8 Best Quiet Range Hoods in 2022

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Finding the best quiet range hood for your kitchen is a huge decision. Range hoods are expensive and last forever so whatever you buy, you’re going to be stuck with. 

We know that range hoods can be loud and make it impossible to have a conversation while you’re cooking. 

Here are the 3 main criteria we used to pick the best quiet range hood for you:

1. Noise (decibels)
2. Power (CFM)
3. Price
4. Other things we made note of: Size and installation type

You can scroll down to our buyers guide to see why these criteria matter and which is the best quiet kitchen exhaust fan for each factor.

The key is to find a quiet range hood that is still powerful enough to cycle air in your kitchen. And you obviously don’t want it to break the bank. 

If you’re in a hurry, here are the two options:

• Overall best quiet range hood: KOBE Brillia. This is the best range hood for the price. It has the absolute lowest sound level with 40 decibels, while still retaining power and efficiency. The stainless steel finish gives it a sleek look. It also has 3 different speed settings and the best filters on the market.
• Quietest range hood on a budget: Cosmo COS-5MU30. If you’re tight on funds, but need a new range hood–this is our go to option. 

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The 8 Best Quiet Range Hoods Reviewed in this Guide

Here’s a quick overview showing all of our top picks and the factors we looked at in our research. You can click through on any model to check out the recent price. You can also take a look at other customer’s quiet range hood reviews.

Model	Rank	Noise (DB)	Power (CFM)	Type	Price
KOBE Brillia	Quietest	40-50	680	Under cabinet	$$$
Cosmo COS-5MU	Most affordable	56	200	Under cabinet	$
IKTCH	Most powerful	65	900	Wall mount	$$
ZLINE KB	Best wall mount	56	400	Wall mount	$$$
BV Range Hood	Most balanced	56	750	Under cabinet	$$
Empava	Good value	65	500	Under cabinet	$$
ZLINE GL 14i-30	Best Island	41	400	Island	$$$$
Awoco 11-3/4″D Super Quiet	Great value	40-50	800	Under cabinet or wall mount	$$

I’ll explain our strict review criteria in the buyer’s guide later to help you choose the best quiet vent hood for you.

2022 Update

We recently did a major overhaul of this article to make it as current as possible! We’ve updated it with the latest products and added criteria and added some questions to our FAQ. 

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What Kind of Range Hood Do You Need for Your Kitchen? 

Before you dive into the options on our list, you have to figure out what kind of range you actually need. Most other guides out there skip this important step, but we’re committed to helping you find the right fit. 

Range hoods aren’t like an appliance you can just stick on your counter. 

Every kitchen has specific requirements for exactly what kind of range hood you can install. 

There are 3 main decision factors you have to consider when picking what kind of range hood you need. It kinda sucks, but unless you’re about to renovate your kitchen, you don’t really have a choice in any of these. 

1. Type of range hood
2. Ducted vs ductless
3. Size of the hood

You can scroll down to the buyer’s guide to read about each of these factors. 

The most popular range hoods are under-cabinet and ducted. If you have a larger kitchen, then you might have a wall mount or island, which likely come ducted. 

Once you know the type of hood, the size you need, and whether you need ducted or ductless, then you will know exactly what kind of range hood you need to find. 

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The 8 Quietest Kitchen Range Hoods

1. Quietest Range Hood- KOBE Brillia Under-cabinet Range Hood

This list is all about ultra-quiet range hoods, which meant we just had to include KOBE’s excellent Brillia under-cabinet device. The Brillia dominates the competition in terms of noise production and is able to operate at just 40 decibels. The noise output does rise slightly with faster fan speeds, but it will always sit below the 50dB mark.

Of all these great quiet range hoods, this is the quietest of them all!

Although a low noise level is definitely important, it’s just one of the factors that determine a great range hood. Luckily for us, the Brillia excels in all areas, from suction power to bonus features.

In the power department, the Brillia device can be cranked all the way up to 680 CFM. This is pretty impressive performance for a slimline under-cabinet hood. You shouldn’t have any problems clearing out fumes from your kitchen with this kind of power.

The KOBE hood comes in a standard 30-inch size and a larger 36-inch variation. Both of them are extremely easy to mount and install and are compatible with many different kitchen types. Even those short on space around their hob should be able to fit a KOBE Brillia in with ease.

The range hood has two bright LED lights built in to illuminate the area below. It’s always great to have a well-lit space while you’re cooking and the Brillia definitely makes sure that’s the case. The LED controls sit next to the three different fan speed settings that you can choose from.

The majority of the device is constructed from highly durable stainless steel that feels like it could last a lifetime. The pairing of these materials with top-notch craftsmanship results in a super reliable range hood.

Overall, this ultra-quiet range hood is yet another product that we highly recommend. If low noise levels are a priority for you, then the KOBE Brillia could well be the best choice on the market for you. It’s also one of the best examples from the under-cabinet range hoods category and great for kitchens with little space to spare.

	Kobe Brillia
Power	680 CFM
Noise	40-50 dB
Price	$$$
Filters	Baffle
Sizes	30, 36 in

Pros:

• Powerful: 680 CFM is an impressive power statistic for an under-cabinet range hood. Competes with some of the much larger quiet range hoods on the market.
• Exceptional build quality: With great materials and even better craftsmanship, the Brillia feels like a premium product.
• Easy to use controls: LED lights and fan settings can be adjusted with the tap of a button.

Cons:

• Gets louder at higher speeds: Although the device never goes above 50dB, it can’t maintain the ultra-quiet 40dB across all fan speeds.

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2. Most Affordable – Cosmo Under Cabinet Range Hood

The Cosmo combines performance with compactness making it perhaps the best quiet range hood. Usually, a performance hood needs a larger casing to contain a more powerful motor, but not the Cosmo. This hood is super-quiet, slimline, and highly efficient – it’s also made from quality steel.

Specifically, the fan rotors produce just 56 decibels of noise during operation. This is a bit louder than our quiestest range hood, the Kobe Brillia, but at half the cost]

Unlike the ZLINE KB, this product is an under-cabinet range hood, meaning it’s perfect for a hob with cupboards over the top. The Cosmo hood is extremely space-efficient and is usable with a wide range of kitchen designs. It also comes in two sizes, making it even easier to install in your kitchen.

The Cosmo hood’s biggest selling point is its price. This device is easily the most affordable on our list, coming in at a price point that will certainly make you look twice. The fact that the hood is even able to compete with the other products featured here is very impressive.

The hood doesn’t have to be mounted under a cabinet either – it can also be attached directly to the wall. Cosmo has clearly designed this product to be as versatile as possible, which is one of the things we love most about it.

This range hood comes with three different speed settings. The device only reaches 56dB in the fastest setting, so you can have it running even quieter if you want. The slower speeds still offer plenty of suction for a standard cooking session too.

For this product, Cosmo has made use of an efficient multi-layered filtration system. The reusable aluminum mesh filters trap oil and grease with ease. Cleaning the filters is also super straightforward and relatively mess-free.

In summary, the Cosmo under-cabinet range hood is a product that we have no hesitation in recommending. Even if price isn’t a major concern to you, it’s still a range hood that you should absolutely be considering for your kitchen.

	Cosmo
Power	200 CFM
Noise	56 dB
Price	$
Filters	Aluminum mesh
Sizes	30, 36 in

Pros:

• Value for money – Cosmo believes in providing its customers with the best quality for the best price; that’s why the Cosmo hood is built with cutting-edge technology that you won’t find anywhere else for less.
• Space-saving – The one place you want an efficient range hood is in a small space like an apartment; that’s why the Cosmo is made with a slim space-saving design that effortlessly vents small spaces.
• Efficiency – The Cosmo hood benefits from a 3-speed motor that reduces the loudness of the fan and creates a more pleasant environment to cook in. The Cosmo hood is quieter than competing hoods.

Cons:

• Installation – This range hood is slim and convenient, and it’s also efficient. However, installation can be an issue due to the pre-drilled holes. Some DIY experience is necessary to install this range hood.
• Less powerful – This unit maxes out at 200 CFM, which makes it the weakest on the list.

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3. Most Powerful – IKTCH Wall Mount Range Hood

If you want to be sure that your range hood will be able to deal with thick fumes and smoke, then picking up this wall-mounted range hood from IKTCH might be your best bet. Boasting an incredibly powerful fan, this hood can suck up anything in a matter of seconds.

To be precise, the IKTCH device has a staggering maximum power of 900 CFM. This is easily the most powerful option on this list. To accommodate this power, the footprint of the hood had to be fairly large. For this reason, the hood is only really suitable for kitchens with lots of space above the hob.

What’s super impressive about this product is that it can reach these high powers without ever sounding like it’s about to take off. In fact, the device never produces more than 65dB of noise, even when it’s turned up to 11. IKTCH has made sure that their product fits comfortably into the “ultra-quiet range hood” category.

This hood has a very sleek design that would look perfect in a modern kitchen. With that said, the looks are timeless enough to work with an older or period kitchen too. The device is finished with a quality stainless steel body that adds a further luxurious layer.

IKTCH has also included stainless steel baffle filters with this hood, which means everything is super easy to clean and maintain. You can throw them straight in the dishwasher to make the process even more straightforward.

We really love this ultra-quiet range hood from IKTCH and have no qualms recommending it to our readers. With its fantastic fan power, it’s the perfect option for anyone who finds their kitchen regularly filling up with unpleasant fumes.

	IKTCH
Power	900 CFM
Noise	65 dB
Price	$$$
Filters	Stainless steel
Sizes	30, 36 in

Pros:

• Class-leading power: Many manufacturers sacrifice power to get their products into the “ultra-quiet range hoods” category, but that’s definitely not the case here.
• Beautiful finish: This range hood looks and feels great. The aesthetics of a hood are definitely something to consider when making up your mind.
• Impressive noise output at high powers: Even when the device is operating at its capacity, the noise levels never get out of control.

Cons:

• Large footprint: This stainless steel hood definitely isn’t the most compact – only suitable for kitchens with space for a large wall mount range hood.

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4. Best Wall Mount – ZLINE KB Range Hood

The KB Range Hood from ZLINE is easily the best quiet kitchen exhaust fan that money can buy. We had absolutely no problem giving it our “Best Wall Mount” rating in this list, thanks to its exceptional performance, sleek design, and versatile nature.

Putting out just 56 decibels (dB) of noise during operation, the ZLINE KB certainly fits the “ultra-quiet” requirement – this is one of the lowest range hood noise levels. In fact, it’s easy to forget that the range hood is even switched on when you’re working in the kitchen.

Although the KB’s 400 CFM (cubic feet per minute) power rating is beaten out by some other products on this list, it’s still enough to provide impressive suction. Any lingering fumes and odors are eliminated in a heartbeat when the device works its magic.

The ZLINE KB comes in four different sizes, meaning it’s easy to find a model that fits your kitchen. Every version is built to the same high standard using ultra high-quality parts. The brushed stainless exterior gives the hood a premium finish that wouldn’t look out of place in even the most luxurious kitchen spaces.

If you’re in the market for a powerful, no-nonsense range hood that you can rely on, then you might not do any better than the ZLINE KB. Even though the price tag is fairly hefty, we’d say it’s fair considering the quality of craftsmanship and performance that the device demonstrates.

	ZLINE KB
Power	400 CFM
Noise	56 dB
Price	$$
Filters	Baffle
Sizes	30, 36, 42, 48 in

Pros:

• Modern design – The KB’s modern, sleek looks allow it to blend in seamlessly with a variety of kitchen designs.
• Quiet performance – You won’t get distracted by the 56dB that the device puts out during operation.
• Easy install – Straightforward design means the KB is super easy to get up and running. With plenty of sizing options available it’s easy to find the right fit.

Cons:

• Quite pricey – It’s definitely not the most affordable range hood out there, but the ZLINE KB still offers decent value for money considering just how good it is.

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5. Most Balanced – BV Stainless Range Hood

The BV range hood is slimline, high-quality, and affordable; it also makes the cut when it comes to noise reduction. If you want a range hood that’s easy to use, easy to clean, and doesn’t deafen you while you stir the pasta, then this product could be the one for you.

As an under-cabinet range hood, the BV device is extremely versatile and can be installed in practically any kitchen. Finding a range hood for tight spaces can be difficult, but the BV offers a super easy and convenient solution.

In terms of performance, the BV hood competes with the very best products on this list. It can produce an airflow of 750 CFM, which is certainly impressive. Even when the device is cranked to its maximum power, it only produces 56dB of noise – the BV hood definitely qualifies for “ultra-quiet” categorization.

This product keeps your air clean using high-quality baffle filters. These filters are dishwasher safe, meaning it’s super easy to clean out the hood. You can pop them out of the hood in a matter of seconds when they need a freshen up.

Baffle filters are unique because they force the air to rapidly change direction. Grease droplets move slower so they end up dropping down into the filter.

With multiple fan speeds and built-in lighting, the BV hood adds a range of functionality to your kitchen.

BV even throws in a complimentary one-year warranty on every range hood. This protects you against any manufacturer defects, however unlikely they might be. It’s great to know you’re covered when making a sizable investment in a new range hood. Unfortunately, this is shorter than some of the others on this list like ZLINE KB and GL (3 yrs).

	BV Stainless Hood
Power	750 CFM
Noise	56 dB
Price	$$
Filters	Baffle
Sizes	30, 36 in

Pros:

• Airflow – This slimline design has a duel motor that effectively cleans cooking smoke and grease from the kitchen and vents it to the outside. You can use it while cooking or after cooking to air the kitchen.
• Features – Lighting is essential in the kitchen, it’s important for cooking and prep-work, but many hoods don’t provide adequate lighting. The BV range hood uses energy-saving LED lights.
• Design – The BV range hood is a slimline design made from stainless steel; it works well in different sizes and styles of kitchens. In addition, stainless steel is easy to maintain and lasts for 15-20 years.

Cons:

• Performance – Although the BV range hood looks the part and provides a user-friendly service, it can need cleaning quite often. Expect grease and oil to accumulate relatively quickly.

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6. Great Value – Empava Under Cabinet Ducted Range Hood

The next option on our list of the quietest kitchen exhaust fans is Empava’s under-cabinet range hood. This ducted hood is best for kitchens with a duct pre-installed, meaning it might not be suitable for everyone. However, if you can get it to work with your kitchen then this Empava device offers fantastic value for money.

The product isn’t the straight-up cheapest on this list, but the number of features you get for your money is quite impressive. In the power department, the device offers a reasonable 500 CFM of suction, which is plenty for a small-to-medium-sized kitchen.

In fact, we’d say that it’s in small kitchens where this range hood really thrives. It has a super-thin design and can easily slot under an overhead cabinet. The device also comes in various sizes to suit your space.

Perhaps the best thing about this range hood is just how easy it is to use. It features ergonomic buttons on the front of the body that are designed to make controlling the device as straightforward as possible. The fan is super responsive and powers on and off immediately at the touch of a button.

The stainless steel baffle filters included with the Empava range hood are also great. They’re fully reusable and are easy to install. The quality of the dishwasher-safe baffle filters is reflected across the device, with plenty of premium materials on show.

This Empava product is clearly one of the best range hoods on the market today for the money. The sheer amount of quality and the number of features on offer here have made this hood a solid option that should definitely be under your consideration.

	Empava UC
Power	500 CFM
Noise	56 dB
Price	$$
Filters	Baffle
Sizes	30 in

Pros:

• Fantastic value for money – The price-to-features ratio is stacked in the favor of the consumer.
• Easy to use – Ergonomic and responsive buttons allow for quick control over the fan speeds and LED lighting.
• Slimline – With a sleek design and simple mounting system, the range hood can be installed in any type of kitchen.

Cons:

• Needs a duct – No ductless option with this range hood.

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7. Best Island Range Hood – ZLINE GL Range Hood

The Zline convertible vent island range hood is perfect for larger kitchens, industrial kitchens, and island-style ovens. The Zline has excellent ventilation owing to its 4-speed fan and chimney-style vent; it is also designed to be exceptionally easy to use and delivers excellent noise reduction.

If you’re after a super-high quality, luxurious range hood that will last a lifetime, then the GL could well be the one for you. Of course, you’ll have to pay for the privilege of owning one but it’s definitely a justifiable investment if you’ve got the funds.

The aesthetics of the ZLINE GL is one of the things we love most about it. Although the looks don’t necessarily affect performance, it’s still important to buy something that you can enjoy looking at on a day-to-day basis. In this case, the curved hood design does actually serve the purpose of funneling fumes and odors towards the central extractor fan.

Another cool aspect of the ZLINE GL is that it can be configured in either a ducted or ductless setup. If you have a vent already built into your kitchen, then you can easily hook the GL up to it. Alternatively, you can fit a carbon filter kit to the hood to make it fully ductless.

The range hood comes with 4 preset fan speeds, ranging from 120 to 400 CFM. These aren’t the most impressive power statistics we’ve seen, but the benefit is that the fan barely pushes over 50dB during operation.

ZLINE are a brand that are well-respected for their customer relations. The GL hood comes with a three-year parts warranty to protect the buyer against breakdowns that weren’t their fault. This is a great addition to a product that is already one of the best buys on the market today.

	ZLINE GL
Power	400 CFM
Noise	41 dB
Price	$$$$
Filters	Unknown
Sizes	30 in

Pros:

• Ventilation – If you have a larger kitchen or need a range hood for an island kitchen, you need the Zline. The Zline provides excellent ventilation for extraction or recirculation; you choose the setting.
• User experience – When you’re working in a busy kitchen, you want a range hood that provides easy settings and is functional; the Zline uses push-button controls to toggle between fan speed and lighting.
• Noise-reduction – The Zline offers power and performance; on its highest setting, it removes large quantities of air from the cooking area while maintaining a relatively quiet environment of 52 decibels.

Cons:

• Installation – Although anyone with DIY capabilities can install this quiet vent hood, it’s recommended that it’s professionally installed to avoid issues with ventilation and missing parts.

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8. Great Value – Awoco Super Quiet Split Insert Range Hood

The final option we have for you on this list of the best and quietest range hoods is this stainless steel range hood from Awoco. Even though Awoco is lesser-known than some of the other brands on this list, they’re finally starting to make a name for themselves thanks to their range of high-quality, feature-packed kitchen products.

This fan is built to be installed into a pre-existing “chimney-style” range hood cover. If your old fan has finally given up the ghost, then picking up one of Awoco’s replacements could be your easiest and most affordable solution.

The range hood comes in three different sizes. Each version is built to the same high standard with top-quality stainless steel parts. The device feels extremely solid and durable when you hold it, which is always a good sign that it’s going to last for a long time.

Considering this range hood has a slim, minimal design, we were surprised to discover that it can produce an incredible 800 CFM of suction power. It most cases, you probably won’t need this kind of power. Thankfully, Awoco has included 4 different speed settings for you to cycle between.

The noise output ranges from 40 dB at low power to just 50 dB at the 800 CFM maximum. It’s not the quietest range hood on this list, but these are still very impressive numbers. You’re extremely unlikely to be disturbed or distracted by the fan when it’s in action.

The range hood features two bright LED lights on the underside, which heat up the cooking space below. Everything is controlled via a convenient control panel on the front of the device. The buttons are all backlit too, so you know exactly how fast the fan is going at any time.

There are loads of fantastic ultra-quiet range hood options on this list, and we apologize for adding another into the mix! We couldn’t have not included this Awoco range hood though, which is a super versatile and powerful option. It’s one of the quietest powerful range hood options!

	Awoco
Power	800 CFM
Noise	40-50 dB
Price	$$
Filters	Baffle
Sizes	30, 36 in

Pros:

• Fantastic stainless steel finish – Stainless steel parts give this range hood a premium feel.
• High power – 800 CFM from a device of this size is certainly impressive. One of the most powerful range hoods we’ve featured here.
• Low noise output for the power – Despite the high power, Awoco have managed to keep noise production to a minimum.

Cons:

• Built for existing range hood covers – This fan is designed to the internals of an existing range hood.

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Four Types of Kitchen Range Hoods

Before you think about what to look for in a range hood, it’s important to recognize what types of kitchen range hoods exist. 

There are four main types of vent hoods you’ll find:

1. Under cabinet
2. Wall mount
3. Island
4. Hood insert

1. Under cabinet

An under cabinet range hood sits under a set of cabinets. Complicated, right?

These are often smaller or sleeker. They tend to take up less space so if you have a small kitchen, this is likely what you’ve got. 

Walk in your kitchen. If your range hood is sitting under some cabinets, then this is the kind of range hood you need. 

The good news is that they’ve still got all the power of other range hood types and they tend to be cheaper. 

Check out our list of the best under cabinet range hoods if this is the kind you need. 

2. Wall mount

A wall mount range hood sits above a stovetop and is mounted on the entire wall with no cabinets above it. These are typically longer and will have a duct running up to the ceiling.

You tend to find these in medium-large sized kitchens. They take up valuable cabinet space that smaller kitchens can’t afford to give up. 

The downside of a wall mount is that they tend to be a bit more expensive.

3. Island

If your kitchen has an island with a stovetop, then you’ll have to buy an island range hood. These drop down from the ceiling and are positioned directly above the island. 

It’s important to know that just because you’re bougie and have an island in your kitchen, that doesn’t mean you’ll need an island range hood. You only need one of these if your stovetop is part of your kitchen island. 

These are much less common. They also tend to be more expensive and harder to install.

4. Hood insert

A range hood insert is a unique product.

Some kitchens have a built-in structure for the range hood with ductwork already in place. These are most common in luxury kitchens that have a decorative build-out for the range hood where the insert can just slip in. 

The hood insert is exactly what it sounds like. It’s just the vent hood portion of the range hood that you insert. 

The good news is that these tend to be cheaper. 

Our favorite range hood insert is the last one on our list: the Awoco Super Quiet Split hood. This can be inserted into an undercabinet or wall-mount setup.

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Ductless vs Ducted Range Hoods

We’ve got a full article all about ducted vs ductless range hoods, but I’ll do a quick overview for you. The main difference between ducted and ductless range hoods is where the air travels. Ductless hoods clean the air and return it into your kitchen after being filtered. Ducted hoods send the air and particles outside. 

Ducted hoods

A ducted hood has an air duct that connects to the range hood and runs outside. As the range hood sucks up air and particles, it shoots it all outside. 

Ductless hoods

These hoods don’t draw in air and it gets sucked through a filter. Once the air is “cleaned” it gets returned back into the kitchen. 

How do I know if my range hood is ducted or ductless?

The easiest way to find out if your range hood is ducted or ductless is to look in the cabinet above it. If you see a duct, then you have a ducted system. Most wall mounts and island hoods are ducted, but if you see a return vent near the top of the hood then it may be ductless. 

You can also look at the exterior wall of your house by your kitchen. You’ll likely see a return vent where the air gets sent outside. 

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Range Hood Sizes

Range hoods come in a variety of sizes. If you buy the wrong one, then it won’t fit in your kitchen so it’s critical to get the right size.

The most common range hood sizes are 30 and 36 inches, but some can get up to 42 or even 48 inches. 

Model	30 in	36 in	42 in	48 in
KOBE Brillia	√	√
Cosmo COS-5MU	√	√
IKTCH	√	√
ZLINE KB	√	√	√	√
BV Range Hood	√	√
Empava	√
ZLINE GL 14i-30	√
Awoco 11-3/4″D Super Quiet	√	√

How Do I Know What Size Range Hood I Need?

If you’re trying to figure out what size your quiet range hood should be, then we’ve got you covered. 

Range hoods should extend a few inches past the width of your cooking space. This is so they can catch air as it drifts up and out from your stovetop. The standard sizes are 30 and 36 inches.

If you have an under cabinet or wall mount, then you really can’t go bigger or smaller than what you already have in place. The easiest thing to do is just measure your current range hood and buy the same size. 

If you’re designing a kitchen, then you’ll want to add about 3 inches to your stovetop length. 

If your stovetop measures 30 1/2 inches like mine, then you’d want to buy a 36 inch range hood. 

If you have a bigger stovetop like a 5 burner, then you’d need to get a bigger range hood, like a 40 or 48in. These will obviously be more expensive.

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Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Quiet Vent Hood for your Kitchen

There are a few factors that you need to think about before buying a quiet range hood. 

1. Power (CFM)
2. Noise level (Decibels or sones)
3. Price
4. Filter types

Noise level (decibels)

If you’re trying to find the best quiet range hood, then your noise level is going to be the most important factor. Range hoods are usually measured in decibels, but sometimes you’ll see one that is measured in sones. 

We went ahead and converted them all to decibels so we can compare apples to apples.  These are the different range hood sound levels. 

As you can see, the Kobe Brillia is the quietest range hood on our list. It comes in at an impressively low 40 decibels. It’s 25% lower than the average quiet range hood. It has adjustable settings that allow you to ramp up the power if you ever need it. 

In our opinion, anything under 65 decibels is considered a quiet range hood. 

Power (CFM)

The more powerful your range hood, the better it will suck out dirty air while you’re cooking. If you’ve ever been in a kitchen where the range hood doesn’t actually do its job–that’s probably because it’s a weak range hood. 

Power = getting the job done.

The “power factor” is measured in CFM, which is the cubic feet per minute of air that the hood will suck out of your kitchen. The higher the CFM, the more air it can pull and the cleaner your kitchen will be. 

Here’s a breakdown of each unit we reviewed and what their CFMs are.

As you can see, the IKTCH is the most powerful quiet range hood on our list with 900 CFM. It comes in just at 65 decibels so it’s also the loudest on this list. 

The tricky part though is that the more powerful your range hood, the louder it tends to be. Power and noise level are correlated.

The Awoco might be the most balanced at 800 CFM with only 40-50 decibels.

As your CFMs go up, so do your decibels.

The key is to buy a range hood that has various power levels. The ZLINE KB is a great option on our list because it has 4 settings. 

This means that when you’re home by yourself or cooking a meal with lots of smoke, you can crank it up to full speed.

But when you have friends over or want to run it on the quietest setting, you can have it humming along in the background. 

Price

While the relationship of noise level to power is the most important, price still matters. 

You want to get the best bang for your buck. Prices change from time to time, but right now, here’s our list in order of pricing. 

• Most affordable: The cheapest range hood on this list is the Cosmo COS-5MU. It’s far more affordable than anything else and has over 3500 5 star ratings on Amazon.
• Best value: The Awoco 11-3/4″D Super Quiet range hood might be the best value purchase on the list. It has multiple settings so you can get as low as 38 decibels or if you need to crank it on full speed, you can hit 800 CFM. Depending on what you need, this one can be the second strongest or the second quietest. It’s also well priced. 

Filters

Most range hoods require filters that actually filter the air that gets sucked into the range hood. This is how the air actually gets cleaned out. 

If you’re buying a ductless hood, then the quality and effectiveness of the filter is extremely important. Some ductless hoods will have multiple filters to best purify the air.

There are several different kinds of filters. 

1. Baffle Filters – Very popular because they do the best job filtering out cooking grease without being clogged up. They don’t need to be cleaned as often and they minimize risk of fire. 
2. Mesh filters – Typically made of metal such as carbon or magnesium. 
3. Charcoal filters – Not reusable so they have to be replaced each time. They are effective at filtering out grease and other particles. 
4. Aluminum filters – Tend to be less expensive and easier to clean because many kinds are dishwasher safe. These are reusable!
5. Stainless steel – More durable and rust-resistant. 

Here’s a helpful guide by the Hauslane brand: How to clean a range hood filter

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Common Questions About Quiet Range Hoods

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Final Verdict: Which of the Quietest Range Hoods is Best for You?

Choosing the best quiet kitchen exhaust fan doesn’t need to be a difficult choice when you’ve got the research to look at. 

I couldn’t be more confident with our final selections:

• Overall best quiet range hood: KOBE Brillia. It has the best blender of power, sound level, and affordability.
• Quietest range hood on a budget: Cosmo COS-5MU30. If you’re tight on funds, but need a new range hood–this is our go-to option. You won’t find a cheaper option that’s this high of quality.

You’ve got all the info you need! Go pick up the right range hood for you and follow our guidance on keeping it maintained. If you have a gas stove, I recommend checking out our list specifically for you: 10 Best Range Hoods for a Gas Stove