What are the different types of range hoods?

There are many different designs and styles of kitchen range hoods, but they all fall into five main types or categories. These include wall-mounted hoods, island hoods, range hood inserts, under-cabinet hoods, and professional-grade hoods.

Although all range hoods are made with the same important purpose of ridding smoke, grease, and other toxins in the air that come from cooking and cleaning, some are more effective than others.

In this article, you will learn more about different types of range hoods, kitchen ventilation design styles, and range hood features. We hope this will help you on your journey to find which range hood type is best for your kitchen.

A Guide to Popular Range Hood Types

There are many different types of range hoods available today, including wall-mount, island, insert, under-cabinet, professional-grade, downdraft, and microwave range hoods. You can read our guide on the 7 types of range hoods to consider for your kitchen to explore each option in more detail.

Wall Mount Range Hoods

Wall-mount range hoods are one of the most common types of stove hoods. These range hood types are mounted securely against a wall in the kitchen. Ideally, mount your wall range hood about 28"-36" between the bottom of the hood and the stove cooking surface to capture the most cooking fumes and to prolong the life of your range hood.

Additionally, wall-mounted range hoods come in different shapes. The most common type is a pyramid chimney style or tapered hood.

Some wall-mounted range hoods have a different triangular design, with flat sides.

If there are cabinets above them, they are called under-cabinet range hoods. They typically don't have anything mounted above them. Depending on the model, some wall-mounted range hoods can also function as under-cabinet hoods; be sure to check with the range hood supplier about your options.

Island Range Hoods

Island range hoods are a beautiful centerpiece for any kitchen space. Unlike wall-mounted range hoods, island hoods are not mounted against a wall. Because of this, and all the additional air movement kitchen islands experience, they require more CFM to maximize their efficiency and filter as much unwanted air from your kitchen as possible.

Island range hoods come in all different shapes and styles. Also, all island hoods are mounted to your ceiling, and so your ductwork will run through your ceiling as well. Some island hoods are flush with your ceiling, like our 42" Ceiling Flush Mount Range Hood.

You can browse our collection of the best Proline island range hoods to compare styles and find the perfect fit for your kitchen.

If your kitchen can't vent air through the ceiling, don't worry. You can choose an island recirculating range hood instead. For example, the PLFI 520 has an optional recirculating kit, so it can filter the air and send it back into your kitchen without needing ductwork to the outside. This is a great option for homes where installing ducts isn't possible.

When considering range hood installation costs, it's important to account for labor, ductwork, and the overall scope of the project.

Range Hood Inserts

Range hood inserts are designed to be used in your custom hood. Hood inserts are usually hidden as they are built into highly customized cabinets above the cooktop or stovetop.

Vent hood inserts are a great option if you want full control of how your ventilation fan looks or if you have a premade cabinet that you want to convert into a functioning range hood.

This range hood type is a custom-carved cabinet design that covers a range hood insert. There are many different custom range hood types, including copper, tile, marble, and hand-carved wood.

Inserts are a great appliance to set the tone or theme for your kitchen, whether you are aiming for a rustic, old-fashioned look, a modern and sleek design, or anything in between. Using an insert gives you ultimate creative control of your kitchen.

The internet is full of ways to build your own DIY custom range hood cover. There are many other useful ones on YouTube and Pinterest as well.

At Proline Range Hoods, we offer a wide selection of customizable range hood insert options designed to fit a variety of custom cabinet styles and kitchen designs.

You can learn more in our comprehensive range hood insert buyer's guide.

Under-Cabinet Range Hoods

Under-cabinet range hoods are a great option for people who have cupboards or cabinet storage above their cooktop. This way, switching out an over-the-range (OTR) microwave with a professional range hood allows you to keep the extra cabinet storage space and upgrade your kitchen ventilation fan.

Professional Grade Range Hoods

Proline is one of the few companies to offer a selection of range hoods made especially for avid cooks. Our professional hoods offer the best quality professional range hoods and vents in the industry. Gordon Ramsey even gave one of our hoods to his head chef for use in her home. Read about the makeover and see the Proline range hood featured in Gordon Ramsay's surprise home makeover on Houzz.

Professional-grade range hoods are made for anyone who expects only the most accurate and efficient hoods. When they need a powerful fan with lots of control to keep toxins and harsh smells out of the kitchen, we suggest a hood from our professional series. A professional range hood is any vent hood that comes with a 900+ CFM. This is considered to be a high CFM output and fits the requirements of a professional-level range hood.

Downdraft Range Hoods or Ventilation

Downdraft hoods are not as effective as the other hoods mentioned in this article for a couple of reasons.

First, cooking exhaust, including smoke, rises, so it is easier and simpler to capture it where it is already headed—up—rather than trying to redirect it to the side or down.

Second, power. The max power of most downdraft kitchen ventilation is right around 1,000 CFM. And you can easily get up to 2,000 CFM with an island hood. Not everyone uses that kind of power, but having it allows you to run your hood on a lower and much quieter setting most of the time, and when the need arises, you can clear the room in a hurry.

Third, the capture area is nowhere near the same. A downdraft hood isn't able to cover a cooktop and capture all the steam, smoke, and chemicals that other hoods can. It's just not possible. And if you enjoy grilling or wok cooking, you know how much of those elements are coming off your cooktop.

If you have any questions as to whether a downdraft hood will be able to keep up with your cooking, it probably won't.

However, they can be a sleek addition to your kitchen; many downdraft hoods can be installed as pop-up vents and effectively hide from view when not in use. And for that reason, people do purchase them. It's better to have something than nothing, right?

Microwave Range Hoods

That same thought process applies to kitchen ventilation built into microwave ovens. Microwave vent hoods are ductless – or recirculating – which means that they take the air in and then vent it out back into your home.

These hoods don't vent outside of your home and are less efficient than stand-alone range hoods. However, they are inexpensive and can save a lot of space in your kitchen.

For many of the same reasons that downdraft ventilation isn't ideal, these aren't ideal either.

While there are many different types of range hoods, choosing between ducted and ductless ventilation is another important decision that affects performance and efficiency.

Range Hood Venting Options

All range hoods fall into one of two categories: ducted, sometimes called vented, or ductless, sometimes called recirculating.

Ductless Range Hoods

A ductless range hood is a hood that doesn’t evacuate the air from your cooktop area to the outside of your home. It tries to clean the air through a filter of some kind. The best ductless hoods use a charcoal filter to provide additional filtering of the air. When considering whether ductless range hoods are effective, it's important to understand that they rely on filters to clean the air rather than exhausting it outside the home.

Ducted Range Hoods

A ducted range hood is a hood that filters air contaminants and grease to the outside of the home by way of ductwork. This ductwork is installed in your ceiling for island hoods or in your wall for other hood types. This is the most recommended option by professionals since it is the most effective at keeping the air in your kitchen clean.

Learn more about ducted kitchen vent hoods that vent outside for optimal air quality.

Not sure which features actually matter? Our buyer's guide video walks through what to look for so you can decide with confidence:

Additional Range Hood Features

CFM

CFM is short for cubic feet per minute. This is simply a measurement of the rate at which air flows into or out of your cooking space. CFM measures airflow for all kitchen ventilation systems. For more guidance, read our detailed guide on how much CFM you need for a range hood.

Range hood CFM will also depend on your type of cooktop – gas or electric. If you cook with gas, explore our recommendations for the best range hoods for gas stoves.

LED Lights vs. Halogen Lights

Different range hoods come with different bulb types. Halogen and LED lights both provide efficient lighting required for cooking. However, many people prefer LED bulbs simply due to the longer lifespan, efficient power consumption, and other features.

Auto Shut Off Timer

For those who find themselves forgetting to turn off their range hoods, an auto shut-off timer is a great feature. At Proline, we have a selection of range hoods that come with a built-in 15-minute auto-shutoff timer. This makes it easy for you to do what you do best and be the cook.

Baffle, Mesh, and Charcoal Filters

Mesh filters and baffle filters have the same purpose, although they are used differently. Baffle filters are usually made with a higher quality metal, such as stainless steel, mild steel, or, in some cases, aluminum. This typically makes baffle filters easier to clean. On the other hand, mesh filters typically consist of layers of stacked metal mesh and are harder to clean. This is because grease and cooking debris will still cause buildups if not cleaned weekly.

Regular range hood filter cleaning and replacement can improve kitchen air quality and ventilation performance. Charcoal filters should be changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of range hoods can help you choose the best ventilation solution for your kitchen. From wall-mount and island hoods to inserts and professional-grade models, each option offers unique benefits. At Proline Range Hoods, you'll find high-quality ventilation systems designed for performance, durability, and style, making it easier to create a cleaner and more enjoyable cooking environment.

FAQ’s About Different Types of Range Hoods

How do I choose a range hood that matches my kitchen style?

Choose a range hood that matches your kitchen’s style and layout. Consider your cabinets, appliances, and overall design. Whether your kitchen is modern, traditional, farmhouse, or contemporary, there is a range hood style available to blend in smoothly and enhance the look of your space. 

Is it possible to install a range hood during a kitchen remodel? 

Yes. A kitchen remodel is a great time to upgrade or switch your range hood. Since work is already being done on cabinets, wiring, and ventilation, installing a new hood is usually easier, faster, and more cost-effective than making changes later.

What should I consider before purchasing a new range hood?

Before buying a range hood, think about your kitchen size, how often you cook, and the amount of ventilation you need. Also consider available installation space, cleaning requirements, and long-term performance to ensure you choose a hood that fits your needs and lifestyle. 

Does the shape of a range hood affect its performance? 

Not necessarily. A range hood’s performance depends more on its airflow power, coverage area, and proper installation than on its shape. While the design affects the look of your kitchen, choosing a hood with the right ventilation capacity is more important for effective smoke and odor removal. 

Can I replace an existing range hood with a different type?

Yes, you can replace your current range hood with a different style. However, before making the switch, check your cabinet setup, ductwork, ceiling space, and electrical connections. Making sure these elements are compatible will help ensure a smoother installation and better performance.