Do you want to learn how to install an under cabinet ductless range hood?
Installing under cabinet range hoods for a ductless configuration is very similar to a standard hood, except that there is no vent to hook up to, and you will have to make sure to put it in ventless mode.
In this install guide, I will go over...
- How to fasten the hood to the cabinet
- Wiring the range hood
- Prepping the hood for installation
- Installing charcoal filters
Let's get started with this guide!
How To Install Under Cabinet Ductless Range Hoods?
The first main step in installing an under cabinet range hood for ductless is to dry fit the hood. You want to mark any areas for the fastening screws, and you want to make sure the hood is level and centered. The ductless range hood should also be at least 24-inches above the cooktop or range.
After dry fitting, you will need to fasten the hood to the underside of the cabinet using screws or brackets depending on the manufacturer. After installation, you will need to install a charcoal filter which is rated for ductless range hoods.
For more details of each step, keep reading...
Read Also: How To Install Wall Mount Range Hoods?
Tools Needed
The tools needed to install a ductless undercabinet range hood include a power drill (corded or cordless).
A tape measure is handy to verify height and that it is centered as well as a bubble level. A pencil should be used to mark the screw holes. You also may need a keyhole saw or a reciprocating saw if there isn't already a hole for the power plug or wiring to pass through the bottom of the cabinet.
And lastly a cabinet jack to prop up the range hood is highly useful, but you can also use a car jack or just boxes.
Read Also: What Are The Best Overall Range Hoods (All Styles)?
Step 1 - Plug It In & Verify Operation
Prior to installing a range hood, I always advise homeowners to take the hood out of the box, place it on a countertop, and plug it in. Make sure all of the light and fan controls are working properly.
Are there any missing parts? You want to catch any defects or missing parts prior to the tedious work of installation.
This is also a good time to remove any clear tape or packaging material on the range hood. Many times people mistakenly think the LED lights have a bluish color but it is actually just blue shipping tape over the lights.
Step 2 - Prep Hood For Ductless Install
Virtually all range hoods can be converted to a ductless installation, and I am unaware of any range hoods that are only designed for recirculating mode.
Different range hood brands will have certain things you need to do to make it work as a ductless range hood. Some brands may need you to insert caps or covers over the range hood vent holes, but other brands may have them already covered. Another brand may need to remove the cover from the front vent in order to make it ductless.
Basically, you need to make sure that there is a vent in the front of the hood that allows the recirculated air to blow out into the kitchen (rather than going into the wall). Your range hood may also have a knob that needs to be turned into recirculation mode.
Simply read the manufacturer's instruction manual to verify how to put your range hood into a ductless configuration.
Read Also: How To Install ZLine Range Hoods?
Step 3 - Dry Fit The Hood
After you are sure the range hood is in the correct ductless configuration, you can go ahead and dry fit the hood.
Using a cabinet jack or even car jack can be very helpful with the installation. If you are using a jack, you will need to place a piece of plywood or something flat over the range, and then center the jack underneath the cabinet. If you don't have a jack, getting help from a buddy will make this process much easier, but you can also use boxes and other items around your home.
As you hold the range hood underneath the cabinet, you can use a level to make sure it is straight. You may also want to take out a tape measure and make sure that the bottom of the range hood is 24" to 36" above the range or cooktop to get the most suction and ensure good indoor air quality.
Step 4 - Mark The Screw Holes
Once it is dry fitted and being held correctly in place, use a pencil to mark the screw holes.
Step 5 - Drill Pilot Holes & Install Anchors (Or Brackets)
Depending on the manufacturer, it may be a part of the installation to drill pilot holes or installation brackets onto the bottom of the cabinet. Pilot holes are simply pre-drilled holes which makes the installation easier. And if your range hood comes with plastic anchors, these should be inserted into the holes after drilling the pilot holes.
Your range hood may also come with a paper template so you can know where to mark the screw holes or brackets. Remember that you should not cut the large center 4-8 inch hole which is for vented range hoods.
Read Also: What Are The Best Stainless Steel Range Hoods?
Step 6 - Pull Power Cord Or Wiring Through Cabinet
After you have dry fitted the range hood, marked the screw holes, and installed plastic anchors or brackets --- you should pull the power cord or electrical wiring (for hardwired hoods) through the cabinet.
If the cabinet doesn't have a hole for you to pull through the wiring, you will need to cut a small hole. You can drill a pilot hole, and simply use a small keyhole saw to make a hole, or you can use a hole saw drill bit to do it with a 2" diameter.
Make sure the power cord isn't pinched in-between the cabinet and the range hood.
Step 7 - Fasten Range Hood To Cabinet
After you have pulled through the plug or wiring, you should fasten the hood to the cabinet.
If you are using a cabinet jack, then I recommend slowly tightening the jack until the range hood is tight with the cabinet. If you aren't using a jack, you may need a helper to hold the range hood while you secure it.
The most common range hood installation is to drill four wood screws vertically from the range hood into the bottom of the cabinet.
Other range hood models may have you fasten the screws first, leaving out some of the screws, and then the range hood is inserted into the screws, and pushed to the rear (which tightens it).
If using brackets, the range hood should be able to slide into the brackets.
Read Also: Do Range Hoods Have To Be Vented Outside?
Step 8 - Plug In Hood Or Hardwire
After you have secured the range hood, you can simply plug in the power cord into the cabinet outlet.
If the range hood is wired, you will have to connect the wires using wire nuts with black to black, white to white, and the green or bare wire to the ground screw.
Step 9 - Install Charcoal Filters
After you have wired and fastened the range hood to the cabinet, the last step is to install the filters.
You can't use the standard aluminum mesh or baffle filters for ductless. You will have to buy a filter that fits your range hood that has a layer of activated charcoal. The charcoal layer of the filter will capture some of the smoke and particulates that cooking creates. These filters are also not washable or reusable but will have to be periodically replaced every few months, or at minimum every 6-months.
Read Also: What Are The Best Under Cabinet Range Hoods?
