Best Residential Kitchen Exhaust Fans for 2024
Do you struggle to keep your kitchen air clean? Is it hard to keep the grease and dirt off your oven and stove top?
Even worse, are you worried about having people over for parties and socials with all the lingering cooking smells?
No need to worry anymore. Here is our list of some of the best range hoods on the market that will clean your air with ease. These hoods feature versatile speed settings, easy installation, and they’re easy to clean too.
Check out 12 of the best kitchen exhaust fans in this article. This list includes ducted and non ducted hoods to adapt to any kitchen setup.
After you’ve checked out the 12 best hoods, stay tuned for our range hood buying guide!
PLJW 185 - Best Under Cabinet Kitchen Exhaust Fan
The PLJW 185 under cabinet range hood is the best residential kitchen exhaust fan on the market. At just five inches tall, this under cabinet hood packs a powerful punch. Efficient dual blowers pull 600 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air to keep your kitchen air clean and fresh.
The stainless steel push buttons are easy to use and provide you with incredible flexibility in the kitchen. While you’re busy cooking, you can adjust between six fan speeds with the push of a button. The PLJW 185 runs from 100 CFM all the way up to 600, so we’re sure you’ll find a speed that works best for you.
The PLJW 185 ductless range hood is incredibly easy to install. It’s one of our most versatile kitchen exhaust fans at Proline.
For installation, you have two options. You can install it with a duct that moves air outside your home. Or, you can buy a recirculating kit to install the hood as recirculating. The recirculating kit comes complete with charcoal filters to neutralize odors and trap grease and dirt.
The PLJW 185 under cabinet range hood is available in both 30 and 36 inch sizes. It is the most popular model at Proline Range Hoods.
For more information on choosing a 30 inch or 36 inch fan for your home, check out our ultimate guide.
What We Like
- Convertible range hood
- Low profile height
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- Easy-to-use stainless steel push buttons
- Bright LED lights
- Six-speed motor
- Best selling range hood
What We Don’t
- Can only be installed under a cabinet
- Not ideal for avid cooks or those who like Asian cooking
Our Favorite Photos - PLJW 185
Buy Yours Below!
PLFW 520 - Best Wall Mounted Kitchen Exhaust Fan
The PLFW 520 is the best kitchen exhaust fan that you can mount on your wall. It features a simple and sleek design. Manufactured in 430 stainless steel, the PLFW 520 is built to last you years. It features durable stainless steel mesh filters that capture grease and dirt as they pass through your hood to the outside of your home.
Most hoods from big box stores feature aluminum mesh filters, but stainless steel is much more durable. As the filters build up grime over a few weeks to a month, simply toss them into the dishwasher. Or if they need a deeper clean, here are some easy strategies you can try.
The minimalist control panel includes four buttons and a small digital display where you can see the time and the blower speed. Like our 185 kitchen exhaust fan, this one can run in 100 CFM increments all the way up to 600 CFM. This gives you a flurry of options to choose from based on what you’re cooking. If you’d like to chat with family and friends while the fan is running, the low setting is perfect. At max power, this hood is ultra-quiet, rated at just 4.5 sones.
To convert this kitchen exhaust fan to ductless, you can buy charcoal filters at purchase. These sit inside the blower and catch contaminants from your cooking exhaust as it travels into the vent hood. This fan also features bright LED lights to help you see while you’re cooking. With the PLFW 520, you will enjoy a comfortable kitchen experience.
This wall hood fan is available in 24”, 30”, 36”, 42”, and 48”. It is our only 24” range hood, which is the perfect size for your small kitchen. We also offer this fan in 30” and 36” sizes in a sleek matte black finish. Like the 185, the PLFW 520 ductless hood is easy to install. Buy yours below.
What We Like
- Convertible exhaust fan (with charcoal filters)
- Ultra-quiet 4.5-sone motor
- User-friendly LED control panel
- Energy-efficient LED lights
- Six-speed motor
- Available as a wall or island exhaust fan
- Most popular wall kitchen exhaust fan
What We Don’t
- Mesh filters are not as efficient as baffle filters
- Not as powerful as Proline’s other vent hoods
Our Favorite Photos - PLFW 520
Buy Yours Below!
PLFW 832
The PLFW 832 is one of the most powerful exhaust fans for your home on the market today. Equipped with a variable speed 2000 CFM dual blower, you won’t find yourself wanting more power from this exhaust fan.
In fact, most of our customers rarely use the max speed because the hood has so much power. Instead, they cycle to the lower speeds and enjoy a quiet motor that still packs a punch. Running the fan at max cubic feet per minute wears down the range hood over time. So, using the lower settings keeps it in great condition for much longer. Take full advantage of the variable speed; remember, you have a staggering six different speeds to choose from!
This wall range hood features LED lights and you won’t believe how helpful they are. Just push the button on the front control panel to make your cooktop nice and bright. You’ll also love the dishwasher-safe stainless steel baffle filters. These are a huge part of what makes the hood so efficient. All the grease from your cooking is trapped in the baffles as the air moves outside your home. The best part is, since they are dishwasher-safe, you don’t have to worry about cleaning them.
The PLFW 832 is a heavy duty, commercial grade exhaust fan for your kitchen. This fan is available in sizes 36” to 60”.
What We Like
- Ultra powerful 2000 CFM blower
- Versatile six-speed motor
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- Long-lasting LED lights
- Brushed 430 stainless steel finish
What We Don’t
- Not available in 30”
- Cannot recirculate/convert to ductless
Our Favorite Photos - PLFW 832
Buy Yours Below!
PLJI 103 - Best Island Kitchen Exhaust Fan
The PLJI 103 is a modern and beautiful appliance for your kitchen. It is manufactured with a durable 430 stainless steel finish that will keep your hood in peak condition for years. Without a doubt, the best feature of the PLJI 103 exhaust fan is the user experience.
While you’re cooking, you might find yourself moving around the island in a hurry to find everything you need. Luckily, the 103 exhaust fans have matching control panels on either side of the range hood which makes them incredibly easy to access!
This ducted range hood includes a powerful 1200 CFM blower. It will vent your cooking exhaust right out of the home – or your outdoor cooking area. You heard that right. This range hood comes in a high quality 304 stainless steel that is stain and scratch-resistant. This durable material weathers the elements and intense heat of your grill. It’s the perfect solution for your outdoor kitchen.
The PLJI 103 comes with bright LED lights that keep you on task in the kitchen. Turn those on at the push of the button to make your life easier. Speaking of making your life easier, you don’t need to clean your baffle filters! Simply remove them from the hood using the handles and set them in your dishwasher. That’s it!
The PLJI 103 is available in 36” - 60” widths. Check out some of this fan’s best features below!
What We Like
- Matching stainless steel button control panels
- Powerful 1200 CFM blower
- Available in 304 stainless steel
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- Energy-efficient LED lights
What We Don’t
- Noisier than our other range hoods
- Cannot recirculate
Our Favorite Photos - PLJI 103
Buy Yours Below!
PLJL Hurricane Insert - Best Range Hood Insert
The PLJL Hurricane insert is a versatile exhaust fan for your kitchen. It comes with the option of a single 600 CFM blower or a powerful 1200 CFM dual blower. This insert features variable speed which means you can adjust the power to fit your cooking style. The small stainless steel push buttons are easy to use. On the control panel, you can also turn on the bright Halogen lights which are so convenient while you’re cooking.
The Hurricane Insert features dishwasher-safe baffle filters. These filters catch grease, dirt, and oil droplets as they move outside your home. But you don’t have to worry about cleaning them.
The PLJL Hurricane was built to make life in the kitchen easier. These inserts are incredibly easy to install, too.
The Hurricane is available in sizes 28”, 34”, 40”, 46”, 52”, and 58”.
What We Like
- Two blower options - 600 CFM single and 1200 CFM dual
- User-friendly stainless steel push buttons
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- Bright Halogen lights
- Four-speed blower
What We Don’t
- Cannot be recirculating
Our Favorite Photos - PLJL Hurricane Insert
Buy Yours Below!
PLJW 129
The PLJW 129 is a beautiful exhaust fan for the kitchen. It is a minimalist tapered exhaust fan with stainless steel push buttons. The buttons are modern, seamless, and easy to use. You can quickly adjust the 900 cubic feet per minute, four-speed blower while you’re working hard to prepare a delicious meal for your guests. As you’re cooking, you can also turn on the bright LED lights that illuminate your entire cooktop.
When you’re wrapping up in the kitchen, you can use the automatic fan shutoff feature which runs your hood for up to 15 minutes and then shuts it off automatically. This will clear out the rest of the pesky cooking exhaust and strong odors.
Also, don’t forget to remove the baffle filters and place them in your dishwasher. Cleaning doesn’t get much easier than that!
The PLJW 129 is available in 30”, 36”, 42”, and 48” widths.
What We Like
- Powerful 900 CFM single blower
- Minimalist design
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- Sleek stainless steel push buttons
- Automatic fan shutoff
What We Don’t
- Cannot be recirculating
- Blower does not rotate to the back
Our Favorite Photos - PLJW 129
Buy Yours Below!
PLJW 105 304 SS - Best Outdoor Range Hood
The PLJW 105 304 SS is one of our newest range hoods! It can be mounted on your wall or under your cabinet. It is available in both 430 SS for indoor kitchens and the more durable 304 stainless steel for outdoor environments!
This range hood comes in 30”, 36”, 48”, 54”, and 60” sizes. The 30” and 36” range hoods feature a single 1000 CFM blower. As an added bonus, the blower is variable speed so you can adjust to four different CFM levels with the push of a button. This is incredibly convenient when you are cooking many different types of foods – or if your kitchen starts to fill up with smoke and fumes!
Our PLJW 105 304 SS model is the perfect fit over your stainless steel grill. With this powerful wall range hood, you can make your family gatherings and barbecues even more enjoyable. If you’re cooking late into the evening, simply turn on the bright LED lights to help you see clearly.
After a full afternoon of cooking burgers and hotdogs, those baffle filters might be getting a little greasy. Once you’re done making all your delicious party food, just remove the filters and set them in the dishwasher. You don’t have to keep your guests waiting and you can join in on the fun!
Check out more of the features of the PLJW 105 304 SS below.
What We Like
- Efficient 1000 or 2000 CFM single blower
- 304 stainless steel finish – built to last in outdoor environments
- Energy-efficient LED lights
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- Four-speed push-button control panel
What We Don’t
- Cannot recirculate your kitchen air
Buy Yours Below!
PLJW 109 304 SS
One of the best kitchen exhaust fans for your outdoor patio is the PLJW 109 304 SS. Like the 105, it features a durable, stain-resistant stainless steel finish. Our 109 wall hood withstands the weather as well as heavy grease and dirt.
It features a powerful, four-speed 2000 CFM blower that is more than enough to keep your kitchen air clean. Our customers love to use this wall range hood on its much quieter lower speeds because it is so powerful. They also love the clean look and feel of this fan. The unobtrusive stainless steel push buttons are hidden underneath the front of the hood. Behind the control panel, you’ll see the bright LED lights. Turn these on to enjoy hassle-free cooking.
The PLJW 109 304 SS is available in 42”, 48”, 54”, and 60” sizes. Since these are outdoor range hoods, it’s important that you have more coverage of your cooktop than exhaust fans that you install indoors.
What We Like
- Powerful 1000 or 2000 CFM blower
- Durable 304 stainless steel finish
- Bright LED lights
- User-friendly stainless steel push buttons
- Rotatable blower
What We Don’t
- Not available in 30” or 36” sizes
Our Favorite Photos - PLJW 109 304 SS
Buy Yours Below!
PLFW 755
The PLFW 755 wall exhaust hood features a unique design. Unlike the other range hoods on this list, it is flat and rectangular. The fan design comes down to personal preference, but it is incredibly powerful. At 30”, you’ll enjoy an efficient 900 CFM blower that keeps grease off your stove and surrounding cabinetry. It also vents smoke and fumes from your kitchen.
For the PLFW 755 36” and above (up to 60”), you have up to 1100 CFM – 200 extra to handle the higher BTUs of larger ranges.
Regardless of the size, you’ll love having bright LED lights to illuminate your cooktop. Turn these on while cooking to increase your efficiency in the kitchen. Speaking of efficiency, the baffle filters are some of the most efficient on the market. They capture heavy cooking exhaust as it moves out of your home. After a few weeks, simply place them in your dishwasher and you’re done!
What We Like
- Sleek, minimalist rectangular design
- Versatile four-speed blower
- Bright LED lights
- Powerful 900 or 1100 CFM blower
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
What We Don’t
- Cannot recirculate/convert to ductless
Our Favorite Photos - PLFW 755
Buy Yours Below!
ProSI
The ProS island range hood is a beautiful exhaust fan with tremendous power. The blower pulls a robust 900 CFM of air at 30” and an incredible 1800 CFM for sizes 36” to 60”. With this much power, the ProSI is one of the most versatile island hoods on the market.
Think of all the different types of foods you can cook – and still enjoy clean air! Feel free to adjust the blower between four different speeds so you don’t have to worry about wearing the hood out on max power all the time.
The ProSI features a sleek black LCD control panel to make running the hood simple and easy while you’re busy cooking. Don’t forget to turn on the LED lights; they come in handy, especially later in the day when it’s hard to see. Before you go join your guests, load the grease filters into the dishwasher and let it do the work for you while you enjoy your meal!
What We Like
- Powerful 900 or 1800 CFM blower(s)
- Sleek black LCD touch screen
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- Bright LED lights
- Versatile variable-speed blower
What We Don’t
- Cannot recirculate
Our Favorite Photos - ProSI
Buy Yours Below!
PLJI 102
The PLJI 102 is a commercial-grade island range hood for your home. It features an impressive 1200 CFM dual blower to vent heavy grease and smoke from your kitchen. If you don't need a fan that vents heavy smoke, no problem! Simply use the four-speed black LCD touch panel to toggle between the fan speeds. No matter your cooking style, you will find a speed setting that works best for you!
The PLJI 102 includes bright LED lights to make it easier to see while you're cooking. Not only that, but it also has dishwasher-safe baffle filters that make the hood so efficient at capturing grease.
Check out all the PLJI 102's features below.
What We Like
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- Black LCD control panel
- Bright, energy-efficient LED lights
- 430 stainless steel finish
- 1200 CFM dual blower
What We Don’t
- Cannot recirculate
Our Favorite Photos - PLJI 102
Buy Yours Below!
ProVL
The ProVL ducted range hood insert is one of the most powerful inserts in the industry. With a 1700 CFM blower, you won't find a kitchen exhaust fan with that much power at a big box store.
The insert is exceptionally versatile too. If you don't want 1700 CFM, try out some of the lower fan speeds to enjoy a quiet noise level. You can also opt for a 1200 CFM blower or 1300 CFM inline blower. The inline fan is a favorite among our customers because it sits further away from your kitchen. So if you have guests over, they'll barely notice that the hood is running!
Check out more of the features of the ProV range hood insert below.
What We Like
- 3 versatile blower options: 1200 CFM local, 1700 CFM local, and 1300 CFM inline
- Dimmable halogen lights
- Variable speed dial knob controls
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- 430 stainless steel finish
What We Don’t
- Cannot be converted to ductless
Our Favorite Photos - ProVL
Buy Yours Below!
Why do I need a kitchen exhaust fan?
A kitchen exhaust fan or range hood is essential to removing grease and toxins from your indoor air. In the long run, it also keeps grease and dirt off the walls, ceiling, and kitchen range.
An exhaust fan is also a worthwhile investment because it increases the resale value of your home. When guests see your kitchen, they will be impressed with your beautiful high quality stainless steel range hood.
Kitchen exhaust fans are not only helpful when selling your home. They are also a great conversation starter whenever you have friends or guests over.
How to Choose a Kitchen Exhaust Fan
We've prepared a short video with all the information you need to choose a kitchen exhaust fan. Check it out below.
What are the different types of kitchen exhaust fans?
There are eight main types of kitchen exhaust fans.
- Wall exhaust fan
- Island exhaust fan
- Outdoor exhaust fan
- Range hood insert
- Outdoor range hood
- Custom range hood
- Microwave vent hood
- Downdraft vent hood
Generally, it's best to look for a professional range hood compared to a microwave vent hood or downdraft hood. You'll enjoy more power, efficiency, and a more durable design.
For more information on the different types of exhaust fans, click here.
How much CFM do I need for my kitchen exhaust fan?
The amount of CFM you need for your kitchen exhaust fan depends on your cooking habits.
How often do you cook? Do you enjoy asian cooking? Do you cook for long periods of time?
These are some questions to jumpstart your research on the best kitchen exhaust hood CFM that is right for you.
The more often you cook, the more CFM you'll need. Also, if you cook strong-smelling foods, you'll need a higher-CFM hood to vent the odors outside of the kitchen.
How to Install a Kitchen Exhaust Fan
With a little guidance, anyone can install a kitchen exhaust fan. Here’s a helpful video on how to install a wall range hood.
Or, if you want a range hood over your island, check out this video.
Finally, you may have bought a custom hood that requires a range hood insert. These are straightforward to install as well; check out this complete article.
How to Clean a Kitchen Exhaust Fan
To clean your kitchen exhaust fan, focus on these three areas: the outside of your range hood, the inside of your range hood, and your range hood filters.
To clean the outside of your hood, use a glass cleaner or acetone. First apply it to a rag and then wipe with the grain of the stainless steel.
You can use the same cleaner for the inside of your exhaust hood. Just be sure that you avoid all electrical wiring. This is why you should apply the cleaner to the towel, rather than spray the range hood directly.
Range hood filters may need more deep cleaning than the inside or outside of your hood. If you clean them every three to six weeks, you probably won’t have to worry about heavy grease. So, you can wash them in your dishwasher.
If you need to tackle some tough grease and stains, soak your filters in the sink in warm soapy water for 15 minutes. Then wipe them clean and dry the filters thoroughly before placing them back in the vent hood.
Sometimes, the fan blade inside your blower will accumulate grease. But, as long as you keep your filters clean, you won’t need to worry about the blower at all.
Benefits of Kitchen Exhaust Fans
You might be wondering: do I need a kitchen exhaust fan? It’s not required but it can definitely improve your quality of life in the kitchen.
For one, a kitchen exhaust fan keeps your air clean, which is especially helpful in the winter months when you are stuck inside. It will take all the heavy smoke and grease produced from your cooking and move it outside your home.
Second, it keeps the pesky cooking smells from making their way throughout your home. This way, when guests come over, they can enjoy the clean smell of fresh air and not the food that you cooked last night.
Third, it elevates your kitchen experience. A kitchen exhaust fan makes cooking easier. You can cook a wide variety of food, enjoy great lighting over your cooktop, clean greasy filters with ease, and much more. With a professional range hood, you can stay focused on making delicious meals for your family.
Fourth, it also keeps your home cool. A ducted exhaust fan moves hot air and fumes produced from cooking outside your home with ease.
Finally, did you know that exhaust fans are also popular in outdoor kitchens? These have their own set of fantastic benefits, which you can check out here!
Recap
Did you find a range hood that you like? We listed 12 of the best kitchen exhaust fans on the market today. These range hoods have it all – from exceptional power to stunning beauty.
We hope you enjoyed this buying guide! Do you have any questions about range hoods? Feel free to call us at (877) 901 - 5530.
Related Articles
- 30” and 36” Range Hoods - An Ultimate Guide
- Best Range Hoods for Your Apartment
- How many CFM do I need for my range hood?
Why do I need a kitchen exhaust fan?
An exhaust fan is also a worthwhile investment because it increases the resale value of your home. When guests see your kitchen, they will be impressed with your beautiful high quality stainless steel range hood.
Kitchen exhaust fans are not only helpful when selling your home. They are also a great conversation starter whenever you have friends or guests over.
What are the different types of kitchen exhaust fans?
Wall exhaust fan
Island exhaust fan
Outdoor exhaust fan
Range hood insert
Outdoor range hood
Custom range hood
Microwave vent hood
Downdraft vent hood
How much CFM do I need for my kitchen exhaust fan?
How often do you cook? Do you enjoy asian cooking? Do you cook for long periods of time?
These are some questions to jumpstart your research on the best kitchen exhaust hood CFM that is right for you.
The more often you cook, the more CFM you’ll need. Also, if you cook strong-smelling foods, you’ll need a higher-CFM hood to vent the odors outside of the kitchen.