Whirlpool UXT5236BDS 36 Inch Range Hood with 560 CFM, Charcoal Odor Removing Filter, Halogen Lights, FIT System, Hidden Vent in Stainless Steel

The UXT5236BDS is a 36-inch range hood designed for effortless installation, equipped with halogen lighting and a user-friendly FIT system that reduces the need for measuring, cutting, and trimming. This efficient range hood features a 3-speed kitchen fan that effectively removes steam, grease, smoke, and odors from the air. Notable features include a grease filter, a hidden vent, halogen lighting, and a 7-inch round damper, ensuring optimal performance in your kitchen. Installing this stove hood with halogen lighting is quick and easy. The FIT system helps reduce measuring, cutting and trim for a smooth fit. The powerful 3-speed hood vent kitchen fan takes care of steam, grease, smoke and odors in the surrounding air.

• Grease filter
• FIT System
• Hidden Vent
• Halogen Lighting
• 7" Round Damper

Recirculation (Non-Vented/Duct-Free)

By not having to connect to outside air, this hood can be installed almost anywhere, including a condo. Recirculation happens through filters to help keep the air fresh.

Flexible Ventilation Options

A convertible design lets you install almost anywhere. When external ventilation isn’t an option, the hood’s fan will recirculate air through filters that capture grease and cooking odors to help keep the kitchen clean.

Why should you buy UXT5236BDS

• Larger 36-inch width
  Compared to narrower models (e.g. 30"), this 36" width gives better coverage over wider cooktops or stoves, helping capture more smoke, steam, and grease.
• FIT System for easier installation
  It includes Whirlpool’s “FIT System,” which reduces or eliminates the need for filler strips, extra measuring, or cutting to match cabinet openings. This makes installation more forgiving and less error-prone.
• Convertible venting (ducted or recirculating)
  You can vent it outside (ducted) or use it in recirculation (non-ducted) mode with charcoal/odor filters where external venting isn’t feasible.
• Good airflow / motor capacity
  Its “CFM Motor Class” is listed as 560 CFM (i.e. its motor is sized for that capacity). In many listings it is rated at 350 CFM in its standard mode. The higher motor class gives headroom (i.e. better capacity under more restrictive ducting or losses).
• Three fan speeds + Halogen lighting
  You get 3 speeds so you can dial ventilation power as needed. It also has halogen task lighting to illuminate your cooking surface.
• Sleek, hidden vent & stainless steel design
  The hidden vent design offers a cleaner aesthetic. Made in stainless steel, giving a durable, corrosion-resistant surface.
• Reasonable noise performance
  At high speed, the hood is rated at about 7 sones (or ~7.5 sones in some documentation) which is in the typical range for hoods of this power. Lower speeds will be quieter, making it less disruptive for everyday cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions by Customers

• What size is this hood and will it cover my cooktop?
  The UXT5236BDS is a 36-inch under-cabinet range hood. It is designed to cover most 36″ or smaller cooktops adequately.
• Is this a convertible hood (ducted / ductless)?
  Yes. The unit supports convertible operation, meaning you can install it as a vent-to-outside (ducted) system or as a recirculating (ductless) system (with a charcoal filter kit).
• How many fan speeds does it have, and what is its airflow capacity?
  It offers 3 fan speeds. The motor class is rated at 350 CFM (though actual performance may vary depending on ducting, length, bends, etc.).
• What type of lighting is used? Is it bright enough?
  The model uses halogen lighting (task lighting) to illuminate the cooking surface. 
• What kind of grease/filters does it use, and are they washable?
  It includes a grease filter to trap airborne grease. For recirculating operation, you’ll need a charcoal odor-removing filter (sold separately) to help reduce cooking smells.
• How loud is the unit during operation?
  The manufacturer doesn’t explicitly list the “sones” or dB noise level in the sources I found. However, user reviews indicate that on lower settings it is reasonably quiet, and on high settings it’s more audible. It’s recommended to assess during installation or read local user reviews.
• Does it have a special “FIT System”? What is that?
  Yes. The FIT System is a design feature that helps simplify installation by reducing the need for measuring, cutting, and trim adjustments in many standard configurations.

Pros and Cons of Whirlpool 36" Range Hood with the FIT System

The Whirlpool 36" Range Hood with the FIT System is designed to enhance kitchen ventilation while providing a sleek and modern aesthetic. This range hood is equipped with a variety of features aimed at improving cooking experiences, including a grease filter, halogen lighting, and flexible installation options. Its innovative FIT System ensures a perfect fit without the need for complicated measurements or adjustments, making it an appealing choice for homeowners and renters alike.

Pros

• Effective Grease Filtration: The grease filter effectively traps unwanted grease and helps eliminate cooking odors, contributing to a cleaner kitchen environment.
• FIT System: The FIT System simplifies installation by eliminating the need for measuring, cutting, and trimming, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
• Halogen Lighting: The halogen task lighting provides bright illumination, making it easier to see what you’re cooking and enhancing the visual appeal of the food.
• Flexible Installation Options: The convertible design allows for installation in various settings, including condos, without the need for external ventilation. This is particularly beneficial for those living in apartments or homes where ducting is not feasible.
• Recirculation Capability: The non-vented, duct-free option allows the hood to recirculate air through filters, helping to keep the kitchen air fresh and clean.

Cons

• Limited External Ventilation: While the recirculation feature is convenient, it may not be as effective as a traditional vented range hood in removing heat and humidity from the kitchen.
• Maintenance of Filters: The grease filter requires regular cleaning or replacement to maintain optimal performance, which can be an added chore for users.
• Halogen Bulb Heat: Halogen bulbs can generate heat, which may not be ideal in warmer climates or during summer months, potentially adding to the kitchen's temperature.

The Whirlpool 36" Range Hood with the FIT System is a versatile and user-friendly appliance that offers effective ventilation and lighting for any kitchen. Its innovative features, such as the grease filter and FIT System, make it a practical choice for homeowners and renters alike. While there are some drawbacks, such as the limitations of recirculation and maintenance requirements, the overall benefits of this range hood make it a valuable addition to any cooking space. Whether you are a casual cook or a culinary enthusiast, this range hood can help enhance your kitchen experience.