best exhaust fan for kitchen

5 Best Exhaust Fan for Kitchen

A kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s where we cook, clean, and eat. A well-designed kitchen can add significant value to your home when you’re ready to sell it or when looking for new renters. One of the best ways to improve your kitchen design is by installing an exhaust fan that will remove cooking fumes and odors from the air before they have a chance to affect your indoor air quality.

Many people are unaware that exhaust fans are an essential part of any kitchen. They reduce humidity and smell in the area and provide optimal ventilation to prevent hazardous gas accumulation.

If you enjoy cooking, you’ll want to invest in a kitchen exhaust fan. A kitchen exhaust fan, also known as a hood fan or a range hood, is required to remove oil, smoke, and odors from the air when cooking in your oven or on your cooktop.

The primary function of an exhaust fan in a kitchen is to eliminate moisture. They also improve the safety of the property and its occupants by minimizing cleaning chemical emissions that might cause health problems. Here’s our list of best exhaust fans for kitchens on the market today!

At a Glance:

What is the Difference Between an Exhaust Fan and a Ventilation Fan?

The primary distinction between the two types of fans is how they are used. An exhaust fan eliminates pollutants from the interior air in a house or business area, whereas a ventilation fan brings clean air into an enclosed location from the outside.

Exhaust Fan Advantages:

The following are some of the primary benefits of exhaust fans:

  • Exhaust fans eliminate excess moisture and oil build-up from your ceilings and walls, which can harm them.
  • As these fans suck out an unpleasant stench, the air quality improves, providing you with a clean environment.
  • It exhausts hot air and swiftly cools the kitchen space, which is heated due to culinary operations.
  • An exhaust fan removes steam from your kitchen, allowing you to see better in there.
  • Exhaust fans lower humidity in your kitchen, preventing mold growth by eliminating smoke.
  • It prevents hazardous gases from accumulating and provides optimal ventilation.

What to Look in an Exhaust Fan Before Buying?

Before you buy an exhaust fan, there are a few things you should think through. Previously, residents could choose from a limited number of fan alternatives, but today, there are endless and different solutions that have been produced throughout time.

So, if you’re seeking to buy a kitchen exhaust fan, here are some things to think about:

Capability: 

For proper ventilation, every kitchen requires a specific amount of airflow. The airflow of all kitchen exhaust fans is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). In cubic feet per minute (CFM), the airflow produced by tiny exhaust fans ranges from 30 to 50. IN BIGGER VERSIONS, the CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow may easily approach 200 to 300. If you need to figure out how much airflow the bathroom needs, multiply the square footage by the height. Calculate the CFM rating of the exhaust fan by multiplying the value by 7.5.

Noise:

The loudness of a kitchen exhaust fan is usually measured in sones. Any fan that produces less than two sones is considered silent. Any exhaust fan that has four or more decibels is deemed to be noisy. The price is also influenced by the number of sones created. To put it another way, the lower the sones, the greater the cost.

Mounting type:

You can install exhaust fans in various ways, including wall-mounted, external mounted, and ceiling mounted. For individuals who wish to position their fans in any area, wall-mounted fans are the ideal option. The only difference between exterior exhaust fans and wall-mounted fans is that the noise is generated outdoors. Fans placed on the ceiling are used to increase airflow through the ceiling ventilation system. It is the perfect choice among kitchen exhaust fans in a modern home. They’re usually positioned directly over the kitchen.

Feature:

Until the late twenty-first century, exhaust fans were a basic plastic squares with broad grills. While the housing and motor may remain the same, today’s market offers various innovative fan functions and beautiful cover finishes.

Automatic Function: 

Newer exhaust fans include high-tech features like automatic controls that activate when the machine senses growing humidity or temperature levels. To eliminate odors from the kitchen, however, consumers will have to switch on these devices manually.

The Fan’s Blades:

The blades of a fan are its most crucial component. When the blades move quickly, the air is circulated. The edges of the fan, in addition to the motor, are critical to the fan’s efficiency.

The exhaust fan’s primary function is to remove polluted air from the space as quickly as possible while maintaining a constant supply of fresh air. A decent exhaust usually has 4 to 5 blades that spin at a breakneck speed to provide top-rated performance. This type of fan can swiftly remove the bad air and make way for fresh air.

Best Exhaust Fan for Kitchen

The kitchen is an essential part of the house since it is prepared for all of your food. All of your meals will be tainted in such a filthy atmosphere. It will also have a negative influence on the health of you and your family.

As a result, having the most delicate exhaust fan for the kitchen is critical for optimum ventilation. This article will help you choose the ideal exhaust fan for your kitchen. Let’s get it back to the house!

Among all the kitchen appliances, we believe the exhaust fan is the most important. You must get the ideal one for your kitchen. In the following suggestion list, we have hand-picked the top 5 kitchen exhaust fans for you.

Broan-NuTone 508, White Square Exhaust, 7.0 Sones, 270 CFM, 10″ Through Wall Ventilation Fan, Inch 6

Staff Pick
Broan-NuTone 508, White Square Exhaust, 7.0 Sones, 270 CFM, 10" Through Wall Ventilation Fan
Dimensions14.25 x 4.5 x 14.25 inches
Diameter5 Quarts
Weight10 pounds
Mounting TypeWall Mount

With Broan’s utility ventilators, you can get rid of dampness in laundry rooms, cigarette smoke in rec rooms, odors in workshops, and cooking smell in the kitchen. It has a specifically developed polymeric fan blade that ensures the most critical quality at all times.

The housing adapts to accommodate walls ranging in thickness from 4-1/2″ to 9-1/2″. Back drafts are reduced thanks to a built-in damper.

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Conclusion

Broan’s Through-the-Wall Ventilation Fan will keep your house cool and pleasant. The Through-the-Wall ventilation fan does everything, from removing humidity to removing smells like smoke or garlic.

It uses 270 CFM and has a 7.0 Sone rating for a quiet and efficient output. Because the white grilles are paintable, you may match them to your current décor and wall color. For your house, the Broan 10″ Through-the-Wall Ventilation Fan is ideal.

Pros

  • It’s simple to set up.
  • Its multi-functional fan is perfect for removing cigarette smoke, culinary smells, and humidity.
  • Highly efficient and quiet in operation.
  • Grilles that may be painted to match your kitchen’s decor.

Cons

  • The duct is weak and susceptible to splitting. 

iLiving ILG8SF12VC – 12″ Wall Mounted Smart Remote Shutter Exhaust Fan

Budget Pick
iLiving ILG8SF12VC - 12" Wall Mounted Smart Remote Shutter Exhaust Fan
Dimensions15 x 5.75 x 15 inches
Weight14.07 pounds
MountingWall Mount
Diameter12 Inches

A dependable device with innovative technology that lowers your cooling expenses while dramatically reducing allergens and mold in your living area and kitchen. The fan comes wholly built out of the box, with only electrical hardwiring to complete. 

Both a variable speed ILG8SF24V and a single-speed variant are available for the 18-inch shutter fan. Only one speed is offered for the iLIVING 30-inch and 36-inch shutter fans. The iLIVING ILG8SFSC Speed controller is available separately for variable-speed versions.

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Conclusion

Are you seeking a dependable solution to save money on cooling while keeping your house more relaxed and comfortable all year? If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place! 

With the iLiving Shutter Exhaust Fan, you can keep your living space cooler and more comfortable all year while saving money on your cooling costs.

Pros

  • For silent operation, the exhaust fan is motion balanced.
  • Shutters and blades that are both automatic and weather-resistant.
  • Variable speed functionality is provided via the remote capability.
  • Wire guards are resistant to corrosion.
  • High-quality and durable construction.
  • It reduces the amount of time you spend in front of the air conditioner by nearly two hours each day.

Cons

  • After 15 minutes of use, the motor becomes heated.

Powerful Industrial Exhaust and Ventilation Fan

Best Pick
Powerful Industrial Exhaust and Ventilation Fan (14 Inch)
Dimensions‎13 x 18 x 18 inches
Diameter14 Inches
Weight27 pounds
Mount TypeWall Mount

The powerful exhaust fan has two OSHA-compliant features: the fully enclosed thermally insulated motor and the protective grill. When the fan is turned off, the automatic outside shutters close securely to avoid a draft, but they open when the fan is turned on. 

The heavy-duty exhaust fans have a 14-inch fan blade and a 1400 CFM airflow capability, making them ideal for a moderate to the big room. The exhaust fan’s flange edges are rolled for added security during installation.

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Conclusion

For almost 70 years, Maxx Air has supplied knowledge and excellent products to the ventilation sector. 

Since 1948, Maxx Air has been a leader in the ventilation business. Maxx Air’s industrial solid exhaust fan is an attractive choice if you’re searching for a highly functional and efficient fan for optimum ventilation. The fan maintains the air in your vicinity fresh and clean while also removing hazardous particles such as odors, oil droplets, dampness, and chemicals.

Pros

  • Dust, dampness, fumes, and dangerous substances are all ventilated.
  • A PSC energy-efficient motor is included in the fan.
  • Pre-drilled holes make installation a breeze.
  • For further safety, the grille and flange edges are rolled.
  • Exterior shutters that open and close automatically for convenience.
  • An exhaust fan has a lot of power and sturdiness.

Cons

  • The fan blades and shutters are a touch noisy.

iPower 12 Inch Shutter Exhaust Fan

iPower 12 Inch Shutter Exhaust Fan
Dimensions14.96 x 14.96 x 7.88 inches
Diameter12 Inches
Weight9.66 pounds
Mount TypeWindow Mount

For your kitchen, garage, attic, chicken coop, or greenhouse business, the iPower 12-inch shutter exhaust fan is ideal. The blades of this exhaust fan are made from aluminum, and the automated shutters open and close in sync with the fan’s functioning. 

The thermally insulated and constantly oiled motor is entirely enclosed. The fan comes wholly built out of the box, with only the electrical hardwire to install—the automated gravity shutters on this wall-mounted exhaust fan open and close with the fan’s operation. 

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Conclusion

The iPower 12 Inch Shutter Exhaust Fan is ideal for eliminating excess heat, moisture, dust, and smells from any home or business. 

With about 1620 spins per minute, the strong exhaust fan can move 940 cubic feet of air each minute. Workshops, welding rooms, factories, warehouses, stables, and greenhouses are just a few examples. 

Pros

  • The fan has been fully built and is ready to be installed.
  • Automatic gravity shutters are simple to install.
  • There are a few bare leads available for bespoke automation or applications.
  • The exhaust fan operates quietly.
  • It’s ideal for a 900-square-foot kitchen.
  • When you switch it on, it quickly produces mighty power.

Cons

  • The device does not have an on/off switch.

TPI Corporation CE14-DS Direct Drive Exhaust Fan

TPI Corporation CE14-DS Direct Drive Exhaust Fan
Dimensions17.125 x 17.125 x 13.305 inches
Diameter14 Inches
Weight17 pounds
Mount TypeWall Mount

The TPI CE 14-DS Single Phase Direct Drive Exhaust Fan with Shutter CE 14-DS single phase direct drive exhaust fan with shutter mechanism is suited for ventilation of a building to the exterior.

The fan head’s three aluminum paddles are held in place by the blade assembly (which consists of a steel hub and spider) and are protected from the elements by front steel spiral wire guards.

You may mount the fan without an additional frame due to the built-in shutter mechanism, and the self-closing shutters protect the fan from rain and snow when not in use.

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Conclusion

TPI is a well-known manufacturer of process heat ovens, ventilation devices, fans, lighting equipment, thermostatic controls, and electric heat equipment, among other things. 

The exhaust fan has a built-in shutter mechanism that allows it to be installed without additional framing. When the exhaust fan is not in use, the shutters of the exhaust fan self-close, protecting it from rain and snow.

Pros

  • The steel hub and spider assembly provide durability.
  • The exhaust fan has three speeds. RPM: 1250/1400/1520
  • There’s no need for a shutter or external framing.
  • The louvers are of excellent quality.
  • Pull chain switch that is simple to operate.
  • The fan is relatively silent.
  • A junction box is included with the exhaust fan for direct connection to a wall switch.

Cons

  • After a period of heavy use, the vanes become blocked with dust.

Before we start with kitchen exhaust fan installation, let’s go over the two types of kitchen exhaust fans and their advantages:

Types of Exhaust Fans and their Structure:

Ducted Exhaust Fans 

A ducted exhaust fan pushes interior air and moisture out through an air duct. It exhausts kitchen air to the outside of your home, where it is highly effective and efficient at eliminating smoke and humidity.

Because this sort of exhaust fan necessitates installing ducting and pipes from your kitchen to the exterior of your home, its placement choices are restricted.

Unlike their ductless counterparts, ducted exhaust fans remove moisture generated by humidity and steam from cooking by releasing the collected air outdoors rather than recycling or filtering it.

Ducted fans require careful installation, which you may leave to the professionals or handle yourself depending on your degree of competence.

Install Ducted Exhaust Fan

A ducted range hood requires a little more effort to install. Before installing the ductwork, yourself, we strongly advise contacting a professional at Aire Serv. If you haven’t previously, take the following steps:

  • Calculate how much pipe you’ll need to pass through your wall and out the other side.
  • Check your new hood fan’s instructions to determine if the piping has to be extended above the range hood or if it may go immediately behind it.
  • You should place the hood range fan 24 to 30 inches above your kitchen range. Cut into the drywall using a saw or drill using the template that comes with the fan.
  • Cut a vent in your outer wall using your pipe as a guide.
  • Place the vent cover on the external wall and caulk it.
  • Install your new range hood after shutting off the power. As a guide, follow the accompanying instructions.
  • Aluminum duct tape is used to connect the essential pipes.
  • Reconnect the power and check out your new exhaust fan.

Non-Ducted Exhaust Fans 

Non-ducted or ductless exhaust fans use charcoal to filter the air and return the fresh, clean air to your kitchen. They’re essentially a closed system only placed within your kitchen and aren’t as efficient as duct ventilation systems.

Ductless fans offer a little more flexibility because You can put them almost anywhere. Filters for ductless exhaust fans should be cleaned or replaced once a year. The ductless fan has the disadvantage of not removing moisture. Thus, your kitchen might still become relatively humid. They also consume more energy than a ductless fan, making them a little louder.

Install Ductless Exhaust Fan 

Because it does not require ductwork or plumbing, a ductless range fan is elementary to install. It does, however, require its electrical outlet, which an electrician must install if one is not already there. After that, go through the following steps:

  • Above your cooking range, locate the wall’s middle point.
  • Check the dimensions of your new range hood to make sure you’ll have enough room to install it.
  • Install your replacement hood fan according to the manufacturer’s instructions. To tie the hood fan to the studs, you’ll need to utilize a stud finder.

Precautions and Important Pointers

  • Exhaust fans may appear to be everyday household items, but they may also be hazardous.
  • Home exhaust fans may catch not only grime and oil but also lint.
  • Lint is a short, fine-fiber fabric substance that can fly through the air and become trapped in the exhaust fire’s mesh.
  • When rear-gauging occurs, the hot air and inflammatory nature of lint, along with the abundant and rapid inwards flowing oxygen, can result in flames.
  • Make sure you’re utilizing a mid-speed fan for your home rather than a commercial-grade fan.
  • The larger the fan, the better the chance of wind ejection.
  • Make sure you know what kind of fans you’ll need for the kitchen and the bathroom. Purchase them individually.
  • After the warranty period has expired, continue to upgrade to higher-quality exhaust fans.

Cleaning a Kitchen Exhaust Fan

The exhaust fan in your kitchen assists you in keeping the area smoke-free and removing odors. However, for the exhaust fan to work effectively, it must be cleaned and maintained.

Cleaning Process:

You must follow a few procedures to clear the oil and grease from the kitchen exhaust fan. To learn more, continue reading:

  1. Make the following preparations: Cleaning the exhaust fan is a process in and of itself, and it necessitates some planning ahead of time. You may clean it while using masks and gloves. Turn off the exhaust fan and unplug all of the cables and wires that are attached to it. If the fan is higher up, you’ll need to use a ladder to get to it.
  2. Clean the mesh: Some exhaust fans include the mesh, in which case you must first open and clean the mesh. Keep the mesh in the mixture while adding half a cup of ammonia to one cup of hot boiling water. Allow the mesh to soak in the liquid for one hour before gently scrubbing it.
  3. Clean the blade: Because the edges contain the most oil stains and grime, cleaning them might be difficult. Make a solution with 14 cups of ammonia, hot boiling water, and baking soda. Separate the blades and soak them for a long time in the mixture. Then you gently clean them. If you find any tough oil that won’t come off readily, use a sharp knife to scrape it away carefully.
  4. Cleaning the exhaust fans using detergent solutions: Make a solution with hot water and detergents to clean the exhaust fans. When cleaning any product or equipment, ingredients like lemons, white vinegar, and baking soda come in handy.
  5. After cleaning, you may set the fan blades and mesh aside to dry. After it has dried thoroughly, connect the edges and mesh. You may now use the exhaust fan again.

Summary For Best Exhaust Fan for Kitchen

DesignBuying GuidesRetailer
Staff PickBroan-NuTone 508, White Square Exhaust, 7.0 Sones, 270 CFM, 10" Through Wall Ventilation Fan, Inch 6
Check Price
Budget PickiLiving ILG8SF12VC - 12" Wall Mounted Smart Remote Shutter Exhaust Fan
Check Price
Best PickPowerful Industrial Exhaust and Ventilation Fan
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iPower 12 Inch Shutter Exhaust Fan
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TPI Corporation CE14-DS Direct Drive Exhaust Fan
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Final Thoughts

Exhaust fans have a primary mechanism, but they provide an essential function in the kitchen. The importance of maintaining fresh air in any space cannot be overstated. I believe you do not want to enter a room with a foul odor and suffocating air. Get the best kitchen exhaust fan and start living in a healthy atmosphere right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to utilize an exhaust fan in place of a range hood?

For smaller stoves and cooktops, many individuals have up to 1000 CFM. While the aperture of an exhaust fan is not as large as that of a hood, it will assist gather the cooking gases. Grease collecting systems are built into real kitchen hoods, and they’re meant to be easy to clean. An exhaust fan, on the other hand, will not.

Is It Necessary to have an exhaust fan in the kitchen?

One of the most crucial pieces of equipment in a kitchen is an exhaust fan. The kitchen has a strong odor as a result of cooking. Furthermore, the heat from the stove raises the room’s temperature, making it extremely hot. If the air is not circulated, it gets pretty uncomfortable. That is why having an exhaust fan in a kitchen is critical.

What is the purpose of a kitchen exhaust fan?

You switch on the ceiling fan. Steam and grease particles are pulled into the hood’s lower section. There are honeycomb filters within the hood that catch the big grease particles. The remaining air is exhausted through the exhaust duct.

What should I look for when choosing an exhaust fan for any kitchen?

To pick an exhaust fan for your kitchen, you must first determine the size of the area. Then, using the cubic footage as a guide, figure out how much air movement is needed for proper ventilation. Cubic feet per minute are the unit of measurement for airflow. You may use this measurement to determine which exhaust fan will work best for ventilation in your kitchen.

Will using an exhaust fan helps to reduce heat?

Yes, you can reduce the heat in a room by using an exhaust fan. An exhaust fan’s job is to remove all hot air from a space and replace it with fresh air. When all of the hot air is removed from the room, the temperature immediately drops. As a result, an exhaust fan aids in the reduction of room heat.

What is the efficiency of an exhaust fan?

Because these fans are most efficient in smaller spaces, one capable of moving roughly two cubic meters per second is generally sufficient ventilation. A more extensive ventilation system may be more suited for larger areas.

How to Install an Exhaust Fan into the Kitchen?

Installing a kitchen exhaust fan is an essential and straightforward process. Although the directions may differ from one manufacturer to the next, we’ve outlined the fundamental procedures for installing your kitchen exhaust fan.

To begin, cut a hole between the joists in your ceiling for your exhaust pipe to pass through. Locate an open spot in the drywall with a stud finder and mark it. Then, shove the drywall saw’s point through the ceiling until it reaches the attic above, and you can see it.

Next, with your vent pipe end against the ceiling, draw a circle with a pencil around the pipe’s edge. Before putting the drywall, take out your drywall saw and cut off this circle.

Return to the attic and attach a four-inch elbow to the exhaust port you cut, sealing the seam using foil duct tape. Use a flashlight to see what you’re doing in the attic if you can’t see.

Then, before you can join the connection duct to that outside hole, you’ll need to cut an exhaust hole near the vent fan you just placed. After that, connect the appropriate wirings to the kitchen exhaust fan and install the front grille before turning on the power to make sure it works.

What Can I Do to Avoid Backdrafts?

If you live in a contemporary home, it’s likely well-sealed to conserve energy. In this scenario, drawing a lot of air out of your kitchen with your exhaust fan might result in deadly backdrafts. To avoid this, you’ll need to add an air intake to compensate for lost air.

Can Exhaust Fans remove grease and Oil Vapor?

Yes, of course. If you prepare a lot of fatty meals, though, you’ll want to make sure you have a kitchen exhaust system that’s specially designed to make cleaning its parts relatively easy since oil and grease tend to build up over time.

Which Exhaust Fans Deliver the Best Results?

Our research observed that an overhead kitchen exhaust fan works far better than a downdraft exhaust fan. It is because hot air rises; therefore, it’s best to take advantage of this when deciding which sort of kitchen exhaust fan to buy.

Can exhaust fans on the stovetop assist in the cooling of a room?

Exhaust fans cannot be used to cool a room directly. On the other hand, the primary function of an exhaust fan is to remove the hot and humid air from the room. As a result, it is entirely reliant on where and how the exhaust fan is installed.

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