What is a convertible range hood? (Explained)

What is a convertible range hood? A convertible range hood is a range hood that can be converted from ducted to ductless. They are typically ducted hoods that can be converted to ductless with or without a recirculating kit.

A convertible range hood offers the flexibility to operate either as a ducted unit or as a ductless unit. This means that it can be configured to vent the air outside the home through ductwork (ducted mode) or to recirculate the filtered air back into the kitchen (ductless mode).

Convertible range hoods are equipped with a fan to draw in moisture, smoke, and grease, and depending on the configuration, they either expel these contaminants outside the home or filter them and release the clean air back into the kitchen.

The main advantage of a convertible range hood is its versatility. It can adapt to different kitchen layouts and ventilation requirements, which is particularly useful if you plan to renovate your kitchen or move to a new home with different ducting capabilities. Convertible range hoods are also appreciated for their ease of installation, as they do not necessarily require changes to existing ductwork, and they offer a variety of styles to fit different kitchen designs

Why would I use a convertible hood?

First, you might not want to run all the ducting through your home because of the hassle or expense. Secondly, you might not be able to because you are a renter.

Additionally, you may be thinking: ‘Shouldn’t I just buy a ductless range hood? It doesn’t seem worth it to purchase a ducted hood and then also buy a recirculating kit to convert it to ductless.’

Well, there are a few reasons why you might want or need a convertible range hood.

Price - Range Hood Installation, Hiring a Contractor, Ductwork, etc.

As mentioned, a quality ducted hood can be more expensive than a ductless hood. In addition, for ducted hoods, you’ll need to purchase your ductwork and find someone to install it. Between these costs and the cost of the hood itself, ducted hoods can become expensive. You might not feel the cost is worth the clean fresh air you will experience if you had a ducted hood that cleared your greasy cooking exhaust from your kitchen and home.

And, if you install your convertible range hood as ductless, you won’t need to worry about the hassle of installation, ductwork, or other extraneous costs.

If you convert your ducted hood to ductless, the recirculating kit can cost you about another couple hundred dollars. So there is cost there as well…

Smooth Installation Process

Installing your ducted range hood has a lot of steps – between installing your hood correctly, finding a reliable contractor, buying the right ductwork, and many other factors – there’s a lot to consider. Investing in a convertible range hood can save you some of the hassle of this installation process.

If you’re not sure whether you want your hood to be ducted or ductless at this point, or if you are thinking you might want to change its location at any point in the future, a convertible range hood will give you more flexibility and more options in years to come. Buy a convertible range hood and you can decide whether or not you want to duct it to the outside at any point.

If you decide on ductless later, you can simply invest in a recirculating kit and you’ll avoid the hassle of installing ductwork!

Range Hood Style

Ducted range hoods are much more popular than ductless range hoods. This means that you’ll have more options when it comes to range hood design and style. And that’s a perk of a convertible range hood. It can function as ductless, but have the look of a ducted hood! You’re not just limited to the styles of ductless hoods, and you can choose from many additional styles!

Best Convertible Range Hood

There’s not a ‘best convertible range hood.’ It honestly depends on what you like in terms of design, what type of control panel and how powerful you need your hood to be. Keep reading to learn more about how much power (measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM) you should be looking for.

Do you prefer a tapered or non-tapered hood? Do you like the look of an LCD touch display or are you more comfortable with stainless steel push buttons or dials? Do you prefer that the control panel is hidden or on the front of the hood? Aluminum mesh filters or stainless steel baffle filters?

Under 900 CFM? Over 900 CFM? (the cutoff for our professional hoods). The list goes on and on.

To determine the power of your hood, consider what foods you like to cook and how often you cook and over what kind of range or stovetop.

These are just a few questions to consider when deciding on the best convertible range hood for your kitchen. Hopefully, they’ll get you started!

For more information on what you need to know before you invest in your range or vent hood click here.

What is CFM rating for a convertible range hood?

Now that you know what a convertible range hood is, it's time for you to decide on the CFM. Convertible range hood CFM is the same as any other range hood. Cubic feet per minute, or CFM, is the amount of air in cubic feet that a range hood pulls through your ductwork in one minute. At Proline Range Hoods, our hoods operate between 600 and 2000 CFM. With such a wide range of blower power options, you’ll surely find the right range hood CFM for you.

Use our CFM filter and browse our range hoods here.

For more on CFM, check out the articles below.

How Many CFM Do I Need For My Range Hood?

Range Hood CFM for Electric vs. Gas Cooktops

Is a convertible range hood ductless?

No, a convertible range hood is not inherently ductless. It can be configured to operate either as a ducted range hood that vents air outside or as a ductless range hood that recirculates and filters the air back into the kitchen.

Is a range hood or vent required above a cooktop?

While building codes do not universally require a range hood or vent above cooktops, it is highly recommended to have one installed. Range hoods help remove smoke, odors, heat, and grease produced during cooking for better indoor air quality.

What other types of range hoods are there?

The most effective types of range hoods are wall mount range hoods, island range hoods, under cabinet range hoods, and range hood inserts. Less effective are microwave hoods and downdraft hoods.

For a complete list, check out this article! What are the different types of range hoods?

How do I choose a range hood?

Consider CFM, size, style, filters, mounting height, and much more when choosing your range hood. Check out Proline’s comprehensive buyer’s guide for more information!

We hope you enjoyed this article on convertible range hoods. Take a look at some of Proline’s convertible range hoods here. Have fun shopping!

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