When it comes to range hoods, having a good understanding of the differences between ducted and ductless models is essential. Ducted or ductless range hoods both offer benefits for different kitchen types and are designed differently. Knowing the differences between them will help you decide which one is the best choice for your kitchen. Not only do they look different, but their performance also varies depending on the type of cooking you do. Fortunately, there are many options available to suit your specific needs.
At first a complete comparison table so that you can view the complete scenario at a single window.
| Aspect | Ducted Range Hood | Ductless Range Hood |
|---|---|---|
| Working Model | Expels pollutants outside | Filters and recirculates air |
| Kitchen Interior | Requires ventilation setup | No ventilation needed |
| Odor Removal | Vents odors outside | Traps and filters odors |
| Pricing | Higher cost due to ventilation | Cost-effective with filtration |
| Installation | Requires extensive setup | Minimal installation, charcoal filters |
| Durability | More robust materials | May be less durable |
| Best Choice (Scenarios) | ||
| Homeowner: Ducted | Aspiring Cook: Ducted | |
| Apartment Owner: Ducted (consider neighbors) | Tenant: Ductless (easy installation) | |
| Outdoor Kitchen: Ductless (air purification) | ||
Ductless vs Ducted Range Hood
1. The difference in terms of the working model
Ducted model range hoods work by drawing in air from the cooktop area by a fan which is then ejected outside of the building via an exhaust duct. This allows for the removal of airborne pollutants, providing a cleaner indoor environment while also reducing cooking odors. The key components of a ducted range hood include the fan motor, housing, exhaust, and ducting.
A ductless range hood is a type of kitchen exhaust appliance that functions without the need for an external venting system. Through the use of powerful motors and sophisticated filtration systems, these devices are able to effectively cleanse cooking air by trapping airborne pollutants, such as grease and smoke, and releasing them back into the kitchen atmosphere in a much cleaner state. Actually, it recirculates the air in the kitchen.
2. The difference in terms of kitchen interior
The distinction between ducted and ductless range hoods is an interesting one, particularly with regard to their impact upon the interior of a given space. Generally speaking, the use of a ducted range hood requires the installation of a ventilation system in order for it to effectively remove smoke and odors from the air, which necessitates the creation of a hole or opening in the wall or ceiling.
But, if you use a ductless range hood you don’t need to ruin your room interior. Because they don’t require any ventilation.
3. The difference in terms of odor removal
The differences between ducted and ductless range hoods in terms of odor removal are significant. Ducted range hoods are designed to capture cooking odors and vent them directly outside of the kitchen. This extraction process ensures that the air inside the kitchen remains clean and free from unpleasant smells.
Ductless range hoods, on the other hand, use a filter system (most of the time charcoal filter) to trap the odors within a recirculation chamber, allowing for more efficient odor removal than traditional ventilation systems. So, this type of hood can’t remove the grease particles completely but it filters the air.
4. The difference in terms of pricing
The difference between ducted and ductless range hoods in terms of pricing is a result of the respective technologies employed. Ducted range hoods typically involve greater overhead, as they require ventilation systems with exhaust fans, which necessitate additional installation costs.
On the other hand, ductless range hoods are more cost-effective due to their simplified design and implementation, relying on air filtration systems to operate.
5. The difference in terms of installation
The differences between ducted and ductless range hoods in terms of installation can be quite significant. From an installation perspective, a ducted range hood requires the proper exhaust system to be set up for it to function optimally, which could include routing a vent pipe through the roof or wall of the property. In contrast, a ductless range hood needs only minimal setup and does not require any additional components as it uses charcoal filters to absorb odors as well as smoke.
6. The difference in terms of durability
The distinction between ducted and ductless range hoods in terms of durability is quite distinct. Ducted range hoods are typically constructed from robust materials such as stainless steel, making them much more resilient to the wear and tear caused by everyday cooking activities.
On the other hand, ductless range hoods are often comprised of plastic and other lightweight materials which can be prone to damage over time due to exposure to heat and moisture. But there are no scarcities of high-quality built ductless range hoods on the market. So, in terms of durability, they both can be the same.
Is a Ducted Range Hood Better Than a Ductless?
You may be wondering whether or not a ducted range hood is better than a ductless one. A ducted range hood may be better than a ductless range hood in some situations and a ductless range hood may be better than a ducted one in other situations. As such there are situations where it is best to use a ductless range hood always. It depends on your kitchen type and your cooking type. It also depends on what you want actually.
If you don’t have any financial issues and you have the option to make a hole in your wall or roof then you easily can take a ducted range hood. Moreover, a ducted range hood can remove the grease particles completely from your kitchen but a ductless range hood can’t do it. So in this case a ducted range hood is always best.
On the other hand, a ductless range hood filters the air. But a ducted range hood only vents the dirty air without filtration. So the grease particles remain in the air even if it is vented. That is harmful to the entire environment of the world. So, a ductless range hood is always best if you want to achieve zero or minimal bad impact on the environment.
I think now you are clear about which range hood should be the best for you. However, I am giving you some suggestions below for using range hood in different situations.
For a person who owns a home: ducted or ductless?
If you are a homeowner then I would definitely suggest you go with a ducted range hood. Because you are the owner of the house means that you will live in that house for life and maybe your successors too so there needs to be a permanent solution.
You will understand its benefits in the future.
For an aspiring cook: ducted or ductless?
If cooking is your passion or hobby or you are a chef then it is natural that you will cook many types. There are many types of cooking that emit a lot of fumes. In that case, I think your kitchen should be completely clear, which you can get by using a ducted range hood.
For an owner of the apartment: ducted or ductless?
Even if you buy the apartment yourself, there are many people living together in one building. With your range hood, you will be venting your kitchen’s grease-laden air that many people in your building may not be able to tolerate.
I think a ducted range hood would be best in this case. But if you talk to your building mates or neighbors and they have no complaints then there is no problem in using a ducted range hood for your kitchen.
For a tenant: Ductless or ducted?
When you’re a renter, I’m pretty sure your landlord won’t let you put a big hole in his wall. Moreover, in the case of tenants, it is routine to change the house if necessary. In that case, installing and uninstalling a ducted range hood over and over again is a pain in the ass.
Ductless range hoods can be installed easily. It is just a matter of minutes. Once you see it, you can do it again and again. So in my experience, it is best to go with a ductless range hood for a tenant.
For your outdoor kitchen: ducted or ductless?
Since this is an outdoor kitchen, if you vent your kitchen air, it will only go away from the cooking area, but not outside because you are already outside. So I don’t see much benefit in using a vented range hood here. Rather, I see the benefits of using a ductless range hood here. Because the ductless range hood will purify the air and this purified air will not be stuck in your kitchen because you are outside. So, for an outdoor kitchen, a ductless range hood can be the right range hood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that duct or ductless range hoods both have their advantages. Ductless hoods are a great option for those looking for a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and lower-maintenance solution. On the other hand, ducted hoods provide superior performance and can help to maintain a cleaner kitchen environment. Ultimately, the decision of which type of range hood to choose is based on the individual’s unique needs and preferences.
Steven Perez is an interior designer who specially works with kitchens. He has done several jobs of kitchen renovation and design. Now he enjoys his life by traveling the planet and testing the beauty of nature. But he created this website so that he can be with the people who need the kitchen related helps.