When planning your kitchen ventilation, choosing the right size under-cabinet range hood is just as important as selecting the right style or features. Especially for compact kitchens, condos, or small apartments, every inch matters. If you’re looking for a high-performing, affordable, and compact solution, Ciarra’s under-cabinet range hoods offer some of the best value on the market.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to choose between the most popular sizes: 30 inch, 29 inch, and 20 inch, and introduce Ciarra’s best-in-class models for each size.
Choosing the right size under-cabinet range hood is one of the most important steps in improving your kitchen's ventilation. Here's what you need to consider:
Recommended Width
The width of your range hood should match — or ideally exceed — the width of your cooktop.
- For standard cooktops (30 inches wide), go with a 30-inch range hood.
- For compact kitchens or smaller cooktops, a 20-inch model is more appropriate and space-efficient.
- A 29-inch insert can be the perfect middle ground if your cabinetry is just a bit tighter than a full 30 inches.
Pro Tip: A range hood that’s slightly wider than the cooktop provides better capture efficiency for smoke and odors.
Recommended Installation Height
Installation height is critical for performance and safety. The ideal mounting height from cooktop to the bottom of the range hood is:
- Gas cooktops: 24 to 30 inches
- Electric cooktops: 20 to 24 inches
Mounting too high can reduce effectiveness, while mounting too low can pose safety risks or obstruct cooking.
Recommended Depth
The depth of a range hood doesn't need to match your cooktop exactly, but it should extend far enough to cover all the burners, especially the front ones — where most cooking happens.
A good rule is for the range hood to cover at least two-thirds of the front burners.
Most under-cabinet range hoods have a depth between 18" to 20", which works well for standard cooktops.
Other Key Considerations Beyond Size
Choosing the right dimensions is crucial, but performance features matter too. Here are additional points to keep in mind:
CFM Rating
CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) measures how much air your range hood can move. More CFM = more power to eliminate smoke, steam, and odors.
For gas stoves: You’ll need at least 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs.
Example: A 60,000 BTU cooktop = 600 CFM range hood.
For induction stoves: Multiply the cooktop width by 10 to estimate minimum CFM.
Example: 30" cooktop = 300 CFM minimum.
For most small apartments or condos: 200–450 CFM is typically sufficient, especially if you don’t cook greasy or smoky foods daily.
CIARRA offers a range from 200 CFM to 450 CFM, covering both light-duty and medium-duty home cooking needs.
Related:
What is a Good CFM for an Cabinet Range Hood
Noise Level
Range hoods generate noise, and it’s measured in sones. For reference:
6 to 10 sones = similar to a normal conversation or background TV noise.
1 to 3 sones = very quiet operation, often found in high-end or premium hoods.
All CIARRA under cabinet models operate within 6.5 to 8.5 sones, providing a comfortable balance of power and quietness — ideal for small homes where the kitchen is close to living areas.
30 Inch Under Cabinet Range Hood – Best for Standard Cooktops
If you’re working with a standard 30-inch cooktop, then a 30-inch range hood is your best match. It aligns perfectly with your cooking surface, ensuring full coverage of smoke, odors, and grease particles.
CIARRA 30 Inch Convertible Under Cabinet Range Hood (CAS75918A-OW)
- Airflow: 200 CFM – perfect for light to moderate cooking (especially in homes without heavy grease cooking like deep frying).
- Noise Level: Just 6.5 sones, making it quiet enough for small open-plan kitchens.
- Installation: Ultra slim design ideal for small condos or apartments; can be wall-mounted or under-cabinet.
- Venting: Convertible – supports ducted or ductless mode with optional carbon filters.
- Control: Mechanical push buttons – reliable and tactile, ideal for users who prefer physical control over touchscreens.
Price Point: Among the most affordable 30” hoods on the market without sacrificing essential features.
Expert Tip: This is a great fit for apartment dwellers looking for a slim, simple, and easy-to-install hood without advanced digital features.
29 Inch Under-Cabinet Range Hood – A Space-Saving Alternative
29-inch hoods are ideal for slightly smaller spaces or when fitting into cabinetry that doesn’t leave room for a full 30-inch unit. Despite being just one inch narrower, this size can make a big difference in tight kitchens.
Recommended: CIARRA 29 Inch Range Hood Insert (CAB75913E-OW)
- Airflow: Strong 450 CFM suction — powerful enough to handle stir-frying or light searing.
- Noise Level: Quiet operation up to 8.5 sones at max speed.
- Design: Black painted finish with a built-in insert design — blends seamlessly into modern cabinetry.
- Ventilation: Convertible (ducted/ductless) with optional carbon filter.
- Motor: Upgraded cast aluminum motor housing for durability and long-term performance.
- User Interface: Push button controls – easy and dependable.
- Lighting: Energy-efficient LED lights for clear visibility while cooking.
Expert Tip: If your cabinet or cooktop space is just under 30 inches, this 29-inch insert is a perfect solution — you don’t sacrifice performance, and you get a sleek, integrated look.
20 Inch Under-Cabinet Range Hood – For Ultra-Compact Kitchens
20-inch range hoods are best suited for micro kitchens, studio apartments, or homes with compact two-burner cooktops. Despite the smaller size, you still need efficient filtration — and Ciarra delivers.
Recommended: CIARRA 20 Inch Ductless Range Hood Insert (CAS52913E-OW)
- Airflow: Impressive 450 CFM suction power in a compact unit — rare for this size.
- Noise Level: 8.5 sones at top speed, well-balanced given the powerful motor.
- Build Quality: Durable cast aluminum motor housing designed to withstand shipping and long-term use.
- Ventilation: Convertible, with optional CACF003 carbon filters for ductless mode.
- Controls: Simple mechanical push buttons — perfect for users who prefer real tactile feedback.
- Best For: Studio apartments, compact kitchens, and those who cook simple meals without high grease levels.
Expert Tip: Don’t let the size fool you — this compact range hood delivers high-end suction in the most space-saving design, making it a hidden gem in tight urban kitchens.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Model | Size | CFM | Max Noise | Control | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAS75918A-OW | 30” | 200 | 6.5 sones | Mechanical | Standard-size kitchens, light cooking |
| CAB75913E-OW | 29” | 450 | 8.5 sones | Mechanical | Narrow cabinets, modern kitchens |
| CAS52913E-OW | 20” | 450 | 8.5 sones | Mechanical | Micro kitchens, apartments, RVs |
Conclusion
By choosing the right size and features, you're not just buying an appliance — you're upgrading your kitchen experience. Whether you're outfitting a small city apartment or a compact condo, Ciarra’s range of 20", 29", and 30" under cabinet range hoods offers a reliable, budget-friendly solution with professional-grade performance.