Under cabinet vs. wall mount range hoods

What is an under cabinet range hood?

Under cabinet range hoods install below upper cabinets and above your range, featuring a slim design so you can still utilize cabinet storage space. Depending on your kitchen setup, under cabinet range hoods can be ducted or ductless. Ducted models vent air outside through a wall or ceiling, while ductless models filter and recirculate air back into the kitchen.

Under cabinet range hoods typically extend past cabinet depths in order to provide adequate coverage for all the burners on the range or cooktop, with standard sizes ranging between 30 and 36 inches wide.

Under cabinet range hood benefits

With a smaller size, under cabinet range hoods can be great for those short on storage space and can often be a more affordable and easier installation option when compared to wall mount range hoods. If you have cabinets above your range and don’t want to remove them, an under cabinet range hood often lets you keep that storage. It can also usually operate without extensive remodeling or ductwork, making installation straightforward. Explore more benefits of under cabinet range hoods below:

• Space-saving: As suggested in the name, under cabinet range hoods fit under your cabinets, allowing for more storage space inside cabinets. 

• Ease of installation: These range hoods can be easier to install on your own after referring to the owner’s manual for guidance. Be sure to contact a professional if you are not comfortable installing this yourself.

• Affordable: Typically sold at a lower price point, under cabinet range hoods can be more affordable than other range hoods.
• Discreet aesthetics: Their slim design means they often blend into your existing cabinetry.

Under cabinet range hood disadvantages

Since under cabinet range hoods are generally smaller, they may be a better fit for lighter everyday cooking like sautéing or simmering. If you frequently cook using methods that produce a lot of smoke, like searing or frying, or often use four or more burners at one time, a wall mount range hood may be preferable. Some other disadvantages of under cabinet range hoods can include less coverage overall and fewer design options than other range hoods. Read a summary of their drawbacks below.

• Less coverage: Since under cabinet range hoods are generally smaller than wall mount range hoods, they may provide less coverage over a cooktop.

• Design: Under cabinet range hoods typically have fewer design options as they are made to fit under cabinets.

Shop Whirlpool^® Under Cabinet Range Hoods

Maximize cabinet space while keeping your kitchen well-ventilated with Whirlpool^® Under Cabinet Range Hoods. Select models, like this one from Whirlpool brand, offer LED Task Lighting to help you see what you’re cooking and Full-Width Grease Filters to help keep the kitchen clean of unwanted grease and odors.

What is a wall mount range hood?

Wall mount range hoods, also known as canopy hoods, attach to the wall above and behind your range. Ideal for frequent frying, searing and sautéing on the stovetop, they offer powerful venting and function similar to a chimney by funneling air out of the kitchen.

These hoods don’t often have anything mounted above them, making them an appropriate choice for kitchens without cabinets above the cooking surface, though you may need to remodel cabinets if your kitchen wasn’t designed with a wall mount range hood in mind.

Wall mount range hoods typically come in 30- or 36-inch widths, covering the width of the cooking surface below. Installation may require creating a duct pathway to the exterior of your home, so the location of your wall or ceiling duct will factor into the installation process.

Wall mount range hood advantages

Wall mount range hoods can offer a few different advantages vs. under cabinet range hoods when it comes to coverage, design and ventilation performance preferences. Explore some of the benefits of wall mount range hoods below.

• More coverage: Wall mount range hoods are typically bigger than under cabinet range hoods, offering a wider coverage area. For kitchens where all burners are frequently in use and high-heat cooking like searing, pan-frying and sautéing is common, a wall mount range hood may be a preferable choice.

• Design: Wall mount range hoods typically offer more variety in design than under cabinet range hoods and can be a focal point in your kitchen. They come in a wide variety of options, including chimney styles and glass or stainless steel finishes.

• Performance: Ventilation power is measured in cubic feet per minute, or CFM; the higher the CFM, the more powerful the hood. Many wall mount range hoods have a 300-400 CFM Motor Class1, offering a powerful ventilation performance.

Wall mount range hood disadvantages

Some disadvantages of wall mount range hoods can come from their bigger size and potentially complex installation. You may need to remodel cabinets if your kitchen wasn’t designed with one in mind, and since installation typically involves rewiring and creating a ducted vent system, you may want to consider professional help. Read a summary of some potential drawbacks below.

• More space needed: Because of their bulkier design, wall mount range hoods may require more space than typical range hoods and may take away extra cabinet storage space.

• Complex installation: You may have to contact a professional to install these range hoods.

• Higher price point: Wall mount range hoods are typically sold at a higher price point than under cabinet range hoods and may not be as cost effective.

Shop Whirlpool^® Wall Mount Range Hoods

Add a stylish centerpiece to your kitchen while achieving optimal ventilation with Whirlpool^® Wall Mount Range Hoods. Select models offer Noise Reduction Technology for quiet ventilation and Perimetric Venting Technology to help quickly remove smoke and odors.

What are the differences between under cabinet and wall mount range hoods?

Under cabinet and wall mount range hoods both help remove smoke and odors from the kitchen, but differ in other ways. Under cabinet range hoods are smaller, meant to fit below cabinets and blend into your kitchen. Wall mount range hoods are bigger and can be used as a focal design point in your kitchen.

Take a look at the chart below to compare some of the differences between under cabinet vs. wall mount range hoods.

Range hood FAQs

If you’re still deciding which range hood may be right for your kitchen and cooking style, read on for answers to some common questions about the appliance.

How do you vent a range hood on an interior wall?

When venting a range hood through an interior wall, route the ductwork to the exterior of the home with no more than two elbows and a duct run no longer than 30 inches.

Check the wall for plumbing or electrical obstructions before cutting and if anything is in the way, you may need a professional to create a new vent path. Note that you should never vent into an attic, crawlspace or interior wall cavity, as this can cause mold to form.

Can you mount an under cabinet range hood to the wall?

Yes. Though under cabinet range hoods are most often mounted to the underside of the cabinets above the range, they can also sometimes be mounted on the wall behind the range. Always check the specs of your desired product before purchase to be sure.

Can you replace an under cabinet range hood with a wall mount hood?

Yes, but it typically involves more than a straight swap. For example, wall mount canopy hoods replace over-the-range cabinetry, but since installation may require rewiring and getting rid of some cabinetry, you may want to consider professional help.

Explore Whirlpool^® Range Hoods

Whirlpool^® Range Hoods help rid your kitchen of lingering odors and smoke, with select models offering features like High Performance Venting to help quickly remove smoke, odor and moisture and Dishwasher-Safe Grease Filters for easy cleaning. Easily compare canopy, microwave hood combination, under cabinet and downdraft vent hood options from Whirlpool brand or explore all Whirlpool^® Range Hoods.