Perhaps you’ve just remodeled your kitchen, or maybe you're moving into a new space and want to make sure everything is up to your standards. Or, maybe you’ve decided it's time to take your cooking game to the next level and want a range hood that can keep up with your culinary adventures.

Whatever the reason may be, there's one decision that you’ll need to make: Should you go with a ducted or a ductless range hood?

In this guide, we'll break down the pros and cons of both options. Whether you have a spacious kitchen or a cozy apartment, whether you're a passionate home cook or just need something functional, there’s a perfect range hood for your space and needs. The choice isn't about which is universally "better"—it's about which one suits your kitchen, your budget, and your lifestyle best.

What Are Range Hoods?

A kitchen range hoods is a ventilation appliance installed above your stovetop to remove smoke, steam, grease, and cooking odors. It helps maintain clean air, reduce excess heat, and prevent lingering smells and sticky grease buildup on cabinets. Proper kitchen ventilation can enhance your cooking experience and make cooking more enjoyable.

Whether you cook daily or occasionally, a quality range hood improves kitchen comfort and cleanliness. Available in various styles and sizes, range hoods are essential for modern kitchens, enhancing both air quality and cooking experience.

What Are the Differences Between Ducted and Ductless Range Hoods?

Choosing between ducted and ductless range hoods depends on your kitchen layout, cooking habits, and ventilation needs. Ducted hoods vent air outside, making them ideal for heavy cooking and strong odors.

Ductless hoods use filters to clean the air and recirculate it, offering flexibility for apartments or kitchens without external vents. 

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:

Understanding the key differences between these two options will help you choose the best range hood for your kitchen's needs and your personal preferences.

How Does a Ducted Range Hood Work?

A ducted range hood operates by drawing air from your cooktop through an intake vent, typically located at the bottom of the hood. The air is then pulled through filters to remove grease and particulates. The cleaned air is expelled outside through the ductwork, which typically vents through the roof or an exterior wall.

There are usually two key components that determine a ducted range hood's performance:

The Fan: The fan inside the range hood creates airflow, pulling air through the filter and sending it through the ducts.

The Ductwork: This system of pipes directs the air outside your home, ensuring that it doesn’t recirculate back into the kitchen.

Benefits of Ducted Range Hoods

There are several advantages to using a ducted range hood:

1. Effective Air Purification

 The primary benefit of ducted range hoods is their ability to expel smoke, odors, heat, and grease entirely outside the kitchen. This ensures that your kitchen remains free from cooking pollutants, and your indoor air quality stays clean.

2. No Need for Recirculation

Unlike ductless hoods, which have to recirculate air, ducted hoods continuously expel contaminated air, making them the more efficient option for high-performance ventilation.

3. Quieter Operation

Many users are pleasantly surprised by how quiet ducted range hoods are compared to their ductless counterparts. This is because the motors powering the suction are typically installed in the walls or even outside the home, reducing the noise in your kitchen. So, if you’re sensitive to sound or simply enjoy a quieter cooking experience, a ducted range hood is a fantastic choice.

4. Ideal for Frequent Cooking

If you often cook strong-smelling or greasy foods, a ducted range hood will effectively remove odors and prevent grease from settling on kitchen surfaces.

5. Moisture Control

Ducted hoods also help control moisture, pulling out steam and humidity that can accumulate during cooking. This reduces the risk of mold growth and keeps your kitchen comfortable.

6. Better for Larger Kitchens

Ducted range hoods tend to be more effective in larger kitchens where the air volume is higher. They are designed to handle larger amounts of airflow and will keep your kitchen smelling fresh and looking clean.

Drawback of Ducted Range Hoods

While ducted range hoods offer powerful, efficient ventilation, they come with a few considerations that might make them less ideal for certain kitchens. Here’s what you should know:

1. Complex Installation

The installation of a ducted range hood is often more complex and expensive, as it requires ductwork to be installed in the walls or ceiling. Retrofitting an existing kitchen to accommodate ductwork can be time-consuming and costly.

2. Limited Placement

Flexibility For a ducted range hood to function effectively, it requires access to an exterior wall or ceiling to expel air. If your kitchen does not have such access, it may not be an ideal option.

3. Heat Loss in Winter

Ducted systems can lead to heat loss during colder months as warm air is vented outside, making your heating system work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in the kitchen.

How Do Ductless Range Hoods Work?

Ductless range hoods work by using a combination of filters to capture contaminants in the air. When you turn on the range hood, the fan pulls in the air from the cooking area. This air is then passed through filters that remove grease, smoke, and odors. The cleaned air is then released back into the kitchen, usually through vents located on the top or sides of the hood.

Some common types of filters in ductless range hoods include:

Charcoal Filters: These filters are designed to absorb and neutralize odors. They need to be replaced regularly to maintain efficiency.

Mesh or Baffle Filters: These filters capture grease particles and are often washable, requiring periodic cleaning.

Advantages of Ductless Range Hoods

Advantages to using a ductless model include:

1. Easier Installation

Since ductless range hoods don’t require ductwork, they are much easier and more affordable to install. This makes them a great choice for renters or those with limited space.

2. Flexibility in Placement

Ductless systems are versatile in terms of installation. Since they don’t require external venting, they can be installed in a variety of locations within your kitchen, even in apartments or buildings where installing ducts isn’t feasible.

3. Lower Upfront Cost

The absence of ductwork makes ductless range hoods generally more affordable than ducted options, both in terms of the initial purchase and installation.

4. Ideal for Casual Cooks

While professional chefs may prefer ducted hoods, a ductless model is more than sufficient for everyday cooking, making it a great choice for most homeowners.

Disadvantages of Ductless Range Hoods

Ductless range hoods have some drawbacks, including:

1. Less Effective at Removing Odors

While ductless hoods can filter out some odors and grease, they are generally less effective than ducted systems at removing smoke and strong cooking odors. The air is recirculated, meaning that some odors can linger.

2. Ongoing Maintenance

Ductless hoods require regular maintenance, such as cleaning and replacing filters, to keep them working effectively. Charcoal filters, in particular, need to be replaced periodically to avoid a build-up of odors.

3. Increases kitchen humidity

Because air is recirculated, ductless systems don’t provide the same moisture control as ducted systems. This means that humidity levels in your kitchen may increase, potentially causing discomfort or contributing to mold growth.

4. Lower Air Quality

Since ductless hoods don’t expel air outside, they can’t effectively remove moisture, heat, or other contaminants from the air. As a result, the overall air quality in your kitchen may not improve as much as with a ducted system.

5. Tend to Be Noisier

Ductless hoods are generally noisier than ducted systems. Since the blowers are housed within the unit itself, the noise is more noticeable compared to ducted models, where the motors are typically located outside or within the ducts.

Considerations When Choosing Between Ducted and Ductless Range Hoods

When deciding whether a ducted or ductless range hood is the right choice for your kitchen, there are several factors to consider:

• Kitchen Layout

If your kitchen has easy access to an exterior wall or ceiling, a ducted range hood may be the better option.

For kitchens without exterior access, such as apartments or spaces without ducts, a ductless system may be more suitable.

• Cooking Habits

If you frequently cook with strong odors or greasy foods, a ducted range hood is likely the better option because it expels air and removes contaminants more effectively.

If you do lighter cooking or rarely generate significant smoke and grease, a ductless range hood may suffice. 

• Noise Considerations

If noise is a concern, ductless range hoods may offer a quieter experience since they don’t need to move air through long ducts.

Ducted systems can be noisier, particularly at higher fan speeds.

• Budget

Ducted systems typically have higher installation costs, so if you’re on a budget, a ductless range hood may be the more cost-effective option.

Additionally, keep in mind that ductless systems require ongoing maintenance, such as filter replacements.

Choosing the Right Option

When deciding between ducted and ductless range hoods, consider your kitchen layout and ventilation needs. If your kitchen allows for ductwork installation and you want the best air quality, a ducted range hood is the way to go. However, if you need a simpler, quieter installation without exterior access, a ductless range hood may be more suitable.

At CleaDeep, we understand the importance of powerful, long-lasting ventilation. Our CleaDeep IQV Hood, a high-end ducted range hood, offers superior air purification with IQV technology. It’s designed to expel smoke, grease, and odors effectively, while maintaining optimal air quality in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking frequently or tackling high-heat recipes, our ducted range hood is built to handle it all. Explore how CleaDeep can enhance your kitchen ventilation and make cooking a breeze!

FAQs

Are Ducted or Ductless Range Hoods Better?

If you have a humid kitchen, a ducted range hood is usually the better choice for effective moisture control. On the other hand, if flexibility in your cooktop’s placement is more important, a ductless range hood could be the ideal solution.

Can a Ductless Range Hood Be Converted to a Ducted One?
Some range hoods are designed to be convertible, allowing you to switch from ducted to ductless operation by simply installing or removing the appropriate filters and ducts. Always check the product specifications to confirm this feature.

How Often Should I Clean the Filters in a Ductless Range Hood?
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use the range hood. As a general rule, filters should be cleaned every 1-3 months, and charcoal filters should be replaced every 6-12 months.

Do Ducted Range Hoods Require More Maintenance?
Ducted range hoods typically require less frequent maintenance because they expel air outside. However, the ducts may need occasional cleaning to prevent grease buildup.