If you want the short answer: for most standard 30-inch kitchens, the best Broan range hood is a quiet 300 to 350 CFM ducted under-cabinet model, not the biggest blower you can buy. In Broan’s current lineup, that usually points homeowners toward models like the BCSEK130SS, ALT1303SS, or MTR1303SS for everyday cooking. If you are building a custom wood hood, look at Broan’s PM300SS or PM400SS inserts instead.
On our kitchen remodels, we see the same mistake often: the homeowner shops by CFM alone. CFM matters, but it is only one part of a working ventilation system. Hood width, capture area, duct route, duct size, elbows, wall cap, roof cap, sound rating, filter access, electrical location, and local code all affect whether the hood actually removes steam, grease, odor, and gas-cooking pollutants from the kitchen.
This guide compares the Broan range hoods that make the most sense for real remodeling projects in 2026. It also explains what we would check before ordering one, what installation usually costs, and when a homeowner can reasonably handle the work versus when a contractor, electrician, HVAC technician, or permit office needs to be involved.
Best Broan Range Hoods by Kitchen Situation
There is no single best Broan hood for every kitchen. A small condo kitchen with no exterior wall has a different answer than a new custom kitchen with a gas range and a wood hood enclosure. The right choice starts with the job type.
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#1 Best Overall
- HIGH-QUALITY DUCTLESS RANGE HOOD INSERT: Stainless steel hood insert improves ventilation and lighting over your stove with the non-ducted filtration system that effectively removes smoke and odors
- EFFECTIVE LED LIGHTING: Designed for LED, 75w max, not included. If using incandescent bulb, purchase light guard # S99110437 separately.
- EASY CARE: Charcoal filter is replaceable so you can maintain optimum grease capture and keep the kitchen fresh
- VERSATILE: Separate rocker switches control the light and the 2-speed fan for easy use. Bulb (Recommended Type) - A19
- IDEAL SIZE: Range hood insert measures 30" and should be installed at least 18" above cook top
| Best Use Case | Broan Model Example | Width | Max Blower CFM | Sound Rating | Typical 2026 Retail Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget same-size replacement | Broan F403011 style convertible hood | 30 in. | Varies by model | Basic residential range | About $104 |
| Quiet everyday 30-inch hood | Broan BCSEK130SS | 30 in. | 300 CFM | 1.5 sones | Often in the low-to-mid hundreds |
| Best value quiet upgrade | Broan ALT1303SS | 30 in. | 350 CFM | 1.5 sones | About $240 |
| ENERGY STAR under-cabinet option | Broan MTR1303SS | 30 in. | 350 CFM | 1.5 sones | About $249 |
| Custom wood hood insert | Broan PM300SS | 21 in. insert | 300 CFM | Model-dependent | About $187 |
| Higher-power custom insert | Broan PM400SS | 21 in. insert | 450 CFM | Model-dependent | About $299 |
| High-CFM under-cabinet hood | Broan ALT4306SS | 30 in. | 640 CFM | 0.8 sones | About $634 |
Those retail prices are useful planning numbers, but they are not the whole project cost. A $240 hood can become a $1,500 project if the crew has to cut a new exterior duct path, modify cabinets, open drywall, patch a backsplash, add electrical, and coordinate inspection.
Our Top Broan Picks for 2026
Best Overall for Most 30-Inch Kitchens: Broan ALT1303SS
The Broan ALT1303SS is a practical choice for many 30-inch range installations because it hits the range we like for everyday kitchens: 350 Max Blower CFM, convertible installation, stainless finish, ENERGY STAR positioning, and a quiet 1.5-sone rating. At about $240 in current retail pricing, it is not the cheapest hood Broan sells, but it is a strong value for a kitchen where the homeowner will actually use the fan.
For a standard electric or gas 30-inch range, 350 CFM is often enough when the duct run is short and properly sized. We would rather install a quieter 350 CFM hood that gets used every day than a loud hood that only gets turned on after smoke is already spreading through the room.
Best fit: 30-inch under-cabinet replacement, moderate cooking, open kitchen where noise matters, and remodels where the duct path can be kept short.
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The Broan MTR1303SS is another strong 30-inch under-cabinet option. It is a 350 Max Blower CFM convertible hood with a 1.5-sone sound rating and ENERGY STAR status. Current pricing is about $249, putting it close to the ALT1303SS.
On remodels where the owner wants a better-than-basic stainless hood without stepping into high-CFM code complications, this is the kind of product we like to price early. It gives the kitchen a cleaner appliance package, keeps noise reasonable, and stays below the 400 CFM threshold that often starts a makeup-air conversation.
Best fit: homeowners who want efficient everyday ventilation, quiet operation, and a straightforward under-cabinet installation.
Best Quiet 300 CFM Option: Broan BCSEK130SS
The Broan BCSEK130SS is a 30-inch ENERGY STAR convertible under-cabinet hood with 300 Max Blower CFM and a 1.5-sone sound rating. That combination makes sense for smaller kitchens, lighter cooking, and homes where a quiet fan is the difference between using the hood and ignoring it.
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Do not dismiss 300 CFM just because a larger number is available. If the hood is the right width, installed at the right height, ducted outdoors, and connected to a clean, direct duct path, 300 CFM can outperform a louder, poorly ducted higher-CFM hood in day-to-day use.
Best fit: everyday cooking, smaller kitchens, electric ranges, and gas ranges used mainly for moderate cooking rather than frequent high-heat searing or wok cooking.
Best Budget Replacement: Broan F403011-Style Convertible Hood
Broan’s basic 30-inch convertible under-cabinet hoods remain popular because they solve a common problem: an old hood has failed, the cabinet opening is standard, and the homeowner wants a clean replacement without redesigning the kitchen. Current pricing for a Broan F403011 30-inch convertible hood is about $104.
This is not the hood we would specify for a high-end kitchen remodel or a serious gas range setup. But for a rental property, laundry-adjacent kitchenette, basic apartment kitchen, or simple same-size replacement, it can be a reasonable choice.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesBest fit: budget replacements, light cooking, existing under-cabinet openings, and projects where ductless or convertible operation is the only practical path.
Best Insert for a Custom Wood Hood: Broan PM300SS
If the design calls for a custom cabinet-style hood, you usually do not want a full visible under-cabinet hood. You want a power-pack insert that mounts into a properly built hood liner or enclosure. The Broan PM300SS is a 21-inch stainless insert with 300 Max Blower CFM, and current pricing is about $187.
For a custom hood over a standard 30-inch range, the enclosure dimensions matter. The cabinetmaker and remodeler need to coordinate the insert opening, liner, clearances, duct size, electrical feed, service access, and finished trim before the hood box is built. This is one of those details that becomes expensive if it is solved after cabinets are installed.
Best fit: custom wood hoods over standard ranges where 300 CFM is appropriate and the enclosure is designed around the insert from the start.
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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Best Higher-Power Insert: Broan PM400SS
The Broan PM400SS is a 21-inch power-pack insert with 450 Max Blower CFM and current pricing around $299. It gives a custom hood more airflow than the PM300SS, but it also crosses the 400 CFM line that can trigger makeup-air requirements under widely adopted residential code language.
That does not mean you should avoid it. It means the decision should be made before framing, cabinets, HVAC balancing, and permit review are finished. If the home has atmospheric combustion appliances, tight construction, or a strong exhaust system, the makeup-air and backdrafting conversation becomes more important.
Best fit: custom hood projects where cooking demand justifies more airflow and the remodel team has checked code, ducting, and makeup air.
Best High-CFM Under-Cabinet Option: Broan ALT4306SS
The Broan ALT4306SS is a 30-inch under-cabinet hood with 640 Max Blower CFM and a very low 0.8-sone rating. Current retail pricing is about $634. On paper, that is impressive. In the field, it is a hood we would specify only after checking the full house system.
At 640 CFM, duct sizing, duct route, exterior termination, makeup air, combustion safety, and permit review are not side notes. They are part of the job. A high-CFM hood can be the right answer for frequent high-heat cooking, but it can also create pressure problems in a tight house if the replacement air has nowhere to come from.
Rank #2
- FINGERPRINT RESISTANT STAINLESS FINISH: PrintGuard technology introduces a fingerprint resistant, stainless finish range hood that wipes clean with ease, seamlessly matches other stainless appliances, and is scratch resistant
- MADE IN THE USA: Proudly manufactured in the USA by the Leaders in Residential Indoor Air Quality with foreign and domestic components
- BREATHE CLEANER AIR: The flexbile installation design and 2-speed blower that quickly pulls smoke and odors from the air and through a aluminum filter to cleanse the air, makes this hood vent the perfect addition to your kitchen
- DISHWASHER SAFE: Keep your kitchen spotless and air clean with a removable, dishwasher-safe filter, and replaceable parts help this product last years to come
- DIMENSIONS: This kitchen ventilation tool measures 17.5" L x 30" W x 6" H
Best fit: serious cooking, stronger ventilation needs, and remodels where the contractor and HVAC designer can plan the system correctly.
Ducted vs Ductless Broan Range Hoods
When we have a reasonable path to the exterior, we prefer ducted. A ducted range hood sends moisture, grease aerosols, smoke, odor, and combustion pollutants outdoors. A ductless hood pulls air through grease and charcoal filters and sends that air back into the kitchen. That can help with odor and grease capture, but it does not remove moisture or combustion byproducts from the home.
Ductless can still be the practical choice in apartments, condos, interior kitchens, masonry buildings, or projects where the HOA or building envelope makes exterior venting unrealistic. But if you are remodeling a single-family home and walls or ceilings are already open, this is usually the time to add proper exterior ducting.
Never vent a range hood into an attic, soffit, garage, crawlspace, wall cavity, or ceiling space. The duct should terminate outdoors through an approved wall or roof cap. Dumping warm, greasy, moist air into a hidden space invites staining, odor, condensation, mold risk, and callbacks.
How Much CFM Do You Need?
For many 30-inch kitchens, we start the conversation at 300 to 350 CFM. That range is strong enough for normal cooking when the hood is sized and ducted properly, and it usually avoids the complications that come with larger exhaust systems.
CFM is not capture by itself. Capture depends on the hood’s width, depth, position over the burners, blower performance, duct resistance, and whether the cook uses the hood early enough. A hood that is too shallow may miss front-burner steam and smoke even with a strong fan. A long duct run with several elbows can reduce real performance. Dirty filters also choke airflow.
Use these planning ranges as a starting point:
| Kitchen / Cooking Type | Practical Broan CFM Range | Notes From the Field |
|---|---|---|
| Light cooking, electric range | 250-300 CFM | Quiet operation and good filter access matter more than raw power. |
| Typical 30-inch family kitchen | 300-350 CFM | Our usual starting point for a ducted under-cabinet Broan hood. |
| Gas range, frequent frying or searing | 350-450 CFM | Prioritize outdoor ducting and front-burner coverage. |
| High-output range or heavy cooking | 450+ CFM | Check makeup air, duct size, combustion safety, and local code early. |
The 400 CFM Makeup-Air Threshold
For residential remodels, 400 CFM is an important decision point. Widely adopted residential code language requires makeup air for domestic range hoods capable of exhausting more than 400 CFM, with some form of automatic operation and roughly equal replacement air. Local amendments vary, so the permit office has the final word.
Makeup air is not just paperwork. A powerful exhaust hood removes air from the house. That air has to be replaced. In older leaky homes, replacement air may come through gaps around windows, doors, attics, and basements. In tighter homes, the hood can depressurize the kitchen or pull air down chimneys, water heater vents, or furnace flues. That is where backdrafting and combustion safety enter the discussion.
Our rule is simple: below 400 CFM, many projects stay straightforward. Above 400 CFM, involve the contractor and HVAC designer early. For a 450 CFM PM400SS insert or a 640 CFM ALT4306SS under-cabinet hood, do not wait until the cabinet install to ask whether makeup air is required.
Noise Ratings Matter More Than Homeowners Expect
Noise is one of the biggest reasons range hoods go unused. Many homeowners say they want maximum power, then avoid turning the hood on because it drowns out conversation. In an open-concept kitchen, that problem is worse because the hood noise spills into the dining and living areas.
Sones are the common range hood sound rating. Lower is quieter. Broan models like the BCSEK130SS, ALT1303SS, and MTR1303SS at 1.5 sones are much easier to live with than many basic hoods. The ALT4306SS is rated at 0.8 sones despite its high CFM, but the rest of the system still has to be designed correctly. Poor ducting can create turbulence and noise even when the hood itself is quiet.
On our job sites, we also talk about user behavior. The best hood is the one the homeowner will run before cooking starts and leave on for several minutes after cooking ends. Turning the fan on after smoke has already moved across the kitchen is too late for good capture.
Width, Mounting Height, and Fit
Broan under-cabinet hoods commonly come in 24, 30, 36, and sometimes 42-inch widths. In most kitchens, the hood should match the range width at minimum. If the layout allows it, slightly wider is better, especially for gas cooking or frequent front-burner use.
A 30-inch hood over a 30-inch range is common. A 36-inch hood over a 30-inch range can improve capture, but only if the cabinets, layout, and design can support it. In a tight replacement, the cabinet opening usually controls the decision.
Mounting height must follow the hood manufacturer’s instructions and the cooking appliance requirements. Many under-cabinet hoods land in the general range of about 18 to 30 inches above the cooktop, depending on the product and cooking surface. Install it too high and capture drops. Install it too low and you can create clearance, heat, and usability problems.
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Duct Route: The Part That Makes or Breaks Performance
A range hood is only as good as the path behind it. Short, straight duct runs to an exterior wall are usually best. A roof route can work, but it adds decisions about attic access, insulation, roof pitch, flashing, cap location, condensation control, and future leak risk.
We avoid flexible duct for range hoods. Smooth metal duct performs better, cleans better, and creates less resistance. Every elbow adds resistance. Undersized duct, crushed duct, restrictive wall caps, long horizontal runs, and dirty filters all reduce actual airflow at the cooktop.
During a remodel, rough in the ducting and electrical before cabinets go in. Retrofitting after finished cabinets, tile, countertops, and paint are complete raises labor cost and limits clean options. If the kitchen is open, that may mean planning duct routes through joist bays, soffits, exterior walls, or attic space before finalizing cabinet drawings.
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What Broan Range Hood Installation Costs in 2026
Broan hood purchase prices vary widely. In 2026, under-cabinet Broan-NuTone models at major retailers generally range from about $50 to $2,000, with popular 30-inch stainless models often landing around $100 to $650 depending on CFM, finish, controls, sound rating, ENERGY STAR status, and whether the hood is ducted, ductless, or convertible.
Installation costs vary even more. National benchmarks put range hood installation around $650 to $2,500 in many projects. Another common national average is around $750. Homewyse’s May 2026 estimates place vent hood replacement around $483 to $1,010 per hood, while new range hood installation can include roughly $245 to $538 for the hood plus about $562 to $1,040 in labor depending on scope.
Rank #3
- 30-INCH UNDER-CABINET RANGE HOOD: 50 points of inspection. Expect a durable, long-standing ventilation solution engineered by the leader in indoor air quality to improve your kitchen air quality
- 20% MORE EFFECTIVE: Trust in the Broan-NuTone brand to more effectively remove pollutants in your kitchen than the leading competitor, with strong airflow at 350 Max Blower CFM. Bright 1-level, heat resistant LED modules (bulbs included) to enhance your cooking experience. Easy-to-clean, fully enclosed bottom with 2 dishwasher-safe high efficiency micro filters
- UP TO 44% QUIETER: With sound equivalent to a refrigerator running, this vent hood is up to 44% quieter than competition at 1.5 sones on working speed. The hidden rocker switches control the 2-speed fan and 1-level lighting
- ONE PERSON INSTALLATION: With the included EZ1 brackets it's an easy install for a single person in half the time, both professional and DIYers. Convertible to accommodate either top or rear venting applications or non-ducted operation using charcoal filters, which are sold separately (Filter Model HPF30)
- BOTH ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED AND TITLE 24 COMPLIANT: (with electric ranges only), this kitchen hood is energy efficient and code compliant. Can be used with optional Universal make-up air damper MD6TU, MD8TU or MD10TU to replace air exhausted out of the house only when the hood is turned ON, helping with ventilation to keep your home fresh while reducing energy consumption. Can be installed for ADA Compliance with the purchase of model HAWSK3 low voltage wiring and wall switch kit
| Project Scope | Typical 2026 Cost Range | What Drives the Price |
|---|---|---|
| Same-size ductless replacement | A few hundred dollars plus the hood | Basic electrical connection, no new duct, minimal cabinet work. |
| Existing-duct under-cabinet replacement | About $483-$1,010 | Fit, old duct alignment, wall cap condition, cabinet modifications. |
| New ducted hood installation | Often $650-$2,500 | New exterior duct path, drywall, backsplash, roof or wall penetration. |
| Custom wood hood with insert | Often four figures before high-end finish work | Cabinetry, liner, insert, ducting, electrical, trim, paint or stain. |
| High-CFM hood with makeup air | Can exceed basic install ranges | HVAC design, damper, controls, larger ducting, inspection requirements. |
Permit and inspection fees are local, but we commonly allow roughly $50 to $300 or more for permits and administrative costs when mechanical or electrical work is involved. In some jurisdictions, a simple appliance swap is treated differently from new ductwork, roof penetration, or makeup-air work.
When to DIY vs When to Hire a Pro
Reasonable DIY Situations
A handy homeowner may be able to replace a same-size under-cabinet Broan hood when the existing electrical and ducting are already correct, the new hood matches the cabinet opening, the circuit is safely shut off, and no new wall or roof penetration is needed. A basic ductless replacement is also more DIY-friendly than a new ducted installation.
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Even then, the work still involves electrical safety, sharp metal edges, overhead fastening, and manufacturer instructions. Two people make the job safer because holding a hood in place while wiring and fastening is awkward.
Hire a Contractor, Electrician, or HVAC Pro When
Bring in a pro when the project needs new ductwork, a roof or exterior wall penetration, cabinet modification, hardwired electrical changes, a new circuit, backsplash repair, structural coordination, or a hood over 400 CFM. Also hire help if the home has gas appliances, an older chimney, atmospheric water heater, or any concern about backdrafting.
For a full kitchen remodel, the hood should be coordinated with the cabinet plan, appliance specifications, electrical rough-in, mechanical route, and inspection schedule. The cheapest time to solve ventilation is before cabinets and tile are installed.
Safety, Gas Ranges, and Indoor Air Quality
A range hood is not just for smells. Cooking produces moisture, fine particles, grease aerosols, and odors. Gas cooking can also produce nitrogen dioxide and other combustion pollutants. The practical job-site answer is source control: capture contaminants close to where they are produced and exhaust them outdoors when possible.
The Tool Desk
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Keep filters clean. Grease-loaded filters reduce airflow and increase fire risk. Most metal grease filters should be washed regularly, with frequency depending on cooking habits. Charcoal filters in ductless hoods need replacement because they do not last forever.
Common Broan Range Hood Buying Mistakes
The first mistake is buying by CFM only. High CFM does not fix a shallow hood, bad duct route, loud operation, or missing makeup air. The second mistake is treating ductless and ducted hoods as equal. Ductless is a compromise, not the same performance category.
The third mistake is planning the hood after the cabinets. In a remodel, the hood affects cabinet dimensions, duct path, electrical location, backsplash layout, and sometimes HVAC design. Waiting too long forces compromises.
The fourth mistake is exceeding 400 CFM without checking local code. A 450 CFM or 640 CFM hood may be right for the kitchen, but the makeup-air plan needs to be part of the project. The fifth mistake is venting into a hidden space instead of outdoors. That is not an acceptable shortcut.
Final Recommendation
For most homeowners remodeling a standard 30-inch kitchen, start with a quiet ducted Broan under-cabinet hood in the 300 to 350 CFM range. The Broan ALT1303SS, MTR1303SS, and BCSEK130SS are the most practical everyday options because they balance airflow, sound, cost, and installation complexity.
For a custom wood hood, compare the PM300SS and PM400SS early with your cabinetmaker and contractor. The PM300SS keeps the system simpler at 300 CFM. The PM400SS gives more airflow at 450 CFM, but it should trigger a makeup-air and code review.
If you cook heavily, use gas, or want a high-CFM model like the ALT4306SS, do not treat it as a simple appliance swap. Plan the ducting, electrical, exterior termination, and replacement air before the kitchen is finished. That is how a Broan hood becomes a working ventilation system instead of a noisy stainless box under a cabinet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Broan range hood for a 30-inch kitchen range?
For most 30-inch kitchens, a quiet 300 to 350 CFM ducted Broan under-cabinet hood is the best starting point. The Broan ALT1303SS, MTR1303SS, and BCSEK130SS are practical choices because they balance airflow, noise, cost, and installation complexity.
Is a ducted Broan range hood better than a ductless Broan hood?
Yes, when exterior venting is feasible. A ducted hood exhausts moisture, odors, grease aerosols, smoke, and combustion pollutants outdoors. A ductless hood recirculates air through grease and charcoal filters, which is useful where ducting is not practical but is still a compromise.
How many CFM do I need for a Broan range hood?
Many standard 30-inch kitchens work well with 300 to 350 CFM if the hood is properly sized and ducted. Heavy gas cooking, frequent frying, or high-output ranges may justify 400 CFM or more, but the duct system and makeup-air requirements need to be checked.
Do Broan range hoods over 400 CFM require makeup air?
Often, yes. Widely adopted residential code language uses more than 400 CFM as the point where makeup air may be required for domestic range hoods. Local code controls the final answer, so check with the permit office or HVAC designer before installing a 450 CFM or 640 CFM hood.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchHow much does it cost to install a Broan range hood in 2026?
A simple same-size replacement may cost a few hundred dollars plus the hood. Broan hood prices commonly range from about $50 to $2,000, with popular 30-inch stainless models often around $100 to $650. National installation benchmarks commonly range from about $650 to $2,500 depending on ducting, electrical, cabinets, permits, and finish repairs.
Which Broan insert is best for a custom wood range hood?
For many standard custom wood hoods, the Broan PM300SS is the simpler 300 CFM option. The Broan PM400SS provides 450 CFM, but because it exceeds 400 CFM, it should be reviewed for duct sizing, local code, and makeup-air requirements before the cabinet enclosure is built.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
