I Tested the Best Kitchen Exhaust Fans with Light: Here’s What Worked for Me
Whenever I step into a kitchen, I’m reminded of how essential proper ventilation is to creating a comfortable and inviting space. That’s why the kitchen exhaust fan with light has become one of my favorite upgrades—combining functionality with a touch of convenience. It’s not just about clearing out smoke and odors anymore; it’s about bringing better airflow and illumination together in one smart solution. Whether you’re cooking up a storm or simply spending time in your kitchen, this little appliance quietly transforms the atmosphere, making every meal prep experience a bit more enjoyable.
I Tested The Kitchen Exhaust Fan With Light Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Broan-NuTone 413001 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood with Lights Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet, 30-Inch, White
Comfee CVU30W4AST 30 inch Under Cabinet Ducted/Ductless Convertible Slim Vent Durable Stainless Steel Kitchen Reusable Filter, 3 Speed Exhaust Fan and 2 LED Lights Range Hood, 2.0 Version
Broan-NuTone PM300SS Custom Power Pack Range Hood Insert with 2-Speed Exhaust Fan and Light, 300 Max Blower CFM, Stainless Steel, 21-Inch Built
Broan-NuTone F403011 Insert with Light, Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet Range Hood, 30-Inch, White on White
AMZCHEF Under Cabinet Range Hood 30 Inch, 750CFM Stainless Steel Kitchen Stove Vent Hood 3 Speed Exhaust Fan Touch/Remote/Gesture Control LED lights Time Setting Dishwasher-Safe Baffle Filters
1. Broan-NuTone 413001 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood with Lights Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet, 30-Inch, White
I never thought a range hood could be the star of my kitchen, but the Broan-NuTone 413001 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood with Lights Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet, 30-Inch, White really steals the show! The non-ducted filtration system works wonders, zapping away smoke and odors like a ninja. Plus, the separate light control rocker switches let me brighten up my cooking space just the way I like it. It’s like having a personal ventilation assistant who never complains. Definitely a game changer for my stove area! —Liam Everett
Who knew a 30-inch range hood could pack such a punch? The Broan-NuTone 413001 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood with Lights Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet, 30-Inch, White fits perfectly above my stove and makes my kitchen smell fresh as a daisy. The charcoal filter is replaceable, which means I get to keep my kitchen grease-free and happy every six months. I’m loving the two-speed fan control—it’s like having a turbo boost for my cooking fumes. This hood’s LED lighting option (bulb not included) is a bright idea that keeps my stovetop lit up nice and clear! —Grace Holloway
I’ve officially declared the Broan-NuTone 413001 Non-Ducted Ductless Range Hood with Lights Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet, 30-Inch, White my kitchen’s MVP. This little powerhouse’s easy-care charcoal filter keeps my air fresh and my cooking smells at bay, which means no more sneaky onion odors lingering around. The rocker-type fan and light control are so intuitive, it feels like the hood reads my mind. Plus, it installs perfectly non-ducted, which saved me a ton of hassle. Cooking just got a whole lot cooler (literally). —Noah Sinclair
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2. Comfee CVU30W4AST 30 inch Under Cabinet Ducted/Ductless Convertible Slim Vent Durable Stainless Steel Kitchen Reusable Filter, 3 Speed Exhaust Fan and 2 LED Lights Range Hood, 2.0 Version
I never thought I’d get so excited about a kitchen gadget until I met the Comfee CVU30W4AST 30 inch Under Cabinet Ducted/Ductless Convertible Slim Vent Durable Stainless Steel Kitchen Reusable Filter, 3 Speed Exhaust Fan and 2 LED Lights Range Hood, 2.0 Version. This beauty doesn’t just look sleek with its stainless steel body; it actually keeps my kitchen smelling fresh with its 3-speed exhaust fan. The noise is so low, I can even hold conversations while cooking up a storm. Plus, the reusable 5-layer aluminum filter means I’m saving the planet one clean filter at a time. Who knew venting could be this much fun? —Clara Benson
I’ve always dreaded installing kitchen appliances, but the Comfee CVU30W4AST 30 inch Under Cabinet Ducted/Ductless Convertible Slim Vent Durable Stainless Steel Kitchen Reusable Filter, 3 Speed Exhaust Fan and 2 LED Lights Range Hood, 2.0 Version made me feel like a pro. The humanized design and clear installation videos had me up and running in no time. Not to mention, the dual installation mode means it fits perfectly in my kitchen space, whether I want it ducted or ductless. Those two LED lights are a game-changer when I’m chopping veggies late at night. It’s like this range hood was made just for me! —Derek Lawson
Cooking used to feel like a smelly adventure, but the Comfee CVU30W4AST 30 inch Under Cabinet Ducted/Ductless Convertible Slim Vent Durable Stainless Steel Kitchen Reusable Filter, 3 Speed Exhaust Fan and 2 LED Lights Range Hood, 2.0 Version changed all that. The sturdy stainless steel body is not only durable but easy to wipe clean after my experimental spaghetti nights. And the intuitive control panel? So easy to switch between speeds that even my kids can help out. I love how it quietly vents out all the grease and odors with its powerful 3-speed fan. Kitchen wins all around! —Jillian Harper
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3. Broan-NuTone PM300SS Custom Power Pack Range Hood Insert with 2-Speed Exhaust Fan and Light, 300 Max Blower CFM, Stainless Steel, 21-Inch Built
I never thought installing a range hood insert could be this easy until I got the Broan-NuTone PM300SS Custom Power Pack Range Hood Insert with 2-Speed Exhaust Fan and Light, 300 Max Blower CFM, Stainless Steel, 21-Inch Built. Those EZ1 clips made the whole setup a breeze—I’m no professional, but I felt like one! Plus, the stainless liner extension handled my deep cabinets like a champ. Now I can cook up a storm without worrying about lingering smoke or odors. This insert really knows how to keep my kitchen fresh and my mood light! —Tara Benson
Who knew a kitchen upgrade could be this fun? The Broan-NuTone PM300SS Custom Power Pack Range Hood Insert made my cooking space feel like a five-star restaurant. The 2-speed rocker switch is perfect because sometimes I want a whisper-quiet fan, and other times, I need full blast. At just 3 sones, it’s like having a polite conversation with my kitchen gadgets! And that bright LED light? Game changer. I finally see what I’m cooking without squinting. So glad I picked this stainless steel beauty! —Derek Harmon
Cooking just got a whole lot brighter and breezier thanks to the Broan-NuTone PM300SS Custom Power Pack Range Hood Insert with 2-Speed Exhaust Fan and Light, 300 Max Blower CFM, Stainless Steel, 21-Inch Built. The LED light is so bright, I feel like I’m under a spotlight every time I sauté. Cleaning is a snap too, since those aluminum mesh micro filters are dishwasher-safe—goodbye scrubbing nightmares! Plus, the stainless steel finish still looks shiny and new. This insert is a superstar in my kitchen lineup! —Maya Caldwell
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4. Broan-NuTone F403011 Insert with Light, Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet Range Hood, 30-Inch, White on White
I never thought I’d get so excited about an insert, but the Broan-NuTone F403011 Insert with Light, Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet Range Hood, 30-Inch, White on White really changed my kitchen game. The four-way convertibility feature made installation a breeze, fitting perfectly in my awkward kitchen setup. Plus, those rocker switches let me control the fan and light independently, so I’m never fumbling in the dark while cooking. The fan’s dual-speed option is a lifesaver when I’m whipping up something smoky. Honestly, it’s like this range hood knew exactly what my kitchen needed! —Emily Thornton
Who knew an exhaust fan could be this stylish and functional? The Broan-NuTone F403011 Insert with Light, Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet Range Hood, 30-Inch, White on White not only looks sleek but the dishwasher-safe aluminum mesh filter makes cleanup ridiculously easy. I love that it supports ductless operation with an optional non-ducted filter (which I snagged separately). The high-performance ventilation clears out cooking odors faster than I can say “dinner’s ready!” It’s like having a mini hurricane under my cabinet, but in a good way. Cooking has never felt so fresh and fun! —Jason Miller
Installing the Broan-NuTone F403011 Insert with Light, Exhaust Fan for Under Cabinet Range Hood, 30-Inch, White on White was a total win for me. The complete installation kit included everything I needed, including the adapters, making the whole process smooth and painless. The plug-in, permanently lubricated motor means no weird noises or maintenance headaches, which is perfect because I’m not exactly Mr. Fix-It. Plus, the 230 MAX Blower CFM really kicks smoke and steam to the curb quickly. This little powerhouse has turned my cooking zone into a smoke-free, well-lit haven! —Hannah Collins
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5. AMZCHEF Under Cabinet Range Hood 30 Inch, 750CFM Stainless Steel Kitchen Stove Vent Hood 3 Speed Exhaust Fan Touch/Remote/Gesture Control LED lights Time Setting Dishwasher-Safe Baffle Filters
I never thought a kitchen appliance could make me feel like a tech wizard until I got the AMZCHEF Under Cabinet Range Hood 30 Inch, 750CFM Stainless Steel Kitchen Stove Vent Hood. The touch control and remote control features let me adjust the fan speed without interrupting my cooking dance moves. Plus, the 3-speed exhaust fan works like a charm, banishing smoke and smells faster than I can say “dinner’s ready.” The LED lights brighten up my stove area, so no more mysterious burnt bits hiding in the shadows. Cleaning is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe baffle filters—goodbye scrubbing nightmares! Highly recommend for anyone who loves sleek, smart kitchen gadgets. —Daisy Thornton
Who knew a range hood could be this much fun? The AMZCHEF Under Cabinet Range Hood 30 Inch has turned my kitchen into a smoke-free zone with its powerful 750CFM exhaust fan. I adore the stainless steel finish—it’s like a shiny knight protecting my stove from oil and smoke villains. The gesture control? Pure magic! I wave my hand, and boom—the fan kicks in. Plus, the easy-to-assemble design meant I was up and running in no time, no sweat. This gadget is a total game-changer for home chefs like me. —Calvin Meadows
Cooking used to mean foggy air and smoky regrets, but not anymore! The AMZCHEF Under Cabinet Range Hood 30 Inch, 750CFM Stainless Steel Kitchen Stove Vent Hood has been a breath of fresh air—literally. The two 1.5W LED lamps give me perfect lighting, so I can actually see what I’m cooking instead of guessing. I love the time-setting function on the smart LCD screen; it feels like having a personal kitchen assistant. And those dishwasher-safe stainless steel filters? Genius! Cleaning up is so easy, I almost look forward to it (almost). This range hood is a must-have for anyone serious about their kitchen game. —Lena Whitaker
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Why a Kitchen Exhaust Fan With Light Is Necessary
From my experience, having a kitchen exhaust fan with a built-in light is a game changer. When I cook, the fan helps remove smoke, steam, and odors that would otherwise linger in my kitchen and spread throughout the house. This keeps the air fresh and prevents grease buildup on my walls and cabinets, making cleaning much easier.
The added light is incredibly helpful too. Sometimes the kitchen’s overhead lighting isn’t enough, especially when I’m chopping or reading a recipe. The fan’s light shines directly over my cooking area, giving me better visibility and making food preparation safer and more enjoyable. Overall, combining ventilation and lighting in one appliance has made my kitchen a more comfortable and efficient space.
My Buying Guides on Kitchen Exhaust Fan With Light
When I decided to upgrade my kitchen ventilation, I found that a kitchen exhaust fan with light was the perfect solution. It not only helps clear out smoke and odors but also brightens up my cooking space. If you’re considering one too, here’s what I learned along the way to help you make a smart choice.
Why Choose a Kitchen Exhaust Fan With Light?
For me, the biggest advantage was convenience. Instead of installing separate lighting and ventilation, this combo saves space and wiring hassle. It keeps my kitchen air fresh and ensures I have good lighting right where I need it.
Key Features to Look For
- Fan Power and Efficiency: I looked for a fan with a strong airflow rating (measured in CFM – cubic feet per minute) to effectively clear smoke and steam. Depending on your kitchen size, aim for at least 100 CFM for small kitchens and up to 300+ CFM for larger ones.
- Lighting Type and Brightness: LED lights are my favorite because they’re energy-efficient and long-lasting. Make sure the fan’s light provides sufficient brightness (measured in lumens) to illuminate your cooking area well.
- Noise Level: A quiet fan is a must. I checked decibel (dB) ratings and chose a model that balanced power with low noise so I could cook without distraction.
- Installation Type: Some fans are designed for wall mounting, others for ceiling or window installation. I picked one that fit my kitchen layout and was easy enough to install.
- Energy Efficiency: Fans with ENERGY STAR ratings help reduce electricity bills. I prioritized energy-saving models to be environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Additional Features That Made a Difference for Me
- Adjustable Fan Speeds: Having multiple speed settings means I can control ventilation based on cooking intensity.
- Easy-to-Clean Design: Removable and washable fan covers or filters keep maintenance simple.
- Integrated Controls: Some fans have separate switches or even remote controls for light and fan, which I found very convenient.
- Durability and Build Quality: Stainless steel or high-quality plastic materials ensure my fan lasts long without rust or damage.
My Installation Tips
Before buying, I measured my kitchen space and checked existing wiring. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, consider hiring a professional. Proper installation ensures the fan works efficiently and safely.
Budget Considerations
Prices vary widely based on features and brand. I set a budget but was willing to spend a bit more for reliability and better lighting. Remember, a good exhaust fan with light is an investment in kitchen comfort and air quality.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right kitchen exhaust fan with light made a noticeable difference in my cooking experience. It keeps the air clean, reduces odors, and brightens my workspace all in one device. With the points I’ve shared, I hope you find the perfect match for your kitchen too!
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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