Yes, range hoods can indeed be ductless. A ductless range hood operates by filtering and recirculating air instead of exhausting air outdoors. It usually filters the air using carbon, a fine mesh and/or charcoal filters, and then recirculates it.
Ductless range hoods can come in wall-mounted, island or under cabinet varieties and are often suitable for smaller homes and kitchens. They are typically more affordable than ducted rangehoods and don’t require the same installation complexity, making them a great choice for those who don’t want to install an external vent.
They are also good options if your kitchen doesn’t have an external wall where you can install a ducted rangehood—as is sometimes the case in apartments. That said, ductless range hoods aren’t as effective in improving air quality as ducted rangehoods because they don’t remove air from the kitchen entirely, like a ducted rangehood does.
They also tend to be noisier and can require more frequent filter cleaning as they can become clogged more quickly.
How much does a ductless range hood cost?
The cost of a ductless range hood can vary greatly based on size, brand, style, and special features. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to over $1,000 for a ductless range hood.
Budget-level models are typically around $50, mid-range models are around $100, and higher-end models may cost up to $1,000 or more. When making a decision, it’s important to consider the size of your hood, the type of ventilation (recirculating or vented), and any additional features (such as lights, filters, etc).
A quality ductless range hood is an investment that can last for many years, so make sure to do your research and find a model that meets your needs and budget.
What is the ductless range hood?
A ductless range hood, also known as a recirculating range hood, is a type of kitchen exhaust hood that filters the air without the need for ductwork or an external fan. Instead of venting the air outdoors, the range hood uses a charcoal filter to trap grease, odors, and other particles before exhausting the air back into the kitchen.
This provides a similar level of ventilation, but without the need for invasive and costly ductwork installation. Additionally, the air that is recirculated back into the kitchen is often treated with a deodorizing filter, making it a great option for those who are looking to improve the air quality of their kitchen.
Finally, ductless range hoods provide the added benefit of being much quieter than traditional range hoods, making them a better option for noise-sensitive kitchens.
How do I vent my stove without a hood?
If you don’t have a hood, you can still vent your stove. The most commonly recommended option is to install a recirculating vent above your stove, which takes in the cooking odors and smoke, passes it through a filter, and then sends the odors and smoke back out into the kitchen.
This method is efficient and easy to install, and in many cases more affordable than a hood, but it is not as efficient as a hood. If a recirculating vent is not an option, you could also look into installing a wall vent.
A wall vent will expel odors and smoke out of the back of the stove and through an outside wall or into an attic space. Depending on the layout, you may need to hire a contractor to install the wall vent.
However, this is typically a more affordable option than a hood and can be just as effective. Whichever option you choose, both methods require careful monitoring to ensure that the vents are not blocked by furniture or other objects, which can affect the venting of your range.
Do range hoods have to be vented outside?
Yes, range hoods typically have to be vented outside. Venting range hoods outside is important because it helps remove grease, moisture, smoke, and odors from the kitchen, and improves indoor air quality.
Having the range hood vent outside also helps keep the kitchen free from excessive heat and humidity, as it prevents hot air from collecting in the kitchen. Additionally, venting the range hood outside helps reduce the risk of fire and can even improve the efficiency of your stove.
Most range hoods come with ducting or some form of venting through a wall or ceiling, or use a flexible metal vent, which can be vented outside through a wall or roof. Professional technicians should generally be called in to properly install the venting.
How many Sones is a quiet range hood?
The sound level of range hoods typically ranges between 40 and 60 Sones. Of course, there are quieter range hoods available on the market that can have a sound rating of between 30 and 40 Sones. Lower Sone ratings generally mean a quieter range hood, with a sound rating of 30 Sones being quite quiet.
However, it is important to keep in mind that even range hoods with low Sone ratings may still create a significant amount of noise, depending on the size and power of the motor, as well as the type of fan and control settings.
Is 200 cfm enough for range hood?
It really depends on the size of the stove and the amount of heat that is typically produced. A range hood with a 200 cubic feet per minute (CFM) airflow capacity is enough to ventilate a kitchen that uses a standard-size, average output stove.
However, if you’re using a professional-grade, high-output stove, a range hood with a higher CFM capacity is recommended. If a range hood has too low of a CFM rating, it will not exhaust enough air and fumes associated with cooking, potentially leaving the kitchen filled with foul-smelling and potentially hazardous gases.
Professional range hoods are typically rated for 600 CFM or higher. It’s important to note that, regardless of the CFM rating of the range hood, proper installation is also key. Installing the hood too far from the stove, using improper ductwork, or using a duct size that is too small will diminish the efficiency of the ventilating system.
Whenever possible, work with a qualified contractor to determine the correct CFM rating and ensure proper installation.
Can you use a ductless range hood with a gas stove?
Yes, it is possible to use a ductless range hood with a gas stove. Ductless range hoods are relatively easy to install and can help to improve indoor air quality in the home. With a gas stove, the range hood will filter out odors, smoke and grease from cooking.
It can also help maintain a healthy ventilation system in the kitchen and filter out any airborne contaminants that may be released while cooking. Since it does not require any ducting, the ductless range hood can usually be installed in a shorter amount of time.
There are a variety of ductless range hoods available in different sizes and styles, and they come in both a wall or under-cabinet style. To ensure that a ductless range hood is suitable for your gas stove, it is important to make sure that it is powerful enough to filter out the odor and smoke produced by the stove.
Additionally, make sure to read all of the hood’s requirements and user manual to check compatibility with the stove.
Do recirculating range hoods need to be vented?
Recirculating range hoods do not need to be vented. This type of hood is designed to filter out smoke and odors from your cooking area and then recirculate the air back through filters to be then passed back into your kitchen.
This is a great option for smaller kitchens with limited venting options as they don’t require ductwork and they are relatively easy to install. The filtered air is typically passed through a charcoal filter that helps regulate the temperature of the air.
Some models may require additional filters like those needed for odor and grease removal, but in general, recirculating range hoods do not need to be vented out of a home.
What’s the difference between extraction and recirculation?
Extraction and recirculation are two distinct types of ventilation in the context of building management. The main difference between the two is how the air is moved around.
In an extraction system, air from the indoors is expelled directly outdoors through an exhaust fan connected to a duct system. This type of ventilation is usually used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas that produce high levels of air pollution.
Because air is simply being expelled outdoors, this system requires the most energy and may cause indoor air to become stale and unsafe to breathe over time.
In contrast, recirculation systems bring outside air into the building and then circulate it back out through an exhaust fan. This system allows for fresher air to be brought into the building, as well as stale air to be quickly expelled, while keeping energy levels relatively low.
This type of system is especially beneficial for areas where consistent air flow is essential, such as factories and laboratories.
Overall, an extraction system can create stifling air due to the lack of fresh air, while a recirculation system ensures the air flow within a building remains safe and healthy for its occupants.