Insert Range Hoods: Decision Help (FAQs)

What is an Insert Range Hood?

An insert range hood is a powerful ventilation unit designed to be integrated into a custom-built hood enclosure. Unlike a wall mount range hood or other traditional range hoods that come as a complete unit with visible chimneys and housing, insert range hoods (also called range hood liners or built-in range hoods) provide the mechanical power while you design the exterior exactly how you want it.

The insert itself is the "engine" of your ventilation system; it contains the CFM blower, baffle filters, lights, and controls. This versatile piece of equipment slides seamlessly into custom cabinetry, wood structures, tile work, or any other enclosure you can imagine. You get powerful ventilation and commercial-grade suction power hidden inside a hood that perfectly matches your kitchen design.

Insert vs Traditional Range Hood

The primary difference between an insert hood and a traditional range hood lies in the focus on customization, efficient airflow, and discreet design aesthetics, all aimed at enhancing kitchen environments and your overall cooking experience.

Traditional wall mount range hoods come as complete, ready-to-install units. They include the blower, housing, and chimney all in one package. While they're convenient and easy to install, you're limited to the styles, finishes, and mounting types offered by the manufacturer.

Custom insert hoods give you total creative freedom. The insert provides all the air movement and ventilation power you need, while the surrounding structure can be designed from scratch to match your vision. Whether you want rustic reclaimed wood, elegant marble, modern tile work, or a seamless cabinet-integrated look, the choice is entirely yours. The insert disappears into your custom design, creating an integrated look that makes the hood a true focal point or allows it to blend invisibly with your cabinetry.

Ducted vs Ductless Insert

Here at Proline Range Hoods, we don't have an option for a ductless insert. You can find models at a big box store, but we don't recommend having a ductless insert because it's better to vent outdoors. Just read this Reddit thread. The venting type matters significantly for air quality. You can read more about why people prefer to have a ducted hood rather than a ductless hood.

Ducted inserts use an exhaust vent to expel smoke, grease, cooking odors, and moisture directly outside your home through ductwork. This provides superior air quality and a far better extraction rate at removing contaminants from your kitchen environment. When planning your ducted installation, be sure to select the right duct size for your insert's CFM rating to maximize airflow efficiency.

How to Size Your Range Hood Insert

It's very simple, but just think of it as 2 inches smaller than what you need based on your cabinet width. Considering you will need a 30-inch insert, you will want to get a 28-inch insert range hood. This is because you have to account for the cabinetry/custom-built hood and proper product dimensions.

Here's the golden rule: range hood inserts are sized 2 inches smaller than the cabinet opening they fit into. This design ensures proper installation within your custom hood enclosure while maintaining optimal ventilation coverage over your cooking surface.

For example:

• 30-inch cabinet opening = 28-inch insert
• 36-inch cabinet opening = 34-inch insert
• 42-inch cabinet opening = 40-inch insert
• 48-inch cabinet opening = 46-inch insert

Want to double-check what insert size you need? Try our custom insert hood calculator.

Best Insert Range Hoods for 36" Cooktops

This is a common question here at Proline. The most common size of a range is 30 inches, so the 36-inch cooking surface is a popular choice for homeowners upgrading their kitchens. In turn, the 36-inch range hood is the most common size. When it comes to 36-inch range hoods for inserts, you want to go with a 34-inch insert. Here are our top three best insert sellers—check the product details and some of their features below.

The Quietest Insert Hoods

If you want true whisper-quiet operation and range hood technology, you will want to go with the ProVL. This efficient range hood is something special when you pair it with a remote blower (also called an inline blower). The remote blower sits inside your ductwork instead of inside the range hood itself. It's typically installed in your attic, crawlspace, or between ceiling joists. This separation from the cooking area can dramatically reduce the noise level, cutting kitchen sound.

The ProVL insert is specifically engineered to work with remote blower configurations, offering a 1300 CFM blower option. The ProVL features variable fan speed settings with a dial knob control panel, allowing you to adjust power from 0-100% instead of being limited to preset fan speeds. It also includes heat lamps, a unique heat sensor-activated feature that keeps dishes warm during parties or meal prep.

High-CFM Insert Hoods for Heavy Cooking

If you're an avid cook whose cooking habits regularly include high-heat cooking, wok dishes, frying, or other grease-intensive cooking styles, you need serious ventilation power to match your cooking needs. Here are our top three high-CFM range hood inserts:

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Custom Hood Ideas for Insert Range Hoods

As you can see, the options and creativity you can bring to your kitchen design are endless. From a simple box liner to brick or stone, to beautiful wood options, your custom hood can be whatever you envision for your cooking style and space.

Wood designs are incredibly popular for traditional, farmhouse, and rustic kitchens. Customers have created stunning tapered hoods from light hardwood that look restaurant-quality, painted wood that matches cabinetry perfectly for seamless integration, and unfinished wood for authentic farmhouse charm. Some have even added ornate carvings or multi-tiered designs for truly one-of-a-kind statements.

Brick and tile offer texture and visual interest. We've seen beautiful beige brick installations with modern appeal, gray brick that complements stainless steel ranges, diamond-pattern brick arrangements, chevron backsplash designs that create dynamic contrast, and classic subway tile for clean, timeless looks.

Stone and marble create high-end focal points. These materials add depth and elegance, with marble backsplashes that extend into the hood structure, natural stone range hood covers that become the kitchen's centerpiece, and plaster finishes for smooth, sophisticated European-inspired designs.

Modern approaches include white shaker-style integration where the hood blends seamlessly with cabinetry, bold matte black statements with textured wood accents, and clean-lined box designs in contemporary spaces.

The beauty of custom inserts is that the mechanical power stays hidden inside while your vent hood design vision takes center stage. Browse our customer photo gallery for endless inspiration.

Powerful Ventilation & Sleek Integration

At the end of the day, custom range hood inserts give you the best of both worlds: professional-grade ventilation power hidden inside a hood that's designed exactly how you want it. You're not limited to what's available in a catalog—you have complete creative freedom to build a kitchen centerpiece or create seamless integration with your existing cabinetry.

Whether you choose the Hurricane for its proven reliability and depth flexibility, the UMOD for budget-friendly performance, or the Vortex for cutting-edge customization options, you're getting commercial-quality ventilation that handles everything from light cooking to serious culinary sessions. Pair any of these with the ProVL's remote blower option if quiet operation is your priority.

From rustic wood to elegant marble, modern tile to traditional brick, your custom hood enclosure can take any form you imagine. The insert handles the powerful ventilation while your design makes the statement.

Our customer service team is here to help you select the perfect insert for your cooking style and custom hood design. See all savings on our current promotions!

Questions? Call us at (877) 901-5530 for personalized assistance with your custom hood project!