How We Research
Every guide on Got Vents starts with one question: will this hood work in the kitchen of the person shopping for it? That means the width of your cooktop, the space under your cabinet and whether you can vent outside.
Here is how we answer it.
1. We start with your kitchen
A 36 inch gas range, a 30 inch electric stove in a condo and a low cabinet over a small cooktop each call for a different hood. A big ducted hood is the wrong pick if no duct runs outside.
We check width, depth, body height and venting options first. When your space limits the choice, we say what to measure.
2. We compare specs and features
We look at the fan power in CFM, the noise in sones where the maker gives it, the number of speeds, the controls, the lights and the filter type. For ductless use we check whether a charcoal filter comes in the box or costs extra.
Makers describe their hoods in their own words, so we name the brand for every claim. We also note the warranty terms each maker lists.
3. We look at owner feedback
We read what owners report after living with a hood for a while. We look for patterns, like rattles, weak suction on high, dim lights, hard-to-reach filters and tricky installs.
One angry review doesn't sink a hood. A pattern does.
4. We score each product
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A hood that's great for a quiet condo kitchen may score lower in a guide for heavy gas cooking.
Scores spread out on purpose. A 10 is rare.
5. We keep pages up to date
Hoods change, and makers sell close models under similar names. We check each model number, width and color, and we only link new units, never renewed or used ones.
We skip hoods with a known recall. When we update a guide, the "Updated on" date at the top changes with it.
What our picks are not
Our picks are research, not lab tests. We don't claim to have used every hood we cover.
Many hoods are hard-wired, and venting rules vary by town. Follow the maker's manual, and hire a licensed electrician or contractor when the manual or your local code calls for one.