You might already have a range hood installed at home or are just getting one. There are many types of range hoods in the market and they can either be ducted or ductless while some are convertible range hoods.
Convertible range hoods can either be installed as ducted or ductless range hoods. Ducted range hoods need an exterior ventilation system to be able to vent the air outside while a ductless range hood doesn’t require a vent system as it filters the air and recirculates it back into your kitchen.
If you are looking to replace your ducted or ductless range hood or buying a range hood for the first time and are wondering what a convertible range hood is, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will be talking about what a convertible range hood is and the different types of range hoods for your kitchen.
How Does A Range Hood Work?
There is smoke, steam, fumes, odor, and other airborne particles that are produced when cooking, especially when grilling or frying meat. A range hood is a kitchen appliance that draws in smoke and odor that are produced when cooking and it helps ventilate and improve air quality in the kitchen while you cook.
When cooking, kitchens can get really hot, especially if you use oil with a high smoke point. Range hoods can help control the kitchen’s temperature by removing excess heat that is produced when cooking.
A range hood works by drawing the air in and letting the air pass through filters where grease and other particles get trapped. It then vents the air out via a duct that is connected to the range hood. Some range hoods recirculate the air inside of your home after it removes airborne contaminants by passing the air through the range hood’s charcoal or carbon filter. These range hoods are categorized into ducted and ductless range hoods.
Difference Between Ducted Range Hoods and Ductless Range Hoods
The major difference between a ducted range hood and a ductless range hood is that one ventilates the air outside while the other recirculates the air back to your kitchen.
Ducted range hoods, or external venting hoods, require an additional ventilation system in place. These types of range hoods must connect to an air duct so the range hood can draw the fumes in and carry the air outdoors. Because of this and the additional vent system required, it is more expensive to install a ducted range hood.
A ductless range hood, on the other hand, draws the air in and recirculates it back to your kitchen. As we said earlier, some range hoods use charcoal or carbon filters to remove odors, fumes, smoke, and other airborne particles in your kitchen. Ductless range hoods, or recirculating range hoods, do not need an extra ventilation system in place to be able to operate.
Ductless range hoods are mostly used by homeowners who do not have any vent system in place or those who are renting and are not allowed to modify the place to install a ducted range hood. These types of range hoods are also cheaper and easier to install than ducted hoods. Since there is no exterior ductwork required for ductless hoods, it may not be as effective in removing smoke or other airborne particles in your kitchen.
What Is A Convertible Range Hood?
If you want to get the best of both worlds, a convertible range hood can either be used as a ducted or ductless range hood. A convertible range hood can be installed by attaching it to a duct or used as a ductless hood by filtering the air through the charcoal filter and recirculating the air back to your kitchen. The powerful fan in these range hoods removes odor and airborne particles that are produced when you are cooking.
Benefits Of A Convertible Range Hood?
There are many benefits that a convertible range hood can offer. Convertible range hoods can either be installed as ducted or ductless. If you are living in a rental or a temporary home, you can easily install a convertible range hood ductless until you move into a place where you can install ducted range hoods. Installing a ductless range hood is easy to install and can be installed under a cabinet, mounted on a wall, or elsewhere.
Since range hoods remove odors, smoke, steam, and other fumes in your kitchen while you cook, having a convertible range hood will also improve the air quality in your home. This can also improve your dining experience by not smelling odors or inhaling smoke while you eat.
With a convertible range hood, you can have the option of having the air vented directly outside or having filtered air recirculated back in your kitchen, depending on how you want to install the range hood.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Convertible Range Hood
When choosing between ducted, ductless, or convertible range hoods, it is important to take note of your kitchen layout before buying one. Ducted range hoods are perfect if your range is not set up on an interior wall, where there is another room next to it, as they need to be attached to an exterior vent system.
You will also need to take into consideration how you would install your convertible range hood. You may be allowed to install a ducted convertible range hood if you are renting a place. If that is the case, a ductless range hood is your best choice.
Another thing to consider is your type of range hood. Some need to be mounted on a wall and needs to be attached to a vent system. While other range hoods can be installed under a cabinet or over a kitchen island.
Types Of Range Hoods
There are different types of range hoods that you can choose from and convertible range hoods are typically under cabinet or canopy models.
Wall-mount canopy range hoods are mounted against a wall and directly above your stove. These types of range hoods are required to be connected to a vent system.
Under cabinet range hoods can either be ducted or ductless and they offer a seamless built-in look to your kitchen. These range hoods are smaller than wall-mounted ones so they work well in small spaces.
Island range hoods are installed above a kitchen island. These range hoods are hung from the ceiling and must be connected to ductwork in the ceiling. But, some island range hoods can be ductless as well.
Over-the-range microwave hood combinations are two-in-one appliances where it vents air out and is used to cook food. This type of range hood can be space-saving, especially if you do not have a lot of counter space. These can be installed either ducted or ductless.
Retractable downdraft range hoods are hidden vent hoods that extend while you are cooking. These types of range hoods are often connected to a vent system beneath the floor but, they also have recirculating kits.
Wrap Up
Convertible range hoods offer the best of both worlds when it comes to ventilating your kitchen. These can be installed as ducted or ductless hoods depending on your kitchen layout and other circumstances such as where you currently live.
Ducted hoods require an exterior ventilation system where the air is vented directly outside. Ductless hoods, on the other hand, do not need to be connected to a duct as it recirculates the air through charcoal or carbon filters.
Hopefully, this article gave you an insight into what a convertible range hood is and how it works. If you have any more questions, let us know and we will get back to you!
