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Best Under Cabinet Ductless Range Hoods for Small Kitchens

Having an effective ductless range hood is key to keeping the air clean in any kitchen, but for small kitchens with limited space, under-cabinet range hoods offer the perfect solution. Ductless range hoods provide powerful ventilation to remove smoke, grease, and odors without requiring any ductwork. Under-cabinet models mount right beneath your existing cabinets for targeted air filtration right where you need it most.

Whether you're outfitting a tiny starter kitchen or upgrading an older home, a high-quality ductless range hood can make a huge difference in your indoor air quality.

Benefits of Under-Cabinet Ductless Range Hoods

Compact under-cabinet range hoods are the perfect choice for small kitchen spaces where wall clearance is limited. Here are some of the biggest advantages of this style:

best ductless kitchen hood

With measurements in the 25” to 30” range, these ductless hoods are sized to match average residential cooktop widths. Their mounting location under your upper cabinets helps maximize efficiency by capturing airborne contaminants before they spread throughout your kitchen. Under-cabinet range hoods are also more budget friendly and easier to DIY install compared to larger wall-mounted or island models.

Key Factors to Consider

To choose the best under-cabinet ductless range hood for your small kitchen, keep the following factors in mind:

Measuring your cooktop width and matching the CFM airflow to its BTU heating power will ensure your new hood can keep up with the demands of your kitchen. Look for quiet, efficient models from top brands that include features like dimmable LED lights, speed controls, and dishwasher safe filters.

Our Top Picks for Best Under-Cabinet Ductless Hoods

Based on extensive research comparing ductless range hoods across factors like noise, ventilation power, ease of use, and value, here are our top recommendations for the best under-cabinet models:

Best Overall: Zephyr AK1100BS

Our top overall pick is the Zephyr AK1100BS, which offers superior 610 CFM airflow from dual centrifugal blowers, yet maintains quiet operation at just 0.7 sones. The permanent filters are simple to clean and provide excellent filtration. We also love the smooth, modern design that will complement any contemporary kitchen.

Best Value: Broan Nutone 611004

For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Broan Nutone 611004 delivers excellent value at under $200, with 400 CFM of smoke and odor removal. The aluminum mesh filters are dishwasher safe for easy maintenance. At 1.5 sones, it runs quietly for under-cabinet use. The 4-speed fan control offers flexibility.

Best for 30" Cooktops: AKDY AZ63175S

With a width tailored to 30” cooktops, the AKDY AZ63175S is sized right for many compact kitchen spaces. It provides 500 CFM of airflow and includes dimmable LEDs to illuminate your cooking surface. Owners praise how easy this range hood is to install, operate, and keep clean.

Quietest Operation: Broan 413023

If a whisper-quiet range hood is your top priority, look no further than the Broan 413023, which removes smoke and odors at an ultra-quiet 0.6 sones. The 320 CFM is powerful enough for most electric cooktops. It includes dishwasher-safe aluminum mesh filters and costs under $250.

Other Notable Models

Beyond our top picks, other high-performing under-cabinet ductless hood brands to consider include:

Final Recommendations

To recap, the key factors we recommend considering when choosing an under-cabinet ductless range hood include:

Installing a ductless range hood under your upper cabinets is a great way to boost ventilation in a small kitchen. We hope our top under-cabinet range hood picks help you find the perfect model to keep the air in your cozy cooking space fresh and breezy.

Under-cabinet ductless range hoods provide a practical, budget-friendly solution for small kitchens. Models from top brands like Zephyr and Broan offer the ideal balance of power, noise level, and ease of use. Prioritize key factors like CFM ratings, cooktop width, and filtration to get the best results. With better kitchen ventilation, you'll enjoy cleaner, healthier air during all your home cooking adventures.