Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods
The best under cabinet range hoods include the Broan-NuTone BCSQ130SS Glacier for a quiet kitchen, the VIKIO HOME 900 CFM Dual Motor for heavy, high-heat cooking, and the CIARRA CAS75918A for a slim hood in a tight space.
On this page (12 sections)
- Our 7 best under cabinet range hoods in detail
- Side by side: width, venting and controls
- How we picked these seven hoods
- Ducted or ductless: check your vent before you buy
- Airflow and noise: what the numbers mean
- Height, depth and duct size: will it fit?
- Controls and lights: what you'll touch every day
- Filters and cleaning: what to expect
- Under cabinet or wall mount: which fits your kitchen
- Mistakes to avoid when buying an under cabinet range hood
- Before you install: check the wiring and the manual
- Which is the best under cabinet range hood for your kitchen
The best under cabinet range hood for most kitchens is the Broan-NuTone Glacier, since it's 30 inches wide, rated at 1.5 sones and can vent outside or recirculate.
We compared seven 30 inch under cabinet range hoods on width, venting, controls and filters. The list runs from a simple ductless insert to a touch screen hood, so you can match one to your kitchen.
If you aren't sure whether you can run a duct outside, read the ductless range hoods guide before you choose.
Our picks at a glance
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Our 7 best under cabinet range hoods in detail
The Glacier leads because it offers the most venting choices in this list and its filters go in the dishwasher. The Broan-NuTone 413004 ranks last because it only works without an outside vent.
Broan-NuTone BCSQ130SS Glacier
- 30 inch insert
- Dishwasher-safe open mesh filters
- Ducted or ductless
- 3-speed push button
A 30 inch insert rated at 1.5 sones for a kitchen where noise matters. It can vent outside or recirculate, with the filter sold separately.
Pros
- Rated at 1.5 sones
- Dishwasher-safe filters
- Can vent outside or recirculate
Cons
- Ductless mode needs a filter sold separately
- Push buttons, not touch controls
Broan-NuTone's Glacier is a 30 inch insert with a single LED module and three push button speeds. It tops out at 375 CFM, and the model name gives 1.5 sones for noise.
Broan-NuTone gives two noise figures, 1.5 sones in the name and 5.5 sones in one feature line, so check the manual if a quiet kitchen decides your purchase.
It's a 4-way convertible hood. You can duct it through a 3-1/4 by 10 inch opening or a 7 inch round pipe, or run it ductless with a filter sold separately.
The rectangular opening comes with a damper, while the round option needs a damper bought separately. The open mesh filters are dishwasher safe, and Broan-NuTone gives filter model HPF30 with a 6-month change interval.
Broan-NuTone says to mount it at least 18 inches above the cooktop. The hood is ADA capable and carries a 1 year limited warranty, with 3 years on the LED module.
Pass on it if you want touch controls, since this one uses push buttons.
VIKIO HOME 900 CFM Dual Motor
- 900 CFM dual motors
- Gesture and touch controls
- 5-layer aluminum mesh filters
- 3-minute delay shut-off
VIKIO rates its dual motors at up to 900 CFM, the highest airflow figure in this roundup. It suits a cook who sears and fries often and can vent outside.
Pros
- Highest airflow figure in this roundup
- Gesture and touch controls with a memory function
- Dishwasher-safe filters
Cons
- No ductless mode named, so plan on a duct
- Noise is given in dB, not sones
The VIKIO HOME is the hood to compare if you cook hot and often. VIKIO says its dual motors reach up to 900 CFM, the highest airflow figure in this roundup.
You change the three speeds with gesture sensing or the touch panel. VIKIO says this works with wet or greasy hands, and a memory function restores your last setting.
VIKIO gives noise in dB, not sones: as low as 35 dB on low speed and under 65 dB at full power. The 5-layer aluminum mesh filters go in the dishwasher, and a 3-minute delay shut-off keeps the fan running after you cook.
The hood is 29.5 inches wide and 6 inches tall. The box includes a rectangular duct adapter with a damper, two grease filters, a screw set and a positioning template, but VIKIO doesn't name a recirculating filter, so plan on a duct.
CIARRA CAS75918A
- 3.94 in tall
- Ducted or ductless
- Push button, 3 speeds
- Two LED lights
A hood only 3.94 inches tall that fits a cabinet with little clearance. Ductless mode needs the CACF006 carbon filter, sold separately.
Pros
- Low profile for tight clearance
- Lights on both sides of the hood
- Works ducted or ductless
Cons
- Ductless mode needs the CACF006 filter
- 6.5 sones at the top speed
The CIARRA CAS75918A is the slim pick. It stands 3.94 inches tall, which suits a cabinet with little room underneath, and it's only 13.39 inches deep.
It has push button controls, three fan speeds and two LED lights, one on each side of the hood. That layout lights the burner you're using, whichever side it's on.
CIARRA gives 6.5 sones at the top speed, so run it on low when you want quiet cooking. The 5-layer aluminum mesh filters catch grease as the air passes through.
It works ducted or ductless. Ductless mode needs the CACF006 carbon filter, which you buy separately, and ducted mode needs an exhaust pipe that isn't in the box.
The box includes a 3-prong plug, a vent cover, a damper, screws and a manual. It's the shallowest hood here, so compare its depth with how far forward your burners sit.
CIARRA gives 200 CFM, so skip it if you want strong airflow.
Hauslane UC-PS18
- Touch screen
- Six fan speeds
- Three venting options
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
A touch screen hood with six fan speeds and three duct outlet options. Hauslane offers a 2-year limited warranty and a lifetime motor warranty.
Pros
- Three venting options
- Six speeds and a touch screen
- Lifetime motor warranty, Hauslane says
Cons
- Weighs 41 pounds
- No recirculating kit named
The Hauslane UC-PS18 is the premium pick for a ducted kitchen. It comes in 30 and 36 inch widths and four finishes: stainless steel, matte white, matte black and black stainless.
Three venting options let you match your duct: a 6 inch round top outlet, or a 3-1/4 by 10 inch rectangular outlet on the top or rear.
The touch screen offers six fan speeds and a delay shut-off, and Hauslane says its duct design and dual motor keep airflow noise down.
The box includes all three adapters, two dishwasher-safe baffle filters, an oil tray, foil tape and a microfiber cloth. The standard light color is 3000K, and the GU10 bulbs can be swapped.
Hauslane gives the motor a lifetime warranty and the rest of the hood 2 years. It's also the biggest hood here, at 22 inches deep, 8-1/8 inches tall and 41 pounds, so plan for help lifting it.
Hauslane doesn't name a recirculating kit, so look elsewhere if you need a ductless hood.
AMZCHEF 30 in Stainless Steel
- Touch screen
- Remote control
- Timer setting
- Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
A stainless steel hood you can run from across the room with its remote. It has a timer setting and two dishwasher-safe filters.
Pros
- Remote and touch control
- Timer setting
- Dishwasher-safe filters
Cons
- No ductless mode named, so plan on a duct
- Gives two different airflow figures
The AMZCHEF is a 30 inch stainless steel hood with touch and remote control. You can change the fan from across the room, which AMZCHEF pitches for cooks who are watching a baby or a pet.
It has three fan speeds, two 1.5W LED lamps and a time setting function on the LCD screen. Two stainless steel baffle filters are dishwasher safe, and AMZCHEF gives the noise as 63 dB without naming a speed.
The body is 430 stainless steel, and the hood measures about 29.8 inches wide, 19.7 deep and 5.98 tall. The air outlet is 6 inches across, and the hood can sit under a cabinet or on a wall.
AMZCHEF says most of its products are guaranteed for a year, so confirm the coverage on this model. The time setting is handy for a long simmer, when you'd rather not remember to turn the fan off.
AMZCHEF doesn't name a recirculating kit, so skip it if you need a ductless hood.
COSMO COS-5MU30
- Reusable aluminum mesh filters
- Push button controls
- Ducted or ductless with a kit
- Flexible ducting included
A slim Delta Collection hood with reusable filters. It can be converted to ductless with the CFK4 carbon filter kit, sold separately.
Pros
- Reusable aluminum mesh filters
- Quiet on low speed, COSMO says
- Can convert to ductless
Cons
- Needs HVAC tape to install
- No airflow number given
The COSMO COS-5MU30 is a slim hood from its Delta Collection, with push button controls and reusable aluminum mesh filters. It suits a cook who would rather reuse filters than replace them.
COSMO says the fan can run as low as 50 dB on its lowest speed, with rigid ducting (sold separately) under optimal conditions. The hood has three speeds and two LED lights, and at 14 pounds it's far lighter than the Hauslane.
It uses a 5 inch round duct for top or back venting, and flexible ducting comes in the box. You'll need HVAC tape to install it.
It can switch to ductless with the CFK4 carbon filter kit, which is sold separately. The box also includes a 3-prong plug, a backdraft damper, light bulbs, a mounting kit and the manual, and COSMO backs the parts for 2 years.
COSMO gives no airflow number, so it's hard to compare with the others on power.
Broan-NuTone 413004
- Ductless only
- 100 CFM
- 2-speed fan
- Charcoal filter
A ductless insert with a charcoal filter for a kitchen with no outside vent. The light takes a 75 watt LED bulb, which isn't included.
Pros
- Simple two-speed fan
- Works with no outside vent
- 1 year limited warranty, Broan-NuTone says
Cons
- Lowest airflow in this roundup
- Light bulb not included
The Broan-NuTone 413004 is a ductless insert with no outside vent. It pulls air through a grease filter and a charcoal filter, then sends it back into the room.
It's 30 inches wide, 17.5 inches deep and 6 inches tall, with rocker switches for the two-speed fan and the light. Broan-NuTone says to mount it at least 18 inches above the cooktop.
The light takes an LED bulb up to 75 watts, and the bulb isn't included. Broan-NuTone says to buy light guard S99110437 separately if you use an incandescent bulb.
The filters release quickly and can go in the dishwasher, and the charcoal filter is replaceable. Broan-NuTone says the hood works in an ADA-compliant setup and includes a 1 year limited warranty.
Its 100 CFM is the lowest airflow in this roundup, so save it for everyday cooking rather than heavy frying.
Side by side: width, venting and controls
Venting is the first thing to check, because it decides which of these hoods your kitchen can use. Every hood here is 30 inches wide, so venting and controls set them apart.
| Product | Best for | Width | Venting | Controls | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone BCSQ130SS Glacier | a quiet kitchen | 30 in | Ducted or ductless | 3-speed push button | 9.2 |
| VIKIO HOME 900 CFM Dual Motor | heavy, high-heat cooking | 30 in | Ducted | Gesture and touch, 3 speeds | 9.0 |
| CIARRA CAS75918A | a slim hood in a tight space | 30 in | Ducted or ductless, filter sold separately | Push button, 3 speeds | 8.8 |
| Hauslane UC-PS18 | a premium kitchen with three vent options | 30 in | Ducted, three ways | Touch screen, 6 speeds | 8.6 |
| AMZCHEF 30 in Stainless Steel | touch and remote control | 30 in | Ducted, 6 in outlet | Touch and remote, 3 speeds | 8.5 |
| COSMO COS-5MU30 | reusable filters | 30 in | Ducted or ductless, kit sold separately | Push button, 3 speeds | 8.2 |
| Broan-NuTone 413004 | a simple no-vent kitchen | 30 in | Ductless only | Rocker switch, 2 speeds | 7.9 |
The Glacier, CIARRA and COSMO can switch between a duct and a recirculating filter, while the Broan-NuTone 413004 only recirculates. The Hauslane, VIKIO and AMZCHEF are set up for a duct and don't name a ductless mode.
How we picked these seven hoods
We compared the specs of each hood, then scored it against what an under cabinet range hood needs to do. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Width and venting came first, since a hood that doesn't fit your cabinet or your duct is the wrong hood, however well it performs.
Next we looked at controls, filters and lights. Hoods with dishwasher-safe filters ranked a little higher, because those filters are easier to keep clean.
Noise and airflow came last, because makers rate them in different units and under different conditions. Where a maker gives two different numbers for the same spec, we left the number out, so you won't find Hauslane or AMZCHEF airflow in the comparison.
Ducted or ductless: check your vent before you buy
If you can run a duct to the outside, a ducted hood sends smoke and air out of the house. If you can't, a ductless hood with a charcoal filter is the practical choice.
A ductless hood pulls air through its grease and charcoal filters and sends it back into the room. It doesn't remove heat, moisture or combustion gases, so it isn't a substitute for an outside vent.
For a gas range or heavy frying, a ducted hood that vents outside is the stronger setup. If recirculating is the plan, see best 30 inch ductless under cabinet range hoods.
If you can't vent outside now but might later, a convertible hood like the Glacier, CIARRA or COSMO lets you start ductless and add a duct later. Buy the filter that matches your model number before you start.
On the CIARRA CAS75918A, you turn an adjuster on the motor housing to choose ducted or ductless mode, and you fit an outlet cover for ductless.
Buying a filter for your under cabinet range hood
Charcoal filters fit by model number, so check the number on your own hood before you order. This table shows what each hood needs to recirculate.
| Hood | Filter for ductless mode | In the box? |
|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone Glacier | Filter sold separately (check the manual for the number) | No |
| CIARRA CAS75918A | CACF006 carbon filter | No |
| COSMO COS-5MU30 | CFK4 carbon filter kit | No |
| Broan-NuTone 413004 | Charcoal filter, ductless only | Yes, a filter ships with it |
| VIKIO, Hauslane, AMZCHEF | No ductless mode named | Not applicable |
Matching the model first saves you a return. For Broan-NuTone hoods, look up your model on the Broan-NuTone site to confirm the manual and the filter number.
Airflow and noise: what the numbers mean
Match airflow to the cooking you do most, since frying and high-heat searing call for more than simmering does. Makers rate airflow in CFM, and the rating is usually for ducted use, so airflow in ductless mode is often lower.
VIKIO gives the most airflow here at 900 CFM, then the Glacier at 375, CIARRA at 200 and the Broan-NuTone 413004 at 100. The Hauslane and AMZCHEF give two different figures each and COSMO gives none, so they're left out of that ranking.
Noise comes in two units. The Glacier and CIARRA use sones, while COSMO, VIKIO and AMZCHEF use dB, and the two scales aren't the same, so compare numbers in the same unit only.
COSMO gives 50 dB at its lowest speed, VIKIO gives 35 dB on low and AMZCHEF gives 63 dB without naming a speed. CIARRA's 6.5 sones is for the top speed.
Your hood should be at least as wide as your cooktop. For the full steps, read what size range hood for a 30 inch cooktop.
If your range is 36 inches wide, see best 36 inch under cabinet range hoods instead.
Height, depth and duct size: will it fit?
Height is the first number to check, since these hoods run from 3.94 to 8-1/8 inches tall. Depth and duct size matter too, and the table shows all three for each hood.
| Hood | Height | Depth | Duct outlet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone Glacier | 6 in | 19.63 in | 3-1/4 x 10 in, or 7 in round |
| VIKIO HOME | 6 in | 19.75 in | Rectangular adapter, size not given |
| CIARRA CAS75918A | 3.94 in | 13.39 in | 4.8 in round, top |
| Hauslane UC-PS18 | 8-1/8 in | 22 in | 6 in round, or 3-1/4 x 10 in |
| AMZCHEF | 5.98 in | 19.7 in | 6 in round |
| COSMO COS-5MU30 | 5.5 in | 19.75 in | 5 in round |
| Broan-NuTone 413004 | 6 in | 17.5 in | None, ductless only |
The CIARRA and the Hauslane differ by more than 4 inches in height, so they aren't interchangeable under a low cabinet.
Measure your existing duct before you pick a hood, because the outlets range from a 4.8 inch round damper to 7 inch round and rectangular openings. Measure from the cooktop to the cabinet bottom, then compare that with the hood's height.
Controls and lights: what you'll touch every day
Push buttons are the simplest to learn, and the Glacier, CIARRA and COSMO all use them with three speeds. Pick the control type you'll reach for with greasy hands.
The Broan-NuTone 413004 uses rocker switches with a two-speed fan. VIKIO uses gesture sensing with touch, AMZCHEF adds a remote, and Hauslane uses a touch screen with six speeds.
Lights vary more than you might expect. The Glacier has one LED module, while CIARRA and AMZCHEF each have two lights, and CIARRA says its pair covers whether you cook on the left or right.
VIKIO uses standard GU10 bulbs that are easy to swap, and Hauslane's GU10 bulbs are swappable too, so you can match the light color to your kitchen. The Broan-NuTone 413004 takes a 75 watt bulb that isn't included, so buy one before you install.
Filters and cleaning: what to expect
Five of the seven hoods have dishwasher-safe grease filters, which makes cleanup easier. They are the Glacier, VIKIO, AMZCHEF, Hauslane and Broan-NuTone 413004.
COSMO's filters are reusable aluminum mesh, and CIARRA's are 5-layer aluminum mesh. Neither maker says they're dishwasher safe, so read the manual before you load them.
Charcoal filters are a separate part for ductless mode, and most makers sell them as replace-only, so check yours. How often you replace one depends on how much you cook.
Set a reminder on the day you install the hood, using the interval in your manual, such as the 6 months Broan-NuTone gives for the Glacier's HPF30 filter.
Under cabinet or wall mount: which fits your kitchen
Pick an under cabinet hood if a cabinet already sits above your range, and a wall mount hood if it doesn't. An under cabinet hood mounts below the cabinet, while a wall mount hood stands on the wall above the cooktop.
For a side-by-side look at the two types, read under cabinet vs wall mount range hood. If you need a wall mount model that can recirculate, see best wall mount ductless range hoods.
Every hood in this list mounts under a cabinet, so measure the cabinet bottom before you order. AMZCHEF and COSMO both say their hoods can also go against a wall, which helps if you have no cabinet above the range.
If you're choosing between a hood and a microwave with a vent, read under cabinet range hood vs microwave first.
Mistakes to avoid when buying an under cabinet range hood
Five common slip-ups are easy to catch before you order.
- Buying a ducted hood for a no-vent kitchen. The Hauslane, VIKIO and AMZCHEF are set up for a duct and don't name a recirculating option.
- Forgetting the filter for ductless mode. The Glacier, CIARRA and COSMO need a filter or kit sold separately before they can recirculate.
- Skipping the bulb. The 413004 doesn't include one, and its light takes up to 75 watts.
- Ignoring height and depth. A 3.94 inch CIARRA and an 8-1/8 inch Hauslane fit very different cabinets.
- Trusting one noise or airflow number. Makers rate noise in different units, the Glacier's maker gives two noise figures, and airflow drops when a hood recirculates.
If you rent or live in a condo with no outside vent, the Broan-NuTone 413004 is the simplest route. If you cook gas or fry often and can vent outside, a ducted hood like the VIKIO or Hauslane is the stronger setup.
Before you install: check the wiring and the manual
Read the manual for your exact hood before you mount anything, since mounting height, duct parts and filters differ by model. The COSMO and CIARRA both come with a 3-prong plug.
For wiring on any hood here, follow the manual and use a qualified electrician if you're unsure. If a hood needs a nearby outlet, plan the cord route before you drill.
For the full install steps, read how to install an under cabinet range hood.
Which is the best under cabinet range hood for your kitchen
Pick the Glacier if you want a quiet hood that can duct outside or recirculate. Pick the VIKIO HOME if you cook hot and need the most airflow, and you have a duct to use.
Pick the CIARRA CAS75918A if the cabinet clearance is tight. Pick the Hauslane UC-PS18 if you want touch controls and three venting options.
Pick the AMZCHEF if remote control matters most, or the COSMO if you want reusable filters and a convertible setup. Pick the Broan-NuTone 413004 if you have no outside vent and want a simple ductless hood.
For a closer look at one model, read our COMFEE 30 inch review or our SNDOAS 30 inch review. If you're still deciding, start with how to choose an under cabinet range hood.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best under cabinet range hood?
The best under cabinet range hood for most kitchens is the Broan-NuTone Glacier, since it's 30 inches wide and can vent outside or recirculate. If you need the most airflow, the VIKIO HOME 900 CFM is the one to compare, as long as you can run a duct.
Do under cabinet range hoods need to be ducted?
Not always, since the Broan-NuTone 413004 only recirculates air through a charcoal filter. The Glacier and CIARRA CAS75918A can be ducted outside or switched to ductless with a filter kit sold separately, so check for an outside vent before you shop.
What size under cabinet range hood do I need?
Pick a hood at least as wide as your cooktop, and check the mounting height in the manual before you buy. Every hood in this list is 30 inches wide, which fits a 30 inch range, and the Broan-NuTone 413004 should sit at least 18 inches above the cooktop.
How much room does an under cabinet range hood need?
Height runs from 3.94 inches on the CIARRA CAS75918A to 8-1/8 inches on the Hauslane UC-PS18, and most of the others sit near 6 inches. Measure from the cooktop to the cabinet bottom, then check the mounting height in the manual for your model.
How do I know which charcoal filter my hood needs?
Charcoal filters fit by model number, so check the number on your own hood before you buy. The CIARRA CAS75918A needs the CACF006 filter for ductless mode, and the COSMO COS-5MU30 needs its CFK4 kit, so matching the model first saves a return.
