Updated October 1, 2026.
A ducted range hood needs an exhaust route outdoors. A ductless hood returns filtered air to the kitchen. A convertible model can use either arrangement only when its instructions allow it and the required filters or conversion parts are installed. Check the hood model, cooking appliance and installation requirements before choosing a configuration.
Ducted, ductless and convertible: what changes?
| Configuration | Where air goes | What to check before buying |
|---|---|---|
| Ducted | Through an exhaust duct to the outdoors | Duct outlet, route, termination, clearances and replacement-air requirements |
| Ductless / recirculating | Through the specified filters and back into the kitchen | Approved recirculating setup, filter part numbers and replacement schedule |
| Convertible | Depends on the approved installation configuration | Whether the exact model supports both setups and which parts are included |
A convertible label does not mean the hood arrives with everything needed for recirculation. Grease filters and charcoal filters serve different purposes; verify both in the model documentation.
Does a ductless hood remove cooking moisture?
No. Recirculation returns air to the room rather than exhausting it outdoors. The Home Ventilating Institute notes that nonducted hoods do not reduce cooking moisture and have limited odor-control value. A charcoal filter does not turn a recirculating hood into outdoor ventilation. Source: HVI kitchen ventilation guidance.
When planning a kitchen, distinguish an appliance's recirculating capability from the ventilation required for the room and cooking equipment. A higher advertised CFM number does not change where the air goes.
Two actual models to compare
ZLINE KN4-30: a convertible wall-mount hood
The ZLINE KN4-30 is a 30-inch stainless-steel and glass wall-mount model. ZLINE lists outdoor venting or recirculation with CF1 charcoal filters, which are not included. Its maximum airflow is 400 CFM; the published duct outlet is 6 inches. Those specifications apply to this model rather than every ZLINE hood. View the manufacturer specifications and manuals.
Forno Bari FRHUC5255-30: an outdoor-vented under-cabinet example
The Forno Bari FRHUC5255-30 has a published 400 CFM maximum. Its series manual specifies outdoor termination through a wall or roof and a 6-inch round metal duct. Use that manual for the complete route and installation requirements; do not assume an unrelated charcoal kit makes this model ductless. Sources: Forno product specifications and Bari installation manual.
What if you live in an apartment or condo?
An apartment is not automatically limited to ductless ventilation. Confirm whether there is an approved outdoor exhaust route, what modifications the building permits and what the appliance installation requires. Have the proposed arrangement checked before ordering. If outdoor ducting cannot be added, investigate the approved alternatives for that specific kitchen rather than assuming any recirculating hood will satisfy the requirements.
Can the duct end in an attic or cabinet?
An outdoor-vented system needs an outdoor termination. For example, the Forno Bari manual specifies a wall or roof route to the exterior. Discharging into an enclosed interior space does not provide that route. Ask the installer to verify the termination, duct sizing and clearances from the exact manual.
Your pre-order venting checklist
- Write down the full hood and cooking-appliance model numbers.
- Confirm ducted-only, recirculating-only or convertible capability.
- List the filters and conversion parts required for the chosen configuration.
- Measure the hood location and have the duct route, clearances and replacement-air needs reviewed.
- Check building permissions and applicable installation requirements.
- Compare the complete installed cost, including filter upkeep, rather than the hood price alone.
Browse range hoods or under-cabinet models. Send your appliance model, measurements and vent-route details through our free online appliance fit check to narrow the product choices. Installation approval still needs the appropriate installer or local authority.
Related buying questions
For airflow sizing, read our range hood CFM guide. For a broader feature comparison, see ducted versus ductless range hoods.
