types of under cabinet range hoods
Under cabinet range hoods are essential kitchen ventilation solutions designed to mount directly beneath kitchen cabinets above the cooking surface. These versatile appliances come in several distinct types, including ducted, ductless, and convertible models. Ducted range hoods channel cooking fumes, smoke, and odors through ductwork to the exterior of your home, providing the most effective ventilation. Ductless models, also known as recirculating hoods, use a filtration system combining charcoal and mesh filters to clean the air before recirculating it back into the kitchen. Convertible range hoods offer the flexibility to be installed either as ducted or ductless systems. Modern under cabinet range hoods incorporate advanced features such as LED lighting, multiple fan speeds, delayed shut-off timers, and filter change indicators. They typically range in width from 24 to 36 inches to accommodate various cooktop sizes and feature airflow capacities measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), usually between 200 and 400 CFM for residential use. Many models now include innovative technologies like heat sensors that automatically adjust fan speeds and touch-sensitive or remote-controlled operation panels for enhanced user convenience.