Best Plug-In Ductless Range Hoods
The best plug-in ductless range hoods include the Hermitlux HMX-USD24Y75AC for a plug-in wall mount with two filters in the box, the FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1190AC for a quiet 36 inch plug-in hood, and the SNDOAS US0475BN for high airflow with three venting options.
On this page (16 sections)
- The 7 best plug-in ductless range hoods in detail
- Side by side: width, airflow and venting
- How we picked these seven hoods
- What a plug-in hood changes about the install
- Ducted or ductless: when a plug-in hood is the right call
- Charcoal filters for a plug-in ductless range hood
- Installing a plug-in hood: mounting and clearance
- Matching the hood width to your cooktop
- Vent outlets and where the duct connects
- Controls and lights: push buttons, touch screens and LEDs
- How much airflow does a plug-in hood need?
- Noise: which number to compare
- Keeping the filters clean
- What to check before you buy a plug-in ductless hood
- Renters and condo owners: what to check first
- Which plug-in ductless range hood should you buy?
The best plug-in ductless range hood for a no-vent kitchen with wall space is the Hermitlux HMX-USD24Y75AC, since it plugs in and comes with its charcoal filters.
If you have a cabinet above the cooktop, the FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1190AC is the quiet pick, and the SNDOAS US0475BN is tied for the most airflow here.
A plug-in hood skips the hard-wiring step, which often makes it the easiest ductless option for renters and condo owners. If you don't have a vent and aren't sure which path to take, read range hood without a vent: your options.
This roundup covers seven plug-in hoods, with a note on what each one needs to run ductless. Each card gives the width, airflow and venting, so you can see what the hood needs before you buy.
Our picks at a glance
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The 7 best plug-in ductless range hoods in detail
The Hermitlux scores highest because it plugs in and includes two charcoal filters, so ductless use works out of the box. The Tieasy scores lowest, since it doesn't name a charcoal filter for ductless use.
Hermitlux HMX-USD24Y75AC
- 30 in wall mount
- 380 CFM on 3 speeds
- Two charcoal filters in the box
- Plugs in with a 3-prong plug
A plug-in wall mount with its charcoal filters in the box, so ductless use needs nothing extra. Hermitlux gives its noise as 49.6 dB.
Pros
- Two charcoal filters and a duct pipe come in the box
- Plugs in, with no hard wiring
- Reusable aluminum mesh filters
Cons
- It's a wall mount, so it needs open wall space and drilling
- It stands 37.8 inches tall, so check the space above the cooktop
The Hermitlux is a 30 inch wall mount with a plug, for a kitchen with open wall space above the cooktop. Its cord plugs into an outlet, so no hard-wired connection is needed.
The box includes two charcoal filters, a duct pipe, the installation kit and a manual. That means ductless use needs nothing extra, and it's the main reason this hood is at the top of the roundup.
Hermitlux gives its airflow as 380 CFM on three speeds, and its noise figure is 49.6 dB. Two 1.5 watt LEDs light the cooktop, and push buttons control the fan and the lights.
It's 29.5 inches wide and 18.3 inches deep, and it weighs 18 pounds. Hermitlux says it supplies installation manuals and videos, plus a 1-year warranty.
Skip it if you want an under cabinet hood, since this one mounts on the wall and stands 37.8 inches tall.
FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1190AC
- 36 in under cabinet hood
- 300 CFM on 3 speeds
- Charcoal filter included
- Less than 45 dB on high speed, FIREGAS says
A quiet 36 inch under cabinet hood that plugs in and comes with a charcoal filter. FIREGAS says it runs at less than 45 dB on high speed.
Pros
- Less than 45 dB on high speed, FIREGAS says
- Charcoal filter in the box
- Top, back and front outlets for venting
Cons
- At 35.2 inches wide, it sits a little under a 36 inch cooktop
- 300 CFM is modest for heavy frying
The FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1190AC is a 36 inch black under cabinet hood with a plug. It's the quiet choice in this roundup, since FIREGAS says its brushless DC motor runs at less than 45 dB on high speed.
The CC170 charcoal filter comes with the hood, and 3-layer aluminum filters trap grease. It has top, back and front outlets, so check the manual for which opening to use for ductless mode.
FIREGAS says the fan moves 300 CFM through three speeds, which suits everyday cooking more than heavy frying. The box includes dampers and a square-to-round outlet adaptor for a vented install.
It measures 35.2 inches wide, 18.9 inches deep and 5.3 inches tall, and FIREGAS gives a 1 year limited warranty. Measure your cabinet space before you order, since the width is a little under a 36 inch cooktop.
SNDOAS US0475BN
- 700 CFM maximum
- 3-prong plug
- Three venting outlets
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
SNDOAS gives a maximum of 700 CFM, which ties for the most airflow here. The ductless setup needs its CF-0475 carbon filter, sold separately.
Pros
- 700 CFM on three speeds
- Top round, top rectangular and rear rectangular outlets
- Washable baffle filters go in the dishwasher
Cons
- The carbon filter for ductless use is sold separately
- No exhaust pipe comes with it, and the noise figure is 66 dB
The SNDOAS US0475BN is a 30 inch under cabinet hood with a 3-prong plug. It's tied for the highest airflow in this roundup, at a maximum of 700 CFM.
SNDOAS says the fan suits frying, steaming and stewing, and it runs on three speeds with push-button control. Two 2 watt LED lights sit at the front.
The hood has three venting outlets: a 6 inch round top outlet, and top and rear rectangular outlets that measure 10 by 3.25 inches. SNDOAS says no exhaust pipe is included, so a ducted install needs one bought separately.
Ductless use needs the CF-0475 carbon filter, which is sold separately. SNDOAS suggests changing that filter about every 3 months, depending on how you cook.
The two baffle filters are dishwasher safe, and the noise figure is 66 dB, so expect more sound on high. It measures 29.8 inches wide, 19.7 inches deep and 5.9 inches tall.
FIREGAS FGS-USF22A75AC
- 30 in under cabinet hood
- 3 speeds
- Charcoal filter included
- Two 3-layer aluminum filters
A 30 inch under cabinet hood with a charcoal filter in the box. FIREGAS says its aluminum filters are dishwasher safe and reusable.
Pros
- Charcoal filter comes with the hood
- Aluminum filters are dishwasher safe and reusable
- 1 year limited warranty, per FIREGAS
Cons
- FIREGAS gives two airflow figures, 200 and 300 CFM, so confirm before you buy
- It also gives two noise figures for high speed, 45 and 54 dB
The FIREGAS FGS-USF22A75AC is a 30 inch under cabinet hood with a 3-prong plug and a charcoal filter in the box. It's sized for a 30 inch cooktop.
The charcoal filter is the CC170, so ductless mode works once it's fitted. The hood vents out the top or back through a 4.7 inch round duct, and FIREGAS says to peel off the blue protective film before you install it.
Two 3-layer aluminum filters are dishwasher safe and reusable, FIREGAS says. Five buttons control the 3-speed fan, and two 1.5 watt LEDs light the cooktop.
It measures 29.5 inches wide, about 19.5 inches deep and 5.3 inches tall, and FIREGAS gives a 1 year limited warranty.
This is the one card with mixed numbers. FIREGAS gives 300 CFM in some places and 200 CFM in another, and 45 dB in some places and 54 dB in another, so confirm both with the maker before you buy.
Empava EMPV-30RH16F
- Four installation options
- 300 CFM on 3 speeds
- Touch controls
- Unlimited-wash baffle filters, Empava says
Four ways to vent, including recirculation, with touch controls for the 3-speed fan. Empava gives its operating noise as 69 dBA.
Pros
- Top, rear, round top and non-ducted options
- Touch controls with two LED lights
- Empava says the baffle filters can be washed without limit
Cons
- Noise is 69 dBA, one of the highest figures here
- No carbon filter is named for ductless use
The Empava is a plug-in under cabinet hood with four ways to vent. Those are a 3.25 by 10 inch top or rear duct, a 6 inch round top duct, or non-ducted recirculation.
Touch controls run the 3-speed fan, and two LED lights sit over the burners. Empava says the stainless baffle filters are dishwasher safe and can be washed an unlimited number of times.
It's rated at 300 CFM, and Empava gives its operating noise as 69 dBA, which is one of the higher figures in this roundup. Empava calls the 6.1 inch height an ultra-slim profile, though the FIREGAS and Soonye hoods sit lower.
The body measures 29.53 inches wide and 19.69 inches deep, and it weighs 18.7 pounds. Empava says the hood can recirculate air but doesn't name a carbon filter, so confirm the filter for your model before you plan a ductless install.
Soonye SOP04-30
- 250 CFM
- 3-prong plug
- Two 5-layer aluminum filters
- Ducted or ductless with CF007 kit
Soonye says the brushless motor reaches 250 CFM at its top speed. The two 5-layer aluminum filters go in the dishwasher.
Pros
- Two 5-layer aluminum filters go in the dishwasher
- Three speeds on a brushless motor
- cULus certified
Cons
- Noise is 70 dB at its maximum, the highest figure here
- Ductless use needs the CF007 kit, sold separately
The Soonye SOP04-30 is a 30 inch under cabinet hood with a 3-prong plug and three speeds. Soonye says its brushless motor reaches 250 CFM at the top speed.
The two 5-layer aluminum filters go in the dishwasher, and Soonye says they capture grease well and are easy to remove. Push-button controls and 1.5 watt LEDs round out the hood.
Ductless use needs the CF007 carbon filter kit, which is sold separately. Soonye's steps for fitting it are to remove the metal filter, hook the charcoal filter over the pins on the motor, and turn it counterclockwise until it clicks.
It measures 30 inches wide, 20 inches deep and 5.5 inches tall, with a 4.72 inch duct size. The noise figure is 70 dB at the maximum, the highest number in this roundup, and the hood is cULus certified.
Tieasy USGD1075
- 700 CFM
- Touch controls and a clock
- 3-year limited parts warranty
- 6.5 ft exhaust pipe and damper
Tieasy says it moves 700 CFM on three speeds, with touch controls. It's a wall mount for a 7.5 to 9 foot ceiling.
Pros
- 700 CFM on three speeds
- Touch screen controls the fan, lights and a clock
- 3-year limited parts warranty
Cons
- No charcoal filter is named for ductless use
- Maximum noise of 65 dB, and it weighs 26.4 pounds
The Tieasy is a 30 inch stainless wall mount with a prong plug and touch controls. Tieasy says it moves 700 CFM, and the touch screen controls the fan, the two LED lights and a clock.
The hood is a wall mount for a 7.5 to 9 foot ceiling, and a 10 foot extension is sold separately. It comes with a 6.5 foot exhaust pipe and an air backdraft damper, so the parts for a vented install are in the box.
Its maximum noise is 65 dB, and it weighs 26.4 pounds, so plan on a helper for the mounting. The reusable stainless filters go in the dishwasher.
No charcoal filter comes in the box, and none is named for ductless use, so confirm one before you plan a recirculating setup. Tieasy gives a 3-year limited parts warranty, the longest term stated in this roundup.
Skip it if you want an under cabinet hood or a ductless setup out of the box.
Side by side: width, airflow and venting
Airflow runs from 250 CFM on the Soonye to 700 CFM on the SNDOAS and Tieasy, and the 30 inch FIREGAS gives both 200 and 300. Width is close across the group, so measure your cabinet space before you pick.
| Product | Best for | Width | Airflow | Venting | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hermitlux HMX-USD24Y75AC | a plug-in wall mount with two filters in the box | 29.5 in | 380 CFM | Ducted or ductless, filters included | 9.2 |
| FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1190AC | a quiet 36 inch plug-in hood | 35.2 in | 300 CFM | Top, back or front, charcoal included | 9.0 |
| SNDOAS US0475BN | high airflow with three venting options | 29.8 in | 700 CFM | Top or rear ducted, ductless with CF-0475 | 8.8 |
| FIREGAS FGS-USF22A75AC | a 30 inch plug-in hood with its charcoal filter included | 29.5 in | 200 or 300 CFM | Top or rear ducted, charcoal included | 8.6 |
| Empava EMPV-30RH16F | touch controls and four venting options | 29.5 in | 300 CFM | Four-way, ductless filter not in the box | 8.2 |
| Soonye SOP04-30 | dishwasher-safe filters and a named CF007 kit | 30 in | 250 CFM | Ducted, ductless with CF007 kit | 8.0 |
| Tieasy USGD1075 | a wall mount with a 3-year parts warranty | 29.5 in | 700 CFM | Ducted, no charcoal filter named | 7.8 |
Venting matters most for a plug-in hood, because the filter setup decides whether it works without a duct. Noise isn't in the table, since the makers give their figures at different speeds.
How we picked these seven hoods
We compared the specs, features and what buyers often mention, then scored each hood against what a no-vent kitchen needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Plug-in power and an included filter counted most, since they decide whether a hood runs ductless without extra parts. Where a hood's own numbers disagreed, we flagged it on the card instead of picking one.
Renters, condo owners and first-time installers were the readers we had in mind, so setup details count for as much as airflow.
What a plug-in hood changes about the install
All seven hoods here ship with a plug, so none needs hard wiring. Check that an outlet sits within reach of the cord before you mount the hood.
Measure from the planned hood spot to the outlet before you buy, so you know whether the cord reaches. Follow the manual, and use a qualified electrician if you're unsure about the outlet or any wiring.
If the hood you have now is hard-wired, that wiring is a job for its manual and a qualified electrician. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has general electrical safety information.
The mounting type matters more than the power type, since it decides how much drilling you do.
Ducted or ductless: when a plug-in hood is the right call
A plug-in ductless hood is the right call when you can't add a duct, and a vented hood is the stronger setup when you can. The gap matters most for heavy frying or a gas range.
Ductless hoods catch grease and odors, but they don't remove heat, moisture or combustion gases. All seven hoods here can vent outside with the right parts, so you can start ductless and add a duct later.
For a closer look at how the two setups compare, read the ductless range hoods guide.
Charcoal filters for a plug-in ductless range hood
Ductless use depends on a charcoal filter, and only some of these hoods include one. The Hermitlux, FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1190AC and FIREGAS FGS-USF22A75AC include theirs, and FIREGAS names its filter as the CC170, so they're ready to recirculate.
Which plug-in ductless range hoods need a separate kit
The SNDOAS needs its CF-0475 filter, and the Soonye needs its CF007 kit, both sold separately. The Empava and Tieasy don't name a charcoal filter for ductless use, so confirm one before you buy.
Filters fit by model number, so check the number on your hood before you order a replacement. Most makers sell carbon filters as replace-only, so plan for new ones on the maker's schedule.
Installing a plug-in hood: mounting and clearance
Mounting and outlet placement matter more than the hood itself, so plan both before you order. For the full steps, read how to install a ductless range hood.
The Hermitlux and Tieasy are wall mounts, so they need holes drilled into the wall. The FIREGAS hoods, Empava, Soonye and SNDOAS are under cabinet units that mount to a cabinet above the cooktop.
The Hermitlux stands 37.8 inches tall, and the Tieasy needs a 7.5 to 9 foot ceiling, so check the space before you mount. Follow the manual for the clearance above the cooktop, since each maker gives its own minimum.
Weight is the other planning point. The Tieasy is 26.4 pounds, the SNDOAS about 22.6, the Empava 18.7, the Hermitlux 18, the Soonye about 14.8 and the 30 inch FIREGAS 11.5, so bring a helper for the heavier ones.
Matching the hood width to your cooktop
Most hoods here are close to 30 inches wide, so they suit a 30 inch cooktop, while the 36 inch FIREGAS is the pick for a 36 inch range. A hood a little narrower than the cooktop leaves a small strip at the sides.
The Hermitlux, FIREGAS 30 inch, Empava, Tieasy and SNDOAS all measure between 29.5 and 29.8 inches wide, and the Soonye gives 30 inches. Measure the cooktop from side to side and write the number down before you shop.
Wall mounts also need wall space above the cooktop, so measure the wall as well as the cooktop.
Vent outlets and where the duct connects
Each hood has its own outlet size, so the duct connection is the part to check before you mount the hood. Most offer a top or rear opening, and a few add a round option.
The SNDOAS has three outlets: a 6 inch round top, and rectangular top and rear openings that measure 10 by 3.25 inches. The Empava offers a 3.25 by 10 inch top or rear opening, plus a 6 inch round top option.
The Tieasy uses a 6 inch round vent, and the Hermitlux has a 5.91 inch vent hole. The Soonye gives a 4.72 inch duct size, and the FIREGAS 30 inch hood uses a 4.7 inch round duct.
Duct parts differ too. The Hermitlux ships with a duct pipe, the Tieasy with a 6.5 foot exhaust pipe and a damper, and the 36 inch FIREGAS with dampers and a square-to-round outlet adaptor, while SNDOAS says no exhaust pipe is included.
Measure your duct before you buy, since the outlet sizes differ and may need an adapter.
Controls and lights: push buttons, touch screens and LEDs
Five of the seven hoods use push buttons, and two use touch controls. The Hermitlux, both FIREGAS hoods, the SNDOAS and the Soonye have push buttons, while the Empava and Tieasy use touch.
The Tieasy's touch screen also runs a clock. All seven use LED lights, at 1.5 watts each on the Hermitlux, both FIREGAS hoods and the Soonye, and 2 watts each on the SNDOAS.
How much airflow does a plug-in hood need?
Plug-in hoods here run from 250 to 700 CFM, with the 30 inch FIREGAS giving two figures, and that gap matters for gas cooking. For a gas range, a common rule of thumb is about 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTU of burner output.
Check the BTU number for your range and the hood's manual before you choose. Maker airflow numbers are usually for ducted use, so the airflow in ductless mode is often lower.
Noise: which number to compare
The quietest figure here is the 36 inch FIREGAS at less than 45 dB on high speed, and the Hermitlux gives 49.6 dB. The Tieasy gives 65 dB, the SNDOAS 66, the Empava 69 dBA and the Soonye 70, the highest.
The 30 inch FIREGAS gives 45 dB in one place and 54 dB in another, so leave it out of a close comparison. Check which speed each number is for, since low and high speed can differ a lot.
Decibels use a logarithmic scale, so a 20 dB gap is a bigger difference in loudness than the numbers suggest. If you cook on high most nights, compare the high-speed figure first.
Keeping the filters clean
The SNDOAS, Soonye, Empava, Tieasy and FIREGAS FGS-USF22A75AC filters are dishwasher safe or washable, so cleaning takes little effort. The Hermitlux uses reusable aluminum mesh filters too.
Clean the metal filters when they look greasy, since heavy frying loads them faster. Carbon filters are usually replaced rather than washed, so plan for new ones on the maker's schedule.
What to check before you buy a plug-in ductless hood
Check the filter, the mount, the outlet, the width and the warranty before you order.
Start with the filter, since a charcoal filter should come in the box or be easy to buy for your model number. Then check the mount, because wall mounts need drilling and under cabinet hoods need a cabinet above the cooktop.
Next, measure the width against your cooktop. The FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1190AC is 35.2 inches wide, and most of the others sit near 30 inches.
Last, compare warranties. The Tieasy gives 3 years on parts, the Hermitlux and both FIREGAS hoods give 1 year, and the other three don't state a term.
Renters and condo owners: what to check first
A plug-in hood is often the easiest option for renters, but check your lease before you drill. A wall mount means holes in the wall, and an under cabinet hood attaches to a cabinet, so ask the landlord first.
A plug-in hood needs no wiring, so it's also simpler to take down when you move, though patch any drill holes first.
Condo boards may have rules about vents and drilling too, so check before you buy. For a wider look at no-vent options, read the ductless range hood buying guide for no-vent kitchens.
Which plug-in ductless range hood should you buy?
Buy the Hermitlux if you have wall space and want two charcoal filters in the box, and the FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1190AC if you want a quiet hood under a cabinet.
The SNDOAS US0475BN suits a cook who wants the most airflow and three venting options and can buy the CF-0475 filter.
For a 30 inch hood with a filter in the box, the FIREGAS FGS-USF22A75AC is the one, as long as you confirm its airflow and noise figures.
The Empava works if you like touch controls and four venting options, once you confirm the carbon filter.
Dishwasher-safe filters and a named CF007 kit point to the Soonye SOP04-30.
The Tieasy USGD1075 fits open wall space, a 7.5 to 9 foot ceiling and a wish for a 3-year parts warranty.
For a Broan-NuTone option, see the Broan-NuTone 413004 review. For the full ductless field, read best ductless range hoods.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is a plug-in ductless range hood?
It's a range hood that plugs into a standard outlet instead of being wired into the house, and it can recirculate air through a charcoal filter. All seven hoods in this roundup plug in, so none of them needs hard wiring to run.
Do plug-in ductless range hoods need a charcoal filter?
Yes, for ductless use the charcoal filter is what catches odors, so check whether one comes in the box. The Hermitlux and both FIREGAS hoods include one, while the SNDOAS US0475BN and Soonye SOP04-30 need a filter or kit bought separately.
Can a plug-in range hood vent outside too?
Yes, all seven hoods here can vent outside through a duct, so you can switch later with the right parts. Check the duct size and outlet position in the manual before you mount the hood, since the openings differ between models.
Do plug-in range hoods need an electrician?
Usually not, since a plug-in hood connects to a standard outlet, but check that the outlet is within reach of the cord before you mount it. Follow the manual, and use a qualified electrician if you're unsure about the outlet or any wiring.
