Ductless Range Hoods: Are They Right for You?

Ductless range hoods can be a highly effective choice for many kitchens – especially if venting outside isn’t possible.

In this article, we’ll break down how ductless range hoods work, their pros and cons, and who should use one, so you can decide if it’s right for you.

What Is a Ductless Range Hood?

A ductless range hood is a kitchen exhaust fan that filters the air and recirculates it back into your kitchen instead of venting it outside. A traditional ducted hood vents smoke, grease, and odors outside through ductwork, but a ductless model cleans the air with filters and returns it to the room. (For a deeper comparison, check out Proline’s guide on ducted vs. ductless range hoods.)

How Do Ductless Range Hoods Work?

Ductless range hoods have a fan that draws in smoke and fumes, then passes the air through a grease filter (trapping oil and grease) and an activated charcoal filter (absorbing odors and smoke particles) or a recirculating kit filter. The cleaned air is then released back into the kitchen.

Benefits of Ductless Range Hoods

Key advantages of going ductless include:

• Easy, Flexible Installation: No exterior ductwork is needed, making installation simpler and cheaper. You can install a ductless hood almost anywhere – ideal for apartments, condos, or homes where adding a vent isn’t possible.
• Improved Air Quality vs. No Hood: If you have no kitchen ventilation currently, a ductless hood is far better than nothing. It will trap a good amount of grease and odors, helping keep your kitchen cleaner.

Pick the right range hood with this buyers guide.

Limitations of Ductless Range Hoods

Be aware of a few drawbacks:

• Not as Powerful as Vented Hoods: Ductless models generally can’t remove smoke and strong odors as effectively as ducted hoods. Heavy cooking can still leave lingering smells, and all the heat and steam from cooking stays in the room.
• Regular Filter Replacement: To work well, ductless hoods need ongoing upkeep. Regular upkeep is required – clean the grease filter regularly and replace the charcoal filter every few months to keep it working effectively.

Who Should Consider a Ductless Range Hood?

Ductless range hoods are ideal if you can’t vent outside or if your kitchen has no existing hood.

If you do a lot of heavy, smoky cooking and have the option to vent outside, a ducted hood is usually a better choice. For many other situations, a ductless range hood is a fantastic alternative to improve your kitchen’s air quality.

Check out these Reviews on a ductless range hood: Ductless Range Hood Reviews and Buyer's Guide

Conclusion

Ductless range hoods do work – they will keep your kitchen much fresher than having no ventilation at all. When you can't install a vented hood, a ductless model can be the perfect solution – just remember to replace the filters regularly. Still on the fence? Read some ductless range hood reviews to see how these hoods perform in everyday kitchens.