Did you know that many professional chefs and commercial kitchens rely on high-quality range hoods to keep their spaces smoke- and odor-free? You can bring that same level of performance to your home. A reliable under cabinet range hood can meet the needs of a serious home chef, but choosing the wrong size may lead to lingering smells and a frustrating cooking experience.
Keep your kitchen fresh, no matter what’s on the stove, with an under-cabinet range hood. Let’s explore the sizes of various under cabinet range hoods, figure out which one fits your kitchen best, and share tips for picking a quality model.
Explore Range Hoods
Find the perfect range hood for your kitchen with options from leading brands available at WDC Kitchen & Bath Center, today!
Shop Range HoodsSizes of Under Cabinet Range Hoods
Some kitchens have an appliance installed directly under the cabinets, above the cooktop or stove, and you may wonder, “What is that and do I need it?” That appliance is called an under cabinet range hood, and it captures smoke, steam, grease, and cooking odors, directing them outside or filtering the air to keep your kitchen fresh and comfortable.
The size of an under cabinet range hood matters. Check out these common sizes for under-cabinet range hoods that are widely available on the market:
- 30-inch Under Cabinet Range Hood: Perfect for compact cooktops and smaller kitchen spaces.
- 36-inch Under Cabinet Range Hood: A versatile size for most standard stoves.
- 42-inch Under Cabinet Range Hood: Great for wider ranges or larger cooking areas.
- 48-inch Under Cabinet Range Hood: Amazing for expansive cooktops or professional-style kitchens.
- 60-inch Under Cabinet Range Hood: Suited for very large kitchens or commercial‑grade performance with wide stovetops.
Now, you may ask again, “Why does size matter?” Because a hood that’s too small or too large for the cooktop it covers can reduce efficiency. But sizing details will come more extensively later in the next section.
What's important is realizing that the right size of an under-cabinet range hood can keep your kitchen well-ventilated.
→ Learn more: Pros and Cons of an Oven Microwave Combo for Your Kitchen
What Size Under Cabinet Range Hood Should I Get?
Selecting the right under cabinet range hood starts with understanding your kitchen space and cooking needs. A properly sized hood ensures it does its job of capturing smoke, steam, and odors, while fitting your stove area without feeling cramped.
Here’s a simple approach to finding the right size:
- Measure your cooktop or stove width: Know the exact width of your cooking surface before shopping for a hood.
- Match the hood width to your stove: Your range hood under cabinet should be at least as wide as your stove, or slightly wider, to provide full coverage.
- Check the height and space above your stove: Install the hood at the proper height. Too low can feel cramped, while too high may reduce its ability to catch smoke and steam effectively.
- Consider your kitchen layout: Make sure the hood won’t interfere with cabinets, lighting, or shelving around your stove.
- Consider cooking style and frequency: Heavy cooking or frequent frying may require a slightly larger hood or higher exhaust capacity to handle smoke and odors.
After finding out the correct size for your space, decide on the type of ventilation. There are two choices:
- A ducted under cabinet range hood, which vents air outside and is ideal for heavy cooking; or
- A ductless under cabinet range hood, which recirculates filtered air and works well where external venting isn’t possible.
Whichever type you select, check the under cabinet range hood exhaust capacity (usually measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM) to make sure it can adequately handle your stove’s heat and cooking habits.
6 Tips for Finding a Good Under Cabinet Range Hood
Size isn’t the only thing that matters when you’re trying to find the right under cabinet range hood. Performance and durability also play a part. And finally, you’ll want to know how well it fits your kitchen’s design and cooking style.
Follow these useful tips to help you choose:
- Check Airflow Capacity (CFM): This may be one of the crucial tips. Look for a hood with enough under cabinet range hood exhaust to handle your stove’s heat output. Higher CFM is better for heavy cooking, while lower CFM works for smaller stoves or light cooking.
- Choose Between Vented or Recirculating Models: This choice might be restricted to what’s available in your home. The best under cabinet vented range hood vents air outside for stronger performance, while ductless models recirculate filtered air, which is ideal if venting outside isn’t possible.
- Consider Noise Level: Some hoods can be very loud while performing. Always check decibel (dBA) ratings to find one that’s powerful but won’t disturb the peace.
- Look For Easy-to-Clean Filters: Grease and dust build up quickly. If you want simple maintenance, look for removable, dishwasher-safe filters that keep it running efficiently..
- Check Lighting and Controls: Good under-cabinet lighting improves visibility on your cooktop. Meanwhile, look for simple, intuitive controls that require no extra effort to use the unit.
- Match Your Kitchen Style: Range hood designs vary, and some may look out of place in certain kitchens. For an under-cabinet model, choose a hood that complements your cabinets and countertops; even better if the range hood can match your entire kitchen’s design. As for finishes, stainless steel is versatile and popular, while black or white models can blend seamlessly with cabinetry.
Keep these tips in mind because finding an under-cabinet range hood that fits your kitchen and performs reliably can last for years to come.
Featured Under Cabinet Range Hoods
From sleek designs to powerful airflow, these under cabinet range hood picks prove that good ventilation can look as good as it works.
Bertazzoni Professional Series 24" Stainless Steel Under Cabinet Range Hood
Shop this Under the Cabinet Range Hood
This Bertazzoni 24-inch under-cabinet hood shows how Italian craftsmanship results in amazing performance. Built from high-grade stainless steel and designed in Italy, it features a 400 CFM, 3-speed motor that works quietly at just 1–4.9 sones (a measurement of perceived loudness, so you know how it will actually sound in your kitchen). Its dishwasher-safe aluminum mesh filters make cleaning easy, while the slider control feels smooth and intuitive. It’s not the brand’s entry-level option, but the premium ventilation power is worth the cost.
Thermador® Masterpiece® 30" Stainless Steel Under Cabinet Range Hood
Shop this Under the Cabinet Range Hood
The Thermador Masterpiece 30-inch under-cabinet range hood has a 600 CFM blower that handles serious cooking power wonderfully. Meanwhile, Noise Control Technology cuts sound to 1.9 sones (which measures how loud it feels when running). With four fan speeds, automatic mode, and delay shut-off, it easily adapts to your cooking habits. Touch controls and white multi-level LED lighting provide elegant, intuitive use. Plus, it’s Wi-Fi enabled via Home Connect, letting you monitor and control it remotely.
JennAir® 36" Stainless Steel Pro Style Under Cabinet Range Hood
Shop this Under the Cabinet Range Hood
For a restaurant-level performance with a 600 CFM velocity blower to easily whisk away smoke and grease, JennAir offers this 36-inch Pro‑Style under‑cabinet hood. Built in lustre stainless, its curved design and bold industrial lines feel upscale, yet not overly flashy. The dual-level halogen lighting, precision knob controls, and dishwasher-safe stainless-steel baffle filters are practical and low-maintenance. With four fan speeds and 3¼″ × 10″ rectangular ducting, it’s powerful enough for full-flame ranges.
Vent-A-Hood® 42" Stainless Steel Air Recover System (ARS) Duct-Free Under Cabinet Range Hood
Shop this Under the Cabinet Range Hood
The Vent‑A‑Hood 42-inch ARS duct‑free under‑cabinet hood delivers smart recirculating ventilation using its patented 4‑phase Air Recover System. It features the powerful Power Lung blower, which traps grease in its centrifugal filter tray, and Active Canopy technology to control smoke effectively. With professional stainless steel styling, three LED GU10 lights, and a thin 6″ height, it looks refined yet stays discreet. As a reliable, mid‑to‑upper-tier model, it’s Vent‑A‑Hood’s high-end performance solution for duct‑free setups.
Thermador® Masterpiece® 48" Stainless Steel Under Cabinet Range Hood
Shop this Under the Cabinet Range Hood
What makes this Thermador Masterpiece 48-inch under‑cabinet hood special behind its incredible performance and polished design? It’s most likely the 1,000 CFM blower and four fan speeds that quickly remove smoke and odors, even as the Noise Control Technology keeps it quiet. LED lighting, dishwasher-safe mesh filters, and intuitive controls make it practical, while Home Connect adds smart monitoring. Yes, there’s a rather substantial price tag for this non-entry-level model, but you’ll end up loving how it performs anyway.
Best Classico 60" Stainless Steel Pro Style Under Cabinet Range Hood
Shop this Under the Cabinet Range Hood
This Best Classico 60-inch under‑cabinet hood offers professional-grade ventilation with flexible blower options, from quiet internal iQ6 or powerful external blowers up to 1,500 CFM. Its hybrid aluminum mesh and stainless steel Hi‑Flow™ baffle filters trap grease efficiently and are dishwasher‑safe. Variable-speed rotary control with memory recalls your last setting, while Heat Sentry™ auto-boosts speed if things get too hot. The dual-halogen lighting and classic canopy design deliver a timeless look for your cooking action.
Under Cabinet Range Hood FAQs
Start by calculating and marking the center of your cooktop. Secure the mounting bracket to the cabinet or wall according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Connect the ducting or recirculating system, attach the hood, and plug in the power. Finally, install filters and test the fan and lights to ensure everything works properly.
Some under-cabinet range hoods are ducted, meaning they vent smoke and odors outside. Others are ductless and use filters to recirculate air back into the kitchen. Ducted models are usually more efficient for heavy cooking, while ductless hoods are easier to install in spaces without external vents.
Measure your stove and kitchen space first to ensure proper coverage. Consider airflow capacity (CFM), noise level, and whether you want a ducted or ductless model. Also, look at features like lighting, filter type, and controls for convenience and performance.
Find a wide selection of under-cabinet range hoods in Southern CA at WDC Kitchen & Bath Center. Visit our showrooms and let our staff help you choose the right under-cabinet range hood for your home.
Why Trust WDC?
At WDC Kitchen & Bath Center, we’ve been proudly serving Southern California since 1981. What began as a small family business has grown into one of the largest independently owned kitchen and bath showrooms in the region, rooted in family values and exceptional service. With locations throughout Ventura, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara counties, our team of knowledgeable professionals is dedicated to helping you bring your dream kitchen or bath to life.
Our expansive showrooms feature live kitchens, beautifully curated displays, and products from the industry's most trusted brands. At WDC, we believe every customer deserves personalized attention, high-quality products, and a trusted partner every step of the way.
Shop Kitchen Appliances in Southern California
Have questions about choosing the right kitchen appliance for your home? The WDC team is here to help! When you're browsing for under cabinet range hoods or planning a full remodel, our friendly staff is ready to guide you. Visit one of our showrooms or call us at 888-487-2298.
→ Learn more: Kitchen Range Hood Ideas: Our Team's Top 6 Recommendations