What Is a Convertible Range Hood? Should You Buy one? (2022)

If you live in an apartment, chances are you don't have a ducting system. But fear not, because a convertible range it might be the solution for you.

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If you live in an apartment or a condo building, you probably don’t have the ability to vent air from the kitchen to the outside of the home. So, how can you effectively clean the air in your kitchen? Enter convertible range hoods. A convertible range hood is just what you need to keep your kitchen air grease free if you don’t have a ducting system. But what is a convertible range hood?

This post will cover convertible range hoods, how they work, and whether you should buy one for your home.

Convertible range hoods are appliances that may be used with or without a ducted ventilation system. In addition to the fans and ductwork connections, ductless models include charcoal filters. In most cases, these hoods are offered for sale as ducted models, but an additional conversion kit makes it possible to use them without ductwork.

What is a convertible range hood?

Range hoods used with or without a duct system are called “convertible.” Not only do they have fans and ductwork connections, but they also include charcoal filters for use without a duct system.

Image of a white designed kitchen with a countertop and chairs, light bulbs, and a range hood. Source: zac gudakov, unsplash
Image of a white designed kitchen with a countertop and chairs, light bulbs, and a range hood. Source: zac gudakov, unsplash
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My favorite range hood (at the moment):

COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood

What is a convertible range hood? Should you buy one? (2022) | 71ddmbmvgwl. Ac sl1500 | range hood homeland
My favorite range hood (at the moment):

COSMO COS-63190S Wall Mount Range Hood

This is one of the best hoods available at this price point. Reasonably strong CFM for the cost, and it has received rave reviews (over 3,800 reviews!). It looks great, and the LED lights provide a pleasant brightness. For the price, its performance and style are outstanding. Highly recommended!

How do convertible range hoods work?

These hoods take in air from the surrounding area, filter it, and then release it back into the room. Activated carbon or charcoal in the filter helps eliminate odors and smoke particles so the air can be cleaned and used again in the kitchen.

Image of a kitchen with a countertop, a stove, and a range hood above it. Source: point3d commercial imaging ltd, unsplash
Image of a kitchen with a countertop, a stove, and a range hood above it. Source: point3d commercial imaging ltd, unsplash

Why might you want a convertible range hood?

Running ductwork inside your house might be inconvenient or costly. Also, as a tenant in an apartment or condo, you may be unable to.

Perhaps you’re wondering, “Shouldn’t I simply get a ductless range hood?” It seems like a waste of money to buy a ducted hood and a recirculating kit to make it ductless. This is a valid point. However, what if you move from your apartment or condo into a home? Having the option to go from ductless to ducted is an attractive option.

If you want even more tips and insights, watch this video called “What is a Recirculating Range Hood?- What is a Ductless Range Hood?” from the Proline Range Hoods YouTube Channel.

This video called “What is a Recirculating Range Hood?- What is a Ductless Range Hood?” from the Proline Range Hoods YouTube Channel.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about convertible range hoods.

What is a range hood?

A range hood, sometimes called an exhaust hood or vent hood, is an enclosure installed over a stove or cooktop with a fan designed to remove steam, smoke, fumes, and other irritants from the air. With the help of a range hood, cooking odors and steam may be diverted away from you and your meal.

What is a ducted range hood?

Air is sucked into the duct and exhausted outside through the vent. In other cases, the term “vented range hood” may be more appropriate. Fans in ducted versions might be housed in the ductwork instead of the hood, which makes them much quieter.

Despite being the most efficient choice, installing one might be difficult due to the need for ducting that extends outside the building, a configuration that isn’t ideal in every kitchen.

What is a ductless range hood?

Sometimes referred to as “recirculating range hoods,” these appliances use a suction fan to draw air from the kitchen, filter it, and then blow it back into the space. These filters often manufactured from charcoal, are excellent at absorbing odors and grease.

Ductless range hoods perform somewhat better than no-range hoods but still can’t hold their own against ducted ones. Therefore, a ducted model is preferable.

What is CFM?

The quantity of air a range hood moves through your ductwork in one minute is measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM.

What is a convertible kit?

A recirculating kit is what you need to turn a range hood that was made to vent outside into a recirculating one.

Conclusion

A convertible range hood is a great investment. Not only will it ensure your kitchen air is purified and clean, but you can also adjust the flow of air based on your needs. Investing in a ducted hood to remove the stale fumes from your kitchen and house may not seem worthwhile, but consider how much healthier the air will be.

This article covered a convertible range hood, how it works, and why you might want one. Here are some key takeaways:

Key takeaways

  • Range hoods used with or without a duct system are called “convertible.”
  • These hoods take in air from the surrounding area, filter it, and then release it back into the space.
  • Running all the ductwork inside your house might be inconvenient or costly.
  • Range hoods are electric appliances installed above the stove to vent any lingering smoke or odors caused by the cooking process.
  • The most efficient models are wall-mounted range hoods, island range hoods, under-cabinet range hoods, and range hood inserts.

So, do you prefer to use a convertible range hood? And did I cover everything you wanted to know? Let me know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check out my full blog for more tips and tricks in your kitchen. Thanks for reading, and stay safe.

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Written by Roger Harris, Staff Writer

Hey there! My name is Roger, and I've been selling range hoods for over six years. I now run this blog all about range hoods and kitchen ventilation! If you're looking for a new range hood for your kitchen, this is the place for you.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Staff Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail.

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