The Quietest Range Hood

Most people do not give much thought to their range hoods. A lot of people rarely turn them on–until something falls on the burner and it smells like baked badger is on the menu. And then, the noise reminds them why it is barely used. Squealing. Howling. Rattling. Whining. All of the above? Past time for a new quiet unit. 

Here are 9 quiet, efficient range hoods. I have included some of each of the 3 main types–under cabinet, wall mount, and island hoods. There is also a selection of venting and recycling units. Hopefully you will find the one that suits your needs and brings some quiet ventilation to your kitchen.

 

Top 6 Quietest Range Hoods	Why It's Best	Rating
Broan BCSQ130SS Under-Cabinet Range Hood	Quiet - 6 sones at max speed. 98.1% efficient. 375 CFM. Versatile - 3 ducting options and ductless option.	★★★★★
IKTCH 36-inch Wall Mount Range Hood	Quiet - 65 decibels at max speed. 900 CFM. 30" and 36" models. Ducted and ductless operation. 10 year motor warranty/5 year console and light warranty.	★★★★★
Cosmo 668ICS900 Island Mount Range Hood	Quiet - 65 decibels at max speed. 375 CFM. Ducted and ductless operation. Adjustable stainless steel chimney.	★★★★★
IKTCH 30 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hood	Ultra quiet - less than 60 decibels at max speed. 900 CFM. 30" and 36" sizes available. 10 year warranty on dual motors/5 year on console and lights.	★★★★★
Hauslane Chef Series Wall Mount Range Hood	Ultra quiet - under 63 decibels at max speed. Ducted and ductless operation. 30" and 36" sizes available. Touch screen operation.	★★★★★
Empava 36" Island Mount Range Hood	Very quiet - 50 decibels at max speed. Ducted venting only. 400 CFM. Soft touch LCD control panel. USA engineered and warranted.	★★★★★

 

 

Quiet Range Hoods – Basics

Here are some range hood basics to consider when shopping for a new unit. Not much need to look at under cabinet hoods if you have an island cooktop.

• Sound. The amount of sound a range hood produces is usually expressed in sones or decibels–sometimes both. An inexpensive decibel meter will give you that sound reading, but sones are a subjective perception of sound pressure. (See Wikipedia – Sone for more information.) The following chart will give you an idea of the relationship between decibels and sones.

• Power. The amount of air moved by the range hood expressed in Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM).
• Filters. Venting range hoods require different filters than recycling hoods.
• Mounting. Which do you need? Under cabinet mounting. Wall mounting. Island mounting.
• Cost. The cost of almost all purchases is important to all of us.
• Warranties. Quite often the type and/or length of warranty will be the difference between like products.

Note: Range hood decibel ratings are generally measured 1 meter (3 1/4 feet) from the unit.

More details on the Basics later in the article.

 

Chart Comparing Decibel (dB) Levels to Sone Levels

 

Description	Sound pressure	Sound pressure level	Loudness
	pascal	dB re 20 μPa	sone
Threshold of pain	~ 100	~ 134	~ 676
Hearing damage during short-term effect	~ 20	~ 120	~ 256
Jet, 100 m away	6 … 200	110 … 140	128 … 1024
Jackhammer, 1 m away / nightclub	~ 2	~ 100	~ 64
Hearing damage during long-term effect	~ 6×10−1	~ 90	~ 32
Major road, 10 m away	2×10−1 … 6×10−1	80 … 90	16 … 32
Passenger car, 10 m away	2×10−2 … 2×10−1	60 … 80	4 … 16
TV set at home level, 1 m away	~ 2×10−2	~ 60	~ 4
Normal talking, 1 m away	2×10−3 … 2×10−2	40 … 60	1 … 4
Very calm room	2×10−4 … 6×10−4	20 … 30	0.15 … 0.4
Rustling leaves, calm breathing	~ 6×10−5	~ 10	~ 0.02
Auditory threshold at 1 kHz	2×10−5	0	0

 

9 Quietest Range Hoods

In this list you will find 2 quiet wall mount range hoods, 2 quiet island mount range hoods, 4 under cabinet range hoods, and 1 wall mount/under cabinet range hood. Hopefully you will find the style and model that fits your needs.

 

1) BROAN NuTone BCSQ130SS Under Cabinet Range Hood

The BROAN NuTone BCSQ130SS Under-Cabinet Range Hood is a very quiet 3-speed extractor. It produces 1.5 sones at normal speed and 6 sones at high speed. Sleek stainless steel hood boasts an efficient 98.1% smoke and odor removal rate. Moves up to 375 cubic feet of air per minute. Push button operation for speed and LED lights. Comes c/w 2 dishwasher safe easy clean aluminum filters for optimal grease collection. 30″ wide hood fits over most standard kitchen ranges and under standard 12″ deep kitchen cabinets.

This BROAN range hood is very versatile providing a rectangular wall vent opening and both a rectangular and round vertical vent option. All vent openings are punch out metal allowing you to only use the one you need. Great for replacing an existing hood, new construction, or kitchen remodeling. It can also be used as a ductless recirculation hood. (Note: For recirculation, charcoal filters are required–sold separately.)

Note: Amazon states it is a wall mount, but it actually hangs on 4 screws from the underside of the kitchen cabinet. (More specifications and installation information at www.broan.com)

 

The Good

• Quiet 3 speed range hood.
• Produces 1.5 sones @ normal speed/6 sones on high speed
• 98.1% smoke and odor removal rate.
• Moves up to 375 CFM.
• Versatile – 3 different ducting options plus ductless option (charcoal filters sold separately)
• UL listed and ADA compliant.
• 1 year manufacturers warranty.

 

The Not so Good

• Virtually none.

 

2) IKTCH 36″ Wall Mount Range Hood

 

 

The IKTCH 36″ Wall Mount Range Hood is also available as a 30″ wide unit. The 4-speed fan is ultra-quiet, producing 40 decibels of sound on low speed (sound of a babbling brook) and only 65 decibels on high speed (just a little louder than normal conversation) while moving 900 cubic feet of air per minute. The complete unit is stainless steel construction including the 3 easily removable dishwasher-safe permanent filters.

The buttonless gesture sensing control panel could be a whole new experience in range hood operation. Also comes with a remote control for longer range operation. Two 3 watt LED lights are adjustable for brightness. 6″ diameter ducting allows venting through the ceiling, or it can be converted to a ductless recirculation unit (charcoal filters included). Comes with a standard 3 prong 115-volt plug; no need for wiring.

 

The Good

• Ultra quiet wall mount hood – 40 decibels @ low speed/65 decibels @ high speed.
• Available in 36″ and 30″ wide models.
• Moves 900 CFM.
• Can be used as vented or non-vented hood (filters for both types of operations included).
• Heavy (19 gauge) stainless steel construction.
• Gesture sensing and touch control panel c/w remote control.
• 10 year warranty on motor, 5 year warranty on control panel and lights.

 

The Not so Good

• Some reports that gesture sensing panel is way too sensitive and can be triggered by head movements at a bit of a distance.

 

3) Cosmo 668ICS900 Island Range Hood

 

 

The Cosmo 668ICS900 Island Range Hood will be a kitchen attention grabber. The 36″ wide range hood is surrounded by a curved tempered glass visor. The complete unit including the chimney and permanent baffled filters is manufactured of reflective stainless steel. It can be used as either a ducted or ductless extractor (carbon filters for ductless installation sold separately). The chimney is telescoping to accommodate various ceiling heights.

This Cosmo range hood has a 3-speed fan and produces only 65 decibels when turned on high, and moves up to 380 cubic feet of air per minute. A soft-touch LCD control panel makes operation easy, and four 2 watt LED lights provide plenty of illumination for the cooktop.

Note: The complete unit weighs 64 lbs. and you are hanging it from the ceiling, so you should have help installing it–or have a professional do the job.

 

The Good

• Only 65 decibels of sound at maximum fan speed (a little louder than normal conversation).
• Up to 380 CFM air movement.
• Vented or non-vented operation (charcoal filters sold separately).
• Stainless steel construction c/w tempered glass visor.
• Adjustable stainless steel chimney.
• 4 LED lights
• 5 year limited parts warranty.

 

The Not so Good

• Comes with a 24 hour clock that cannot be changed to 12 hour AM/PM (at this time).
• Some complaints about installation difficulties because of weight?

 

4) IKTCH 30″ Wall Mount Range Hood

View on Amazon

 

The IKTCH 30″ Wall Mount Range Hood is a serious air mover. 900 cubic feet of air per minute. And 2 motors do the job ultra quietly–producing less than 60 decibels at maximum speed and only 35 decibels at low speed. This is a ducted range hood without a ductless option. (Either top or rear rectangular vent. Make sure it will fit or can be made to fit, your ducting before ordering.) Available in 30″ and 36″ sizes. All 19 gauge stainless steel construction including dishwasher safe baffle filters.

The buttonless gesture sensing control panel could be a whole new experience in range hood operation. Also comes with a remote control for longer range operation. Comes with adjustable 2 LED lights. This is an excellent unit for people who either do a lot of cooking or use a lot of spices.

 

The Good

• Ultra-quiet under cabinet hood – less than 60 decibels at max speed.
• Moves up to 900 CFM.
• Available in 30″ and 36″ sizes.
• Heavy (19 gauge) stainless steel construction.
• Gesture sensing and touch control panel c/w remote control.
• 10-year warranty on motors/5 year warranty on control panel and light.

 

The Not so Good

• Vented only – no ductless option.
• Some reports that gesture sensing panel is too sensitive and can change settings when head movements detected.

 

5) Hauslane – Chef Series WM-538 Wall Mount Range Hood

 

 

The Hauslane – Chef Series WM-538 Wall Mount Range Hood can be installed with a 6″ round duct or as a ductless unit. It is very quiet with noise levels ranging from 1.5 sones at low speed to 3.8 sones at maximum speed. Which translates to about 63 decibels of sound on high setting. Available in both 30″ and 36″ sizes with a 3 speed touch control fan.

The WM-538 features all stainless steel construction including the dishwasher safe baffled filters. For ductless installation, charcoal filters are available at an extra charge. Also available is a chimney extension for 10′ ceilings (at an extra charge). A touch screen control panel, LED lighting, and programmable delay auto shut off add convenience to your range hood.

Note: Hauslane does not give CFM ratings because they say there is no industry standards. Because of no CFM, I hesitated to include it, but it is very quiet and the reviews from different sources seem very good.

 

The Good

• Ultra quiet wall mount range hood – maximum noise level is under 63 decibels (3.8 sones).
• Available in 30″ and 36″ sizes.
• Stainless steel construction including dishwasher safe filters.
• Ductless operation option (charcoal filters sold separately).
• Touch screen control panel, LED lighting, auto shut off.
• 2 year warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee.

 

The Not so Good

• No CFM rating.
• 24 hour clock cannot be changed to 12 hour AM/PM clock (at this time).

 

6) Empava 36″ Island Range Hood

 

 

The Empava 36″ Island Range Hood is made of 18 gauge brushed stainless steel with a tempered glass face. At 50 decibels, it is a very quiet hood with a sleek modern design. It is a ducted only unit using a 6″ preinstalled round duct. (Not convertible to ductless venting.) This 3 speed island range hood provides 400 cubic feet of air movement per minute. Stainless steel design also includes removable dishwasher safe filters.

The soft touch controls and LCD panel along with 4 LED lights help create a well lit and convenient work place.

Note: The Amazon website states both 400 CFM and 500 CFM. The Empava site states 400 so I used that number.

 

The Good

• Very quiet island mount range hood – produces only 50 decibels of noise.
• 400 CFM.
• Heavy 18 gauge stainless steel construction including dishwasher safe reusable filters.
• 6″ duct only operation.
• Soft touch LCD control panel.
• 4 LED lights.
• USA engineered.
• 3 year warranty.

 

The Not so Good

• Not many reviews on Amazon. More on Empava site.

 

7) Fotile JQG7502 Under Cabinet or Wall Mount Range Hood

 

 

The Fotile JQG Under Cabinet or Wall Mount Range Hood provides 2 mounting options. The powerful dual motors only produce an ultra-quiet 54 decibels of noise (2.64 sones). This unit provides 95% oil filtration and 97% odor reduction with an easily cleanable oil filter and oil collection cup. Stainless steel and tempered glass design give a modern look. Ducted operation only. Cannot be converted to ductless operation.

This Fotile range hood features 3 fan speeds, a memory function, and mechanical buttons along with 2 LED lights. It moves up to 544 cubic feet of air per minute.

 

The Good

• Very quiet operation – 54 decibels at max speed.
• Moves up to 544 CFM.
• 95% oil filtration/97% odor reduction.
• Stainless steel/tempered glass construction.
• Ducted operation only.
• 3 fan speeds.
• 2 LED lights.
• Limited lifetime warranty on motor/3 year parts warranty.

 

The Not so Good

• Fairly pricey.
• A tall person might find the ‘always open’ vent flap a problem.

 

8) Broan-NuTone 413023 Ductless Range Hood Insert with Light

View on Amazon

 

At only 4″ thick, the Broan-NuTone 413023 Ductless Range Hood Insert with Light will give you a little extra room between the hood and your stove top, which might be important in some cases. It is stainless steel construction with a smooth rounded front for those of us who tend to lean on them. It is very quiet, producing only 6.5 sones at maximum speed, and will move 200 cubic feet of air per minute. There are 2 duct connections–a rectangular one on the rear of the unit and a 6″ diameter one on top. It can also be converted to a ductless hood with the purchase, and installation, of carbon filters (sold separately). Three easy clean, 5 layer aluminum mesh filters trap grease and oil.

The 3-speed fan and rectangular LED lights are operated by smooth, sensitive push-button controls. 

 

The Good

• Quiet under cabinet hood – 6.5 sones (approximately 55 decibels) at max speed.
• Moves up to 200 CFM.
• Versatile – 6″ diameter top duct or rectangular rear duct.
• Easily convert to ductless operation with the purchase of carbon filters.
• Slim (under 4″) profile with smooth round front.
• Easy clean aluminum mesh grease filters.
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

 

The Not so Good

• One report that the hood is not steel but plastic. I would be skeptical of the review.

 

9) Kobe CHX9130SQB-1 Brillia Under Cabinet Range Hood

 

 

This Kobe CHX9130SQB-1Brillia Under Cabinet Range Hood has the push button controls hidden under the front of the hood to give it a smooth uninterrupted look.  Made of 18 gauge stainless steel with a seamless design and satin finish, the Brillia is a ducted only hood. It comes with 3 different vent punch outs–a 6″ diameter round and a rectangular on top and a rectangular on the rear. The QuietMode function allows it to move 300 cubic feet of air per minute at a surprisingly quiet 40 decibels (1 sone). It is available in both 30″ and 36″ widths. Maximum speed fan is capable of 680 cubic feet per minute while still in QuietMode–although there is a bit more noise at that speed.

Smooth push buttons operate a 3 speed motor and LED lighting. Stainless steel baffle filters are dishwasher safe. 

 

The Good

• Ultra quiet with QuietMode function (40 decibels while putting out 300 CFM).
• Maximum power is 680 CFM.
• Ducted venting only with 3 punch out options.
• Smooth seamless hood with recessed controls under face of hood.
• Dishwasher safe stainless steel grease filters.
• 3 speed motor and LED lighting.
• 2 year manufacturers warranty.

 

The Not so Good

• A little pricey.
• No ductless option.

 

How We Chose Quietest Range Hood – Basics

Not only are these Basics important to you when shopping for a new range hood–they are the basis of our list of quietest range hoods. The only other thing I will add to the list is ‘Reviews’. 

• Sound. Almost all of us want, and need, as much peace and quiet as possible. I set an arbitrary noise level at 65 decibels. If the range hood could not meet that, it did not make the list. 65 decibels is just a little louder than normal conversation so why have a loud range hood that makes shouting at your husband/wife/kids/guests/etc. a necessity while in the kitchen?
• Power. There are many fairly quiet, inexpensive range hoods that move well under 200 cubic feet of air per minute. But I set 200 CFM as an arbitrary minimum power level. When frying fish, or cooking sauerkraut, or using too much of some gawdawful spice, don’t you want to move as much rancid air as possible in a very short time?
• Filters. Venting range hoods require different filters than recirculating hoods. Many of the listed range hoods provide the option of either ducted or ductless ventilation. They all come with either stainless steel or aluminum baffles or filters that catch smoke and grease before it gets into the vent pipes. If you want a ductless system, you usually have to buy the required carbon filters separately.
• Mounting. Which do you need? Under cabinet mounting. This is the most common option for range hood mounting because the majority of stoves have kitchen cabinets above them. (This is why the list contains more of these types of hoods.) Wall mounting. These range hoods mount on the wall above a cook top without an upper cabinet. They generally vent through the ceiling and roof. Island mounting. If your cook top is in the kitchen island, the range hood hangs from the ceiling from a solid mount and vents through the ceiling and roof.
• Cost. Although most range hoods are not horribly expensive, some of them (usually Island Mount or Wall Mount) can come in well over $1000.00. Plus the cost of installation–specially if you have to hire someone. I did not include anything that expensive.
• Warranties. Quite often the type and/or length of warranty will be the difference between products that are quite similar. Sometimes it takes more searching than it should to find warranty information. But generally if it does not have a warranty–or I cannot find the information–it is not on this list.
• Reviews. I believe that almost everyone reads customer reviews. It is comforting to get first hand information on a product that other people have purchased. I read the reviews of all of the products that make the list. And quite a few more that do not make the list. Quite often the information from those reviews make the ‘Not so Good’ section of each product. Although I do discount some–like 1 star reviews for shipping damage. This does not affect product quality. (Note: Hearing that Amazon just punted around 500 companies–mostly foreign–from their site for posting false reviews does not help improve my cynical nature any.)

There are, of course, other factors that will be part of your final choice–such as color and design–but these are a little too subjective for me to include in my choices. (It has been suggested over the course of a long marriage, that my taste leaves a little bit to be desired.)

 

Quietest Range Hoods of 2023 – Best of the Best

I actually chose 3 quiet range hoods because there are 3 different hood applications–under cabinet, wall, and island mounted units. If you have an island cook top, you do not need, or want, an under cabinet mounted unit. So I do not feel that I am doing you any favors by only picking one type of range hood as the best of the best. 

 

Best Quietest Under Cabinet Range Hood

 

 

The BROAN NuTone BCSQ130SS Under Counter Range Hood is our choice for the best of the best Under Cabinet Hood. It is quiet, very efficient, and versatile–providing 3 venting options and a ductless option. Moves up to 375 CFM of air. Easy installation with only a few tools. 1 year warranty. 

 

Best Quietest Wall Mount Range Hood

 

 

The IKTCH 36″ Wall Mount Range Hood is our choice for the best of the best Wall Mount Hood. Relatively high tech with a gesture sensing and soft touch control panel and a remote control. Also available in a 30″ wide model. 65 decibels of sound at max speed. Ducted or ductless venting options. Moves up to 900 CFM of air. 10 year motor warranty and 5 year control panel and lights warranty.

 

Best Quietest Island Mount Range Hood

 

 

The Cosmo 668ICS900 Island Range Hood is our choice for the best of the best Island Mount Hood. Produces only 65 decibels of sound to move 380 CFM of air. Ducted or ductless operation. Stainless steel construction with a tempered glass visor. Adjustable chimney. 5 year limited warranty on all parts.

 

FAQs About Quietest Range Hood

Here are some of the frequently asked questions when people are shopping for a new range hood.

 

What is the quietest under the cabinet range hood?

The Kobe Brillia only puts out 40 decibels of sound when moving 300 cubic feet of air per minute. This is about the amount of noise you will hear in a library of from a babbling brook. Kobe has a reputation for making quiet range hoods. But they tend to be a little more pricey than other makes.

 

Which companies make the quietest range hoods?

Most range hood manufacturers try to make quiet range hoods to fulfill the growing demand. Some of the quietest are listed above. They include Kobe, BROAN NuTone, IKTCH, Cosmo, Ciara, and Empava, among others.

 

Are Sones the same as decibels?

No. They are different measurement systems. Decibels are a measurement of sound that can be measured with a decibel meter. Sone ratings are a measurement based on a subjective perception of sound pressure. (Please see the chart above for a comparison. 65 decibels converts to about 13 Sones.

 

How does CFM affect range hood noise?

Generally, the more air being moved, the more noise. There is more motor noise because it is running faster and more air noise because pushing 900 cubic feet per minute through a 6″ vent pipe causes more friction than pushing 300 CFM through the same pipe.

 

End Notes

A few final things to keep in mind when choosing a range hood.

• 18 gauge stainless steel is thicker and heavier than 19 gauge stainless steel. When referring to gauge–a smaller number signifies a thicker or bigger product. (A 12 gauge shotgun uses a much larger shell than a 20 gauge shotgun.)
• Make an honest assessment of your abilities. And tools. Installing a new range hood–whether replacing an existing one, or doing a first time install–should not be very complicated. Especially if you are blessed with patience. New installs involving vented units, requiring opening up a wall or making a hole in the roof, may need the services of a professional. Also keep in mind that building codes exist–probably even for range hood venting.
• Most range hoods are not horribly noisy, but they can be annoying. Before replacing the one you have–especially if you have a rattle or squeak–make sure it is secured tightly and level. An off-level unit might cause the motor to make noise.