Range Hood Buying Guide: Types, Costs, and Installation

Anyone who’s spent time cooking in a kitchen without good ventilation knows the feeling: smoke lingering, grease settling on cabinets, and that spaghetti sauce smell sticking around for days. A range hood is the single most effective tool for clearing the air, but choosing between ducted and ductless, figuring out installation costs, and understanding CFM ratings can feel overwhelming — this guide breaks down the key decisions with real-world costs and performance data.

Average cost range: $150 – $1,500 · Main types: Ducted and ductless · Typical airflow: 400 – 600 CFM · Professional installation fee: $200 – $600

“Range hood installation costs commonly fall in the $650 to $2,500 range for a full project.” — HomeAdvisor (home improvement cost guide)

“Ductless hoods are the least expensive option, usually running from $200 to $400 including labor.” — Angi (home services marketplace)

Here are the essential specifications at a glance.

What is a range hood?

How does a range hood work?

• A range hood uses a fan to draw cooking air through filters, then either expels it outside (ducted) or recirculates it after filtering (ductless) (Angi (home services marketplace)).
• The fan creates negative pressure that captures smoke, steam, grease, and airborne particles before they spread through the kitchen.
• Ducted models remove heat and moisture entirely, while ductless models rely on charcoal filters to trap odors but do not reduce room temperature (Wurth LAC (kitchen ventilation retailer)).

Key components of a range hood

• Fan motor: Determines airflow (CFM) and noise level.
• Grease filter: Usually aluminum mesh or baffle; captures grease particles before they reach the fan.
• Charcoal filter: Used only in ductless models; absorbs odors but needs periodic replacement.
• Lights: Integrated LED or halogen lights illuminate the cooktop.
• Ductwork: Required for ducted models; typically metal or flexible aluminum pipe running to an exterior wall or roof vent.

Do range hoods need to be vented outside?

Ducted range hoods

• Ducted hoods require a vent pipe that carries air — along with smoke, grease, heat, and moisture — outside the home (Futuro Futuro (kitchen design blog)).
• They are more effective at removing heat and humidity, making them the preferred choice for gas stoves and heavy cooking.
• Installation requires ductwork routing through walls, ceilings, or roofs, which adds labor and material costs (Angi (home services marketplace)).

Ductless (recirculating) range hoods

• Ductless hoods do not connect to exterior ductwork. Instead, they use a fan and charcoal filters to clean the air and recirculate it back into the kitchen (Angi (home services marketplace)).
• They are easier and cheaper to install, especially in kitchens without existing ductwork (Lily Ann Cabinets (kitchen cabinetry retailer)).
• However, they do not remove heat or moisture, and charcoal filters must be replaced every 3–6 months to maintain performance.

What are the two types of range hoods?

Ducted vs. ductless

• The two main categories are ducted (vented outside) and ductless (recirculating) (HomeAdvisor (home improvement cost guide)).
• Ducted hoods are generally more effective at removing heat and moisture, making them ideal for gas cooktops and frequent cooking.
• Ductless hoods are easier to install and more budget-friendly, but require regular filter replacement and do not reduce kitchen temperature.

Other common classifications: under cabinet, wall mount, island, downdraft

• Under cabinet: Fits directly under kitchen cabinets; available in ducted or ductless configurations; sizes from 24 to 36 inches.
• Wall mount: Mounted on the wall above the cooktop; often chimney-style; higher CFM options available.
• Island: Suspended from the ceiling over a kitchen island; requires ductwork through the ceiling; serves as a design statement.
• Downdraft: Rises from the cooktop surface; ideal for islands without overhead space; generally less effective than overhead hoods.

Why this matters: The type you choose affects not only performance but also installation cost and kitchen layout. Island and downdraft models often require more complex planning and higher budgets.

What is the average cost of a range hood?

Range hood installation costs

• Full project costs typically range from $650 to $2,500, with an average of $1,750 according to HomeAdvisor (home improvement cost guide) and Angi (home services marketplace).
• Ductless range hoods cost $100–$300 for the unit; ducted models range from $100 to $1,000 depending on ductwork requirements (HomeAdvisor).
• Professional installation labor adds $200–$600; ductwork routing averages $500 including materials (HomeAdvisor).
• Thumbtack’s 2025 data reports a national average of about $188 to $423 for installation, with most people paying $282 (Thumbtack (service marketplace)).

Factors affecting price: size, CFM, brand, features

• Larger hoods (36 inches and above) cost more than standard 30-inch models.
• Higher CFM ratings (800+ CFM) require more powerful motors and often larger ductwork, raising both unit and installation costs.
• Premium brands like Broan, Zephyr, and Vent-A-Hood can push unit prices above $1,500.
• Additional features — smart controls, auto-sensing, noise dampening, and high-end lighting — add to the price.

The implication: Budget $1,000–$2,500 for a complete ducted installation, and $300–$700 for a ductless setup. The biggest cost variable is ductwork, not the hood itself.

How to choose a good range hood?

Range hood vs. exhaust fan

• Range hoods are more powerful and effective than standard exhaust fans, which are typically designed for bathroom ventilation and lack the CFM and filter systems needed for cooking (Wurth LAC (kitchen ventilation retailer)).
• Exhaust fans recirculate air without grease filtration, leaving grease residue on surfaces.
• For any kitchen where you cook more than occasionally, a dedicated range hood is the recommended choice.

Key features to consider: CFM, noise level, size, filter type

• CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): For gas stoves, aim for 100 CFM per 10,000 BTU of burner output. Minimum 400 CFM for most residential kitchens.
• Noise level: Look for a sone rating of 4 or lower at normal speed. Higher CFM generally means more noise.
• Size: The hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop; ideally 2–3 inches wider on each side.
• Filter type: Baffle filters are more effective for heavy cooking and easier to clean than mesh filters. Charcoal filters are needed only for ductless models.

The catch: A high-CFM hood is useless if it’s too loud to run or too small to capture rising smoke. Balance performance specs with real-world usability.

Two approaches, one winner for each scenario: here’s how ducted and ductless range hoods stack up across the key decision factors.

Five specifications that define a range hood’s performance and fit — beyond the ducted vs ductless choice.

How to install a range hood (overview)

1. Measure and choose – Select a hood that matches your cooktop width and CFM requirements. Decide ducted or ductless based on your kitchen layout.
2. Prepare electrical – Most range hoods require a dedicated 120V circuit. Hire a licensed electrician if you don’t have an existing outlet near the installation spot (Thumbtack (service marketplace)).
3. Install ductwork (if ducted) – Route metal or flexible duct from the hood location to an exterior wall or roof vent. This step takes the most time and often requires a contractor (Angi (home services marketplace)).
4. Mount the hood – Secure the hood to the wall, under-cabinet, or ceiling per manufacturer instructions. Ensure it’s level and at the correct height above the cooktop (typically 24–30 inches for gas, 18–24 inches for electric).
5. Connect wiring and test – Hardwire or plug in the unit. Turn on the fan and lights to verify operation. For ducted models, check for proper airflow and no leaks in the ductwork.
6. Install filters – Insert grease filters (and charcoal filters for ductless models). Provide maintenance instructions to the homeowner.

For homeowners in Ireland, the choice between ducted and ductless is clear: if you have a gas stove and existing ductwork, a ducted hood is the best investment for long-term air quality and code compliance; otherwise, a ductless model offers a practical and budget-friendly solution that avoids major renovation. The Light Switch Wiring Guide: DIY vs Electrician Cost Ireland and Bar Stools Bar: Best Picks for Your Home in Ireland provide additional context on home improvement costs and kitchen furnishing decisions.