Clear the Air in Your Kitchen with a Ventless Hood System
Does the smell of last night's fish cling to your curtains even after dinner is over? Do you dread cooking bacon because the scent lingers for days? If cooking odors tend to overstay their welcome in your kitchen, it may be time to consider a ventless range hood system.
Ventless or ductless range hoods provide an easy solution for filtering out cooking smells and grease without requiring any ventilation ductwork to the outside. Keep reading to learn how they work and if a ductless hood is right for your kitchen.
How Ductless Range Hoods Filter Kitchen Air
Ductless range hoods contain a series of filters that trap and filter cooking contaminants instead of venting them outside like a traditional hood. The air passes through the filters and then recirculates back into the kitchen rather than being ducted out.
Types of Filters Used in Ductless Hoods
There are a few common types of filters used:
- Charcoal filters - Charcoal filters use activated charcoal to effectively absorb cooking odors and gases.
- Grease filters - Grease filters catch oil and cooking grease to prevent sticky buildup on your walls and cabinets.
- Mesh filters - Fine mesh filters trap particles like smoke and dust.
Filters will need to be cleaned or replaced regularly to keep the hood working properly. The filter type you need depends on whether odor or grease control is more important in your kitchen.
CFM Ratings for Adequate Ventilation
Ductless range hoods are rated by CFM or cubic feet per minute of air circulation. The higher the CFM, the more effectively the hood can filter and remove cooking pollutants. Most recirculating hoods range from 100-400 CFM. Match the CFM to the size of your cooking equipment and how much you cook.
Benefits of Installing a Ductless Range Hood
Ductless range hoods offer several advantages over traditional vent hoods:
Easier Installation
Because they don't require any ductwork, ductless range hoods are much easier to install than traditional hoods. You can place them anywhere without having to consider difficult duct routing options.
Good Option for Limited Ventilation
Ductless hoods provide a great option if your kitchen doesn't have an easy way to vent outside. Interior rooms without access to an exterior wall, older homes with no existing ductwork, and other poorly ventilated kitchens can benefit from a ductless system.
Quieter Operation
Without a ventilation fan and ductwork, ductless range hoods tend to be very quiet. If your current vent hood sounds like a wind tunnel, a ductless model provides welcome relief.
Traps Cooking Odors and Grease
While they don't ventilate as powerfully, ductless range hoods still effectively trap cooking odors and grease if sized and maintained properly. The filters keep kitchen air cleaner by capturing contaminants. Just be sure to replace filters regularly.
Comparing Ductless and Ducted Range Hoods
To decide which is best for your kitchen, let's compare ductless and ducted range hoods:
Ducted Hood Advantages
- Vents humidity, smoke and pollutants completely outside.
- High CFM ratings allow powerful airflow capacity.
Ductless Hood Advantages
- Recirculates filtered air back into the kitchen.
- No ductwork installation required.
Venting outside is more powerful, but not always feasible. Ductless provides a happy medium of air filtration without venting requirements.
Choosing the Best Ductless Hood for Your Kitchen
Keep these factors in mind when selecting a ductless range hood:
Size and CFM Power Level
Match the size and CFM level to the cooking equipment below it. Higher CFMs around 400+ are best for heavy cooking with lots of fumes and grease.
Filter Types
Select odor control filters like charcoal if smells are the main issue. Opt for grease filters if you fry foods frequently. Combination filters offer both.
Noise Level
Check the decibel rating. Quieter is better! Look for options with noise levels around 40 dB or lower.
Special Features
Some nice extras include auto shut-off, dimmable LED lights, remote controls, LCD displays and more. Decide if any features are worth the added cost.
Maintaining Your Ductless Hood
A ductless hood requires some regular care and maintenance:
Clean or Replace Filters
Wash reusable grease filters monthly. Replace charcoal filters every 6-12 months or when odors leak through. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations.
Regular Hood Cleaning
Clean the hood surface frequently to prevent grease buildup. Pay attention to crevices where grease can accumulate.
Consider Upgrading the Hood
If your cooking needs outgrow the CFM rating, it may make sense to upgrade to a more powerful ductless hood or install a traditional venting hood.
While they can't match the power of an exterior venting system, ductless range hoods provide a useful middle ground. They can clear the air of everyday cooking odors and grease in kitchens without ventilation capabilities.
If lingering cooking smells are driving you crazy, a ductless hood offers an easy-to-install solution. Your kitchen will smell as fresh as if you'd cooked with a traditional vent hood.