Under-Cabinet Range Hoods: Sizing, CFM and Ducting Guide
How to choose an under-cabinet range hood: width, CFM, ducting and style, with four models from Broan, Frigidaire, Faber and XO compared.
- Match the hood width to your cooktop: a 24-inch hood for a 24-inch range, 30 inches for a 30-inch range.
- Airflow in this guide runs from 220 CFM (Frigidaire) to 600 CFM (XO).
- Three of the four list convertible venting, so they can be ducted or recirculating.
- Slide-out models like the Faber FLEX30SS300 and XO XOC30SC pull forward when you cook and tuck away when you don't.
An under-cabinet range hood mounts to the bottom of the cabinet above your cooktop or range. It is the most common hood style in American kitchens because it fits standard cabinets, needs no chimney, and can usually be ducted outside or set up to recirculate.
This guide explains how to size an under-cabinet hood, how much airflow (CFM) to look for and how ducting works, then compares four models we carry from Broan, Frigidaire, Faber and XO, using the specs listed on each product page.
Our top picks at a glance
Compare them side by side24-Inch Pick: Broan F4024SF 24-Inch Under-Cabinet Hood
Broan F4024SF 24 inch Under Cabinet Hood with 230 CFM, Rocker-Type Switches, Washable Aluminum Filter (Stainless Finish)
The Broan F4024SF is a 24-inch under-cabinet hood with 230 CFM, two fan speeds on rocker switches and a washable aluminum mesh filter. It has convertible venting with a top or rear vent and a round or rectangular duct connection. It uses an incandescent light, with bulbs not included, and the recirculating kit is sold separately.
- 24-inch width
- 230 CFM
- Top or rear venting
- Convertible ducting
- Incandescent light, bulbs not included
- Recirculating kit sold separately
Quiet Pick: Frigidaire FCVW3052AS 30-Inch Under-Cabinet Hood
Frigidaire FCVW3052AS 30 inch Undercabinet Hood with 220 CFM, Aluminum Mesh Grease Filter, LED Lighting (Stainless Steel)
The Frigidaire FCVW3052AS is a 30-inch under-cabinet hood in stainless steel with 220 CFM, two fan speeds and LED lighting. It lists a 53 dBA noise level, the only noise rating among the four hoods here. It has convertible venting, an aluminum mesh grease filter, and the recirculating kit is included.
- 53 dBA noise level
- LED lighting
- Recirculating kit included
- Convertible venting
- 220 CFM
- Two fan speeds
Slide-Out Pick: Faber FLEX30SS300 Flexa 30-Inch Slide-Out Under-Cabinet Hood
Faber FLEX30SS300 Flexa 30 inch Under Cabinet Slide-Out Range Hood with 300 CFM, LED Lighting, in Stainless Steel
The Faber FLEX30SS300 Flexa is a 30-inch slide-out under-cabinet hood in stainless steel with 300 CFM and LED lighting. It is only 5 5/16 inches tall and 11 1/16 inches deep when closed, has dishwasher-safe mesh filters and a 5-inch round duct at the top. It is ADA compliant with an optional wall switch.
- Slide-out design
- 300 CFM
- Dishwasher-safe filters
- 5 5/16-inch height
- 5-inch duct
- Venting type not listed
High-CFM Pick: XO XOC30SC 30-Inch Under-Cabinet Hood
The XO XOC30SC is a 30-inch under-cabinet hood in stainless steel with 600 CFM, a glide-out visor and LED lighting. It lists four fan speeds (three speeds plus power boost), delay turn off and code compliance control, with an aluminum mesh filter and a 6-inch round duct. It has convertible venting, and the recirculating kit is sold separately.
- 600 CFM
- Glide-out visor
- Delay turn off
- Code compliance control
- 10 9/16 inches tall
- Recirculating kit sold separately
Under-Cabinet Range Hoods Compared
Broan F4024SF | Frigidaire FCVW3052AS | Faber FLEX30SS300 | XO XOC30SC | |
| Model | F4024SF | FCVW3052AS | FLEX30SS300 | XOC30SC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $102 | $223 | $539 | $749 |
| Width | 24" | 30" | 30" | 30" |
| CFM | 230 | 220 | 300 | 600 |
| Style | Standard | Standard | Slide-out | Slide-out |
| Fan Speeds | 2 | 2 | Not listed | 4 |
| Duct Size | 7" round | 7" round | 5" round | 6" round |
| Light | Incandescent | LED | LED | LED |
| Recirculating Kit | Sold separately |  | Not listed | Sold separately |
| View | View | View | View |
How to Size an Under-Cabinet Hood
Start with width. The hood should be at least as wide as your cooktop, so a 30-inch range gets a 30-inch hood. If you have room, going one size wider catches more smoke and steam. Then look at airflow, measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). Electric cooktops usually need less airflow than gas, and high-output gas burners need more.
Mounting height matters too. Follow the installation instructions for the distance between the cooktop and the bottom of the hood. Our range hood sizing guide and range hood buying guide go deeper on CFM and makeup air.
- Width: at least as wide as the cooktop
- CFM: higher for gas and high-heat cooking
- Height: follow the installation guide
Ducted vs Recirculating
A ducted hood sends air outside through a duct, which removes heat, smoke and moisture. A recirculating (ductless) hood filters the air through charcoal and blows it back into the kitchen, which is easier to install but does not remove heat or moisture. Convertible hoods can do either, usually with a separate recirculating kit.
Check the duct size before you buy. The hoods here use 5, 6 or 7-inch round ducts, and some also accept a rectangular duct. Matching your existing duct can make installation easier.
How to Choose an Under-Cabinet Range Hood
- 01
Measure the cooktopPick a hood at least as wide as your range or cooktop.
- 02
Decide on airflowChoose higher CFM for gas or frequent searing, lower for light electric cooking.
- 03
Check the ductingConfirm duct size and whether it vents through the top or rear, or plan to recirculate.
- 04
Pick a styleStandard hoods are simple; slide-out hoods hide when not in use.
Our Picks by Kitchen
Compare every under-cabinet range hood we carry by width, CFM and style.
Shop Under-Cabinet HoodsFrequently Asked Questions
What size under-cabinet range hood do I need?
Choose a hood at least as wide as your cooktop. The Frigidaire, Faber and XO hoods in this guide are 30 inches wide. The 24-inch Broan F4024SF suits a 24-inch range.
How many CFM does an under-cabinet hood need?
It depends on your cooktop and how you cook. The hoods in this guide range from 220 CFM on the Frigidaire FCVW3052AS to 600 CFM on the XO XOC30SC. Gas cooktops and high-heat cooking call for more airflow.
Can an under-cabinet range hood be ductless?
Many can. The Broan F4024SF, Frigidaire FCVW3052AS and XO XOC30SC list convertible venting, so they can recirculate with a charcoal filter kit.
What is a slide-out range hood?
A slide-out hood has a front section that pulls forward to capture smoke while you cook and slides back when you are done. The Faber FLEX30SS300 and XO XOC30SC are slide-out models.
Is the hood duct size important?
Yes. Matching the hood's duct size to your existing duct makes installation easier. The hoods here use 5, 6 or 7-inch round ducts.
