Best 36 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hoods
The best 36 inch under cabinet range hoods include the Broan-NuTone GLA1363SS for a quiet kitchen, the VIKIO VK-RC13-36 for high-heat cooking, and the Broan-NuTone 4136SF for a fingerprint-resistant stainless look.
On this page (14 sections)
- The 6 best 36 inch under cabinet range hoods in detail
- Side by side: width, airflow and venting
- How we picked these six hoods
- Does a 36 inch hood have to match your cooktop width?
- How much room does a 36 inch under cabinet hood take up?
- Vented or ductless: which setup fits your kitchen?
- Plug-in or hard-wired: what changes at install
- Controls and lights: what you'll use every day
- How much airflow does a 36 inch hood need?
- Sones and decibels: how to compare noise
- Filters for ductless use
- Keeping the grease filters clean
- What to check before you order a 36 inch hood
- Which 36 inch under cabinet range hood should you buy?
The best 36 inch under cabinet range hood for most kitchens is the Broan-NuTone GLA1363SS, which Broan-NuTone rates at 1.5 sones on its working speed.
If you cook hard, the VIKIO VK-RC13-36 moves more air, and the Broan-NuTone 4136SF is built for a kitchen with no duct.
A 36 inch hood should match your cooktop's width, so measure before you shop. If you're not sure you need a duct, the ductless range hoods guide explains both setups.
This roundup covers six hoods, from a quiet everyday pick to a high-airflow model and a stainless hood that recirculates. Each card gives the width, airflow and venting, then a short write-up on who it suits.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
The 6 best 36 inch under cabinet range hoods in detail
The Glacier scores highest because it balances quiet running, an easy install and enough airflow for everyday cooking. The Tieasy scores lowest, since it's hard-wired and needs ductwork for its vented setup.
Broan-NuTone GLA1363SS
- 36 in wide
- 350 CFM max blower
- 1.5 sones on working speed
- EZ1 brackets for a one-person install
Broan-NuTone rates it at 1.5 sones and up to 350 CFM, a pairing that suits an open kitchen. The EZ1 brackets are made for a one-person install.
Pros
- 1.5 sones on working speed
- EZ1 brackets for a one-person install
- Hidden rocker switches and LED lights with bulbs included
Cons
- Ductless use needs the HPF30 charcoal filter, sold separately
- Moves less air than the VIKIO for heavy searing
The Glacier is for a kitchen where fan noise matters. Broan-NuTone says it runs at 1.5 sones on its working speed, which it compares to a refrigerator running.
It moves up to 350 CFM through a 2-speed fan, and hidden rocker switches control the fan and the 1-level light. The LED modules are heat resistant, and the bulbs come in the box.
At 36 inches wide and 19.68 inches deep, it matches a 36 inch cooktop edge to edge. Broan-NuTone says the EZ1 brackets let one person install it in half the time, which matters at 20.1 pounds.
It vents out the top or rear, or runs ductless with the HPF30 charcoal filter, which is sold separately. Broan-NuTone also lists an optional make-up air damper (MD6TU, MD8TU or MD10TU) for vented installs, and a wall switch kit (HAWSK3) for an ADA-compliant setup.
Skip it if you do a lot of high-heat searing, since the VIKIO moves more air.
VIKIO VK-RC13-36
- 900 CFM dual motors
- Gesture and touch controls
- Dishwasher-safe aluminum filters
- 3-minute auto delay shut-off
VIKIO says its dual motors reach 900 CFM, the most airflow of the six hoods here. Gesture and touch controls work even when your hands are wet or greasy.
Pros
- Highest airflow in this roundup at 900 CFM
- Memory function restores your last setting
- Filters go in the dishwasher
Cons
- Ships with a duct adapter, so it's set up for a vented install
- VIKIO puts full power just under 65 dB, so you'll hear it when you run it hard
The VIKIO is for a cook who runs the burners hard. VIKIO says its dual motors reach 900 CFM, the most airflow of the six hoods here.
Three fan speeds let you match the airflow to the pan. Gesture sensing and touch controls work with wet or greasy hands, and the memory function restores your last setting.
Two 5-layer aluminum mesh filters trap grease before it reaches the motor, and they go in the dishwasher. A 3-minute auto delay shut-off keeps the fan running after you cook, and the lights use standard GU10 bulbs.
VIKIO says the fan runs as low as 35 dB on low speed and stays under 65 dB at full power. The box holds a rectangular duct adapter with a damper and an installation positioning cardboard, so plan on a vented install.
At 35.56 inches wide, it's a little narrower than a 36 inch cooktop, so expect a small gap at the sides.
Broan-NuTone 4136SF
- PrintGuard fingerprint-resistant finish
- Made in the USA
- Ductless recirculation capable
- Dishwasher-safe filter
A PrintGuard finish that resists fingerprints and wipes clean. The hood recirculates air through a charcoal filter, so it works where no duct can reach.
Pros
- Fingerprint-resistant, scratch-resistant stainless finish
- Made in the USA, Broan-NuTone says
- Built to run ductless
Cons
- Airflow isn't stated for this model
- The light bulb is sold separately
The 4136SF is for a kitchen full of stainless appliances that you want to keep looking clean. Broan-NuTone's PrintGuard finish resists fingerprints, wipes clean and resists scratches.
It's built to recirculate air through a charcoal filter, so it works where no duct can reach the outside. The hood has a 2-speed fan and a 1-level light, and the light bulb is sold separately.
It measures 36 inches wide, about 17.5 inches deep and 6 inches tall. Broan-NuTone says the motor is permanently lubricated, and the removable filter is dishwasher safe.
The maker also says it's made in the USA and lists the hood as HVI certified, UL listed and ADA compliant.
Airflow isn't stated for this model, so check the manual before you rely on it for heavy frying. Since the hood runs ductless, look up the charcoal filter's part number in the manual before you need a replacement.
COSMO COS-5MU36
- Slim profile
- Reusable aluminum mesh filters
- Flexible ducting included
- CFK4 carbon filter kit for ductless use, sold separately
A slim hood with reusable mesh filters, so there's no disposable filter to keep buying. Cosmo's CFK4 carbon filter kit is sold separately for ductless use.
Pros
- Reusable aluminum mesh filters
- Slim profile, which Cosmo says fits most cabinets
- Push-button controls with built-in LED lighting
Cons
- 200 CFM is the lowest airflow in this roundup
- Ductless use needs the CFK4 kit, sold separately
The COSMO is a slim hood that Cosmo says fits under most cabinets and suits condos and apartments. It's 35.25 inches wide, so it runs a little under a 36 inch cooktop, and only 5.5 inches tall.
Its three aluminum mesh filters are reusable, so there's no disposable filter to keep buying. Push-button controls run the fan, the lights and the power.
It moves 200 CFM, the lowest airflow here, so it's better matched to everyday cooking than to heavy searing. Cosmo says it gets as low as 50 dB on its lowest speed, under optimal conditions with rigid ducting.
The duct size is 5 inch round. The box includes flexible ducting, a backdraft damper, light bulbs and a mounting kit, and Cosmo says HVAC tape is required, so have a roll on hand.
It plugs into a 120V outlet with a 3-prong plug, and Cosmo backs it with a 2-year limited parts warranty. Ductless use needs Cosmo's CFK4 carbon filter kit, which is sold separately.
MOIFELTO DWF06B-90
- 700 CFM
- Touch controls with 3 speeds
- Two LED lights
- Dishwasher-safe filter
MOIFELTO says the motor moves 700 CFM in a black brushed finish. The touch controls and 3-speed fan keep the hood simple to run while you cook.
Pros
- 700 CFM across three speeds
- Black brushed finish with touch controls
- Filter lifts out and goes in the dishwasher
Cons
- A little under 66 dB, the highest decibel figure in this roundup
- Ductless use needs a carbon filter, so confirm which one fits
The MOIFELTO is a black hood with touch controls, for a kitchen that uses dark finishes. MOIFELTO says the motor moves 700 CFM across three speeds.
The body is a classic pyramid design, about 18 inches deep and 5 inches tall. It weighs 26 pounds, so plan on a helper when you mount it.
Five buttons on the panel control the fan and the two LED lights, and the lights take 3W GU10 bulbs. The filter has aluminum mesh layers and a stainless mesh layer, and you press its handle to lift it out for the dishwasher.
It has a 3-prong plug, and it can vent outside or run ductless with a carbon filter. The maker doesn't name the carbon filter, so check which one fits this model before you plan a ductless setup.
MOIFELTO puts the noise at a little under 66 dB, the highest decibel figure in this roundup, so it's not the pick for a quiet room.
Tieasy GD-RHA36GDQ3
- 400 CFM
- Rocker switches for fan and light
- Hard-wired, plug not included
- Optional USCFA-1809 charcoal filter
Tieasy says the hood moves up to 400 CFM, with rocker switches for the fan and light. It's hard-wired, so the wiring is part of the install.
Pros
- 400 CFM with simple rocker switches
- Brushed 430 grade stainless steel
- Aluminum mesh filter is reusable
Cons
- Hard-wired with no plug, so the install takes more planning
- Ductwork is required for the vented setup, and the bulb isn't included
The Tieasy is a hard-wired hood for a cook who wants plain rocker switches. Tieasy says it moves up to 400 CFM, and the switches run the fan and the light separately.
It's brushed 430 grade stainless steel, 35.81 inches wide, 17.73 inches deep and 6.1 inches tall. The aluminum mesh filter is reusable, so you clean it and put it back.
Vented installs can exit through the rear or the top, with a rectangular or round opening, and ductwork isn't included. The box has a rectangular damper, a bracket, an installation drawing, a lampshade and screws.
Because it's hard-wired with no plug, follow the manual and use a qualified electrician if you're unsure. For ductless recirculation, Tieasy says to add its optional USCFA-1809 charcoal filter.
The light takes a standard E26 bulb that isn't in the box, and Tieasy puts the noise at 55 dB. Skip it if you want a plug-in hood.
Side by side: width, airflow and venting
Five of the six hoods state an airflow, from 200 CFM on the COSMO to 900 CFM on the VIKIO. The 4136SF is the one without a number.
| Product | Best for | Width | Airflow | Venting | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone GLA1363SS | a quiet kitchen | 36 in | 350 CFM | Top or rear, ductless with filter | 9.2 |
| VIKIO VK-RC13-36 | high-heat cooking | 35.56 in | 900 CFM | Ducted, with duct adapter | 9.0 |
| Broan-NuTone 4136SF | a fingerprint-resistant stainless look | 36 in | Not stated | Ductless (recirculating) | 8.7 |
| COSMO COS-5MU36 | a slim hood with reusable filters | 35.25 in | 200 CFM | Ducted, ductless with CFK4 kit | 8.4 |
| MOIFELTO DWF06B-90 | a black finish with touch controls | 36 in | 700 CFM | Ducted, or ductless with carbon filter | 8.2 |
| Tieasy GD-RHA36GDQ3 | a simple rocker switch hood | 35.81 in | 400 CFM | Ducted, ductless with optional filter | 7.9 |
Width is close across the group, with every hood between 35.25 and 36 inches. Venting changes your install the most, since the VIKIO comes set up for a duct and the other five can recirculate.
Noise isn't in the table, because the Glacier is rated in sones and the others use decibels. The noise section below shows how to compare them.
How we picked these six hoods
We compared the specs, features and what buyers often mention, then scored each hood against what a 36 inch cooktop needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Airflow, venting and noise counted most, since they decide whether a hood clears smoke and fits your kitchen. A hood with no stated airflow scored lower on that point, which is why the Broan-NuTone 4136SF sits below the top two.
The score doesn't judge how a hood looks against your cabinets, so check the finish next to your appliances before you buy.
Does a 36 inch hood have to match your cooktop width?
Usually, yes. A hood that matches the cooktop width, or runs a little wider, covers every burner.
Checking width for a 36 inch under cabinet range hood
Measure the cooktop from side to side before you compare hoods. A 36 inch hood on a 36 inch cooktop is the simplest match.
The VIKIO at 35.56 inches, the Tieasy at 35.81 inches and the COSMO at 35.25 inches are a little narrower than 36 inches. The widest gap is the COSMO's three-quarters of an inch, so expect a small strip at the sides.
If your cooktop is 30 inches instead, the same rule holds, so read what size range hood you need for a 30 inch cooktop.
How much room does a 36 inch under cabinet hood take up?
These six hoods hang 5 to 6.1 inches below the cabinet and reach 17.5 to 19.75 inches back. Measure the space before you order.
The MOIFELTO is the lowest at about 5 inches, and the Tieasy is the tallest at 6.1 inches. The COSMO is the deepest at 19.75 inches, and the 4136SF is the shallowest at about 17.5 inches.
A taller hood sits closer to the burners. Subtract the hood's height from the gap between the cooktop and the cabinet bottom, then compare the result with the minimum height in the manual.
Weight matters for the one doing the lifting. The MOIFELTO is 26 pounds, the Glacier is 20.1 pounds, the COSMO is 15 pounds and the VIKIO is 12 kilograms, about 26 pounds, so bring a helper for the heavier ones.
Vented or ductless: which setup fits your kitchen?
A vented hood is the stronger setup if you have a duct run, especially for heavy frying or a gas range. If you don't, pick a hood with a ductless option and buy the filter it needs.
A ductless hood, also called a recirculating hood, pulls air through a grease filter and a charcoal filter, then sends it back into the room. It catches grease and odors, but it doesn't remove heat, moisture or combustion gases.
Five of the six hoods here can run ductless with a filter or kit. The VIKIO comes set up for a duct, so skip it if your kitchen has no outside vent.
If you're not sure you have a duct, look at the wall or cabinet space above the cooktop for an existing vent opening. Before you buy, read how to install an under cabinet range hood to see how a duct run changes the job.
Duct outlets and connections
If you have a duct, match the hood's outlet to it. The COSMO uses a 5 inch round duct, and the VIKIO ships with a rectangular adapter and a damper.
The Tieasy exits through the rear, or through the top with a rectangular or round opening. The Glacier vents out the top or rear too, and the MOIFELTO takes an exhaust pipe in its ducted mode.
The 4136SF is non-vented, so it has no duct connection at all. If your existing duct is a different shape from the outlet, ask the maker about a transition piece before you order.
Plug-in or hard-wired: what changes at install
The COSMO and MOIFELTO have a 3-prong plug, and the Tieasy is hard-wired with no plug. Check the power setup for the Glacier, VIKIO and 4136SF in each manual before you buy.
A plug-in hood is the simpler install, while a hard-wired hood connects straight to the house wiring. Follow the manual and use a qualified electrician if you're unsure.
If you rent, check with your landlord before you drill or change any wiring.
Controls and lights: what you'll use every day
Rocker switches are simple and familiar, while touch and gesture controls let you change the fan without gripping a switch. The Glacier and Tieasy use rocker switches for the fan and light, and the COSMO uses push buttons for its fan, lights and power.
The MOIFELTO and VIKIO use touch controls, and the VIKIO adds gesture sensing and a memory function that restores your last setting.
Light bulbs to plan for
The COSMO includes light bulbs, and the Glacier's LED modules come with bulbs. The 4136SF bulb is sold separately, and the Tieasy takes a standard E26 bulb that isn't in the box.
The VIKIO and MOIFELTO take GU10 bulbs, which use a different base from E26, so check the base before you buy.
How much airflow does a 36 inch hood need?
For a gas range, a common rule of thumb is about 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTU of burner output. Look up the BTU number for your range and check your hood's manual before you choose.
Maker airflow numbers are usually for ducted use, so airflow in ductless mode is often lower.
As an example only, burners that add up to 40,000 BTU work out to about 400 CFM by that rule. On paper, only the Tieasy, the MOIFELTO and the VIKIO reach that number.
Think about how you cook, too, since a fan that handles simmering may feel weak during a hard sear. For a full checklist of airflow, noise and controls, read how to choose an under cabinet range hood.
Sones and decibels: how to compare noise
Lower numbers mean a quieter hood, but sones and decibels measure different things. A decibel reading is a sound level, while a sone describes how loud the fan seems to people.
The Glacier is the only hood here rated in sones, at 1.5 on its working speed, so don't set that number straight against the decibel figures.
The decibel figures come with conditions. VIKIO says its fan runs as low as 35 dB on low speed and under 65 dB at full power, and Cosmo says 50 dB on its lowest speed under optimal conditions with rigid ducting.
Tieasy gives 55 dB, and MOIFELTO a little under 66 dB. Check which speed each number is for, since low and high speed can differ a lot.
If you cook on high most nights, the full power number matters more than the low speed number.
Filters for ductless use
Ductless use depends on the right filter, and filters fit by model number. Check the number on your own hood before you order.
The Glacier uses the HPF30 charcoal filter, the Tieasy uses the USCFA-1809 charcoal filter, and the COSMO uses its CFK4 carbon filter kit. For the 4136SF and the MOIFELTO, find the charcoal filter's part number in the manual before you order.
A filter that doesn't match the model number may not fit, so a quick check saves a wasted order. Swap intervals differ by maker, so follow the manual for yours.
Keeping the grease filters clean
Most of the mesh grease filters here are reusable, and several go in the dishwasher. The Glacier, VIKIO, MOIFELTO and 4136SF filters are dishwasher safe, according to their makers, while the COSMO and Tieasy mesh filters are cleaned and reused.
Clean them whenever they look greasy, since heavy frying loads them faster. Charcoal filters work differently, and most makers sell them as replace-only, so check yours and read how long charcoal range hood filters last.
What to check before you order a 36 inch hood
Check the width, the vent path, the power setup and the bulb base before you add a hood to your cart. The Glacier, COSMO and Tieasy all offer top or rear venting, so note where your duct exits before you buy.
The manual gives the minimum height above the cooktop, so mount the hood at that height or higher. For the Broan-NuTone hoods, Broan-NuTone's website is the place to look up a manual by model number.
Then confirm the power setup, since plug-in and hard-wired hoods need different steps. Finally, look up the filter number for ductless use, and write it down with your cooktop width so both numbers are ready when you shop.
Which 36 inch under cabinet range hood should you buy?
Buy the Glacier for a quiet, easy install, and the VIKIO if airflow matters most. Start with your cooktop width, then your duct situation, then how hard you cook.
Choose the Broan-NuTone GLA1363SS if you want quiet running and a one-person install, and you're ready to buy its HPF30 filter for ductless use.
The VIKIO VK-RC13-36 fits a cook who sears at high heat and has a duct run to connect.
With no duct at all, the Broan-NuTone 4136SF is the one built for it, and its finish resists fingerprints.
A slim hood with reusable filters points to the COSMO COS-5MU36, as long as 200 CFM is enough for how you cook.
Touch controls and 700 CFM in black make the MOIFELTO DWF06B-90 the pick if you can live with more noise.
The Tieasy GD-RHA36GDQ3 suits someone who likes rocker switches and is comfortable with a hard-wired install.
If you need a ductless hood for a 30 inch cooktop, see the 30 inch ductless picks. For the full field of under cabinet hoods, start with the best under cabinet range hoods.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
Frequently asked questions
What size is a 36 inch under cabinet range hood?
Most 36 inch hoods measure 35.25 to 36 inches wide, so they match a 36 inch cooktop closely, though the COSMO, VIKIO and Tieasy sit a little narrower. Measure your cooktop first, then check each hood's depth and height too.
Can a 36 inch under cabinet range hood work without a duct?
Yes, if the hood has a ductless setting, and the Broan-NuTone GLA1363SS, Broan-NuTone 4136SF, COSMO COS-5MU36, MOIFELTO DWF06B-90 and Tieasy GD-RHA36GDQ3 all offer one with a filter or kit. For heavy frying or a gas range, a hood that vents outside is the stronger setup.
How much CFM does a 36 inch under cabinet range hood need?
For a gas range, a common rule of thumb is about 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTU of burner output, so add up your burners' ratings and scale from there. Treat it as a rough guide, and check the hood's manual before you choose.
Is a hard-wired 36 inch range hood harder to install?
It can be, because a hard-wired hood connects straight to the house wiring instead of a plug. The Tieasy is hard-wired with no plug, while the COSMO and MOIFELTO have a 3-prong plug, so follow the manual and use a qualified electrician if you're unsure.
