On this page:

• What to consider when buying a rangehood
• Which type of rangehood should you choose?
• The lowest scoring ducted rangehoods 
• The lowest scoring recirculating rangehoods
• Downdraft rangehoods: How do they compare?
• Downdraft rangehood test scores

But it’s one that’s important to get right – choose poorly and you could be stuck with a noisy eyesore that doesn’t do much to remove the heat, steam and smoke from your kitchen.Ìý

And given that rangehoods can range in price from $120 to more than $5000, you’ll want to make sure you’re spending your money wisely so you don’t end up with a rangehood that sucks (but not in a good way).

We’ll explain how to choose the right type and style of rangehood to ensure extraction satisfaction, and reveal the sucky models to cross off your shortlist.

What to consider when buying a rangehood

“While you want your rangehood to suit the style of your kitchen, your choice should be based on more than aesthetics,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog rangehood expert Rebecca Ciaramidaro.Ìý

“Does it effectively remove steam, smoke and smells from your kitchen without too much noise? There’s no point buying a rangehood that’s so noisy you’d rather not use it at all.

“It’s also important to choose the right size: to work effectively the rangehood should be larger than your cooktop, especially for times when you’re using multiple cooking zones at once.”

Which type of rangehood should you choose?

You’d think buying an appliance that has only one job would be pretty straightforward, but before you start shopping you’ll need to get your head around the different types.

First up, there are two different ways that rangehoods can function:

• Ducted rangehoods suck steam, smoke and cooking smells up into a pipe that blows the fumes outside.Ìý
• Recirculating rangehoods suck the fumes through filters and then pump the air back into the kitchen.

Which one performs better?

“If your kitchen allows for a ducted rangehood, we tend to find that this type performs better than recirculating rangehoods,” says Rebecca.

However, installing a ducted rangehood is more complex as you’ll need to cut a hole in the wall or ceiling for the pipe (if there isn’t one already).

Once you’ve decided which type is best for your kitchen, then it’s time to choose the configuration. These are the three types:

• Canopy: a freestanding rangehood that can be installed over an island cooking area or against a wall.
• Undermount: these are integrated into a kitchen cupboard above the cooktop.
• Downdraft: these units are installed at the back of the cooktop and pop up when needed.Ìý 

If you’re going with an undermount rangehood, they come in two types:

• Fixed: as the name suggests, these stay in the same place so can’t be tucked away when you’re finished with them.
• Retractable or slide-out: these rangehoods switch on when you slide a section out from the unit and turn off again when pushed back in.Ìý 

The lowest scoring ducted rangehoods 

Wall canopy models:

Ducted wall canopy rangehoods tend to be more effective than other types, so our experts have higher expectations of them: in order to be recommended, they need to achieve a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of at least 80% and a noise score of at least 55%.

While a score of 70% might seem fairly decent, it’s still a long way off from the top-rated models in our review, which have a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of 85%.

Robinhood RHWC1600B

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 66%
• Noise score: 45%
• Price: $589

Bosch DWP96BC50A

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 70%
• Noise score: 68%
• Price: $999

Beko BRH90CX

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 70%
• Noise score: 58%
• Price: $649

Undermount and retracting models:

Undermount, downdraft and retractable rangehoods don’t perform as well as canopy styles (but they may be your preferred, or only, options). So for our experts to recommend them they need a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of 70% and above and a noise score of at least 55%.

These models didn’t come anywhere near close to impressing our experts.

Sirius 520mm OnboardÌý°Ú³Ü²Ô»å±ð°ù³¾´Ç³Ü²Ô³Ù±Õ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 51%
• Noise score: 60%
• Price: $1699

Bosch DLN54AA70A (Series 2 Integrated)Ìý°Ú³Ü²Ô»å±ð°ù³¾´Ç³Ü²Ô³Ù±Õ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Noise score: 53%
• Price: $689

Miele DA2450-1Ìý°Ú³Ü²Ô»å±ð°ù³¾´Ç³Ü²Ô³Ù±Õ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 55%
• Noise score: 70%
• Price: $1099

Fisher & Paykel HS60LXW4Ìý°Ú°ù±ð³Ù°ù²¹³¦³Ù¾±²Ô²µ±Õ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 55%
• Noise score: 50%
• Price: $279

Bosch DHL895DAU / 01Ìý°Ú³Ü²Ô»å±ð°ù³¾´Ç³Ü²Ô³Ù±Õ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 55%
• Noise score: 63%
• Price: $1499

The lowest scoring recirculating rangehoods

Ducted rangehoods perform better in our testing than recirculating types, so our experts suggest you go ducted if you can. But for some kitchens it’s not an option.

If you’re looking for recirculating rangehoods, these are the ones to avoid.

Wall canopy models:

As with ducted models, wall canopy rangehoods perform better than other types so the cut-off for them to receive our experts’ seal of approval is higher: a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of 80% and above and noise score of 55% or higher.

These sucky models left our experts underwhelmed.

Smeg SHW181X60

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 64%
• Noise score: 55%
• Price: $1490

Bellini BRA903CPX2

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 65%
• Noise score: 40%
• Price: $326

Chef CRC612SB

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 69%
• Noise score: 55%
• Price: $349

Undermount and retracting models:

These styles of recirculating rangehoods are less effective than wall canopy styles, so as with ducted rangehoods, the bar for them being recommended by our experts is lower: a ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating of 70% and higher, and a noise score of at least 55%.

Give these four models a miss.

Blanco BRU53X-3Ìý°Ú³Ü²Ô»å±ð°ù³¾´Ç³Ü²Ô³Ù±Õ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 47%
• Noise score: 63%
• Price: $719

Fisher & Paykel HS60LXW4Ìý°Ú°ù±ð³Ù°ù²¹³¦³Ù¾±²Ô²µ±Õ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 48%
• Noise score: 58%
• Price: $279

Bosch DHL555BAUÌý°Ú³Ü²Ô»å±ð°ù³¾´Ç³Ü²Ô³Ù±Õ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 48%
• Noise score: 70%
• Price: $899

Blanco BRS602XÌý°Ú°ù±ð³Ù°ù²¹³¦³Ù¾±²Ô²µ±Õ

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 49%
• Noise score: 50%
• Price: $489

Downdraft rangehoods: How do they compare?

Downdraft units are hidden beneath the bench and pop up at the back of the cooktop when needed.ÌýRather than sucking cooking fumes up, they draw them downwards, either through a duct or recirculating filters.

Downdraft units are far more niche than other rangehood types. They’re typically only installed in new kitchens, and they’re also not cheap: the two downdraft rangehoods we recently tested cost $3650 and $5499.

Are they worth the money? Not really. Testing by ÌÇÐÄVlog’s US counterpart Consumer Reports shows that they’re the least effective type of rangehood.Ìý

And our own tests back that up: a Bosch downdraft rangehood was the second-lowest scorer in our review, and a Miele model didn’t perform a great deal better.

Downdraft rangehood test scores

Here’s how they fared in our tests:

Bosch Series 8 Downdraft Ventilation

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 53%
• Price: $3650

Miele DAD 4941 Black Levantar Down Draft Extractor

• ÌÇÐÄVlog Expert Rating: 59%
• Price: $5499

The most expensive rangehood that’s recommended by our experts costs just over $2000, so by taking out a ÌÇÐÄVlog membership and buying a recommended model, you can save yourself well over $1000 and get far better performance.Ìý

And you’ll have access to reviews for 200+ other product categories, plus exclusive member-only content to help you buy better.

The post Rangehoods to avoid appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Why you should clean your rangehood
• How to clean the rangehood filters
• Cleaning the rangehood surface
• How often should you clean a rangehood?
• Can you put rangehood grease filters in the dishwasher?

Keeping your rangehood and its filters clean is an important task if you want this key kitchen appliance performing at its best. It’ll help maintain air quality and hygiene, too.

Rangehoods come in many styles. The most popular types include wall canopies, undermount or built-in models that sit under a kitchen cabinet, island rangehoods in the middle of a kitchen, or pull-out (retractable) types.

No matter what you have, regular maintenance is important. Here we explain how to clean the outside of the rangehood and its filters. This is general advice, so check your rangehood manual first for any safety warnings and specific dos and don’ts.

As with any appliance cleaning job, turn off and unplug your rangehood and make sure it has cooled down before you get started.

Why you should clean your rangehood

It’s important to use your rangehood’s grease filter whenever you’re cooking. These filters (usually stainless steel or aluminium) trap the grease before the air is extracted, preventing it from entering the mechanisms and ducting.

However, grease, dust and oil can quickly build up in your filters. Not only is this unhygienic, but clogged filters mean any smoke, steam and associated odours can’t be efficiently extracted.Ìý

When the filter is clean, the rangehood won’t need to work as hard, leading to cheaper running costs and less noise. In a worst-case scenario, not cleaning the filter can also be a fire hazard. Regular maintenance means the cleaning job doesn’t need to be too messy or time-consuming.

The most common grease filter in a household rangehood has a mesh or honeycomb structure. Another type found in commercial kitchens is a baffle filter, which is more heavy-duty and consists of vertical slats or channels, but the cleaning instructions are generally the same. Note that some rangehood styles may have two grease filters.

How to clean the rangehood filters

Grease filter

1. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing the grease filter (or filters). This usually involves pushing or pulling a tab and then gently pulling down and releasing the filter. Make sure you support the filter with a free hand as you don’t want it to fall on the cooktop surface.
2. Soak the filter in hot soapy water for about 10 minutes. This should allow the grease to soften and dissolve.Ìý
3. Use a sponge to wash off the residue. A gentle scrub with a soft dishwashing brush may also be needed. Take care not to bend the filter’s mesh or frame during this process.
4. Finally, rinse and wipe dry with a paper towel or clean microfibre cloth to ensure all the water is removed (especially if it’s a mesh type, to prevent water from sitting in the honeycomb structure).Ìý

Any stubborn bits of grease may need a longer soaking time, or baking soda to help break it up. You can buy commercial grease-dissolving sprays too, as a last resort, but some manufacturers advise against prolonged use (make sure the bottle specifically says it’s suitable for use on rangehood filters).

In any case, never use any caustic cleaning materials on your filter. Many of the filters have aluminium present and the combination is an explosion risk.

Carbon filter maintenance

Rangehoods with recirculating setups that don’t duct steam and smoke outside, and instead circulate the filtered air back into the kitchen, will also have carbon (charcoal) filters in addition to the grease ones.

These must be replaced regularly, depending on the manufacturer’s guidance (often every 3–4 months). Costs of carbon filters will vary depending on the model, but usually cost around $50–60. However, some cost more than $200. So the cost of running a recirculating rangehood efficiently could amount to well over $100 a year minimum, if you replace the filter a few times a year.

Unfortunately carbon filters are generally not washable, nor are they interchangeable with other brands as they’re designed to fit into your rangehood’s particular style and shape. However, as the activated charcoal serves to remove and trap odours from the air, not replacing them will eventually affect your kitchen’s air quality.Ìý

Some manufacturers do make ‘long-life’ activated charcoal filters that can be washed and regenerated several times in an oven before they need to be replaced, but they are the exception and could cost hundreds.

Cleaning the rangehood surface

Your rangehood’s housing can start looking dirty over time, caked in dust and grease (especially if the filters haven’t been kept clean). Large canopy rangehoods that are always ‘on show’ need a bit of TLC now and again.

Wiping the housing

Consult your manual for the ideal cleaning agents depending on the finish of your rangehood (such as stainless steel, painted metal or glass). According to the cleaning manuals for brands including Miele, Bosch and Westinghouse, hot water and mild detergent paired with a damp, soft cloth are suitable for most surfaces, including stainless steel.

Don’t use anything designed to remove calcium deposits in water (such as a descaler), or harsh scouring pads or sponges.ÌýAfter wiping clean, use a clean dry cloth to remove water residue.

ÌÇÐÄVlog tip: Stainless steel surfaces should be wiped in the direction of the grain.

How often should you clean a rangehood?

Your rangehood and its grease filters should be cleaned around every 1–2 months, depending on how often you’re cooking greasy or fatty foods.

If you notice a lingering smell in your kitchen or greasy walls, you’ve left it too long and the filter will be more difficult to clean. Some rangehoods have indicators to let you know when your grease (and carbon) filters need cleaning or replacing.

Can you put rangehood grease filters in the dishwasher?

Yes, you can put the grease filter in the bottom drawer of your dishwasher if your manual says this is safe.Ìý

Be sure to keep it clear of the rotating spray arm and follow the rangehood manufacturer’s instructions, which should specify the correct temperature to wash your filter in.

It’s a quick and easy way to clean your filter, but some manuals warn that discolouration may occur. This may depend on the type of dishwashing tablet/powder you used, and whether the metal (usually aluminium) reacts to it. While manufacturers say this won’t affect the performance of the filter, hand-washing it will keep it looking its best.

Remember: The activated carbon filters designed for recirculating rangehoods are generally not washable.

The post How to clean your rangehood and filters appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Our expert testers
• How we test
• Test criteria explained

Style is one thing, but performance and ease of use are crucial if you want a fume-free kitchen.Ìý

Will that shiny new rangehood you have your eye on really do the job properly?

Our expert testers

Our rangehood expert Adrian Lini spends a lot of time watching steam rise. He can see what makes a good rangehood, and he can hear what makes a good one, too – a model that makes as little noise as possible!

How we choose what to test

Rangehoods come in all shapes and styles, so it’s always a challenge choosing which ones to test. At the moment we test:

• wall canopy rangehoods
• pull-out rangehoods
• undermount or integrated rangehoods that fit into kitchen cabinets
• downdraft rangehoods that are installed into your kitchen bench

We don’t currently have the lab space or capacity to test ‘silent’ rangehoods with external motors, such as those from Schweigen. There’s a huge range of rangehood brands and models, and unfortunately our time and budget can’t accommodate them all.

However, in 2025 we invested in a more robust and future-proofed testing rig that allows us to test downdraft rangehoods for the first time. It is also capable of testing island rangehoods that sit in the middle of a kitchen, which we hope to include in future tests.

Once a list is chosen, our buyers then go through the process of ordering the rangehoods, along with their associated installation kits, just as a normal consumer would.Ìý

We test in both ducted and recirculating modes (where available; recirculating is common in apartments and other situations where air is not ducted outside, but circulated back into the kitchen).Ìý

Recirculating mode needs separate carbon filters, and our buyers also need to order these prior to testing – sometimes these take weeks to arrive.

Once all the equipment is ready, the rangehoods are installed in our small appliances lab, ensuring that manufacturers’ installation instructions are correctly followed.

How we test

In 2025 we custom-built a new rangehood test rig for our small appliances lab.Ìý

The trusty old one still worked, but had outgrown its purpose: it was too awkward to efficiently handle the hefty rangehood designs you see today, and the cabinetry could not accommodate the large downdraft rangehood styles (that sit within a benchtop).

The new rig is also safer and easier to use for our test setup. And it better reflects real-world usage in that the cooktop can be positioned a little away from the wall.

We have looked at how selected rangehoods perform on both the old and new rigs. As a result, rangehoods tested before 2025 may now have slightly different scores to bring them in line with how effectively they remove steam on the new rig and to make them directly comparable to newly tested models.

Although we have changed some of our recommendations as a result, if you’ve bought a rangehood that is no longer recommended, rest assured we still think it’s worth considering.

Peformance

In both ducted and recirculating mode, we conduct a steam removal test by:

• boiling a litre of water in two saucepans and leaving them to simmer
• assessing how much steam is collected in both low and high fan settings, and how much escapes from the front and sides
• repeating the test with four saucepans.

The more steam that escapes, the lower the steam removal score (a continuous stream of steam escaping at the sides and front will only score 20%).

We use suitable lighting and record a video of the steam escaping to ensure that our scoring is correct.Ìý

Rangehoods also trap grease from cooking fumes, but unfortunately it’s not feasible to test how well each model manages this.

Noise in the hood

We measure noise levels at each fan setting then convert those levels to a meaningful score – the higher the noise, the lower the score.Ìý

Noise makes up 30% of our overall score because it’s a crucial part of the buying process. A rangehood that is louder than a normal conversation will be less pleasant to use, especially in today’s open-plan kitchen/living areas.

Both noise and steam scores form part of the performance score. We also measure power consumption and light output.

We don’t assess how much smell has disappeared as this can be subjective.

Ease of use

For ease of use, we look at how easy it is to access, remove, replace and clean a rangehood’s filters.Ìý

Controls for the fans and light need to be easy to access, and lighting must be good enough for you to see what’s cooking.Ìý

Replacing the carbon filters (if applicable) must not be a fiddly task.

Test criteria explained

We test rangehoods in both ducted and recirculating modes where possible, so you’ll often find two separate scores for the same rangehood depending on the mode tested. Test criteria comprises:

• performance (60%)
• noise (30%)
• ease of use (10%).

The post How we test rangehoods appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.