8 Best Ductless Range Hoods With Charcoal Filter (November 2026)
The best ductless range hoods with charcoal filters include the Broan-NuTone 413023 Ductless Range Hood Insert for most kitchens, the MOLINGDUN Range Hood 30 inch for converting to ducted later, and the CIARRA Range Hood 30 Inch Under Cabinet for apartments and condos.
On this page (9 sections)
- Best ductless range hoods with charcoal filters compared
- How these ductless hoods were compared
- What should you check before buying a ductless range hood with a charcoal filter?
- Which mount style fits your kitchen: insert, under cabinet or wall?
- How much airflow do you need for ductless cooking?
- Charcoal filters and grease filters: how do you keep a ductless hood working?
- What to know about controls, lighting and venting options
- Which charcoal filter part do you need for a convertible hood?
- The verdict: which ductless hood with a charcoal filter should you buy?
The best ductless range hood with charcoal filter for most kitchens is the Broan-NuTone 413023, a 30-inch insert with a replaceable charcoal filter and separate switches for the fan and light. Pick the MOLINGDUN 30 inch when you may add ductwork later, or a slim CIARRA hood when cabinet clearance is tight.
Ductless hoods recirculate kitchen air instead of sending it outside. The charcoal layer handles odors and the mesh or baffle filters handle grease.
That combo is why a ductless hood is the practical answer for apartments, condos and kitchens without a vent path.
This guide compares eight models on what matters for recirculating: filter setup, airflow, mounting style and controls. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for most kitchensBroan-NuTone 413023 Ductless Range Hood Insert
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for apartments and condosCIARRA Range Hood 30 Inch Under Cabinet
9.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itCIARRA Ductless Range Hood 30 inch Under
Best for tight cabinet clearances - 5
Check itAURAKICH Black Range Hood 30 inch
Best for dark kitchen finishes - 6
Check itFIREGAS Under Cabinet Range Hood 36 inch
Best for wide cooktops - 7
Best for heavy cookingCheck it - 8
Check itHermitlux 30″ Built-in/Insert Range Hood
Best for hands-free controls
Best ductless range hoods with charcoal filters compared
The Broan-NuTone 413023 leads because it keeps the ductless job simple and the charcoal filter replaceable. Every other hood here earns its place for a named need, from wide cooktops to hands-free controls.
Broan-NuTone 413023 Ductless Range Hood Insert: Best for most kitchens
- Replaceable charcoal filter
- Two-speed fan
- Separate rocker switches
- 30-inch insert
A simple 30-inch ductless insert with a replaceable charcoal filter, a two-speed fan and separate switches for the fan and light.
Pros
- Replaceable charcoal filter
- Separate fan and light switches
- Fits neatly under cabinets
Cons
- Bulb not included
- Insert style needs an opening in the cabinet
Broan-NuTone's 413023 is the safe pick for a standard 30-inch range in a kitchen that can't vent outside. It's a black insert that sits under the cabinet, so the hood face stays flush with your cabinetry rather than hanging into the room.
The filtration is the story. It uses a replaceable charcoal filter for smoke and odors, and Broan-NuTone says the smooth surfaces and quick-release filters make cleaning easy.
A two-speed fan and separate rocker switches let you run the light without the fan.
The light takes a bulb up to 75W, but it isn't included, so budget for one. The unit measures 30 in wide by 17.5 in deep and 6 in high, and Broan-NuTone says to mount it at least 18 in above the cooktop.
That height matters in low kitchens.
It's built for ADA-compliant use and carries a 1-year limited warranty. The motor is permanently lubricated, so there's no oiling routine to remember.
Choose it for a simple, well-known ductless insert at a mainstream size. The trade-off against the wall hoods here is airflow: it's a basic two-speed unit built for everyday cooking rather than heavy frying.
MOLINGDUN Range Hood 30 inch: Best for converting to ducted later
- 450 CFM airflow
- Three speeds
- Charcoal filters included
- Ducted or ductless setup
A stainless steel wall hood that runs ductless on the included charcoal pair or vents outside with the included pipe.
Pros
- Charcoal filters included
- Three speeds up to 450 CFM
- Works ducted or ductless
Cons
- Wall mount needs wall space
- Taller canopy than a slim insert
MOLINGDUN's 30 inch hood is the pick when you want the option to vent outside later. It runs ductless on the included charcoal filter pair, or you can switch to ducted mode with the included 5.9 ft aluminum pipe.
That flexibility saves you from replacing the hood if you ever add a vent.
Airflow is the strongest part of its case for most buyers: 450 CFM across three speeds, and MOLINGDUN says it stays under 65 dB at the top setting. A pair of LEDs lights the cooktop.
The 430 stainless steel body has dishwasher-safe aluminum mesh filters, and the motor is rated for 5,000+ hours of use.
It's a wall mount pyramid hood, so it needs wall space and a deeper footprint than an under cabinet insert. At 29.53 in wide and 22.56 in high, it makes more of a statement above the range.
The 2-year warranty covers the motor, lighting and controls.
Pick it if you're planning a kitchen remodel and want one hood for both modes. Skip it if your cabinets sit low or you need a flush under cabinet fit.
CIARRA Range Hood 30 Inch Under Cabinet: Best for apartments and condos
- 3.94 in low profile
- Five-layer mesh filters
- Three fan speeds
- Ducted or ductless
A very slim under cabinet hood that saves space above the stove and can recirculate with an optional carbon filter.
Pros
- Low 3.94 in profile
- Bright LED lights
- Converts between ducted and ductless
Cons
- 200 CFM airflow
- Charcoal filter sold separately
CIARRA's CAS75918B is for apartments and condos where every inch above the stove counts. The canopy is just 3.94 in tall, so it tucks under shallow cabinets without crowding the cooktop.
It has mechanical push buttons for three fan speeds and the two LED lights. The five-layer aluminum mesh filters catch grease, and CIARRA says the slim body can run ducted or ductless.
For recirculating you add the CACF006 carbon filter, which is sold separately.
Airflow is listed at 200 CFM, so this is a light-to-moderate cooking hood rather than a searing machine. It measures 29.76 in wide and 19.68 in deep.
CIARRA describes the three speeds in plain terms: low for quiet ventilation, medium for everyday cooking and high for stir-fry.
The ducted setup uses a 4.8 in round top damper, and the exhaust pipe isn't included. A small adjuster on the motor housing switches the hood between ducted and ductless, so read the manual before you mount it.
Choose it when space and a low profile matter more than raw suction. The trade-off is clear: you get the slimmest fit here, but the carbon filter costs extra and the airflow won't keep up with heavy frying.
CIARRA Ductless Range Hood 30 inch Under: Best for tight cabinet clearances
- 3.94 in low profile
- Mesh grease filters
- Three fan speeds
- Ducted or ductless
A second slim CIARRA option with the same low canopy and mechanical controls, for kitchens that need every inch.
Pros
- Slim canopy fits low cabinets
- Mechanical push buttons
- Replaceable LED lights
Cons
- 200 CFM airflow
- Carbon filter bought separately
The CIARRA CAS75918A is close kin to the model above and lands here as another slim under cabinet option. The low 3.94 in canopy is the draw, and the mechanical push buttons keep operation simple.
Its 200 CFM airflow suits everyday cooking: boiling, simmering and light pan frying. Two LED lights sit on either side of the vent so the workspace stays lit wherever you stand.
The five-layer aluminum mesh filters are the grease layer, and CIARRA says ductless mode needs the CACF006 carbon filter, bought separately.
It's 29.76 in wide and 13.39 in deep, so it leaves more room on the counter beneath it than deeper wall hoods. That 13.39 in depth is the real difference from the CAS75918B, which runs 19.68 in deep.
The brushed finish is easy to wipe.
It runs on 60 Hz power, and the noise figure is 6.5 sones at the highest speed. Sones are a linear scale, so 6.5 sits on the louder end for a hood this size.
The low speed is quiet enough to leave running while you prep.
Pick it when you want a low canopy and simple controls over maximum power. The trade-off against the MOLINGDUN is airflow and the extra filter cost.
AURAKICH Black Range Hood 30 inch: Best for dark kitchen finishes
- 450 CFM airflow
- Steel baffle filters
- Charcoal filters included
- Drilling template
A black pyramid hood with steel baffle filters, dual LEDs and charcoal filters in the box for ductless use.
Pros
- Baffle filters resist denting
- Charcoal filters included
- Mounting template supplied
Cons
- Large 18 in depth
- Wall mount only
AURAKICH's black pyramid hood is the match for dark cabinets and appliances. The powder-coated black finish sets it apart from the stainless steel picks, and the canopy still delivers 450 CFM for ductless or ducted use.
It draws 0.61 A and is ETL certified.
The filters are 2-layer steel baffles with a straight-groove design. AURAKICH says they resist denting better than aluminum mesh and wipe clean in one pass.
Dual LEDs light the cooktop at a very cool color temperature, and the box includes charcoal filters for ductless mode plus a drilling template.
Noise is listed at 55 dB, among the quieter figures here. The footprint is the catch: it's 18 in deep and 37.8 in high, so it needs a generous wall and clearance.
It weighs 21.5 pounds, so plan for two people at install.
Choose it when the finish matters as much as the airflow. Skip it for a compact kitchen, where its depth and height will dominate.
FIREGAS Under Cabinet Range Hood 36 inch: Best for wide cooktops
- 36-inch width
- Charcoal filter included
- Three-speed fan
- Top or rear venting
A 36-inch brushed steel hood for wide ranges, supplied with a charcoal filter for recirculating.
Pros
- Covers wide cooktops
- Charcoal filter in the box
- Top or back venting
Cons
- 200 CFM airflow
- Slim canopy suits light cooking
FIREGAS's 36 inch hood covers a wide cooktop without stretching to a wall mount. It's a slim under cabinet model in brushed 430 stainless steel, supplied with a charcoal filter for recirculating.
The three-speed fan handles moderate cooking, and FIREGAS says it stays under 54 dB on high. Three 3-layer aluminum mesh filters are dishwasher safe.
It can vent from the top or the back, which helps when cabinet layout limits your options. A 4.7 in round duct size is the spec to match if you vent outside.
At 35.3 in wide and 19.5 in deep, it spans a 36-inch range while staying only 5.3 in tall. That slim height is what makes it work under standard cabinets.
It plugs in with a 3-prong cord on 120V, so no hardwiring.
Note the airflow spec sheet lists 200 CFM even though the marketing copy mentions 300 CFM. Treat the lower figure as the safer planning number, and keep the hood for light to moderate cooking either way.
Pick it for a wide range in a kitchen without ducts. The trade-off against the KENDRAJA below is airflow: 200 CFM versus 700 CFM for heavy cooking.
KENDRAJA 36Inch: Best for heavy cooking
- 700 CFM airflow
- Three venting options
- Three washable filters
- Charcoal filters included
A 36-inch steel hood with strong 700 CFM suction and a ductless option using the included charcoal filters.
Pros
- High 700 CFM airflow
- Washable aluminum filters
- Top, rear or ductless venting
Cons
- Canopy depth 18 in
- Larger footprint than 30 in models
KENDRAJA's 36 inch hood is for serious cooking in a wide kitchen. Its 700 CFM rating is the highest here, which matters for stir-fry, grilling and deep-frying that throw a lot of smoke.
It's a 430 stainless steel pyramid canopy that captures from all four burners. You can vent from the top, the rear or ductless, and the charcoal filters are included for recirculating.
Three six-layer aluminum filters are dishwasher safe. Dual 3W LEDs light the cooktop, and KENDRAJA says noise stays at or under 65 dB.
The dimensions are 36 in wide, 18 in deep and 5 in high. That depth means more clearance needed above the counter, and it's a bigger install than a 30-inch hood.
The angled canopy form is what lets it fit a slim 5 in height while still covering the burners.
It weighs 7.48 kg and carries a 1-year warranty. The push-button controls are simple, so there's no learning curve.
Choose it when you cook hot and often and have the wall space. Skip it for a small kitchen or light cooking, where the extra power is more than you need.
Hermitlux 30″ Built-in/Insert Range Hood: Best for hands-free controls
- 600 CFM airflow
- Gesture and touch controls
- Charcoal filters included
- Two metal filters
A built-in hood with gesture, touch and remote controls and a ductless mode that uses the included carbon filters.
Pros
- Gesture sensing control
- 600 CFM airflow
- Charcoal filters included
Cons
- Insert style needs cabinet work
- More controls than some cooks need
Hermitlux's built-in hood is the tech-forward pick. Its gesture sensing lets you change the three fan speeds with a wave when your hands are messy, and touch and remote controls are there too.
That's more control than any other hood here.
It's rated at 600 CFM and Hermitlux says it runs at 55 dB. Ductless mode uses the included carbon filters, so you don't buy them separately.
Two dishwasher-safe metal filters handle grease, and two LEDs light the cooktop. A clear manual covers the install.
The insert mount is the trade-off: it needs an opening built into the cabinet, so installation is more involved than an under cabinet hood. It's 29.53 in wide and 11.02 in high.
That height is taller than the slim under cabinet models, so check the space inside the cabinet as well as under it.
Pick it if you want hands-free controls and don't mind the cabinet work. Skip it for the simplest possible install or if gesture control isn't something you'll use.
How these ductless hoods were compared
We started with the ductless requirement and the filter type. Every model here can recirculate kitchen air, and each one either ships with a charcoal filter or lists the part you need.
That keeps the comparison honest for buyers who can't vent outside.
Next we weighed the airflow figures against mounting style. A 450 CFM wall hood and a 200 CFM slim under cabinet hood solve different problems, so the score rewards each for what it's built to do.
Width, height and depth came next, since fit decides whether a hood works at all in a given kitchen.
We also read the spec sheets closely, and that matters here. Some listings quote one airflow figure in the marketing copy and another in the spec table.
Where the two disagree, we treated the spec table as the more reliable number for planning.
Finally we looked at controls, lighting and filter care. Push buttons, gesture sensing and separate switches all change daily use.
Washable grease filters and replaceable charcoal filters change the upkeep. Our score reflects how well each hood handles recirculating for its size and price tier.
| Product | Best for | Width | Filter type | Mount | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broan-NuTone 413023 Ductless Range Hood Insert | most kitchens | 30 in | Charcoal | Under cabinet | 9.6 |
| MOLINGDUN Range Hood 30 inch | converting to ducted later | 30 in | Wall mount | 9.4 | |
| CIARRA Range Hood 30 Inch Under Cabinet | apartments and condos | 30 in | Under cabinet | 9.2 | |
| CIARRA Ductless Range Hood 30 inch Under | tight cabinet clearances | 30 in | Under cabinet | 8.9 | |
| AURAKICH Black Range Hood 30 inch | dark kitchen finishes | 30 in | Wall mount | 8.4 | |
| FIREGAS Under Cabinet Range Hood 36 inch | wide cooktops | 36 in | Under cabinet | 8.2 | |
| KENDRAJA 36Inch | heavy cooking | 36 in | Under cabinet | 8.1 | |
| Hermitlux 30″ Built-in/Insert Range Hood | hands-free controls | 30 in | Insert | 7.9 |
What should you check before buying a ductless range hood with a charcoal filter?
Check three things first: the hood's width against your cooktop, the mounting style against your cabinets, and whether the charcoal filter is included. A ductless hood only filters what passes through it, so fit and airflow come before extras.
Does the hood match your cooktop width?
A 30-inch hood is the usual pair for a 30-inch range. If you have a 36-inch cooktop, choose a 36-inch hood so the canopy catches smoke from the whole surface.
A hood narrower than the cooktop lets smoke escape at the edges.
Is the charcoal filter in the box?
Some models ship with carbon filters and some don't. CIARRA's slim hoods need the CACF006 carbon filter added for ductless use, while the MOLINGDUN, AURAKICH, FIREGAS, KENDRAJA and Hermitlux models include theirs.
Factor the extra part into your plan if it's sold separately.
How much clearance does the canopy need?
Broan-NuTone says to mount its insert at least 18 in above the cooktop. Wall mount pyramid hoods are deeper and taller, so they need more open wall and room above the counter.
Measure the gap between your cooktop and the bottom of the cabinets before you choose a style.
Do you need a plug or a hardwired connection?
The FIREGAS hood comes with a 3-prong power cord and runs on 120V, so it plugs into an outlet. Most hoods here list a standard electrical hookup, but check the outlet position before you buy.
A hood that needs an outlet where your kitchen has none adds an electrician to the project.
Which mount style fits your kitchen: insert, under cabinet or wall?
An insert suits a cabinet opening, an under cabinet hood mounts to the cabinet base, and a wall hood hangs on open wall above the range. The right one depends on what your kitchen already has.
Under cabinet hoods for standard layouts
These bolt to the underside of the upper cabinets and keep the hood face close to the cabinetry. They suit most kitchens with cabinets over the range.
The slim CIARRA models and the FIREGAS are built this way.
Inserts for a built-in look
An insert drops into a cutout in the cabinet, so the vent sits inside the cabinetry. The Broan-NuTone 413023 and the Hermitlux are inserts.
They give a clean look but need cabinet work, so plan the opening carefully. Our guide on how to measure for a range hood insert walks through the opening size and clearance checks.
Wall mount hoods for open walls
A pyramid hood like the MOLINGDUN or AURAKICH hangs on the wall above the range. It makes a visible statement and often brings more airflow than a slim insert.
It needs open wall space and a deeper footprint, so it's less suited to compact kitchens. The AURAKICH includes a drilling template to help line up the mounting holes.
How much airflow do you need for ductless cooking?
For light cooking, 200 CFM is workable. For heavy frying and searing, aim higher, closer to 450 to 700 CFM.
Ductless hoods recirculate air, so the fan has to move enough air through the charcoal layer to keep odors in check.
The CFM figures here range from 200 to 700. That spread matters more than any single feature.
A 200 CFM slim hood in a condo kitchen handles boiling and simmering. A 700 CFM KENDRAJA hood gives you headroom for wok cooking and grilled food indoors.
Noise goes up with airflow, so the two specs should be read together. The FIREGAS stays under 54 dB, the AURAKICH and Hermitlux sit at 55 dB, the MOLINGDUN under 65 dB and the KENDRAJA at or under 65 dB.
A hood that moves more air quietly costs more than one that trades airflow for calm.
Keep in mind that a ductless hood's real-world reach depends on filter condition. A clogged charcoal filter cuts odor removal no matter how high the fan rating.
Replace it on the brand's schedule.
Charcoal filters and grease filters: how do you keep a ductless hood working?
You keep a ductless hood working by cleaning the grease filters often and replacing the charcoal filter on schedule. Grease clogs the mesh or baffle layer; charcoal handles odors and loses effectiveness over time.
The grease layer in most models here is aluminum mesh or steel baffle. Washable filters go in the dishwasher, and the steel baffles on the AURAKICH wipe clean by hand.
Charcoal filters are replaceable parts, so order the right one for your model.
If your hood sits over a microwave instead of a range, the filter routine is similar. Our guide on how to clean over the range microwave filters covers the soak and rinse steps.
And if you're weighing the two appliance types, our comparison of the over the range microwave vs range hood explains the trade-offs in venting and space.
What to know about controls, lighting and venting options
Controls, lighting and venting flexibility decide how a ductless hood feels day to day. Push buttons are simple and reliable, while gesture and remote controls add convenience for messy hands.
LED lighting keeps the cooktop visible.
Venting options matter if you might add ductwork later. The MOLINGDUN and AURAKICH include a pipe and charcoal filters, so they can switch from ductless to ducted.
The FIREGAS offers top or rear venting. The Hermitlux includes touch, gesture and remote control, the widest control set here.
Lighting ranges from the incandescent socket on the Broan-NuTone to built-in LEDs on the others. An LED bulb in the Broan-NuTone insert needs to be bought separately.
On models with LED lighting, the lamps are part of the hood. The Broan-NuTone also needs a light guard sold separately if you fit an incandescent bulb instead of an LED.
Which charcoal filter part do you need for a convertible hood?
For a convertible hood, buy the charcoal filter the brand names for that model. CIARRA lists the CACF006 carbon filter for its slim hoods.
FIREGAS supplies a charcoal filter with its 36 inch hood. Other brands here include carbon filters in the box.
Don't assume a generic carbon filter will fit. Filter shape and size vary by model.
If you're replacing a filter on a different appliance, match the part to the brand. Our guide on which GE over the range microwave filter fits shows how to find the right part number for a GE model.
The verdict: which ductless hood with a charcoal filter should you buy?
Buy the Broan-NuTone 413023 for most kitchens. It gives you a straightforward 30-inch ductless insert with a replaceable charcoal filter and separate fan and light switches.
That's the best ductless range hood with charcoal filter setup for everyday cooking without ductwork.
Choose the MOLINGDUN 30 inch if you want a convertible wall hood with included charcoal filters and a pipe for ducting later. Pick a slim CIARRA if your cabinets sit low and you need the thinnest canopy.
Go with the KENDRAJA 36 inch for wide cooktops and heavy frying, and the Hermitlux for hands-free gesture controls.
Match the width to your cooktop, confirm the charcoal filter comes with the hood or budget for it, and check the clearance above the stove. That combination picks the right recirculating hood for your kitchen.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for most kitchens
Broan-NuTone 413023 Ductless Range Hood Insert
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for apartments and condos
CIARRA Range Hood 30 Inch Under Cabinet
9.2/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
How often should I replace the charcoal filter?
Follow the brand's replacement guidance for your model and your cooking style. Heavy frying fills a charcoal filter faster than light boiling.
If odors linger after the hood runs a full cycle, that is your cue to replace the filter.
Is a ductless range hood as good as a vented one?
No, a ductless hood recirculates air and cannot send smoke and moisture outside the way a vented hood does. It suits apartments and kitchens without ductwork.
For heavy frying, a vented setup moves more contaminants out of the room.
Do all ductless hoods include a charcoal filter?
No. Some models ship with a charcoal filter, while others sell it as an optional part.
Check what comes in the box before you buy, since a hood sold as convertible often needs the carbon filter added for recirculating.
What size ductless hood fits a 30-inch range?
A 30-inch hood is the usual match for a 30-inch range. For a 36-inch cooktop, choose a 36-inch hood so the canopy covers the full cooking surface.
Measure the cabinet opening before you order an insert model.
Can I use a ductless hood over a gas stove?
Yes, but the hood must clear the heat and combustion byproducts that gas cooking adds. Match the airflow to your cooking and keep the required clearance above the cooktop.
Check the model's installation instructions for the gas clearance.
