft. to 8.5 ft. ceiling.
5. Cosmo Wall Mount Range Hood with Efficient Airflow
Key Features:
- Noise level of 65 dB
- Efficient airflow of 380 CFM
- Duct size of 6 in.
- 2 watts LED lights
- 3-speeds fan
Another product of the Cosmo, the Cosmo 63175 30 in. Wall Mount Range Hood. Featuring cutting edge technology, the Cosmo gives you a premium charcoal range hood at an affordable price.
The efficient airflow of 380 CFM successfully removes smells and odors with great ease. It comes with a noise level of 65 dB max. The charcoal range hood vents outside and away from your area.
For ductless, an optional carbon filter kit is available. The permanent Cosmo ARC-FLOW filters are extremely durable and dishwasher-safe. You don’t have to replace the filter. Put them into the dishwasher for cost savings and easy maintenance.
It has 2 watts of energy-efficient and long-lasting LED lights. The illuminated push-button controls make it easy to control the lights, 3-speeds fan, and power. Choose from low, medium, and high suction for a variety of food.
6. Cosmo 5MU30 30 in. Under Cabinet Range Hood with Ducted / Ductless Convertible Duct
Key Features:
- Both ducted and ductless
- 3-speeds fan
- Five push-button controls
- Optional charcoal carbon filters
- Maximum noise level of 56 dB
The Cosmo 5MU30 is a form of artwork that beautifies your surroundings as well as serves your right. One of the Best Ductless Range Hoods with Charcoal Filter uses 430 grade, 20 gauge brushed stainless steel for flexible installation options.
You should install the hood 24-36 inches above the cooktop. Two 3-watts bulbs lighten up the cooktop. You can replace it with bulbs of max. 40 watts.
The 3-speeds fan (low, medium, high) has three separate push buttons. There are five push buttons- the light button, motor switch button, and three-speed fan buttons. You can install the Cosmo 5MU30 ducted or ductless. It needs a charcoal carbon filter kit (sold separately) for ductless.
You need to replace the aluminum grease filters every six months. It uses 5 inches round duct for the exhaust vent. Remember not to clean the motor or any electric component with water or any other liquid.
7. Cosmo UC30 30 in. Under Cabinet Range Hood Ductless Convertible Duct
Key Features:
- 430 stainless steel material type
- Measures 29.5 x 20.5 x 9.75 inches
- Airflow displacement of 380 CFM
- Arc-Flow permanent filters
- Noise level of 65 dB
Bring a sophisticated addition to your kitchen with The Cosmo UC30. It comes with an efficient airflow of 380 CFM. This under cabinet range hood quietly and quickly ventilates the kitchen, reducing contaminants, odors, and grease with a low noise level (max. 65 dB).
Replacing the filters is not required here as the Arc-Flow filters are permanent. The filters are durable and dishwasher-safe. You can convert it to ductless with an optional carbon filter kit (you have to purchase it separately). This hood is designed to fit nicely under any kitchen cabinet.
The product is made of premium 430 grade and 20 gauge stainless steel. You will get energy-efficient 2-watt LED lights that are long-lasting and provides bright light for better visibility at night.
8. Range Hoods 30 inch Stainless Steel by Tieasy
Key Features:
- Adjustable chimney
- 430-grade stainless steel
- Noise level of less than 55 dB
- 450 CFM airflow
- 3-speed push-button control
Tieasy has been providing professional quality, well-designed, functional range hoods for almost ten years. You will love this product as it has a premium blower that pulls odors and smokes instantly from the surrounding air, thus keeping your kitchen free from indoor pollutants.
This powerful kitchen hood successfully meets daily use requirements with 450 CFM airflow. It comes with 3-speed push-button control, which is super easy to operate. This charcoal vent hood has a noise level of less than 55 dB at high speed that gives you a quiet cooking experience.
Made from 430-grade stainless steel, this appliance is easier to clean. You can make it ductless by purchasing a carbon filter kit. Long LED light provides you with enough lighting when cooking at night.
The stainless steel filters easily trap grease from the smoke, help the exhaust fan sucking out steam and odor effectively. Filters are removable and dishwasher-safe. You can fit this hood on a 7.5 to 8.5 inches ceiling.
9. EKON 900 CFM Range Hood
Key Features:
- 1-9 minutes adjustable timer
- 900 CFM high-efficiency motor
- 4-speed levels
- 230W motor exhaust fan
- Two permanent filters
It is a quality kitchen range hood. The hood is designed with great features. The high-quality features make your cooking simple, easy, and manageable. To ensure a superior product, the hood is made of high-quality materials and provides the best performance to your kitchen.
This 36 inches stainless range hood features a 900 CFM motor with 4-speed controls. Three dishwasher-safe and easily removable permanent baffle filters capture smoke and grease from cooking. Moreover, there is a 1-9 adjustable timer.
The cover is made of stainless steel (19 gauge) with a sturdy structure and modern design. You can say it’s a perfect upgrade for your kitchen!
A remote and a Touch Control Panel LCD Display controls the 4-speed levels. The operation is quite simple. To provide you with enough light at night, 2 LED lights are there.
The kitchen exhaust fan not only comes with a powerful motor of 230W, but its operation is extremely quiet also. It has a noise level under 65 dB.
10. CIARRA CAS75918B Under-Cabinet Range Hood
Key Features:
- 29.76 x 19.7 x 3.93 inches.
- 200 CFM airflow
- 3×5 layer aluminum mesh filters
- Three-speed exhaust fan
- 2×2 watt LED lights
This CIARRA model is slim and space-saving. It easily fits into smaller kitchens. The range hood is made of 430 grade brushed highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel. It is one of the best ductless range hoods with charcoal filters.
The quiet but strong motor produces 200 CFM airflow using three fans. The noise level of less than 65 dB even at high speed. There are 3×5 layer aluminum mesh filters that aids in trapping the grease and oil for easy cleaning. Moreover, you get to breathe clean air in your kitchen instead of any smoke.
You need to wash the CACF006 carbon filters periodically to make them work for a longer time. Nothing to worry about; the filters are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean. The 2×2 watt LED lights to help you in cooking at night. These lights can withstand steam and high heat from your cooking.
How to use it for long-lasting?
Every time we cook in the kitchen, smoke and greasy air all over the room. These white fumes are harmful to health and causes various respiratory diseases. If you see black smoke coming out of your stove, then that is due to partial combustion and it produces carbon monoxide.
Moreover, greasy air attracts dust and dirt and makes the kitchen dirty. So, we need a range hood to remove all the smoke and fumes from our kitchen. It can be ducted or ductless. For a kitchen in the restaurant, a ducted hood works best and others can do its work well in a residential kitchen. Usually, a ductless range hood serves for 14-15 years. But its longevity decreases for want of proper care.
As the ductless hood system re-circulates the kitchen air after purifying, its filter has to take a heavy workload. But this is not so effective. No matter how much money you spend, once all the charcoal particles in the filter absorb smoke, fumes, and greases from the air, it can no longer work on air purification. It must be changed at least 2-3 times a year. The filter is not dishwasher-friendly.
Under such circumstances, the question we face almost all the time is- how can we use our ductless range hood for a long period? It has a simple answer “proper maintenance.” But how can you understand that you hood needs special care?
- Greasy kitchen wall
- Smoky room for want of proper ventilation.
- Loud motor and fan noise.
- Dim lighting.
- Frequent heating.
Here are some tips and tricks that you help to restore the work efficiency of this kitchen appliance.
When these signs start to manifest, your hood surely needs some care.
Changing the charcoal filter
Charcoal filters cannot be washed like metal or baffle filters. When you can see yellowish grease on your kitchen wall, it is an indication that it is time to change the charcoal filter. It can be at least 2-3 times per year based on your cooking style and time. You can get these filters on any kitchen appliances sites.
Weekly cleaning the fan
The exhaust fan is mainly responsible for drawing kitchen air into the hood and process it in the filter. Over time, grease, dust, and dirt accumulate on its blade and reduces the rotation of the fan. Use any natural and mild degreaser like vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, etc. to remove the grease. Then gently wash it with warm water.
Monitor the motor
It is normal to hear some sounds from the motor. But it becomes a headache when the motor keeps on humming and gets excessively heated. Such situations should not be avoided. It is better to consult an expert to avoid accidents.
Overall ductless hood cleaning
A range hood is often exposed to oil, greasy and smoke. So it must be cleaned properly to ensure proper hygiene for your kitchen. A plastic hood and stainless hood can be cleaned with lukewarm water and soap. But those who have a copper hood in their kitchen, must spend some extra bucks on buying cleaners containing acetones, acetic acid, etc.
Cross-examination of work efficiency
How long can you use your ductless range hood? To check the work efficiency of the hood even after using it for years, hold a piece of paper under the hood and see if it sucks the newspaper in. This indicates the motor power and fan capability to suck in smokes and greasy air. In simple words, it is a mere test that is run to check the remaining work life of the appliance.
Conclusion
There are so many ductless range hoods with charcoal filters out in the market. In this review article, we picked up the ten best ductless range hoods with charcoal filters for you. While cooking, there is unnecessary fumes, moistness, and airborne particles that infiltrate every room in your house. So, you must choose a multi-purpose range hood.
Our top 3 choices are the Broan 413004, the CIARRA CAS75918B, and the Cosmo 5MU30. However, you need to find the one that fulfills all your needs without necessarily draining your pocket.
Happy cooking!