Downdraft range hoods are a popular choice for kitchens with limited space or open floor plans. They are installed beneath the cooktop and rise up to vent smoke and odors out of the kitchen. Downdraft range hoods can be more expensive than traditional overhead range hoods, but they offer a number of advantages, including:
- Sleek and modern design: Downdraft range hoods are typically hidden from view when not in use, giving your kitchen a clean and uncluttered look.
- Improved air quality: Downdraft range hoods are very effective at removing smoke and odors from the air, which can help to improve your indoor air quality and reduce cooking smells.
- Flexibility: Downdraft range hoods can be installed in a variety of locations, including islands and peninsulas. This gives you more flexibility when designing your kitchen layout.
Here are some of the best down draft range hoods on the market in 2023:
Our Top 5 Picks
- BEST OVERALL: Broan Elite Rangemaster RMDD3604
- RUNNER-UP: FOTILE JQG7502.G 30″ Range Hood
- BEST BUDGET KING: Comfee CVU30W4AST Range Hood
- BEST VERSATILE: Comfee CVP36W4AST 36 Inch Ductless/Ducted Range Hood
- BEST VALUE: Broan-NuTone BCDJ136SS Glacier Range Hood
1. Broan Elite Rangemaster RMDD3604 Downdraft Ventilation System
The Broan Elite Rangemaster RMDD3604 Downdraft Ventilation System is a powerful and stylish downdraft range hood that is perfect for any kitchen. It features a retractable downdraft hood that rises up when needed and retracts when not in use, giving your kitchen a clean and uncluttered look. The RMDD3604 also features a powerful blower with a maximum CFM of 600, which can quickly and efficiently remove smoke and odors from the air. The range hood is made of durable stainless steel construction and is easy to use and maintain. It also comes with a variety of features, such as a Heat Sentry® feature to protect the product and a unique ducting capability that allows the internal blower connection to be ducted to the left, right, or downward.
Key Features:
- Retractable downdraft hood
- Powerful blower with 600 Max Blower CFM
- Stainless steel construction
- Easy-to-use rotary control
- Dishwasher-safe filters
- Unique ducting capability
- Heat Sentry®
- Optional remote control
Pros:
- Sleek and modern design
- Powerful performance
- Easy to use and maintain
- Versatile ducting options
- Heat Sentry® feature to protect the product
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- External blower required and sold separately
- Optional remote control sold separately
- Not ENERGY STAR® certified
2. FOTILE JQG7502.G 30″ Range Hood Unique Side-Draft Design for Under Cabinet
The FOTILE JQG7502.G 30″ Range Hood is a powerful and efficient range hood with a unique side-draft design. It features a 90° always open baffle plate that helps to reduce the spread of cooking fumes and odors, and quickly filters up to 6 square feet of space for improved airflow. The range hood is also equipped with powerful dual motors that can reach a velocity of 380 Pa with a noise level of 58dB. With its mechanical buttons and 3 speed settings, the FOTILE JQG7502.G 30″ Range Hood is easy to use and maintain. The range hood also comes with a special impeller design that achieves 92% separation of grease and fumes, and a large grease tray that is easy to remove for cleaning. Professional installation services are available for an additional charge, and the range hood is backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty.
Key Features:
- Advanced slant vent design with 90° always open baffle plate
- Powerful dual motors with 380 Pa velocity and 58dB noise level
- Mechanical buttons with 3 speed settings and memory function
- Easy to maintain with special impeller design, large grease tray, and dishwasher-safe filter
- Hassle-free installation with professional installation services (additional charge) and best-in-the-industry warranty services
Pros:
- Powerful and efficient fume extraction
- Easy to use and maintain
- Quiet operation
- Professional installation services available
- Best-in-the-industry warranty services
Cons:
- More expensive than some other range hoods
- Additional charge for professional installation services
3. Comfee CVU30W4AST 30 inch Under Cabinet Range Hood
The Comfee CVU30W4AST 30 inch Under Cabinet Ducted/Ductless Convertible Slim Vent Range Hood is a great option for those who are looking for a stylish and functional range hood. It features a 3-speed exhaust fan, dual installation mode, 5-layer reusable aluminum filter, durable stainless steel body, intuitive control, and easy installation. The range hood is also backed by a 1-year warranty.
Key Features:
- 3-speed exhaust fan
- Dual installation mode (ducted/ductless)
- 5-layer reusable aluminum filter
- Durable stainless steel body
- Intuitive control
- Easy installation
- 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Freshens the air and keeps the noise low
- Fits most cabinets and saves space
- Effectively removes grease and cooking odors
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Durable and rust-resistant
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Ductless installation requires a filter kit (sold separately)
- Some users have reported that the fan can be noisy on the highest setting
4. Comfee CVP36W4AST 36 Inch Ductless/Ducted Range Hood
The Comfee CVP36W4AST 36 Inch Ductless/Ducted Convertible Pyramid 350 CFM Wall Mount Vent Stainless Steel Kitchen 3 Speed Exhaust Fan, 5-Layer Aluminum Permanent Filters, Two LED Lights Range Hood is a powerful and efficient range hood that can be installed with or without ducting. It features a 350 CFM exhaust fan, stainless steel body, 5-layer reusable aluminum filter, and adjustable chimney. The range hood is also backed by a 1-year warranty.
Key Features:
- 350 CFM strong suction
- Stainless steel body
- 5-layer reusable aluminum filter
- Convertible ductless/ducted installation
- Adjustable chimney
- 1-year warranty
Pros:
- Powerful suction to remove cooking fumes and odors
- Durable and stylish stainless steel body
- Easy to clean and maintain filters
- Can be installed with or without ducting
- Adjustable chimney to fit different ceiling heights
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Requires a filter kit (sold separately) for ductless installation
- Some users have reported that the fan can be noisy on the highest setting
5. Broan-NuTone BCDJ136SS Glacier 36-inch Under-Cabinet 4-Way Convertible Range Hood
The Broan-NuTone BCDJ136SS Glacier 36-inch Under-Cabinet 4-Way Convertible Range Hood is a powerful and versatile range hood that can be installed in a variety of ways to fit your kitchen needs. It features a 3-speed exhaust fan with a maximum CFM of 450, integrated LED lighting, and a dishwasher-safe filter. The range hood can be installed as 3.25″ x 10″ vertical or horizontal ducting with damper, 7″ round vertical ducting (damper sold separately), or non-ducted with air recirculation (filter sold separately).
Key Features:
- 36-inch under-cabinet range hood insert
- 3-speed exhaust fan with a maximum CFM of 450
- Integrated LED lighting
- Dishwasher-safe filter
- 4-way convertible installation
Pros:
- Powerful and efficient fume extraction
- Easy to use and clean
- Versatile installation options
- Energy-efficient LED lighting
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Cons:
- Can be noisy on the highest setting
- Some users have reported that the filter is difficult to remove
Final Verdict
The best down draft range hood for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for the most powerful and efficient range hood, the Broan Elite Rangemaster RMDD3604 Downdraft Ventilation System is a great option. It is also very versatile and can be installed in a variety of ways.
If you are on a tighter budget, the Comfee CVP36W4AST 36 Inch Ductless/Ducted Convertible Pyramid 350 CFM Wall Mount Vent Stainless Steel Kitchen 3 Speed Exhaust Fan, 5-Layer Aluminum Permanent Filters, Two LED Lights Range Hood is a good choice. It is still a powerful and efficient range hood, and it is also very versatile.
No matter which range hood you choose, make sure that it is the right size for your kitchen and that it has the features that you need.
Here is a table that summarizes the key features of the two range hoods that I have discussed:
| Feature | Broan Elite Rangemaster RMDD3604 Downdraft Ventilation System | Comfee CVP36W4AST 36 Inch Ductless/Ducted Convertible Pyramid 350 CFM Wall Mount Vent Stainless Steel Kitchen 3 Speed Exhaust Fan, 5-Layer Aluminum Permanent Filters, Two LED Lights Range Hood |
|---|---|---|
| CFM | 600 | 350 |
| Noise level | 3 sones | 5.5 sones |
| Installation options | 3.25″ x 10″ vertical or horizontal ducting with damper, 7″ round vertical ducting (damper sold separately), or non-ducted with air recirculation (filter sold separately) | 3.25″ x 10″ vertical or horizontal ducting with damper, 7″ round vertical ducting (damper sold separately), or non-ducted with air recirculation (filter sold separately) |
| Features | Heat Sentry®, optional remote control | Adjustable chimney, 1-year warranty |
| Price | $$$ | $$ |