 | Microwave & Range Hood: $150-$1,500+ |
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 | Under-Cabinet Range Hood: $30-$3,000+ |
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 | Island Range Hood: $600-$4,500+ |
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| A range hood is a metal canopy containing a kitchen exhaust fan and possibly a light and/or filter. Installed above a stove or cooktop, a range hood removes steam, greasy mist, smoke and odors that can damage cabinets and reduce the air quality. Many range hoods are ducted, pulling air into metal ductwork that directs the air outdoors. Recirculation models (typically less expensive) pull in dirty air, pass it through a filter and then blow it back into the kitchen. Some range hoods work either way, with ductwork or in recirculation mode. Consumer Reports describes the types of range hoods. | | |
| Typical costs: | - An under-cabinet range hood (installed under the kitchen cabinet that is directly above a stove or cooktop) can cost $30 -$150 for a basic 24"-36"-wide model, possibly with a light. More durable under-cabinet range hoods with quieter motors and stronger airflow cfm (cubic feet per minute) typically cost $200 -$1,000, depending on size, materials and options like a thermostat control or adjustable fan speeds. A high-end under-cabinet model can cost $1,100 -$3,000 or more with features like a stainless steel finish or a variable-speed exhaust fan. For example, the 29-7/8" wide GE Non-Vented Standard Range Hood with a two-speed fan and light costs $99 -$109; while the Broan Under Cabinet 36" Stainless Steel Range Hood costs $400 -$480 with 460 cfm, two-position light switch and safety heat sensor.
- Combining a microwave with an under-cabinet range hood, a microhood typically costs $150 -$500 depending on fan cfm and microwave wattage and size; high-end microhoods can cost $500 -$1,500 or more with options like a convection oven or sensor cooking controls. The 300 cfm Maytag 2.0 cu. ft. Over-the-Range Microwave MMV5208WB costs $298 -$349, while the 300 cfm KitchenAid 2.0 cu. ft. Microwave Hood Combo KHHC2090SSS with convection cooking costs $1,030 -$1,250.
- Wall-mount range hoods are typically large and visually prominent, and may have a traditional hood/canopy shape or narrow into a metal chimney. They can cost $500 -$3,500 or more, depending on size and materials. The Viking 48" Wide 27" Deep Professional Series Wall Hood with food warming heat lamps and 1,200-1,500 cfm costs $1,600 -$1,850.
- Kitchen island range hoods cost $600 -$1,000 for a basic model but typically are $1,000 -$4,500 or more, depending on size, materials, cfm and style. For example, the Broan Model EI5936SS Stainless Steel Island Chimney Range Hood with a curved glass canopy and 500 cfm costs $850 -$1,066.
- A downdraft range hood, considered by Consumer Reports to be the least effective style, is mounted in or behind the cooktop and pulls smoke and fumes down into under-floor ductwork. Downdraft range hoods cost $300-$2,000 or more, depending on style, whether the cooktop is included and if the hood retracts out of sight when not needed. For example, the Broan Eclipse 30" Downdraft Ventilator in satin aluminum or stainless steel works with most self-contained cooktops and costs about $550 -$650.
- Installation is extra, and typically costs $250 -$550 if there is existing metal ductwork in good condition and the project mainly involves connecting and mounting the range hood and repairing the wall if it needs to be cut. If ductwork must be added, installation can cost $500 -$1,500 or more, depending on the complexity of the project. A simple replacement of an existing under-counter range hood can be a do-it-yourself project or be done by a handyman, while wall-mount or island range hoods typically require professional installation (an HVAC contractor to run the required ductwork; a carpenter or roofer to cut a hole through an exterior wall or the attic roof; or an electrician to run a new electrical line).
What should be included: | - A range hood should be at least as wide as the stove or cooktop (typically 30") and generally is located 18"-30" above the gas burners or electric elements. An HGTV video illustrates how to install a range hood, and Home Depot provides written installation instructions estimating this project can require advanced skills and may a variable length of time depending on the difficultly of installing new ductwork.
Shopping for a range hood: | - Consumer Reports lists range hood brands.
- Most experts recommend a ducted instead of a recirculation range hood, unless ductwork isn't feasible. Consumer Search explains how to buy a range hood with an emphasis on the pros and cons of the different types.
- If hiring an installer, check that the company is properly insured, bonded and licensed; ask for and contact references; and search for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
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Article updated August 2011 |
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