UNDER-CABINET VS. WALL-MOUNT RANGE HOOD BUYING GUIDE

6 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING WALL-MOUNT OR UNDER-CABINET HOODS

How you use your kitchen and the type of space you have will probably come into play when deciding between a wall-mount or under-cabinet hood. For example, if you’re looking to optimize space and make use of every possible cabinet, an under-cabinet hood may be best for you. If high performance and aesthetics are priorities, you may want to consider a wall-mount hood.

1. KITCHEN LAYOUT AND SPACE

Kitchens that are short on storage space can probably benefit from an under-cabinet vs a wall-mount range hood. Under-cabinet range hoods do exactly as their name suggests, fitting underneath upper cabinets to help keep storage space open. Wall-mount hoods, on the other hand, are bigger and attach directly to the wall where a cabinet would typically fit, so what you may gain in design and performance, you may sacrifice in storage space.

2. VENTILATION POWER (CFM RATINGS)

The power of a vent hood is measured in cubic feet per minute—or CFM. The higher the CFM, the more powerful the vent. If you frequently cook recipes that produce a lot of smoke through methods like searing or frying, or you often use four or more burners at one time, a hood with a higher CFM may be a good idea. If you tend to saute or simmer and typically stick to two burners, a lower CFM should work just fine.

Canopy hoods tend to have one of the highest CFM ratings compared to other types of hoods, so if your cooking style requires more venting power, a wall-mount canopy hood may be a good choice.

3. SIZE

The size of your cooktop will factor into determining the right size range hood for your kitchen, but it’s common to see range hoods that span from 24 to 42 inches to accommodate different stovetop and range sizes. Wall-mount range hoods typically range from 24 to 29 inches in height and can have a more decorative component like a chimney, while under-cabinet hoods are shorter (typically 4 to 18 inches tall) to accommodate the cabinet storage above it. Overall, wall-mount range hoods tend to come in bigger sizes to accommodate a larger cooking area.

4. INSTALLATION

If you have a do-it-yourself attitude, an under-cabinet range hood may be a better choice. These hoods are typically easier to install than wall-mount hoods, but if you do decide to go this route, make sure to reference your model-specific owner’s manual. If you decide to buy a wall-mount hood, you may want to consider professional help, since installation may require some electrical work and the creation of a vent hole to the exterior of your home.

5. STYLE

If design outweighs your need for cabinet space, then a wall-mount range hood may offer you more options. Wall-mount range hoods come in a wider variety of styles, like chimney hoods, or finishes, such as glass or stainless steel, giving you more style options to choose from.

6. PRICE POINT

Affordability can play a significant role in kitchen design choices. Under-cabinet range hoods tend to be less expensive than wall-mount hoods, so taking your budget into account may help to narrow down your choices.

UNDER-CABINET RANGE HOOD FEATURES AND BENEFITS

An under-cabinet range hood may be a practical choice for you if:

• You need to maximize kitchen cabinet space. Under-cabinet range hoods fit underneath your cabinets, leaving the space above it open for other needs.

• You like to DIY. Under-cabinet range hoods are typically easier to install than other types of hoods, making them a better fit for self-installation.

• Price is important. Under-cabinet range hoods tend to be less expensive than wall-mount range hoods.

WALL-MOUNT RANGE HOOD FEATURES AND BENEFITS

A wall-mount range hood may be a practical choice for you if:

• You need powerful venting. If you often have all of your burners going and use your stovetop as your one-stop-spot for searing, pan-frying and sauteing, then the performance of a wall-mount range hood may be best for your kitchen.
• You have a larger (or smaller) stovetop or range. These types of range hoods have a wider variety of sizes available to accommodate flexible kitchen configurations.

• You have a certain style in mind. Wall-mounted range hoods feature designs, materials and configurations you won’t find with an under-cabinet range hood, like this modern glass hood with LED lighting.

MAKING A DECISION: WALL-MOUNT VS. UNDER-CABINET HOODS

Deciding between a range hood that’s under-cabinet vs wall-mount doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by figuring out how you plan to use your kitchen and go from there. Determining whether you have a bigger need for storage space or ventilation power can be a good jumping-off point to figuring out whether an under-cabinet or wall-mount hood is a better fit for you.