Ducted Range Hood or Exhaust Fan: Which Ventilation System is Better?

January 24, 2023 6 min read

Effective ventilation is the backbone of a healthy kitchen space. Kitchens need constant ventilation because cooking generates smoke and harmful particles. The simplest way to remove bad kitchen air is to open windows and doors. However, using windows and doors to maintain clean air is often ineffective. Most contractors recommend ducted range hoods or exhaust fans to control pollution. These devices help maintain good kitchen air quality but differ in crucial areas. If you, like a ton of other homeowners, have trouble telling one from the other, read on.

This article reviews ducted range hoods and exhaust fan ventilation systems. We have covered the features, advantages, and disadvantages of installing each system. After reading this, you should be able to discern which is better between a ducted range hood and an exhaust fan.

What is a Ducted Range Hood?

A ducted range hood is a ventilation system that helps remove and expel pollutants from the kitchen. It uses fans or blowers to create a suction effect that pulls pollutants into ducts or pipes. These ducts carry the pollutants and expel them outdoors. You can choose from different styles, like the under-cabinet, island, or wall-mounted hoods. Ducted hoods are quality ventilation devices that improve kitchen air quality and add a sleek look. They are identified by their vent mounted on the wall (wall-mounted range hood) or suspended from the ceiling (island hoods).

Learn more about duct silencers

Parts of a Ducted Rood Hood

Ducted range hoods have the following parts:

1. Hood Canopy: This hooded structure, usually metal, covers the cooking area. The larger the size of the hood canopy, the larger the coverage area, which means it moves air faster. Most exhaust hoods have components like filters, fans, and range hood inserts.

2. Vent system: This includes the ductwork, suction fans or blowers, and filter units. This part of the hood handles extracting and expelling the pollutants.

3. Control panel: The control panel is the brain of the range hood, making it easy to control everything. It is the central hub of the range hood with an interface for users to control the hood. You can start or stop the hood or adjust the fan speeds of the range hood. Manufacturers offer different types of controls, such as touch screens or traditional knobs.

4. Lighting: Range hoods have advanced lighting systems that use LED or halogen bulbs. These lights cover the cooking area, making it easier to see when cooking. This improved visibility creates a safer and more comfortable space for cooking.

5. Filter units: The filter unit is a smart system that helps keep your kitchen air clean. It uses special filters to catch and absorb pollutants and bad smells. These filters come in different types, like baffle, mesh, or charcoal.

Benefits of Using Ducted Range Hoods

1. Ducted range hoods provide effective ventilation by rapidly removing large volumes of pollutants. This maintains good indoor air quality and reduces the risk of respiratory problems.

2. Ducted range hoods are generally quieter than non-ducted models. These range hoods are very quiet even when running at full power. Their low noise output helps create a peaceful cooking environment.

3. These range hoods are good at removing vapors and steam from the air. This stops condensation and prevents water buildup on kitchen surfaces. This also helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth in the kitchen.

4. Ducted range hoods are more efficient at removing grease and particles. This helps reduce the need for frequent kitchen cleaning and maintenance.

5. Ducted range hoods can be installed to blend seamlessly with kitchen designs. These hoods are often sleek-looking appliances that add character to the kitchen.

Disadvantages of Ducted Range Hoods

1. Ducted range hoods require professional installation, which can increase upfront costs.

2. Ducted range hoods need ductwork, which can be complex and time-consuming.

3. Ducted range hoods require more energy to operate, increasing electricity bills.

4. Ducted range hoods have some installation limitations. They require a direct vent to the outside, which limits where they can be placed in the kitchen.

5. Bad duct installation can lead to leaks and reduce venting performance.

What are Kitchen Exhaust Fans?

Exhaust fans are ventilation devices that help ensure the air in the kitchen is clean and fresh. They remove stale and contaminated air and replace it with fresh air from outside. This process helps remove smells, excess moisture, and other pollutants.

Parts of Kitchen Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans are vital indoor ventilation tools designed for kitchen use. They come in various installation styles, including wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and window-mounted options. They are usually encased in a safety finger-guard grill to prevent damage to the fan blades. They have the following parts:

1. Fan Blades: Axial and centrifugal fans are the two main types of fan blades. Axial fan blades move air parallel to the fan axis and are optimal for cooling large kitchen spaces. They provide enough low-pressure force to move air from one place to another. Centrifugal fans use a spinning impeller to draw air in or expel air outdoors.

2. Motor:The motor provides the mechanical power that propels and spins the fan. It generates the necessary power for the exhaust fan blades. The motors used in exhaust fans include direct and belt drive motors or brushless DC motors. The size and power of the motor in an exhaust fan will depend on the specific model.

3. Shutter Grill:A shutter grill is the vent cover or grill found at the exhaust fan’s opening. It is a protective barrier that prevents debris and other objects from clogging the fan. It also helps to improve the appearance of the exhaust fan by covering up the ductwork.

4. Housing Guard: A housing guard is the outer casing around the fan and other components. It helps to protect the fan and other components from damage, dents, or scratches.

Benefits of Using an Exhaust Fan in Your Kitchen

1. Exhaust fans quickly remove smells and particles from the kitchen. This means no cooking smell lingers around the kitchen or escapes to other parts of the home.

2. Exhaust fans help regulate the temperature in the kitchen by removing hot air and steam.

3. Exhaust fans have a simple installation process. Their compact design allows for easy mounting on walls, ceilings, or even windows.

4. They help improve kitchen airflow and reduce the burden on other ventilation systems.

5. Exhaust fans are an affordable solution for maintaining a safe kitchen environment.

Disadvantages of Kitchen Exhaust Fans

1. Exhaust fans can be noisy, especially when running at high speeds. The constant hum of the fan can be very distracting.

2. They can remove smaller volumes of pollutants but struggle with larger volumes. This limits their utility for larger kitchen spaces where intensive cooking occurs.

3. They require continuous operation throughout the cooking process to effectively remove pollutants. This constant use leads to increased energy consumption.

4. Exhaust fans are not designed to remove floating grease particles. This will lead to grease buildup, accumulating on filters and surrounding surfaces.

5. Exhaust fans are designed primarily for indoor ventilation. This limits their versatility and their use in outdoor cooking areas.

Ducted Range Hoods or Exhaust Fans: Which Is Right for You?

The table below illustrates the differences between systems and areas where one trumps the other.

	Ducted Range Hoods	Exhaust Fans
Cost	Expensive as they require extensive ductwork.	Very cost-effective as no ductwork is needed.
Effectiveness	Extremely effective at removing large volumes of smoke and air irritants.	Ineffective at the removal of large volumes of kitchen pollutants.
Installation	A complex installation process requires the expertise of an HVAC contractor.	Simple installation with average expertise needed.
Noise	It runs quietly and intermittently, leading to low noise levels.	Fans can get quite noisy, and it runs constantly.
Portability	Not easily movable once installed and will require extensive work to move to another part of the kitchen.	Very portable and can easily be moved to different parts of the kitchen.
Durability	Built to last for decades with proper maintenance.	Designed not to last a significant amount of time.

Final Words

A healthy kitchen relies on good ventilation to maintain clean air. Ducted range hoods and exhaust fans are popular ventilation options. While they have their strengths and weaknesses, their common goal is to improve kitchen air quality. By comparing their features and benefits, you can choose the best fit for your kitchen. Remember, good ventilation is vital for a healthy kitchen, so choose wisely!