7 Best Under Cabinet Vent Hood Models: Complete Buyer's Guide
Table of Contents
- Quick Model Comparison Chart
- PLSW 185: The Space-Saving Champion
- PLJW 109: High-Performance Versatility
- PLJW 105: Outdoor Grilling Specialist
- PLFW 115: Elegant Performance Balance
- ProV Under Cabinet: Maximum Customization
- BBQ Pro Under Cabinet: Outdoor Powerhouse
- PLGW 105HE: Premium Variable Speed Option
- Conclusion & Top Picks
Introduction
Proline Range Hoods offers seven distinct under-cabinet ventilation solutions designed for different cooking needs and budgets. Here's everything you need to know about Proline's most popular under cabinet models, from ultra-slim designs to heavy-duty BBQ applications.
Quick Model Comparison Chart
| Model | CFM | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLSW 185 | 600 | $499-$559 | Small kitchens, apartments |
| PLJW 109 | 1000-2000 | $1,159-$2,099 | Serious home cooks |
| PLJW 105 | 1000-2000 | $1,359-$1,939 | Outdoor/BBQ grilling |
| PLFW 115 | 900 | $579-$959 | Modern touch controls |
| ProV Under Cabinet | 1200-1700 | $1,359-$1959+ | Maximum flexibility |
| BBQ Pro | 2000 | $1,799-$3,499 | Serious outdoor cooking |
| PLGW 105HE | 1200-1700 | $1,539-$2,539 | New design |
PLSW 185: The Space-Saving Champion
Perfect for: Apartments, small kitchens, low cabinet clearance
| Height | 5 inches (Ultra-slim design) |
| CFM | 600 dual-blower |
| Noise | 6.5 sones |
| Sizes | 30" & 36" widths |
| Price | $499-$559 |
| Rating | 4.5/5 Stars ~ 610+ customer reviews |
Key Advantages:
- Ultra-slim profile saves cabinet space
- Convertible ductless operation available
- Energy-efficient 1.5W LED lighting (50,000 hr lifespan)
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- 15+ year proven track record
Consider:
- Limited power for heavy cooking
- Highest speed can be louder than expected
The PLSW 185 stands out with its ultra-slim 5-inch height, making it ideal for apartments and kitchens with cabinet clearance constraints. The 185 model has been Proline's best-seller for over 15 years, with 610+ customer reviews highlighting easy cleaning and attractive design.
PLJW 109: High-Performance Versatility
Perfect for: Serious home cooks, high-heat cooking, professional-style kitchens
| CFM Options | 1000 (single) / 2000 (dual-blower) |
| Noise | 7.0 sones |
| Sizes | 30", 36", 42", 48", 54", 60" |
| Installation | Indoor/Outdoor capable |
| Price | $1,159-$2,099 |
| Power | 110V/60Hz, 4-speed controls |
Key Advantages:
- Maximum power for intensive cooking
- Six size options for any kitchen
- 304 stainless upgrade for outdoor use
- 8" round duct compatibility
- Excellent for Asian cooking & frying
Consider:
- Higher noise levels at max speed
- Premium pricing for larger sizes
For serious home cooks, the PLJW 109 delivers impressive power options ranging from 1000 CFM single-blower to 2000 CFM dual-blower configurations. Available in six widths from 30" to 60", this model accommodates diverse kitchen layouts and cooking intensities.
PLJW 105: Outdoor Grilling Specialist
Perfect for: Outdoor kitchens, BBQ stations, grilling enthusiasts
| CFM | 1000-2000 (configurable) |
| Installation | Under-cabinet |
| Weather Rating | 304 stainless available |
| Specialty | Grease & smoke optimization |
| Price | $1,359-$1,939+ |
| Availability | Limited stock |
Key Advantages:
- Dual installation options (under-cab/wall)
- Grease-handling optimization
- Marine-grade 304 stainless option
- Quiet operation for power level
- BBQ-specific engineering
The PLJW 105 targets outdoor kitchen applications with similar power options as the 109 but optimized for BBQ and grilling environments. This model offers both under-cabinet and wall-mount installation flexibility, crucial for outdoor kitchen designs.
PLFW 115: Elegant Performance Balance
Perfect for: Modern kitchens, tech-savvy homeowners, style-conscious buyers
| CFM | 900 dual-blower system |
| Noise | 6.5 sones max (industry-leading quiet) |
| Controls | Touch-sensitive LED display |
| Smart Features | Heat/steam/smoke sensing |
| Price | $589-$959 (30" models) |
Key Advantages:
- Modern touch controls vs basic switches
- Professional aesthetics
- Factory-tested blower assemblies
The PLFW 115 combines 900 CFM power with sophisticated touch controls, featuring a single-housing dual-blower system for efficient operation. This model emphasizes professional aesthetics with its touch-sensitive LED display and time delay functionality.
ProV Under Cabinet: Maximum Customization
Perfect for: Custom kitchens, professional applications, noise-sensitive environments
| CFM Options | 1200, 1700 local / 1300 remote |
| Controls | Variable speed knob control |
| Materials | 430 or 304 stainless steel |
| Noise | Ultra-quiet with remote blower |
| Installation | Local or remote/inline blower |
| Lighting | Halogen or LED options |
Key Advantages:
- Ultimate flexibility in configuration
- Variable speed
- Remote blower option for ultra-quiet operation
- Professional kitchen capability
- 304 Stainless Steel available
Consider:
- Pricing varies significantly by setup
- May require professional consultation
The ProV series offers unprecedented flexibility with variable CFM options (1200, 1700 CFM local, or 1300 CFM remote configurations) and both 430 and 304 stainless steel material choices. This model supports knob-controlled variable speed operation for precise airflow management.
BBQ Pro Under Cabinet: Outdoor Powerhouse
Perfect for: Serious outdoor chefs, commercial grilling, marine environments
| CFM | 2000 dual-motor system |
| Sizes | 42" to 72" widths |
| Capture Area | 36" deep effective coverage |
| Rating | Marine-grade 304 stainless |
Key Advantages:
- Thickest build quality in industry
- Dual 8" ductwork capability
- Weather-sealed LED lighting
- Independent blower controls
- Ultimate outdoor durability
Consider:
- Premium pricing tier
- Professional installation recommended
The BBQ Pro represents Proline's most specialized offering, engineered exclusively for outdoor grilling applications with 2000 CFM dual-motor systems and premium 304 stainless steel construction. This model features the industry's thickest 1.2mm/304 stainless steel build quality.
PLGW 105HE: Premium Variable Speed Option
Perfect for: 2025 buyers, efficiency-focused homeowners, latest technology seekers
| CFM Options | 1200-1700 local / 1300 in-line |
| Sizes | 36" to 60" widths |
| Controls | Rheostat knob variable speed |
| Material | Premium 304 stainless steel |
| Price | $1,539-$2,539+ |
Key Advantages:
- 2025 latest design with improvements
- High-efficiency variable speed motors
- Premium 304 stainless standard
- 10" round ductwork compatibility
Consider:
- Blower motors sold separately
The PLGW 105HE represents Proline's newest 2025 design featuring high-efficiency variable speed motors and premium 304 stainless steel construction. Available in 36" to 60" widths, this model offers 1200-1700 CFM local blower options or 1300 CFM in-line configurations.
Learn how to install your under-cabinet range here!
Conclusion
Our Top Picks by Category
Best Overall Value: PLSW 185 - Ultra-slim design, proven track record, budget-friendly
Best for Power Users: PLJW 109 - Maximum CFM options, size flexibility, indoor/outdoor capability
Best for Outdoor Cooking: BBQ Pro - Ultimate durability, specialized engineering, premium construction
Best Modern Features: PLFW 115 - Touch controls, smart sensing, professional aesthetics
Final Recommendation
Proline Range Hoods delivers competitive technical specifications and direct-to-consumer value across seven distinct under cabinet models. The PLSW 185 excels in space-constrained applications, the PLJW series handles serious cooking demands, and the BBQ Pro dominates outdoor applications.
Ready to find your perfect under cabinet range hood? Explore our complete collection and discover which model best fits your kitchen and cooking style.
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