Introduction

There are many options when it comes to range hoods. Sometimes, it can be difficult to find the right one for your needs. Whether you're looking to replace a broken hood, remodel, or just want an upgrade, these under cabinet range hoods are great options for your kitchen.

Our 5 Favorite Under Cabinet Range Hoods Compared

Our Top Pick - PLJW 185

The PLJW 185 is a quiet, low profile under cabinet range hood. With stainless steel baffle filters and convenient venting options, this powerhouse of a hood may be the perfect fit for your kitchen. It packs a punch for its size, pushing 600 CFM of air at just five inches tall. You won't find that anywhere else.

What We Like:

Small & powerful (5 inches tall, 600 CFM)
Affordable
Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
Can be converted to recirculating with our recirculating kit
Conveniently vents out the top or back of your house
Brushed 430 stainless steel finish

What We Don't:

Not ideal for heavy constant frying or grilling

PLJW 125

If you're looking for an easy, sleek, and elegant way to protect against cooking odors in your kitchen, the PLJW 125 wall range hood is the perfect solution. It's powerful enough to vent all the heavy smoke and cooking odors out of your kitchen with ease. The 125 will catch the attention of your guests right as they walk in!

What We Like:

Powerful 900 CFM dual blower
Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
Versatile four-speed blower
Bright LED lights
Easy-to-use stainless steel push buttons
Sleek 430 stainless steel

What We Don't:

Cannot convert to recirculating

PLJW 108

The PLJW 108 is a sleek stainless steel under cabinet range hood that makes cooking easier. It's one of the most powerful range hoods on the market today. The best part is, you don't have to use the max speed all the time! With four speeds, you've got a lot of flexibility in the kitchen. Cleaning up is easy too; just toss the filters in the dishwasher and you're done.

What We Like:

Impressive 1000 CFM single blower
Sleek stainless steel push buttons
Dishwasher-safe stainless steel baffle filters
Bright LED lights
Durable 430 stainless steel
Can convert to ductless

What We Don't:

Not built for outdoor use

PLJW 109

The PLJW 109 is a modern under cabinet range hood that's easy to use. With an easily adjustable blower, you can find a speed that works perfectly for you. It doesn't matter what you're cooking! Avid cooks will love the 2000 CFM model. Honestly, even the most serious cooks probably won't need all 2000 CFM. But you can run the hood at lower speeds that are much quieter. Your guests won't even notice it's running.

What We Like:

Available at 2000 CFM for 42", 48", and 54" hoods
Two heat lamps
Rotatable blower to the back of the hood
Optional recirculating kit
Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
Sleek 430 stainless steel finish
User-friendly control panel with stainless steel push buttons

PLJW 117

The PLJW 117 is a modern vent hood that packs a punch. It's the perfect hood for casual and avid cooks alike. The stainless steel finish is sleek and incredibly durable, so your under cabinet range hood will last you for years to come. The hood is versatile, too. With an adjustable blower, you can cook a wide variety of food no problem!

What We Like:

Brushed 430 stainless steel finish
Powerful 900 CFM dual blower
Bright LED lights
Dishwasher-safe baffle filters
Four-speed stainless steel push buttons

What We Don't:

Not ideal for heavy constant frying or grilling

How to Choose an Under Cabinet Range Hood - Buyer's Guide

We'll go over eight things to consider as you shop for a professional under cabinet range hood.

The Size Of Your Cabinets and Hood

Under cabinet hoods, as the name suggests, are designed to fit under your cabinet. Before you make a purchase, measure the space between your cabinets to ensure that you have the right size.

The width of your range hood should cover an additional three inches beyond your range on each side or six inches total. This will ensure that your hood moves the most air out of your kitchen.

Learn more about sizing your range hood in this complete guide.

Should I use a ducted or ductless hood?

Ducted hoods are range hoods that vent to the outside. They require ductwork in your wall that leads from your kitchen to the outside. These hoods are typically more powerful than ductless hoods and filter grease and air more efficiently. So, if you have a choice, ducted hoods are the way to go!

Unlike ducted hoods, ductless hoods do not require ducting in your home. The hood filters the air through its baffle, mesh, or charcoal filter. Then, the cleaner air recirculates back into your kitchen.

Ductless hoods are less powerful than ducted hoods but are also less expensive. They are convenient to install if you live in an apartment or condo where you can't install ductwork and run it to the outside.

For example, if you live on the 3rd story of a 10-story condo, a ductless hood will be your best bet! Be sure to ask your landlord first.

Learn more about the similarities and differences between ducted and ductless hoods right here.

Proper Venting from Your Kitchen

If you do have ductwork, make sure it's installed to vent to the outside of your home. Venting into an attic or between joists is never recommended. The contaminants in the air will remain in your home and can negatively impact your health.

Power

Cubic feet per minute, or CFM, is crucial to consider with the purchase of your under cabinet range hood. You'll want a hood that cleans your air effectively and keeps your cabinets and furniture grease and grime-free.

But, be careful. Too much power can deprive your room of air, which may require you to invest in a make-up air kit. This removed air may also be heated or air-conditioned which will cost you extra money.

To prevent this, think carefully about the appropriate CFM for your range hood. How often do you cook? What types of food do you cook? How many people do you cook for?

For a detailed article on selecting the right CFM for your vent hood, click here.

Filters

Range hoods come with any of three types of filters: baffle filters, mesh filters, or charcoal filters. For ducted hoods, baffle or mesh filters are most common. They clean the air most efficiently and do not need to be replaced. Learn how to clean your baffle filters right here.

Ductless hoods use replaceable charcoal filters to clean the air. These filters require replacement every month or two depending on your cooking style.

Lighting

It's always convenient to be able to see clearly when cooking. This is even more true with under cabinet range hoods, since cabinets may block overhead light. Most range hoods include halogen or LED lights to illuminate your cooktop. These bright lights will save you money and streamline your cooking process.

Proper Distance From Your Cooktop

Your range hood should be between 28 and 36 inches from your cooktop. Range hoods too close to your cooktop may become damaged and can restrict the movement of the person using the range.

On the other hand, range hoods too far from your cooktop will not filter the air in your kitchen efficiently. Maintaining the 28" – 36" distance from your cooktop is crucial to maximizing the efficiency and longevity of your range hood.

In an outdoor kitchen, install your hood between 36" and 42" above the grill.

Type of Cooktop

Electric and gas cooktops require range hoods of differing power and size. For gas cooktops, divide the total BTUs by 100 to get the minimum CFM. For electric stoves, multiply the width in inches by 10.

For more advice on venting your hood over electric and gas cooktops, check out the articles below.

Do gas ranges require venting?

Do electric ranges require venting?

Contact Information

We appreciate you taking the time to check out our top under-cabinet range hoods! Found a favorite? Need help choosing?

Give us a call at (877) 901-5530

Ready to upgrade your kitchen with a professional-grade under cabinet range hood? Browse our complete collection and find your perfect match.

Shop Under Cabinet Range Hoods

Table of Contents

Introduction

Our 5 Favorite Under Cabinet Range Hoods Compared

Our Top Pick - PLJW 185

What We Like:

What We Don't:

PLJW 125

What We Like:

What We Don't:

PLJW 108

What We Like:

What We Don't:

PLJW 109

What We Like:

PLJW 117

What We Like:

What We Don't:

How to Choose an Under Cabinet Range Hood - Buyer's Guide

The Size Of Your Cabinets and Hood

Should I use a ducted or ductless hood?

Proper Venting from Your Kitchen

Power

Filters

Lighting

Proper Distance From Your Cooktop

Type of Cooktop

Contact Information

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