The Best RV Range Hoods

Traveling with the comfort of your home packed in an RV is inarguably one of the best ideas of an adventure. You get to jump from one city to another without having to deal with expensive check-in costs and restless search for your necessities.

Long road trips have become more prominent and designing your RVs should never be a compromise at all, especially when you have food and steady airflow as your top priorities. Cooking in your motorhome would mean using the best RV range hood vents, which can help remove odors and humidity.

• Size: Most RV range hoods match the size of your cooktop to ensure that the smoke is all caught in the hood. For an RV range hood replacement, you want to get the exact size of your current vent space to make sure that it fits. The bigger the vent hood, the more expensive it is.
• Fan Speeds: The fan is useful for pulling out the smoke, heat, and odors from cooking. You can find many different speeds, but two to three fan speeds are enough. If you want more variation, choose five or six fan speeds.
• Extra Features: Many range hoods come with lights to illuminate your cooking space. For an automatic power-on, look for heat sensors, plus an automatic shutoff for safety. It also comes in handy to use a range hood with a monitor panel to know the current status of the equipment.

Selecting the best hood needs consideration over a lot of things. Hence, as you keep reading, you will be enlightened and be able to decide on the one that would completely suit your wheeled kitchen.

Top-Rated RV Range Hood Reviews

1. Cosmo 5MU30 Range Hood

If you love to relax in spacious domains, then the slim Cosmo 5MU30 Under Cabinet Range Hood is undoubtedly the most suitable one for you. Having a clean, space-saving design like this one installed in your RV is something you never want to miss.

Running out of power that sustains all the machines needed in your RV is an inconvenience. Let me tell you this range hood works efficiently, so it doesn’t consume energy excessively, plus the fan’s sound will never disturb you. That means you will be able to maximize other fixtures inside your motorhome without having to worry about energy shortages.

No one loves rust and irremovable blemish on any steel surface. Luckily, with this model’s stainless steel body, corrosive agents will have nowhere to propagate, so your hood gets preserved.

We usually enable our aesthetic sides to do most of the decision-making when purchasing almost anything. And for range hood designs, I will confidently recommend this because of a European style that looks unique and classy.

2. Broan-NuTone 423023 Range Hood

Picking the top-quality range hood also requires creativity. If you are one among many people who value the sleekness of your kitchen piece, then the Broan-NuTone 423023 Cabinet Range Hood is what you need. With three color options and elegantly smooth designs, your money will have one great of hustle for sure.

Many people are concerned about whether or not their devices are going to work as intended because they’re no experts in hardware and electronics. The good thing is that installation is a breeze as the package comes with instructions to guide you by all means.

If you are sensitive to foul, greasy smells, I suggest you pick this item as this comes with a fan with two different speed modes. A perfect aluminum mesh filter is attached beneath the fan to contain grease and oily substance, which means you can easily keep your kitchen fresh, light, and clean.

You will be amazed that this piece comes with a considerable light capacity of up to 75W, which spreads evenly over the cooking space. We can choose what kind of light to use, which is an absolute plus.

3. Camp’N RV Exhaust Vent Cover

If you are looking for an RV stove vent cover replacement that can stand different conditions while you are on travel, then I suppose you should pick the Camp’N RV Exhaust Vent Cover.

Suitability is a gem, especially when you get to avail of your range hoods without an RV range hood exterior vent cover. What I like about this is that it complements most ducted stovetops. So, say goodbye to endless searching because the most suitable cover is now within your reach.

More importantly, this cover doesn’t easily get torn out despite being tested by high impact, climate changes, and the like. Hence, it is clear enough that this is a very durable option for RVers.

I am sure you don’t want to see your vent cover damaging itself during transport. This item comes with lockable chips that will keep your vents intact regardless of the bumping and the bouncing. It will also prevent shaking on the insides, thus reducing damage risk.

4. Ventline V2111-13 Exterior Vent

One of the most salient features of the Ventline V2111-13 Exterior Vent is its damper. And we know for a fact that dampers help in the airflow process and prevention of back-drafting. Moreover, it also restricts the entry of unwanted matter into your ductwork.

Installing a weak RV stove top replacement, more so with frail external vents, can lead us to a disturbing adventure. So, I would recommend trying this exterior attachment since its injection-molded styrene plastic construction is sturdy enough to withstand force and tearing. You will not also have to think of doing replacements for the next few years.

Furthermore, if you plan to upgrade your RV range hood one day, choosing this one is ideal as installing it only takes around 15 minutes. And not just that, this compact Ventline model surely fits on the footprints of your torn vents.

It may be surprising to know that this product is break-resistant while at the same time pocket-friendly. Styrene plastic is what makes this vent more special and durable compared to a variety of products. Therefore, without a doubt, this is a considerable option to develop if you want to save money and maintain consistent and long-lasting air circulation.

6. Heng’s R0423500-C1 Range Hood

If you are looking for a convenient installation and organized setup of your 12-volt range hood, this minimalist piece is the ideal one for you. Plated with a clean black finish, the Heng’s R0423500-C1 Range Hood can match easily with the rest of your interiors.

Range hoods perform well when taken care of properly. And while maintenance is mostly about cleanliness and optimum performance, cleaning will be easy because of its furnished louvers. The feature does not allow oil and dirt to stick.

It also comes with a removable filter for trouble-free clean-up. That means you will never compel to dismantle the whole thing to wash its parts. You will also be able to prevent damage to some sensitive portions of it.

Inside of it is a sturdy fan that silently does most of the work to keep your RV fresh against airbornes. Cooking is ideally greasy most, if not all, the time. The fan of your range hood is a component of air decontamination against grease, fumes, smoke, heat, and steam as it promotes steady airflow and filtration inside your motorhome.

I have always preferred to cook under well-lighted conditions to appreciate the food further. Cooking in the dark will no longer be an issue as this hood also has an enclosed light in it. So, say goodbye to the inconvenience of flashlights on top of your cooking pots. You can now have all the time checking your dishes.

What To Know Before Buying RV Range Hoods

Variety makes us weigh the options we have on the table. Buying the best RV range hoods should focus on the most necessary, beneficial, and practical aspects. Below are pieces of ideas that will guide you to having the top-tier motorhome kitchen piece.

• Cubic Feet per Minute

Range hood CFM varies depending on the type of your stove, whether it is an electric or a gas one. CFM is a gauge of all air movements from and into your RV kitchen, but not all packages disclose this. Sellers of range hoods know about the proportion of CFM to the size of your motorhome.

• Lightings

Halogen lights used to be a part of our illumination system before LED took place and made an impact on the industry. For RVers of this generation, LED is undoubtedly the top-rated choice for lighting up their cooktops. It consumes less energy and performs longer without overheating issues.

• Filters

Baffle filters are the ones that are easy to clean as they are of high-class stainless steel metal. Unlike baffle filters, mesh filters contain several layers of stacked metal mesh, which causes grease buildup and requires regular cleaning. Charcoal filters became popular today because of zero to minimal maintenance needed. However, for efficient performance, this filter has to be replaced once it gets worn out or loses filtration capacity.

Types

First is you need to know the classification of the range hood you both want and need. Keep reading so you can clearly decide on the most suitable one for you.

• Vented

Vented hoods are structured to provide a way out of smoke, grease, and odor from your RV. Attached to it is a duct made of aluminum or stainless steel; both differ in durability. By having a vented range hood, chances of kitchen odor circulating inside your RV are relatively lower. Samples of vented or ducted range hoods are as follows:

• Under Cabinet Hood

For most space-conscious RVers, these hoods mount under the bottom of any wall cabinet. Smoke is sent out and eliminated from your RV through ductwork. And while most cabinets’ width does not go as big as range hoods do, this type is expected and is usually of the same size as your stovetop. Hoods being wider than cabinets also help prevent grease buildup on your cabinet exteriors.

• Range Hood Insert

A range hood insert is one type with a dedicated and customized cabinet mounted on it. If you are particular about the overall look of your RV kitchen, then this should be on your options. By having an insert, you are also giving yourself a chance to transform your cabinet into a functioning RV range hood without having to compromise your taste and style.

• Wall-Mounted Range Hood

Just like an Under Cabinet Range Hood, this type mounts on a wall, but it doesn’t have a cabinet on top of it. The ductwork of wall-mounted range hoods has a resemblance to a chimney that comes in different shapes and sizes. The exhaust piece vents its way to the ceiling of the RV and finally out of your entire motorhome.

• Ductless

This kind of range hood functions the same with the vented ones, but unlike the latter, it does not have a substance pathway to it. Smoke and odor capture does not depend on whether or not your range hood is ducted. What makes it different is that it filters air it captures and then releases it back to the room as clean air. Also, it doesn’t consume too much time and effort to install. There are several recirculating types of range hoods in the market, and they don’t vary much in terms of post-installation operations except for those identified by figures.

Benefits of RV Range Hoods

We have learned about the different types of range hoods and categorized them into vented and ductless hoods. Continue reading to know more about the advantages and disadvantages of these kitchen pieces.

• Without a doubt, health is a priority wherever we go. Range hoods help in proper air circulation to eliminate unwanted air contaminants that may impose harm on our bodies.
• Having a complete cooking station with a range hood in your RV is as comfortable as your home.
• By using range hoods, you are also increasing your RV’s fair value for a market appraisal.
• Convenient food preparation assisted by lights and fans makes your RV life easy.
• Installing RV range hoods means allowing fresh air to replace the heat inside your motorhome.
• You would not have to wipe out grease and kitchen stain that builds up on your RV wall perpendicular to your stovetop.
• Drawbacks of RV Range Hoods

Knowing the perks of having a range hood can be enticing. But, you also have to consider how much of a disadvantage it may cause you given the following circumstances.

• Choosing the wrong design for your RV will leave you aesthetically unsatisfied.
• Picking the range hood with a performance capacity lesser than the optimum piece can cause abuse to the item and shorter lifespan.
• Issues you might soon encounter can be caused by not knowing what kind of range hood you need based on your RV and stovetop type.
• You might be wasting money if you settle for merely an acceptable one.
• Poor physical and performance reviews will increase the chances of unexpected malfunctions and damages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do RV range hoods work?

Fans attached to RV Range Hoods are one of the most significant components of a well-functioning kitchen exhaust system. A properly-installed and thoroughly-planned kitchen hood generally leads the airflow inside your RV.

With a set of blades placed above your stove top covered in a durable case, suction happens as more air gets drawn into the fan. The ductwork then continues the process by eliminating air captured out of your RV. Non-gas particles are usually filtered before they reach your ductwork. Ductless range hoods recirculate air it captures as fresh air after filtration of gas and non-gas elements.

Who makes the top-tier RV range hood?

Conventional exhaust hoods characterized by bulky bodies, noisy fans, dim lights, and low suction power no longer have their market share. Furrion is considerably the most trusted manufacturer of RV Range Hoods with its combination of advanced technology and luxury. Apart from making mainstream RV fixtures, it also gives RVers assurance as to the quality, world-class innovation, and absolute return on investment.

How do you set up and use your RV range hood?

• Shut down power sources that may cause electric currents toward the hood you are installing. Be sure to wear protective gear against cuts and electric shock.
• Prepare the tools you will need like hammers, caulking guns, sealant, cutter pliers, drilling tools, saws, and other pieces of equipment that may be deemed relevant.
• For range hood replacements, be sure to clear the wall with all debris from your previous installation. Setup or remove electrical connections depending on the type of replacement hood you have.
• First-time installations of an RV range hood would require using a manufacturer’s manual, and measurement of its dimension. The same goes for its attachments. Carefully drill holes for the screws, and make sure you don’t cut sensitive parts of your RV when you need to make provisions for the vent duct.
• Whether or not you had previously installed an RV range hood, be sure that holes for the screws and ductwork, for some cases, fit with your new range hood.
• Consider using a sealant to keep the hood steady while putting on screws.
• With range hoods differing in many aspects, check the manual provided in the package for a more specific guide.

How do you keep your RV range hood clean?

For you to maintain the cleanliness of your RV range hood, consider the following tips that may apply to several parts of your kitchen exhaust system.

• Regularly check for possible airflow inhibitors and malfunctions. You might not know your range hood is mechanically struggling, not until you find the motor or the fan noisy, which can be unusual.
• Certain non-abrasive cleaning products help in removing grease and other forms of unwanted particles on the surfaces of your range hood. Just be sure not to expose your bulbs and wirings to these substances to prevent damage.
• Filters have different ways to clean, depending on the material. Charcoal filters are ideally disposed of and replaced with new one when it loses efficiency or when a year lapses. The metal ones are usually soaked with degreasing solutions to dissolve or to shrug off particles that stick around your filter. Be sure that the filters are dry before putting it on your range hood.
• Consider removing grease and dirt off your fan blades and fan motor, as this can cause slower air capture and deterioration if not given attention over a long time. And while there are different solutions offered across the web, be careful in choosing the one that would preserve your range hood’s parts.
• You know how oily substances can commonly ignite some fire, even if you think it’s far enough from the source. And by the danger it shows, you should never forget to clean the vent to which your hood is connected so you can be sure that no fire reaches any point beyond your stovetop.
• Make sure that the cleaning agents you use on your RV range hood are appropriate and enough to make your hood look clean and work efficiently as a new one.

Which are the quietest range hoods?

The quietest range hoods are ducted because the exhaust fan is located far away from the stove. Grease buildup may also cause a whirring sound, so it’s smart to look for a filter that’s easy to clean. In this regard, baffle filters are a winner because they use a drip tray to dispose of the coagulated grease.

Speed can also affect the noise level of range hoods. The higher the speed, the louder the range hood operates. If you want to reduce the noise, look for variable speed controls to choose a lower setting.

It’s even better if a noise rating (sones) is provided because you can gauge how discreetly the range hood works. A quiet range hood is rated between 4-6 sones.

Some good recommendations are:

• Heng’s RV range hood 12-volt
• Broan-NuTone BUEZ230BL

How much CFM do I need?

Determining the right CFM depends on many factors, such as your range hood, BTU ratings, kitchen area, and ductwork.

• Range Hood Style

If you own an under-cabinet or wall-mounted range hood, multiply every linear foot of the cooktop with 100 CFM. For example, you have a 3-foot wide cooktop. Your required CFM is 3 x 100 = 300.

Since an island hood lacks walls or cabinets, it needs more energy to move fumes. Multiply every linear foot of the cooktop with 150 CFM.

• British Thermal Unit (BTU)

The total heat produced from a gas stovetop is measured in BTUs. To get the needed CFM, add the BTUs of all burners and divide by 100.

For example, you have a total of 16,000 BTUs. The CFM required is 16,000/100 = 160.

• Kitchen Space

The rule of thumb is to exchange the air 15 times per hour for perfect ventilation. To get the CFM, find the total area of your kitchen and multiply by 15 air exchanges, then divide by 60 minutes.

Let’s say you have a 5’ x 6’ x 6’ kitchen room.

5 x 6 x 6 = 180 cubic feet

180 x 15 air exchanges = 2,700 cubic feet per hour

2,700 / 60 minutes per hour = 45 CFM

Or, you can divide the total area by 4 minutes. So 180/4= 45 CFM.

Compare all the numbers and choose the highest. For every foot of ductwork, increase the CFM by one. Add 25 or 40 to the CFM for every duct turn and roof cap.

Which is better, a vented or unvented range hood?

An RV stove vent hood is better than an unvented model because it uses mesh filters or stainless steel baffles to trap the grease and smell more effectively.

Instead of recirculating the air inside the RV as an unvented hood does, a vented model sends the smoke and other particles outside. This design makes your kitchen cleaner.

However, the RV range hood vent flap may cause a terrible noise when caught in the wind. To solve this issue, add foam to serve as a light spring when the flap hits.

How can I improve my RV range hood suction?

The first thing you can do to increase the suction of your RV stove hood is to clean the filters regularly. Remove any accumulated grease and dirt that might block the airflow. Soak the filter with hot water and dish detergent for several minutes, then scrub with a soft brush.

If you own a ventless model, try replacing the carbon filter because it’s disposable.

The fan blades inside the hood also need some cleaning from time to time. As you check the blower inside, try to clean the walls of any debris with a damp cloth. You can clean the blower with hot soapy water.

If the suction hasn’t improved after all the cleaning, check the vent connection for any obstruction. Look for any object trapped inside the ductwork.

How to install a 12V RV range hood?

The installation for an RV range hood is pretty easy. Here are the steps.

• The first step is to mark the vent holes on the wall. The vertical distance between the gas range and hood should be at least 65cm.
• Cut the vent holes and route the electrical supply connections according to local regulations.
• If necessary, connect the extension duct to the hood outlet. Insert the duct into the wall opening and mount the hood under the cabinet using the provided screws.
• Run the wires inside the wiring compartment.
• Make sure that the blower housing and ductwork have no objects obstructing the airflow.
• Turn on the range hood to test its operation.

What are good range hood brands?

Dometic makes quality range hoods for mobile kitchens. This brand is known for its energy-efficient over-stove range hood models, like the CK 155, which has a fan built into the roof dome to remove the heat and smoke fast.

COSMO, Broan-NuTone, and Heng’s are also good brands to consider when looking for a good range hood. COSMO boasts durability while Heng’s makes compact range hoods for smaller campers. Broan-NuTone makes excellent under-cabinet range hoods.

What is some good hood over range ideas?

You can cover your range hood with a custom cabinet for a neat look. If you want something fancy, add decorative supports to the wall like corbels. You can also set up drywall and paint it with your favorite color that matches the look of your kitchen.

Conclusion

After all, every RV kitchen needs a range hood. Otherwise, odor from cooking will continue to circulate, and grease in your cooking area will continue to build up worse than expected. Choosing the Best RV Range Hood will not be easy, but it will be worth it. So, whatever it is that you have decided, make sure that it pleases you on all considerations possible.

Get rid of unwanted air pollutants, and live the motorhome adventure of your dreams. I believe I have answered most of your concerns in the discussion and that you have narrowed down your choices. The comments section is open for an objective conversation. Great day ahead!

Philip Lopez

Okay, so I’m Philip Lopez. I join Riverside Trailer as an editor, where I will be doing research for both content and reviews. I contribute to studies aimed at understanding the most typical problems encountered by RVers on the road. I also keep up with the newest RVing gadget innovations so that I can promptly evaluate and recommend the best options.