Do Range Hoods Need To Be Vented Outside

Many homeowners don't realize that they need a range hood.

They assume that because they have a vent inside their kitchen, they don't need to worry about the odors, pollutants, steam, and grease produced when cooking.

This is a big misconception.

If you want to get rid of odors, smoke, or other gasses from cooking, then you should install a range hood.

Traditionally, range hoods are ducted, which means that they require a ventilation system that allows for them to remove the polluted air outside.

This is likely to be bad news for some people. This kind of system can be expensive to install and difficult if you live in a small apartment or condo.

If this is the case.- don't worry! We're here to tell you that there is another viable option.

In recent years, ductless or non-ducted range hoods have become just as effective as their ducted counterparts - and these ones don't need to be vented outside!

To learn more about the distinction between the two types of range hoods, take a look at the ultimate guide below.

What Is A Ducted Range Hood?

A ducted range hood has an exhaust fan that draws air through a plenum (a central chamber) and pushes it through a ventilation system to the outdoors.

The dirty air is replaced with clean air from the outside.

The plenum is usually located near the ceiling of your kitchen and connects to the ventilation system by way of a flexible hose.

The plenum also contains filters that help keep the air flowing smoothly.

Reasons To Purchase A Ducted Range Hood

Even though they require a ventilation system that allows the air to be removed outdoors, there are a number of situations in which a ducted range hood is much more appropriate than a ductless range hood.

Check them out below!

Your Kitchen Is Large

In order to effectively filter out all the pollutants generated during cooking in a large kitchen, a range hood that vents outside will be necessary.

You Use Gas Stoves

Gas ranges produce a lot of heat and generate lots of smoke and fumes. A ducted range hood is designed to capture these emissions.

A range hood that doesn't need to be vented will struggle to work effectively above a gas stove.

You Don't Have Access To Fresh Air

If your kitchen doesn't have much fresh air circulating due to not having any windows, for instance, a ducted range hood could be beneficial for your health, as it draws in clean air from outdoors.

You Cook Very Frequently

Ducted range hoods are generally considered to be slightly better at ventilating than ductless range hoods.

As such, if you're an avid cook, it might be more beneficial to purchase a ducted range hood.

You Don't Have Time For Maintenance

You might be surprised to find out that ducted range hoods are much easier to maintain than ductless.

The number of filters that need replacing in ductless range hoods can make maintenance quite an annoying and frequent task.

You Are Concerned About Steam

Ductless range hoods don't remove steam from the kitchen. As such, if this is a concern for you, you should purchase a ducted model.

What Is A Non-Ducted Or Ductless Range Hood?

Non-ducted range hood systems are different from traditional ducted models.

Instead of using a separate ventilation system, these models pull air from the kitchen through charcoal-activated filters to remove pollutants and odors and then pump the clean air back out into the kitchen.

This makes them cheaper and easier to install. These systems are typically installed on top of cabinets or countertops.

These kinds of range hoods aren't as good at filtering out pollutants as ducted models. However, they do still provide excellent air quality.

Reasons To Purchase A Ductless Range Hood

In addition to not requiring an extensive ventilation system, there are a number of other reasons to purchase a ductless range hood. Check them out below.

You Have An Electric Cooker

Whilst ductless range hoods don't work as well with gas cookers, they work perfectly well with electric cookers and electric appliances.

You're Concerned About Allergies

Some people suffer from respiratory issues like asthma and allergies. Non-ducted range hood models are better at removing allergens than ducted ones.

You've Got Limited Space

Because non-ducted range hoods draw air directly from the kitchen, they tend to be significantly smaller than ducted models.

You Want A Sleek Design

Non-ducted models tend to have a much more sleek design than ducted models. Non-ducted models tend to come in a number of different styles and colors, so they can fit any decor.

You Want To Save Some Cash

A ducted range hood costs around $500-$600. Some non-ducted models cost as little as $100.

As such, a ductless model is much better for people with smaller budgets.

Your Existing Kitchen Doesn't Include A Venting System

If you don't have a venting system in place, installing a ducted model will probably mean ripping out part of your kitchen wall.

This can be costly and take a lot of time. You don't need to do this for a ductless model.

You Prefer A Quiet Kitchen

Ducted models can be quite noisy. Ductless models provide a good amount of airflow with a fraction of the noise.

Premium ductless models also come with additional sound-dampening features to ensure that it works as quietly as possible.

Conclusion

Thanks to ductless models, range hoods definitely do not need to be vented outside. We're sure that this is a huge relief to many of you!

Ductless range hoods are definitely a great option for people with smaller budgets and kitchens!

However, we ultimately recommend getting a ducted range hood if you want the best air quality. They'll make cooking healthier and cleaner easier.

It is especially necessary to purchase a ducted range hood if you're an avid chef or you really value a super fresh kitchen.