Best Recirculating Range Hoods
The best recirculating range hoods include the AURAKICH AUR-RHP02-US for a ductless wall mount with filters included, the VIKIO VK-RP10-30 for a quiet wall mount with touch controls, and the FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1175AC for a plug-in hood with charcoal included.
On this page (14 sections)
- The 7 best recirculating range hoods in detail
- Side by side: width, airflow and venting
- How we picked these seven hoods
- What a recirculating hood does and doesn't catch
- Charcoal filters decide how well ductless use works
- Can you switch between vented and ductless later?
- Wall mount, under cabinet or insert: which fits your kitchen?
- Installing a recirculating hood: clearance and power
- Renters and condo owners: which hood is easiest to add?
- How much airflow does a recirculating hood need?
- Sones and decibels: which numbers to compare
- Keeping the metal filters clean
- What to check before you buy a recirculating hood
- Which recirculating range hood should you buy?
The best recirculating range hood for a kitchen with open wall space is the AURAKICH AUR-RHP02-US, since it comes with its charcoal filters.
If you want a quiet wall mount with touch controls, the VIKIO VK-RP10-30 is the closest rival, and the FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1175AC is the plug-in pick.
A recirculating hood pulls air through a grease filter and a charcoal filter, then sends the air back into the room. If you're still choosing between that and a vented hood, start with the ductless range hoods guide.
This roundup covers seven hoods in three styles: wall mount, under cabinet and built-in insert. Each card gives the width, airflow and venting, so you can see what each hood needs to run without a duct.
Our picks at a glance
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The 7 best recirculating range hoods in detail
The AURAKICH scores highest because it comes with its charcoal filters and can run ductless or vented. The Broan-NuTone 413004 scores lowest, since its 100 CFM is the least airflow in the group.
AURAKICH AUR-RHP02-US
- 30 in pyramid wall mount
- 450 CFM
- Two charcoal filters in the box
- 2-layer steel baffle filters
The charcoal filters come in the box, so you can run it ductless right away. The drilling template guides the holes for the wall mount.
Pros
- Two charcoal filters, a damper and a pipe come in the box
- Runs ductless or vented
- Steel baffle filters that AURAKICH says resist denting
Cons
- It's a wall mount, so it needs open wall space above the cooktop
- Mounting means drilling into the wall
The AURAKICH is a pyramid-shaped wall mount for a kitchen with open wall space above the cooktop. It comes with a plug, so it's a plug-in hood rather than a hard-wired one.
The box includes two charcoal filters, a damper, screws and an expandable pipe. The filters are all you need for ductless use, and the pipe and damper only matter if you vent it outside.
AURAKICH says the hood runs at 55 dB or less across three speeds, and its 12000K LEDs light the cooktop. The 2-layer steel baffle filters resist denting, AURAKICH says, and the straight-groove design wipes clean in one pass.
A drilling template guides the holes for mounting, and AURAKICH says the job takes about 15 minutes. The hood is 29.53 inches wide and 18.31 inches deep, it weighs 21.5 pounds, and AURAKICH gives 2-year protection against defects in the motor, lighting and controls.
Skip it if you want an under cabinet hood, since this one is a wall mount that stands 37.8 inches tall.
VIKIO VK-RP10-30
- 580 CFM dual intake
- Touch controls with a 1 to 9 minute delay
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- Optional carbon filter kit for ductless use
A dual-intake wall mount that VIKIO says moves 20 percent more air than single-intake models. VIKIO says the low speed is as low as 40 dBA.
Pros
- As low as 40 dBA on low speed
- Baffle filters go in the dishwasher
- Touch controls with a delay shut-off
Cons
- The carbon filter kit for ductless use is sold separately
- At 41 inches tall, it takes up a lot of wall
The VIKIO is a 30 inch wall mount with an intake on each side. VIKIO says that setup moves 20 percent more air than single-intake models.
It's rated at 580 CFM, and it runs as low as 40 dBA on low and stays under 65 dBA on high. The two stainless baffle filters pop out without tools, and they go in the dishwasher.
The touch controls set a delay shut-off of 1 to 9 minutes, so the fan keeps clearing steam after you cook. VIKIO says the brushed stainless finish resists fingerprints and smudges.
For a ductless setup, add the optional carbon filter kit, which is sold separately. The box includes 6 inch flexible ducting, an oil collector and a mounting hardware kit, so plan the duct route before you mount it if you vent outside.
It's 29.3 inches wide, 19.68 inches deep and 41 inches tall, and it weighs 23.8 pounds.
FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1175AC
- 300 CFM with 3 speeds
- Brushless DC motor
- Charcoal filter packed inside
- Plug included
A plug-in under cabinet hood with its charcoal filter packed inside. FIREGAS says it runs at less than 45 dB on high speed.
Pros
- Comes with a plug
- Charcoal filter is in the box
- Less than 45 dB on high speed, FIREGAS says
Cons
- Under cabinet mount, so it needs a cabinet above the cooktop
- 300 CFM suits light to moderate cooking
The FIREGAS is a black 30 inch under cabinet hood that comes with a plug. Its charcoal filter is packed inside the hood, so you'll need to remove the aluminum filters to get it out.
The front vent is the ductless setting, and the top and rear vents are for a duct. FIREGAS names the CC170 as its carbon filter, and a square-to-round outlet adaptor and dampers are in the box.
FIREGAS says it moves 300 CFM through three speeds, and its brushless motor runs at less than 45 dB on high speed. The 3-layer aluminum filters trap grease, and two 1.5 watt LED lights light the cooktop.
The body is 29.5 inches wide, 18.9 inches deep and only 5.3 inches tall, and FIREGAS backs it with a 1-year limited warranty.
Skip it if you want a wall mount, since this one sits under a cabinet.
IKTCH IKB0130INCH
- 900 CFM
- Gesture sensing, touch and remote
- Four fan speeds
- Two dishwasher-safe stainless filters
IKTCH says it moves up to 900 CFM, the most airflow in this roundup. Gesture sensing and the remote make it easy to change the speed while you cook.
Pros
- 900 CFM, the most airflow here
- Gesture, touch and remote controls
- Stainless baffle filters go in the dishwasher
Cons
- No charcoal filter is named for ductless use
- Its 27.75 inch body needs a matching cabinet cutout
The IKTCH is a stainless insert that fits a cabinet cutout. IKTCH says it moves up to 900 CFM, the most airflow in this roundup.
You can control it with gesture sensing, touch controls or the included remote, and it has four fan speeds. The body measures 27.75 inches wide, 11.77 inches deep and 11.4 inches tall, so measure your cabinet opening before you order.
IKTCH gives 40 dB on its lowest setting and puts the top end at 60 to 65 dB. The two stainless baffle filters go in the dishwasher, and two 3-watt LED lights have adjustable brightness.
IKTCH sells the hood as ducted or ductless, but it doesn't name a charcoal filter. Confirm which filter fits this model before you plan a recirculating setup.
Broan-NuTone F403004
- Four-way convertible
- 230 CFM max blower
- Dishwasher-safe aluminum filter
- Rocker switches
Broan-NuTone designed it to switch between ducted and non-ducted use. The non-ducted filter is sold separately as model 41F.
Pros
- Ducted or non-ducted, so you can vent it later
- Dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filter
- UL listed and HVI-2100 certified, per Broan-NuTone
Cons
- Rated at 6.5 sones, so it's not the quiet pick
- The 41F non-ducted filter is sold separately
The F403004 is a 30 inch under cabinet hood that Broan-NuTone built to switch between ducted and non-ducted use. It installs four ways: a 3.25 by 10 inch rectangular duct going vertical or horizontal, a 7 inch round duct going vertical, or non-ducted.
Broan-NuTone gives a 230 CFM maximum and 6.5 sones, so it isn't the quiet pick. It also lists 160 CFM with the rectangular discharge and 190 CFM with the round one, so the maker gives more than one figure.
For non-ducted use, you remove the convert plate on the front and add the 41F filter, which is sold separately. A 7 inch round plate is included, but the 7 inch round damper is sold separately.
The dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filter is easy to clean, and rocker switches control the 2-speed fan and the light. The light takes a bulb up to 75 watts, which isn't included.
Broan-NuTone says it's UL listed and HVI-2100 certified and should sit at least 18 inches above the cooktop, so check that against your cabinet before you install. A 1 year limited warranty comes with it.
Zomagas USGB1370
- 600 CFM on 3 speeds
- Front push buttons and two LED lights
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
- Charcoal filter sold separately
A 600 CFM insert with front-panel buttons. The charcoal filter is sold separately as CFZMG13, and Zomagas gives a maximum noise of 65 dB.
Pros
- 600 CFM on three speeds
- Front buttons and LED lights
- Baffle filters go in the dishwasher
Cons
- The charcoal filter for ductless use is sold separately
- Maximum noise of 65 dB
The Zomagas is a 30 inch insert with a maximum of 600 CFM on three speeds. Its push buttons sit on the front panel, next to two LED lights that show on either side of the cooktop.
Zomagas calls the mechanical buttons dependable with wet hands, and it gives a maximum noise of 65 dB. The top vent is round and about 6 inches across.
Ductless use needs the CFZMG13 charcoal filter, which is sold separately. The two baffle filters are #430 stainless steel and go in the dishwasher, and the hood comes with a power cord.
As a built-in insert, it needs a cabinet or hood cover built around it. The body is 27.8 inches wide, about 11.5 inches deep and 10.3 inches tall, and the cutout is 26 by 10.2 inches, so check both against your cabinet before you order.
Broan-NuTone 413004
- 30 in insert
- 100 CFM
- Charcoal filter in the box
- Rocker switches for fan and light
A basic non-ducted insert with a charcoal filter in the box. At 100 CFM, it has the least airflow in this roundup.
Pros
- Charcoal filter comes with the hood
- Quick-release filters go in the dishwasher
- Can work in an ADA-compliant application, with a 1 year limited warranty
Cons
- Only 100 CFM, the lowest airflow in this roundup
- Non-ducted only, so it can't vent outside
The 413004 is a plain 30 inch under cabinet hood for a kitchen that wants a simple ductless fan and light. Its rocker switches run the 2-speed fan and the light separately.
It moves up to 100 CFM, the least airflow in this roundup, so it suits light cooking more than heavy frying. Broan-NuTone says the hood installs as non-ducted only, so it can't vent outside.
The charcoal filter comes in the box, and Broan-NuTone says it's replaceable. The quick-release grease filters can go in the dishwasher, and the motor is permanently lubricated.
The light takes a bulb up to 75 watts, and the bulb isn't included. Broan-NuTone recommends an A19 bulb, and it says to buy light guard S99110437 separately if you use an incandescent one.
It measures 30 inches wide, 17.5 inches deep and 6 inches tall, and Broan-NuTone says it can work in an ADA-compliant application. A 1 year limited warranty comes with it.
Side by side: width, airflow and venting
Airflow runs from 100 CFM on the Broan-NuTone 413004 to 900 CFM on the IKTCH, and width runs from 27.75 to 30 inches. Measure your opening or wall space first, then compare airflow.
| Product | Best for | Width | Airflow | Venting | Our score |
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| AURAKICH AUR-RHP02-US | a ductless wall mount with filters included | 29.5 in | 450 CFM | Ducted or ductless, charcoal included | 9.2 |
| VIKIO VK-RP10-30 | a quiet wall mount with touch controls | 29.3 in | 580 CFM | Ducted, or ductless with optional kit | 9.0 |
| FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1175AC | a plug-in hood with charcoal included | 29.5 in | 300 CFM | Top or rear ducted, front for ductless | 8.7 |
| IKTCH IKB0130INCH | gesture and remote controls | 27.75 in | 900 CFM | Ducted or ductless, filter not named | 8.5 |
| Broan-NuTone F403004 | switching to a duct later | 30 in | Up to 230 CFM | Ducted, or non-ducted with 41F filter | 8.3 |
| Zomagas USGB1370 | front-panel buttons in an insert | 27.8 in | 600 CFM | Top round vent, ductless with CFZMG13 filter | 8.0 |
| Broan-NuTone 413004 | a simple ductless fan and light | 30 in | 100 CFM | Non-ducted only, with charcoal filter | 7.9 |
Venting matters more than airflow for a recirculating hood, because the filter setup decides whether it works without a duct. Noise isn't in the table, since only the Broan-NuTone F403004 gives its fan in sones and the rest use decibels.
How we picked these seven hoods
We compared the specs, features and what buyers often mention, then scored each hood against what a ductless kitchen needs. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Ready-to-run ductless use counted most, so hoods with a charcoal filter in the box scored higher. Airflow came next, and the Broan-NuTone 413004 scored lowest because its 100 CFM is the least in the group.
What a recirculating hood does and doesn't catch
A recirculating hood catches grease and odors, but it doesn't remove heat, moisture or combustion gases. It works the same way as a ductless range hood, so the two terms describe the same job.
For heavy frying or a gas range, a hood that vents outside is the stronger setup. To see the trade-offs side by side, read ductless vs ducted range hoods.
For a clear look at what these hoods can and can't do, see do ductless range hoods really work. If you're new to the idea, what a ductless range hood is and how it works covers the basics.
Charcoal filters decide how well ductless use works
Ductless use depends on a charcoal filter that fits your model number, so check that before you buy. The AURAKICH, FIREGAS and Broan-NuTone 413004 include a charcoal filter, so they're ready to run ductless.
The Zomagas needs its CFZMG13 filter, and the Broan-NuTone F403004 needs its 41F filter, and both are sold separately. The VIKIO needs its optional carbon kit, and the IKTCH doesn't name a charcoal filter at all.
Filters fit by model number, so check the number on your own hood before you order a replacement.
Most makers sell charcoal filters as replace-only, so plan on buying new ones over time. You can compare options in replacement charcoal filters for range hoods.
Can you switch between vented and ductless later?
Six of the seven hoods here can vent outside or run ductless, so you don't have to commit to one setup on day one. Only the Broan-NuTone 413004 is non-ducted only, so skip it if you may want a duct someday.
The Broan-NuTone F403004 is the most flexible, with four installation options and a convert plate you remove for non-ducted use. The AURAKICH includes a damper and pipe for a vented setup.
The VIKIO, FIREGAS, IKTCH and Zomagas also switch modes, but each one needs its own filter or duct parts, so check the parts list before you buy.
Wall mount, under cabinet or insert: which fits your kitchen?
A wall mount needs open wall space above the cooktop, an under cabinet hood needs a cabinet above it, and an insert needs a cutout. The AURAKICH and VIKIO are wall mounts, so they suit a kitchen with open wall behind the cooktop.
The FIREGAS, Broan-NuTone F403004 and Broan-NuTone 413004 mount under a cabinet. The IKTCH and Zomagas are built-in inserts that sit in a cabinet or hood cutout.
Height is the other difference. The wall mounts stand 37.8 inches (AURAKICH) and 41 inches (VIKIO) tall, the under cabinet hoods are only 5.3 to 6 inches tall, and the two inserts are 10.3 and 11.4 inches tall.
Cutout sizes for a recirculating range hood insert
Inserts sit in a cutout, so the cutout size matters more than the hood's outside dimensions. The Zomagas needs a 26 by 10.2 inch cutout, for example, and the IKTCH body is 27.75 inches wide and 11.77 inches deep.
Wall mounts need holes drilled into the wall, so plan the mounting before you buy. The AURAKICH ships with a drilling template, and the VIKIO ships with a mounting hardware kit.
Installing a recirculating hood: clearance and power
Follow the clearance in the hood's manual, and check the power setup before you buy. Broan-NuTone says both the 413004 and F403004 should sit at least 18 inches above the cooktop, and other makers give their own minimums.
For Broan-NuTone manuals, search by model number on Broan-NuTone's website. The AURAKICH and FIREGAS come with a plug, and the Zomagas includes a power cord.
Check the power setup for the IKTCH, VIKIO and the two Broan-NuTone hoods in each manual before you buy. If you're unsure about any wiring, follow the manual and use a qualified electrician.
Renters and condo owners: which hood is easiest to add?
Plug-in hoods are the easiest to add without an electrician, and the FIREGAS and AURAKICH both come with plugs. Renters should check with the landlord before drilling into a wall or changing any wiring.
The AURAKICH is a wall mount that needs drilling, while the FIREGAS mounts to the underside of a cabinet instead of the wall. Condo owners should also check the building's rules before installing any hood that vents or drills.
How much airflow does a recirculating hood need?
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.
The seven hoods here span 100 CFM to 900 CFM, so match the number to your cooking and your range's BTU rating. A kitchen that sears or stir-fries often is better served by a vented hood than by any ductless one.
Sones and decibels: which numbers to compare
The quietest figures here are FIREGAS at less than 45 dB on high speed, and VIKIO and IKTCH at about 40 on their low speeds. Sones and decibels measure different things, so a sone number and a decibel number can't be compared straight across.
Only the Broan-NuTone F403004 gives its fan in sones, at 6.5, so compare the rest by decibels. Check which speed each number is for, since low and high speed can differ a lot.
VIKIO says it runs as low as 40 dBA on low and under 65 dBA on high. If you cook on high most nights, the top-speed number matters more than the low one.
Keeping the metal filters clean
The VIKIO, IKTCH, Zomagas, Broan-NuTone F403004 and Broan-NuTone 413004 filters are dishwasher safe, so cleaning takes little effort. AURAKICH says its steel baffle filters have a straight-groove design that wipes clean in one pass.
Clean the filters when they look greasy, since heavy frying loads them faster. FIREGAS says its 3-layer aluminum filters are easy to clean and maintain.
Charcoal filters are different, so keep a spare on hand and replace them on the maker's schedule.
What to check before you buy a recirculating hood
Check the filter setup, the mounting space, the power setup and the bulb before you order. Each one decides whether the hood works the day it arrives.
Start with the filter. Make sure a charcoal filter comes in the box, or that you can buy the right one for your model number.
Then measure the space. A wall mount needs open wall, an insert needs a cutout, and an under cabinet hood needs a cabinet above the cooktop.
Check the power next. A plug-in hood needs an outlet within reach of the cord, and a hard-wired hood needs its wiring connected.
Last, check the bulb. The two Broan-NuTone hoods take a bulb of up to 75 watts that isn't in the box, while the other five have LED lights built in.
Which recirculating range hood should you buy?
Buy the AURAKICH if you have open wall space and want the filters in the box, and the FIREGAS if you want a plug-in under cabinet hood.
The VIKIO VK-RP10-30 suits a kitchen that wants a quiet wall mount with touch controls and can buy its optional carbon kit.
For the most airflow and gesture controls, the IKTCH IKB0130INCH works, as long as you confirm the charcoal filter first.
If you may vent the hood later and don't mind its 6.5 sone noise figure, the Broan-NuTone F403004 makes sense.
The Zomagas USGB1370 fits an insert opening and gives you front buttons and 600 CFM, once you add its CFZMG13 filter.
A simple under cabinet hood with a filter in the box, for light cooking, points to the Broan-NuTone 413004.
For the full set of ductless picks, see best ductless range hoods.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is a recirculating range hood?
A recirculating range hood pulls air through a grease filter and a charcoal filter, then returns the air to the kitchen. It does the same job as a ductless range hood and catches grease and odors, so it works where no outside vent exists.
Do recirculating range hoods need a charcoal filter?
Yes, a charcoal filter is what catches odors in ductless use, and it fits by model number, so check yours before you order. The AURAKICH AUR-RHP02-US and FIREGAS FGS-UBF21A1175AC include one, while the Zomagas USGB1370 and Broan-NuTone F403004 need a filter bought separately.
Can a recirculating range hood replace a vented hood?
For light cooking, a recirculating hood can be a good fit where no duct is possible. For heavy frying or a gas range, a hood that vents outside is the stronger setup, since ductless hoods don't remove heat, moisture or combustion gases.
Do plug-in recirculating range hoods need an electrician?
The FIREGAS and AURAKICH hoods come with a plug, so they don't need to be wired into the house, though you'll need an outlet within reach of the cord. Follow the manual, and use a qualified electrician if you're unsure about any part of the install.
