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Ductless range hoods (also known as recirculating hoods) are gaining popularity. More and more people choose this type of hood for their small spaces in the kitchen, as they have a thin base and do not require much space for installation. Also, ductless hoods effectively remove odours in the room thanks to the filtration system, which also helps to collect particles of grease and other things during cooking.
Cosmo QS75
The best ductless range hood with high-tech features
– Has 4 fan speeds;
– Has smart home system;
– Has the touch screen;
– Has gas function.
They have a very simple principle of operation: the powerful motor draws air in and then passes through a special double filter inside — the first is designed to clean the air from grease and similar particles, and the second is coal — to eliminate odours and smoke. Then the cleaned air is returned to the room.
Also, the ductless range hoods have a beautiful and simple design, which fits into any style and perfectly complements it.
Read on to find what is important to know before buying and choose the best one for you!
Comparison table:
| Model | |
Cosmo QS75  The best ductless range hood with high-tech features | Product dimensions: 22 x 29.5 x 10 Inches Item weight: 52.8 pounds Size: 30-Inch Airflow displacement: 500 CFM Noise: 65 dB Power source: Electric Voltage: 120 Volts - Has a gas function for your safety; - Has some levels of CFM for regulating the power of ventilation; - Has a modern design. |
ZLine KL3-48 The most versatile ductless range hood | Product dimensions: 48 x 19.7 x 10 inches Item weight: 60 pounds Size: 48-Inch Airflow displacement: 280/400/580/760 CFM Noise: 52 dB Power source: Electric Voltage: 120 Volts - Has 4 levels of speed for regulating the power of ventilation; - Has the quietness operation; - Has a quality certificate (). |
CAVALIERE 900CFM The most powerful ductless range hood | Product dimensions: 29.5 x 19.69 x 43.39 Inches Item weight: 39.6 pounds Size: 30-Inch Airflow displacement: 900 CFM Noise: 72 dB Power source: Electric Voltage: 120 Volts - Has the most powerful motor; - Has 6 levels of speed for regulating the power of ventilation; - Has one of the most effective filtration systems. |
Cosmo 63190 The most durable ductless range hood | Product dimensions: 19.7 x 35 x 39.4 Inches Item weight: 34.1 pounds Size: 36-Inch Airflow displacement: 380 Noise: 65 dB Power source: Electric Voltage: 120 Volts - Has the most durable filters; - Easy to clean; - Has a 5-year warranty. |
Broan-NuTone 412404 The most compact ductless range hood | Product dimensions: 17.5 x 6 x 24 Inches Item weight: 4.4 pounds Size: 24-Inch Airflow displacement: 380 Noise: 60 dB Power source: Electric Voltage: 120 Volts - Ideal for small-sized kitchens; - Included one charcoal filter (most hoods do not have filters included); - Has a bright LED lamp. |
Why trust us?
We use the methodology that helps us understand what is most important to customers while choosing the product on the market. In short, to bring you, top-5 models, we:
- Analyzed over 50 models on the market with the highest ratings
- Then, selected about 10 models for detailed analysis.
- In the course of our work, we analyzed more than 100 customer reviews and consulted with experts.
As a result, this analysis helped us to identify the main criteria for choosing the best ductless range hood, so we can recommend to you with confidence the products in this article.
You can see our calculation method in the picture below:
What to pay attention to while choosing a ductless range hood
Filters
The ductless range hoods use charcoal filters. There are 2 types of charcoal filters: mesh and baffle filters.
We recommend choosing a ductless range hood with mesh filters as they are more durable and easier to clean, but in general, you can use both — they perfectly cope with their purpose.
Pay attention: To use the ductless range hood as efficiently as possible, you need to change filters 2-3 times a year (every 3-6 months).
Ventilation power
Of course, ducted hoods have a more powerful ventilation system than ductless, but in reality — it doesn’t affect efficiency. We can say that the filtration system is sometimes more important since fumes can settle in the exhaust shaft and all the stench will fill the apartment over time, and in the case of ductless range hoods, such a situation is impossible (with proper maintenance).
The capacity of the ventilation system is measured in CFM, so always pay attention to this. The best option is from 300 CFM to 600 CFM.
Fan speed
Many ductless range hoods have several speed options: from 1 to 6 (you can see it on the touch screen or near the switch). This is a mandatory criterion but improves convenience since you can adjust the speed depending on your needs during cooking.
Noise
You agree that noise can be distracting. Of course, there is no soundless hood, but it can be minimized by choosing a range hood with the smallest dB. The optimal value for this is 55 dB. You can compare the noise level to the ordinary things:
| Noise level | Sound source |
| 50-55 dB 56-60 dB 61-65 dB 66-70 dB 71-75 dB | Standard room ventilation TV at medium volume Loud conversation of two people Washing machine A vacuum cleaner |
Lighting
Since the hood is located above the kitchen stove, lighting plays a huge role. For the best lighting, choose hoods that use LED lights. They are bright, efficient, and use less energy.
Connection
Most hoods have a standard electrical connector, so before buying, make sure that it fits your outlet or it is worth buying an adapter to avoid connection problems.
Quality materials
The material from which the hood is made determines its durability. We strongly recommend you choose the ductless range hood made from stainless steel as they are stronger, more durable, and resistant to corrosion, and different damages.
Additional functions
Some hoods have additional functions which can add convenience to use, so pay attention. Here is some of them:
- Timer — will automatically turn off ventilation after a certain time.
- Temperature sensor — will automatically turn on ventilation when the temperature rises (when heat is detected).
- Wi-Fi — makes it possible to control the hood using a smartphone or smart home system.
- Filter replacement indicator — will inform you about the need to replace the filter.
- Touchpad — Instead of physical buttons, there will be a screen with touch controls.
A detailed review of top picks
Cosmo QS75 — The best ductless range hood with high-tech features
Cosmo QS75
The best ductless range hood with high-tech features
| Product dimensions: Item weight: Size: Airflow displacement: Noise: Power source: Voltage: | 22 x 29.5 x 10 Inches 52.8 pounds 30-Inch 500 CFM 65 dB Electric 120 Volts |
The Cosmo QS75 is the best high-tech ductless range hood. It has the strongest high-tech features and specifications. This hood is ideal for modern designs and those who are tech-savvy or have a smart home system.
The main feature is a touch screen with an LCD panel. It helps you to control the speeds, lighting, and timer. Also, Cosmo QS75 has a remote control and a gas function that will automatically turn the hood on when gas is detected, so you can be sure that you’re safe.
Also, Cosmo QS75 has 4 fan speeds (quiet, low, medium, and high), so you can adjust a ductless hood to your needs while cooking. This model is powerful enough — it has a maximum efficiency of 500 so in tandem with a filtration system it means that the smoke and smell will not stagnate in your kitchen. Because of this, Cosmo QS75 can’t boast of its quietness of work — it has 65 dB that can be compared to the loud conversation of people. And by the way, it comes with a 5-year warranty.
What we liked
- Has efficiency LED lights
- Has adjustable CFM for regulating the power level of ventilation
- Has safety function
What we didn’t like
- It is loud compared to other models (65 dB)
ZLine KL3-48 — The quietest ductless range hood
ZLine KL3-48
The quietest ductless range hood
| Product dimensions: Item weight: Size: Airflow displacement: Noise: Power source: Voltage: | 48 x 19.7 x 10 inches 60 pounds 48-Inch 280/400/580/760 CFM 52 dB Electric 120 Volts |
The ZLine KL3-48 has a reputation as the quietest range hood based on customer reviews because it has only 52 dB, which feels like the sound of ordinary ventilation.
ZLine KL3-48 has an ETL Certificate, which guarantees the quality and safety of the product. This model, like Cosmo QS75, has 4-speed comfortable settings (280/400/580/760 ) which practically do not make noise at any speeds, but at the same time perfectly copes with the ventilation function.
The distinctive feature is an easy cleaning of the hood (you can wash it in the dishwasher) since ZLine KL3-48 has removable partitions. Also, it can boast good lighting — has 3W LEDs for flawless visibility.
What we liked
- Quiet operation (only 52 dB)
- Has the certificate which means that the product has been tested to the safety standards
- Has 4 levels of speed
What we didn’t like
- Has an electrical connector that may need an adapter (if your socket has 2 inputs)
CAVALIERE 900CFM — The most powerful ductless range hood
CAVALIERE 900CFM
The most powerful ductless range hood
| Product dimensions: Item weight: Size: Airflow displacement: Noise: Power source: Voltage: | 29.5 x 19.69 x 43.39 Inches 39.6 pounds 30-Inch 900 CFM 72 dB Electric 120 Volts |
The CAVALIERE 900CFM has 900 , far more than most competing models. It is designed for cooking often and perfectly removes grease and odours from the kitchen. This model is recommended for small cafes or a family that lives in their own home with a large kitchen.
CAVALIERE 900CFM, like ZLine KL3-48, is made of stainless steel so it is more resistant and better copes with heavy loads. It has a good filtration system and the range hood partition can be easily washed in the dishwasher.
This model, in contrast to Cosmo QS75, has 6 levels of speed and makes a noise level of 32 dB at the minimum speed, which can be compared with a whisper and 72 dB at the maximum speed, which, of course, is quite loud and feels like a loud sound of a vacuum cleaner.
The CAVALIERE 900CFM has 2 LED bulbs for sufficient illumination of the kitchen surface and a 5-year warranty, which is a benefit for the buyer. And also it has a matte finish to enhance the hood design.
What we liked
- The most powerful motor (ensures perfect absorption of odour and fat particles)
- Has 6 adjustable levels of speed
- Has 5-year warranty
What we didn’t like
- Can look massive in the small kitchens
Cosmo 63190 — The most durable ductless range hood
Cosmo 63190
The most durable ductless range hood
| Product dimensions: Item weight: Size: Airflow displacement: Noise: Power source: Voltage: | 19.7 x 35 x 39.4 Inches 34.1 pounds 36-Inch 380 65 dB Electric 120 Volts |
Cosmo 63190 has the biggest lifespan among the ductless range hoods, which is confirmed by the high-quality materials the hood is made of (stainless steel), and the presence of buttons (switches), not a touch panel, which often fails. Also, this model has very durable charcoal filters, so you can change them 2 times per 1 year. The Cosmo 63190 is easy to maintain since it has removable partitions.
The Cosmo 63190 has two 2-watt energy-efficient LED bulbs and provides good lighting. Like Cosmo QS75, this model has a maximum power of the motor is 380 that is enough for small-sized kitchens. It has a noise level of 65 dB, which is comparable to the noise of a washing machine.
Unlike Cosmo QS75, Cosmo 63190 has buttons rather than a touchpad, which perfectly complements the simple and minimalist design of the cooker hood. It also has a 5-year warranty on spare parts for the hood, so you don’t have to worry if something goes wrong — the company’s customer service is excellent and they will always help you.
What we liked
- Low price of maintenance
- Has simple design
- Provides a good light at any time of the day
What we didn’t like
- Has the power of 380 CFM, so can be not enough efficient in middle-sized rooms
Broan-NuTone 412404 — The most compact ductless range hood
Broan-NuTone 412404
The most compact ductless range hood
| Product dimensions: Item weight: Size: Airflow displacement: Noise: Power source: Voltage: | 17.5 x 6 x 24 Inches 4.4 pounds 24-Inch 380 60 dB Electric 120 Volts |
Broan-NuTone 412404 is the most compact ductless range hood available. It is 24 inches long, which is the ideal size for most stoves. Also unlike Cosmo QS75, it weighs only 4.4 pounds and is as light as possible so you can install it alone.
Has a 2-speed motor and polymer blades in the fan, which provide maximum ventilation and keep your kitchen clean. Broan-NuTone 412404 has the power of about 300 CFM and like the Cosmo 63190, this model has 60 dB so it sounds like a loud dialogue between two people.
Another advantage of Broan-NuTone 412404 is the special glass that protects the lamp and helps to evenly distribute the light from the lamp up to 75W so you will see all the kitchen surfaces perfectly.
What we liked
- Can be installed alone
- Has bright and efficient lighting
- Included one charcoal filter
What we didn’t like
- Has a slightly outdated design
Summary
We have done a deep research of the market and in this article, we have told you about the best models of hoods without an air duct on the market at the moment. We also talked about what criteria you should pay attention to when choosing. These include such as filters, power of ventilation, lighting, additional functions, fan speed, noise, and so on.
This way you can choose the best range hood for your kitchen and save time, so let’s take a quick look at them:
Cosmo QS75
The best ductless range hood with high-tech features
ZLine KL3-48
The quietest ductless range hood
CAVALIERE 900CFM
The most powerful ductless range hood
Cosmo 63190
The most durable ductless range hood
Broan-NuTone 412404
The most compact ductless range hood
FAQs
🏆What is the best ductless range hood?
- Cosmo QS75 — is the best modern model with high-tech features.
- ZLine KL3-48 — is the most versatile ductless range hood.
- iCAVALIERE 900CFM — the most powerful ductless range hood.
- Broan-NuTone 412404 — is the most compact ductless range hood, so it’s ideal for small-sized kitchens.
- Cosmo 63190 — is the most durable.
A detailed review of each model you can find in our article.
🤔What is the lifespan of the ductless range hood?
It depends on many factors like material, how often you use it, how often you change the filters, and so on. But in general about 12-14 years.
♻️How often need to change the filters in ductless range hoods?
We recommend changing charcoal filters 2-3 times a year (every 3-6 months) to get the most efficient results.
🧼How to clean a ductless range hood?
You can wash the ductless range hood in the dishwasher or with your hands and such agents that remove grease from surfaces well, for example, soap solution (mix 1:1 soap and warm water), dishwashing liquid, and baking soda. It is important not to use hard washcloths and rags, so as not to scratch the surface of the hood.
