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Budgeting 101: How Much Does It Cost to Install Range Hoods?

December 13, 2023
Budgeting 101 How Much Does It Cost to Install Range Hoods

The smell of garlic and the smoke from the stove can sometimes linger in the kitchen for far too long, so it’s crucial that you have a good range hood to keep the air clean and pleasant. Range hoods, however, come with a price tag that you have to prepare for.

Most homeowners typically pay around $400 to $1,500 to install a range hood, depending on the type, exhaust method, and hood model. Some may pay more if they choose hoods with better features and CFM ratings.

To get a better grasp of how much it will cost you to install a range hood, here’s a comprehensive guide on all the factors that can influence its total cost.

Factors That Can Influence the Cost of Installing Range Hoods

Type of Range Hood

Type of Range Hood
Type of Range HoodCost
Under-cabinet range hood$200 to $1,000
Wall-mounted range hood$300 to $1,000
Island range hood$500 to $1,400
Cabinet insert range hood$500 to $1,500
Downdraft range hood$1,000 to $3,000

Under-Cabinet Range Hood

Under-cabinet range hoods are mounted under kitchen cabinets above the stove. They’re compact and space-saving, making them perfect for individuals with small kitchens.

They’re generally more affordable than other types of range hoods, costing only about $200 to $500 for DIY installation and $750 to $1,000 if you’re hiring someone to install them. 

They are also less powerful compared to other types of range hoods, so their venting system is less expensive than other types.

Wall-Mounted Range Hood

Wall-mounted range hood, as the name suggests, is a ventilation system that’s mounted on the wall above a stove or cooktop. This type of range hood is probably the one you’ll see in most houses as it is the most common.

Hoods like this are designed for kitchens that don’t have cabinets directly above the cooking area or those with large kitchen spaces like open-layout kitchens. They’re more effective than under-cabinet hoods and have better lighting options.

Expect to pay around $300 to $500 if you install the range hood by yourself and $650 to $1,000 if you hire a professional. 

Island Range Hood

Island range hoods are designed for kitchens with islands. They’re suspended from the ceiling directly above the cooking surface on an island and ventilate through the roof.

Since there are no cabinets near the hood to help buffer the smoke, island range hoods tend to have powerful ventilation systems to effectively capture and remove the smoke from the kitchen. This, of course, means they’re also more expensive.

Prepare around $500 to $1,400 if you want to install a range hood above your island counter. Installation of island range hoods can be challenging, so it’s not common for homeowners to DIY the installation process.

Cabinet Insert Range Hood

Cabinet insert range hoods are designed to be installed into a custom-built cabinet. These hoods are basically not visible from the exterior of the cabinets to create a more seamless and integrated look within the kitchen.

These range hoods are a bit more complicated to install because the installer has to build a new cabinet that would fit them. Installation of cabinet insert range hood can easily cost $500 to $1,500, depending on the unit and the type of cabinet you want.

Another reason behind their bigger price tag is the multiple lighting options and the varying levels of ventilation speed that they have.

Downdraft Range Hood

Unlike other types of range hoods that are installed above the cooking area, downdraft hoods are typically integrated into the cooktop or installed behind it. These hoods are typically retractable, meaning they can be raised when in use and lowered when not.

These range hoods are typically seen in modern and contemporary kitchens. They offer a sleeker look and are perfect for those aiming for a minimalist aesthetic.

Although they’re less powerful than other hoods when it comes to ventilation, the unit itself tends to be costly and the installation can be quite complicated. It can cost you anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000 to install a downdraft range hood.

Exhaust Method

Exhaust Method
Exhaust MethodCost
Ductless range hood$200 to $400
Ducted range hood$200 to $1,000
Convertible range hood$300 to $1,200

Ductless Range Hood

Ductless range hoods, also called recirculating range hoods, are ventilation systems that filter and recirculate the air within the kitchen instead of venting it outside. They are not connected to any external ductwork where they can vent out the smoke.

They’re generally less effective in removing airborne contaminants than ducted hoods since it’s hard for filters to completely eliminate the contaminants in the air. They’re also a bit louder than ducted hoods.

That said, ductless hoods are typically more cost-effective because they eliminate the need for ductwork, which can complicate the installation process. A budget of $200 to $400 is typically enough to install a ductless hood.

Ducted Range Hood

Ducted range hoods, as the name suggests, have external ductwork that helps them vent out smoke, grease, and odors outside of the home. They’re very effective in removing airborne pollutants and keeping the indoor air quality good.

However, due to the need for ductwork, they tend to be quite expensive to install. They can cost around $200 to $1,000 to install, depending on the brand, model, and type of range hood you’ll use.

Although they have a higher initial cost, you can typically save up on maintenance cost since they require less frequent maintenance because they don’t have filters. They also tend to last longer than ductless range hoods.

Convertible Range Hood

Convertible range hood offers the flexibility to be used for either ducted or ductless operation. They use filters to recirculate air, but they also have fans and hookups that allow them to be connected to a ventilation system, allowing them to vent out smoke.

However, this flexibility comes with a price. They tend to be more expensive than standard exhaust methods, typically costing around $300 to $1,200 to install, depending on the size of the ductwork and the brand and the features of the range hood. 

Style and Finish

Style and Finish
Style and FinishCost
Bisque$100 to $750
Black$100 to $1,000
White$100 to $1,000
Copper$250 to $1,250
Oil-Rubbed Bronze$250 to $1,500
Stainless Steel$300 to $1,500
Glass$300 to $1,500

Bisque

A bisque finish refers to a light, creamy, or off-white color, which is typically the most common color found in range hoods. It has a warm and neutral appearance that can complement various kitchen styles and color schemes.

Range hoods with bisque finish are typically the cheapest, costing around $100 to $750, depending on the type, brand, and model of the range hood.

Black

A black finish on a range hood offers a sleeker and more sophisticated look to the kitchen. Its stylish appearance is perfect for modern, contemporary, or industrial homes. 

Black range hoods typically cost a bit more than bisque ones due to their demand. You’ll typically spend around $100 to $1,000 for a black finish, depending on the type and model of range hood you’re using.

White

A white finish on a range hood offers a classic and timeless look that can match various kitchen styles, from farmhouse and traditional to modern and minimalist designs. It also helps brighten up the space, so it’s ideal if your kitchen has limited natural light.

White range hoods generally cost the same as black ones, $100 to $1,000. The low end of the range are typically ducted under-cabinet range hoods that have minimal features and power, while those on the higher are smart range hoods from known brands.

Copper

Copper-finished range hoods are becoming increasingly popular these days for their eye-catching look. They work well for various kitchen designs, including traditional, rustic, industrial, and modern kitchens.

This finish is typically used for island range hoods to make them the centerpiece of the kitchen. 

A copper finish can be a bit harder to achieve than white and black, so it’s also a bit more expensive. Expect to pay around $250 to $1,250 for a copper range hood, depending on the brand and features of the hood.

Oil-Rubbed Bronze

An oil-rubbed bronze finish is perfect for those who want a metallic and vintage look in their kitchen. This finish is designed to mimic the look of aged bronze, giving the range hood a unique look.

This finish has a rich and warm tone that makes the kitchen look more cozy and welcoming. Stains and marks are also harder to spot, so the kitchen won’t look too messy even if you don’t clean it frequently.

Prepare around $250 to $1,500 if you’re going for an oil-rubbed bronze finish for your range hood. Ductless range hoods will typically fall on the lower end of the cost range, while ducted and convertibles are on the more expensive end.

Stainless Steel

The stainless steel finish is almost synonymous with contemporary and modern aesthetics. It has a clean, polished appearance that pairs well with various cabinet finishes and countertop materials.

Stainless steel is also known for its corrosion resistance and durability, so many homeowners choose it for their kitchen appliances.

For a stainless steel range hood, you can expect to pay around $300 to $1,500, depending on the type, features, model, and brand of the range hood.

Glass

When we talk about glass range hoods, it doesn’t mean that the entire range hood is made out of glass. Typically, glass range hoods refer to range hoods with a stainless steel frame and curved or straight pane glass.

These range hoods usually have one of the most aesthetically pleasing looks out of all range hood styles. However, they can also be the most costly since they have both stainless steel and glass.

A glass range hood can cost you around $300 to $1,500, depending on the size of the glass and the range hood’s type and model.

CFM Rating

CFM Rating

The cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating is a very important specification to consider when choosing a range hood for your kitchen. It’s the measure used to indicate the hood’s ability to effectively capture and exhaust smoke.

The CFM rating of the hood should match the requirements of your kitchen. Larger kitchens with larger cooktops will generally produce more smoke, grease, and odor, so you’d need a range hood with a higher CFM rating.

A higher CFM rating means the hood has a more powerful ventilation system, so it’s only natural that they’d cost more.

Sone Rating

Sone Rating

Sone rating refers to the level of noise range hoods produce, which is measured from one to 20, with one being the quietest and 20 being the loudest. Range hoods with low sone rating will cost more, but that means you have a quieter cooking experience.

A range hood with a one sone rating can be comparable to the sound of a refrigerator running, generally quiet and unnoticeable. A 20 sone rating, on the other hand, is similar to having a vacuum cleaner running, loud, and bothersome.

If you have an open kitchen layout, getting a range hood with a low sone rating is generally advised since sound can easily travel to other parts of the house in this layout. This means you have to prepare a bit more budget for the range hood unit.

Labor

Labor

Depending on the type of range hood you want, you’ll need to hire installers with different expertise. You’ll either need to hire an electrician, a carpenter, a handyman, or an HVAC specialist.

A handyman can typically do the job for $50 to $85 per hour if you’re installing a ductless hood. However, for range hoods that require complex ductwork, you’ll need an HVAC specialist, which can cost you $75 to $150 per hour.

Carpenters who would build the cabinet for a cabinet-insert hood typically charge $40 to $100 per hour. If your kitchen doesn’t have a dedicated outlet for the range hood, you’d have to hire an electrician for $50 to $130 per hour.

How much does it cost to install a range hood by yourself?

How much does it cost to install a range hood by yourself

If you’re installing your kitchen’s range hood by yourself, you’ll only be paying for the unit itself. The unit can cost around $100 to $1,650, depending on the type, brand, and model.

However, DIY installation is only advisable for ductless range hoods or if you already have existing ductwork for the range hood. If you’re installing a convertible or a ducted hood without existing ductwork, it’s best to hire a professional to do the job.

How do I save money when installing range hoods?

How do I save money when installing range hoods
  • Choose a ductless range hood.

Ductless range hoods cost less to install, so they’re a better choice for those tight on budget. Although they’re less effective than ducted range hoods, they’re generally sufficient if you don’t do heavy cooking.

  • Choose a simple design.

Basic under-cabinet or wall-mounted models are more cost-effective than cabinet-inserts and downdrafts. It’s also best to opt for simple finishes, like bisque, black, or white since they cost less.

  • Install the range hood yourself.

If you’re installing a ductless range hood, you can typically install it yourself instead of hiring a handyman. Many range hoods come with installation instructions, and there are also a lot of videos online that you can refer to.

  • Utilize existing electrical wiring.

If possible, install the range hood in a location where there’s already an existing outlet. This can help you save money on hiring an electrician.

  • Shop for deals and discounts.

Visit different shops and look for those that offer discounts and promotions. Some retailers may also offer seasonal sales on appliances, which can help you reduce the overall cost of installing range hoods.

  • Avoid unnecessary features.

Choose range hoods with features that are essential to your needs. High-end features like smart home integration, touchscreen controls, and motion sensors can make life more convenient, but they can also significantly increase costs.

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