Person touching a wall-mount range hood

CHOOSING A RANGE HOOD: UNDER-CABINET VS. WALL-MOUNT

Whether you’re sauteing honey glazed carrots or pan-searing salmon filets, your kitchen can become filled with smoke, steam and cooking odors. Having proper ventilation with a range hood can help keep your creative space feeling and smelling fresh for your next culinary adventure. 

When shopping for a new range hood, understanding the differences between under-cabinet and wall-mount options can help make your decision easier. Use this guide to compare these two types of range hoods to help find the best option for your space.

Side-by-side images of undercabinet and wall-mount range hoods Side-by-side images of undercabinet and wall-mount range hoods

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN UNDER-CABINET AND WALL-MOUNTED HOODS

Though under-cabinet and wall-mounted range hood configurations help remove smoke and odors from your kitchen, each option differs in size, power, venting type and installation.

  • Size: Since under-cabinet hoods need to fit below your overhead cabinetry, they’re typically smaller than wall-mount options. They typically come in 24-, 30- and 36-inch size options, while wall-mount models tend to range between 30 and 36 inches.

  • Ventilation power: Hood ventilation power is measured using CFM, which  determines the volume of air a fan can move. Wall-mount range hoods typically offer 300-400 CFM Motor Class ventilation, while under-cabinet hoods generally provide 190-400 CFM.

  • Installation: Under-cabinet range hoods generally have a simple installation process, and can be installed yourself or with the help of a professional, depending on your comfort level. Wall-mount options may require rewiring or ventilation construction by a licensed technician.

  • Venting type: Wall-mount hoods are typically ducted vents that push air outside the home, while under-cabinet models are typically ductless and recirculate air throughout the home.

KitchenAid® Under-the-Cabinet Hood
KitchenAid® 30" Under-the-Cabinet, 4-Speed System
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Closeup image of a range hood control panel

UNDER-CABINET RANGE HOODS: PROS AND CONS

Under-cabinet range hoods are designed to fit above your range or cooktop and below your kitchen cabinets. Their design is typically slim and minimalistic to help preserve overhead cabinet space, and these hoods typically ventilate using ductless recirculation of the air through a filter.

Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of under-cabinet range hoods below.

PROS OF UNDER-CABINET HOODS

  • Their smaller size helps preserve storage space as they can be installed below kitchen cabinets instead of within them.

  • They may be easier to install without the help of a professional. (NOTE: Be sure to contact a licensed technician if you’re unsure about installing them yourself.)

  • The slim and minimalist design can seamlessly blend with a variety of kitchen layouts.

CONS OF UNDER-CABINET HOODS

  • The smaller size may provide less coverage over a cooktop or range compared to wall-mount options.

  • There may be limited design options available for those who have a specific design style in mind.

SHOP KITCHENAID®UNDER-CABINET HOODS

Breathe new life into your kitchen with an under-cabinet hood from KitchenAid brand. Explore under-cabinet range hood options that minimize the appearance of your kitchen’s venting system and find the model that works best for you.

KitchenAid® Wall-Mount Hood
KitchenAid® 30" Wall-Mount, 3-Speed Canopy Hood
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KitchenAid® range hood in a sleek kitchen

WALL-MOUNT RANGE HOODS: PROS AND CONS

Also known as canopy hoods, wall-mount range hoods attach to the wall above or behind your range. These powerful ventilation options are ideal for kitchens that frequently fry, sear and sauté.

Read on below to discover the pros and cons of this range hood configuration.

PROS OF WALL-MOUNT HOODS

  • The larger appliance dimensions offer broader coverage of your cooking surface.

  • A variety of design options are available to choose from to make a bold visual statement in your kitchen design.

  • These options offer powerful venting performance of typically 300-400 CFM Motor Class.

CONS OF WALL-MOUNT HOODS

  • Installation may require the help of a professional as it typically includes rewiring and creating a ducted vent system.

  • The larger, more prominent design takes up more space and may take away overhead cabinet space.

SHOP KITCHENAID® WALL-MOUNT HOODS

Keep your kitchen free from smoke and odors with a wall-mount range hood from KitchenAid brand. Select models offer helpful and convenient features like warming lights, dishwasher-safe filters and automatic shutoff so you can spend less time worrying about clearing the air and more time creating your favorite recipes. 

WALL-MOUNT VS. UNDER-CABINET: WHICH HOOD IS BEST FOR YOUR KITCHEN?

Whether you choose a wall-mount or an under-cabinet range hood for your kitchen may depend on the size of your space, your ventilation goals and your design preferences. 

If you have a large space and you’re looking for an appliance to make a bold visual statement, you may want to opt for a wall-mount hood. If you have a smaller kitchen or just prefer a more minimal look, under-cabinet hoods may be the right fit for you. You should also consider the installation process and whether you prefer ducted or ductless ventilation. 

Choose an under-cabinet model if you don’t want to deal with building ductwork for your hood and want a simple, do-it-yourself install. However, if you’re uncomfortable with installation, you may want the help of a professional. 

EXPLORE KITCHENAID®RANGE HOODS

KitchenAid® range hoods help capture smoke, grease and odors right from the air to help keep your kitchen feeling fresh. Browse under-cabinet, wall-mount, microwave hood combinations and island-mount hood options in a variety of sizes and styles to find your kitchen’s perfect fit.

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