Broan Range Hoods

Broan range hoods are basically the lungs of your kitchen. Instead of letting smoke, steam, and strong food smells stick around, these products pull them out or filter them so your room stays fresh. You might also find trash compactors in this lineup, which help manage waste more efficiently. If you need to upgrade your air quality or just replace an old fan, check out the Broan options available right here at The Brick.

Broan Range Hood Styles and Formats

Broan range hoods are available in four main formats for residential kitchens, each suited to a different installation situation. Under-cabinet hoods mount beneath upper cabinets directly above the cooktop and are the most common format for standard kitchen layouts. Wall-mount chimney hoods attach to the wall where no upper cabinet is present and extend up to the ceiling, creating a visible architectural element above the range. Island hoods suspend from the ceiling over a cooktop or range installed in a kitchen island. Insert and liner models fit inside a custom-built hood enclosure where the decorative surround is provided separately.

Each format is available in ducted (vented to the exterior) and ductless (recirculating) configurations. Ducted installation removes grease, steam, and odours from the kitchen entirely. Ductless models pass air through a charcoal filter and recirculate it back into the room — suitable for kitchens where exterior ducting is not practical. You can browse current models alongside other cooking ventilation options in our kitchen ranges and kitchen appliances collections.

Reading Range Hood Specs: CFM and Sones

Two numbers matter most when comparing range hood models. CFM — cubic feet per minute — measures how much air the fan moves. Broan's general sizing guideline is 100 CFM per linear foot of cooktop width, which means a 30-inch range requires a minimum of 250–300 CFM. For gas ranges, an additional calculation based on total BTU output of the burners should also be considered, at approximately 1 CFM per 100 BTU. Higher-output cooking styles, frequent high-heat cooking, or enclosed kitchens typically benefit from a higher CFM rating than the minimum.

Sones measure how loud the fan is at a given speed setting. One sone is roughly equivalent to the sound of a quiet refrigerator hum. Lower sone ratings indicate quieter operation. Most Broan model specification sheets list sone levels at each fan speed, which is a more useful comparison than a single maximum-speed figure.

Hood Width and Placement

The width of the range hood should match or exceed the width of the cooktop it serves. For under-cabinet hoods, matching the cooktop width is the standard minimum. For wall-mount chimney hoods, Broan and industry guidance recommend extending the hood width 3 inches beyond each side of the cooktop — making a 36-inch hood the appropriate match for a 30-inch range — to improve capture efficiency at the edges of the cooking surface. Installation height above the cooktop also affects performance and should be confirmed against the specific model's installation instructions, as the recommended clearance varies between gas and electric cooktops.

Broan Trash Compactors

Broan produces built-in trash compactors for kitchen installation. Current models use a patented double scissors ram mechanism that delivers up to 5,000 lbs of compacting force, reducing the equivalent of 14 standard 13-gallon bags of waste into a single bag. The 12-inch wide design fits standard base cabinet openings. A key-operated switch prevents accidental activation, and an Air Scentry holder accepts standard solid deodorizers to manage odour between bag changes. A bag storage compartment is built into the unit.

Shopping for Broan at The Brick

When comparing Broan range hoods, the most practical details to confirm before purchase are the installation format that fits your kitchen layout, whether ducted or ductless is appropriate for your space, the CFM rating relative to your cooktop size and cooking style, and the sone level at the speeds you will use most. For compactors, confirming the cutout dimensions and door swing direction relative to your cabinetry is the most important pre-purchase step.

FAQ About Broan Kitchen Ventilation

What is the difference between ducted and ductless Broan range hoods?

Ducted hoods connect to exterior ductwork and exhaust grease-laden air, steam, and cooking odours completely out of the kitchen. Ductless hoods pass air through a charcoal filter and recirculate it back into the room. Ducted installation is generally more effective at removing cooking byproducts, while ductless models provide flexibility in kitchens where running a duct to the exterior is not possible.

What CFM range hood do I need for my stove?

The standard guideline is 100 CFM per linear foot of cooktop width, so a 30-inch range needs a minimum of 250–300 CFM. For gas ranges, total BTU output of the burners should also factor in at approximately 1 CFM per 100 BTU. Enclosed kitchens, frequent high-heat cooking, and professional-style ranges typically call for higher CFM than the calculated minimum.

How do I clean the filters on a Broan range hood?

Aluminum mesh grease filters on Broan range hoods can be washed in the dishwasher or soaked in hot water with a grease-cutting dish soap. Broan recommends cleaning the filters monthly under normal use. Charcoal filters used in ductless models are not washable and should be replaced according to the schedule in the product manual, typically every three to six months depending on cooking frequency.

How much does a Broan trash compactor compress waste?

Broan trash compactors apply up to 5,000 lbs of compacting force and are rated to reduce the equivalent of 14 standard 13-gallon trash bags into a single bag. The unit uses a key-operated switch and includes a built-in Air Scentry deodorizer holder to manage odour between bag changes.

Who makes Broan range hoods?

Broan range hoods are manufactured by Broan-NuTone LLC, a residential ventilation company owned by Madison Industries. Broan-NuTone is headquartered in the United States and produces range hoods, bathroom exhaust fans, and fresh air ventilation systems for the North American market.