Rangehood Comparison

Which rangehood is right for you?
Slide-out, undermount, canopy and island, compared

We install all four types across Melbourne kitchens. Here is how 16 popular rangehoods compare on extraction, noise and sizing, plus what actually goes on behind the wall: ducting, roof and wall penetrations, and flue covers.

Addison Appliances Team 22 September 2026 18 min read

In this article

Extraction Basics
Slide-Out
Undermount
Canopy
Island
Ducting & Venting
Sizing & Install
FAQ
Get a Quote

If you are comparing rangehoods, the first fork in the road is not the brand, it is the type. Slide-out, undermount, canopy and island rangehoods all sit in a similar bracket once you get past entry-level, and on paper their spec sheets can look interchangeable. In practice they behave differently in a kitchen, and the right type usually matters more than which badge is on the front.

We install all four regularly, so this is a straight comparison rather than a pitch for one over another. We have picked 16 popular models across the four types and grouped them entry-level, mid-range and premium by extraction rate, noise and feature set first, then compared their real specifications, and RRP, side by side.

The rangehood itself is only half the job. What is behind the wall, the ducting, the roof or wall penetration, and the flue that conceals it, has just as much bearing on how well any of these actually perform, so we have covered that in detail too.

Use the jump links above to go straight to the section you need, or read through for the full comparison.

RRP figures shown throughout are the manufacturer's recommended retail price at the time of writing. Actual retail pricing is at the discretion of individual retailers and can vary, so treat these as a reference point rather than a quote.
At a glance

What each type actually looks like

A quick visual before the detail below. Click through to jump straight to that type's full comparison.

Getting it right

What actually separates a good rangehood from a great one

Before the model by model comparison, three things are worth understanding about how these spec sheets translate into a working kitchen.

Extraction
Match airflow to your cooktop
More burners, more airflow
General rule of thumb
A compact two-burner cooktop is well served by an entry-level rangehood. A wide five or six-burner or professional-style cooktop generates more steam and heat, and benefits from a unit rated well above the minimum, which is where the mid-range and premium options here earn their keep.
Noise
Max noise is not everyday noise
Check the minimum, too
Rated at highest speed
The maximum noise figure on a spec sheet is usually measured at boost or top speed, which most households rarely run. The minimum noise rating, at low speed, is a better guide to how the kitchen actually sounds most of the time.
Ducting
Ducting length affects real airflow
Lab figure vs. your kitchen
Manufacturer figures
A manufacturer's maximum air capacity is measured with minimal duct run under lab conditions. A long or bent duct run to an external wall or the roof reduces real-world extraction, so the ducting layout is worth planning alongside the model itself.
The number on the box tells you what the motor can do in a lab. What matters is what it can do at the end of your actual duct run, at a noise level you can live with.
Our rule of thumb: when two models are close on extraction, we would generally weigh noise and ducting flexibility more heavily than a few hundred extra m³/hr on a spec sheet. Each comparison table below also includes cost per m³/hr, what you pay for each unit of extraction, lower is better value. It is a guide to value, not overall quality, entry-level models often score surprisingly well on this metric even where they lose on outright power.
Recirculating rangehoods: none of the products in this comparison are sold as recirculating-only, though several offer a recirculation kit as an accessory. These filter air through a carbon or charcoal filter and return it to the kitchen rather than removing it outside. Recirculation is sometimes unavoidable, but a ducted installation gives a better result and is what we would recommend wherever the layout allows it. More on this in the ducting section below.
Slide-out rangehoods

Slide-out rangehoods, compared

Slide-out rangehoods sit inside the overhead cabinetry and pull forward on rails when in use, tucking away out of sight the rest of the time. They suit kitchens where a visible canopy or undermount unit would clutter the sightline above the cooktop.

Slide-outs generally run smaller motors than the other three types. To compensate, the design leans on the slide-out mechanism itself, pulling the catchment area forward and out over the cooktop rather than relying purely on suction to pull smoke and steam across a gap. It works, but it is a different approach to solving the same problem, span over the cooktop rather than raw extraction power. That is also why slide-outs have become less common as buyers pay closer attention to real extraction figures, the newer builds we work on lean more towards undermount, canopy and island options with stronger onboard or remote motors.

Spec WestinghouseWRR604SB BoschDFS097A51A MieleDAS2620
Photo Westinghouse WRR604SB Bosch DFS097A51A Miele DAS2620
Best for Entry-level, standard 60cm Quiet performance, 90cm Highest extraction, 60cm
Max air capacity 340 m³/hr 729 m³/hr 1,145 m³/hr
Cost per m³/hr† $1.03 $1.58 $1.13
Noise range 57–66dB 41–53dB 50–73dB
Depth 300mm 290mm 273mm
Motor location Onboard Onboard Onboard
Ducting size 120mm 150mm 150mm
Warranty 2 years 2 years 2 years, 10-year promo eligible*
RRP $349 $1,149 $1,299
Install difficulty Often low difficulty Moderate Often low difficulty
Install note Open body lets installers screw straight into the cabinetry for a secure fit. Modest extraction suits lighter cooking. Secured from the sides of its body, which sits mid-hood rather than spanning the full width. Most retrofits need cabinetry modification. Fairly standard design, slightly taller than the average product in this range.
More specs
Spec WestinghouseWRR604SB BoschDFS097A51A MieleDAS2620
Width 598mm (60cm) 898mm (90cm) 596mm (60cm)
Control Auto push-pull, 3 speeds Auto push-pull EasySwitch push buttons
Recirculation option Yes Yes (CleanAir kit) Yes (conversion kit)
†Cost per m³/hr shows how much of the price buys you each unit of extraction: RRP divided by max air capacity, e.g. a $4,499 rangehood rated at 2,010 m³/hr works out to $2.24 per m³/hr. Lower means better value per unit of airflow. It is a guide to value, not overall quality, it does not account for noise, warranty or ducting requirements, which matter just as much and are covered elsewhere in this comparison.
Install difficulty is a guide only, based on our experience fitting each model. Often low difficulty suits an existing cut-out or cabinet with little or no change, Moderate means minor to some cabinetry modification or a brand-specific detail to plan around, and Plan ahead means the result depends on ceiling height, position or structure. Every job is assessed on site.
Considering an upgrade from slide-out to undermount or canopy? We can modify the cabinetry to fit either, most kitchens do not need a full rebuild to make the switch. In our experience, most people making this change end up choosing an undermount, it generally delivers stronger real-world extraction than a slide-out without needing to span over the cooktop to compensate. Ask us for examples of jobs we have converted.
340 m³/hr

Entry-level: Westinghouse WRR604SB

Three-speed slide-out with auto push-pull activation and dishwasher-safe filters. A solid extraction upgrade for a standard 60cm cooktop.

729 m³/hr

Mid-range: Bosch DFS097A51A

More than double the airflow of the entry-level option, and noticeably quieter at full noise, 53dB against 66dB, in a wider 90cm frame that sits barely visible once installed.

1,145 m³/hr

Premium: Miele DAS2620

The strongest extraction of the three, EasySwitch controls, and eligible for Miele's extended 10-year warranty promotion at the time of writing.

The strongest extraction in this group
Model spotlight

Miele DAS2620

For a 60cm slide-out with the highest extraction figure of the three, the DAS2620 is the one to look at. EasySwitch push-button controls handle day to day operation, and the 60cm frame fits a standard overhead cupboard depth.

Miele DAS2620 60cm stainless steel slideout rangehood
MODEL DAS2620
2yr + 10yr promo*
60cm slide-out, stainless steel
For a standard 60cm cooktop, highest extraction in this comparison
Width596mm
Depth273mm
Max air capacity1,145 m³/hr
Noise range50–73dB
ControlEasySwitch push buttons
Motor locationOnboard
DuctingTop, 150mm
RRP$1,299
*See Miele's 10 Year Warranty promotion for current eligibility and terms.
Undermount rangehoods

Undermount rangehoods, compared

Undermount rangehoods fix directly under the overhead cabinetry, with the control panel and filters visible from below. They are usually the most compact option and suit kitchens where cabinetry depth is tight or a slide-out's moving rail mechanism is not wanted. It is the direction we see most new builds and renovations head in, in place of a slide-out, the motor sits closer to the cooktop and generally runs stronger than a slide-out's, without needing to span forward to compensate. The trade-off is coverage, an undermount's catchment area is set by the cabinetry above it, so it cannot span wider than that the way a slide-out's mechanism can.

Good for gas clearance: because an undermount fixes flush to the underside of fixed cabinetry rather than needing an adjustable flue or shroud to reach a specific height, it is a practical way to hit the minimum 650mm clearance required above a gas cooktop (600mm for electric) without extra bracketry or a custom flue cover.
Replacing a slide-out with an undermount? We handle the cabinet modification this usually needs as part of the install, it is a common changeover, not a full kitchen rebuild.

52–60cm models

Spec BoschDLN56AC60A SiriusSL926DL520 WhispairX3M06S
Photo Bosch DLN56AC60A Sirius SL926DL520 Whispair Monte Carlo 60
Best for Entry-level, black finish Whisper-quiet, 52cm Configurable, 50–70cm
Extraction range 645 m³/hr 1,020 m³/hr 1,020–1,680 m³/hr*
Cost per m³/hr† $1.78 $1.91 $1.66
Noise range 50–68dB 25–56dB 49.6–56.5dB(A)*
Depth 282mm 290mm 280mm
Motor location Onboard Onboard Onboard, inline or external*
Ducting size 150mm 150mm 150–200mm*
Warranty 2 years 3 years, 6 with Sirius ducting 5yr + 10yr motor, lifetime electronics
RRP $1,149 $1,949 $1,690–$2,290
Install difficulty Moderate Moderate Moderate
Install note Slimline enough for most existing cabinets with minor modification work. Extraction is modest. Slimline enough for most existing cabinets with minor modification work. Semi-rigid ducting recommended, lifting the warranty from 3 to 6 years. Slimline enough for most existing cabinets with minor modification work. Off-board motors can sit away from the kitchen for strong, quiet extraction.
More specs
Spec BoschDLN56AC60A SiriusSL926DL520 WhispairX3M06S
Width 520mm 520mm 560mm
Control Push buttons Push buttons, remote 4-button electronic, LED
Needs brand-specific ducting No, standard flex is fine Yes, semi-rigid Yes, signature Zilikon

85–90cm models

Spec SiriusSL926DL850 WhispairX3M09S
Photo Sirius SL926DL850 Whispair Monte Carlo 90
Best for Wide single-motor, 85cm Configurable, 70–100cm
Extraction range 1,020 m³/hr 1,020–2,010 m³/hr*
Cost per m³/hr† $2.04 $1.85
Noise range 25–56dB 49.6–56.6dB(A)*
Depth 290mm 280mm
Motor location Onboard Onboard, inline or external*
Ducting size 150mm 150–200mm*
Warranty 3 years, 6 with Sirius ducting 5yr + 10yr motor, lifetime electronics
RRP $2,079 $1,890–$2,490
Install difficulty Moderate Moderate
Install note Replaces an old 90cm hood in most kitchens with minor modification work. Deeper and twin-motor versions are larger. Semi-rigid ducting recommended, lifting the warranty from 3 to 6 years. Replaces an old 90cm hood in most kitchens with minor modification work. Take care ordering the deeper version if your cabinets are narrow.
More specs
Spec SiriusSL926DL850 WhispairX3M09S
Width 850mm 860mm
Control Push buttons, remote 4-button electronic, LED
Needs brand-specific ducting Yes, semi-rigid Yes, signature Zilikon
†Cost per m³/hr shows how much of the price buys you each unit of extraction: RRP divided by max air capacity (entry configuration used where a model is sold with multiple motors). Lower means better value per unit of airflow, a guide to value rather than overall quality, see the extraction basics section above for what else is worth weighing up.
*Whispair's Monte Carlo range is sold as separate motor configurations, onboard, inline remote (through a wall or eave) or external remote (through the roof), each with its own extraction figure, duct size and noise level. The range shown covers the entry Power motor through to the strongest Ultra or Pro Plus option for that hood width. Noise figures are indoor dB(A) as published on Addison's own Whispair brand page, and are a property of the motor selected rather than the hood width.
Install difficulty is a guide only, based on our experience fitting each model. Often low difficulty suits an existing cut-out or cabinet with little or no change, Moderate means minor to some cabinetry modification or a brand-specific detail to plan around, and Plan ahead means the result depends on ceiling height, position or structure. Every job is assessed on site.
645 m³/hr

Entry-level: Bosch DLN56AC60A

Compact 52cm undermount in black, matching modern induction and black-glass cooktops. Push-button control.

1,020 m³/hr

Mid-range: Sirius SL926DL520

Italian-made with a Bi-Power smart-switch motor, remote control and dynamic lighting. Whisper-quiet down to 25dB on its lowest setting.

2,010 m³/hr

Premium: Whispair Monte Carlo 90

The highest extraction figure in this whole comparison, on its top-tier motor. Configurable motor location and duct outlet to suit almost any cabinetry.

The highest extraction ceiling in this comparison
Model spotlight

Whispair Monte Carlo 90

The Monte Carlo 90 is built for 70cm to 100cm cooktops and is sold in four motor configurations, from an onboard Power motor at 1,020 m³/hr through to an external remote Pro Plus motor rated at 2,010 m³/hr, the strongest figure of any rangehood in this comparison. Motor location, onboard, inline through a wall or eave, or external through the roof, is chosen to suit the ducting run available rather than a single fixed layout.

Whispair Monte Carlo 90 undermount rangehood
MODEL X3M09S
5yr + 10yr motor*
90cm undermount, configurable motor
For 70–100cm cooktops, highest extraction ceiling in this comparison
Hood width860mm
Hood depth280mm
Extraction range1,020–2,010 m³/hr
Noise range49.6–56.6dB(A) indoor
Filtration3x baffle filters (H-25)
Motor optionsOnboard, inline, external
RRP$1,890–$2,490
*5-year comprehensive warranty across the hood, plus 10-year cover on remote motors and lifetime cover on electronics, per Addison's Whispair brand page. Extraction and noise both depend on which of the four motor configurations is fitted, onboard, inline remote or external remote. RRP varies with the motor fitted, see the compare table above for the full breakdown. We can help match the right motor to your ducting run at enquiry.
Canopy rangehoods

Canopy rangehoods, compared

Canopy rangehoods mount to the wall or ceiling above the cooktop and stay fully visible, which makes them as much a design feature as an extraction appliance. Like any rangehood, they need clearance above the cooktop, generally 600mm for electric and 650mm for gas unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, plus a flue to conceal the ducting run.

Already have a slide-out or undermount and want to switch to a canopy? We can modify the cabinetry and wall behind it to fit one, this is a common upgrade, not a full kitchen rebuild.
Spec WestinghouseWRC924DSD SiriusSL22900EL SmegKBTAU900AE Whispair Stockholm 90X5S09S
Photo Westinghouse WRC924DSD Sirius SL22900EL Smeg KBTAU900AE Whispair Stockholm 90
Best for Entry-level, cooktop-linked Whisper-quiet, fixed spec Design-led, anthracite finish Configurable, external motor
Max air capacity 810 m³/hr 1,020 m³/hr 730 m³/hr 1,020–2,010 m³/hr*
Cost per m³/hr† $1.54 $1.60 $3.41 $2.74
Noise range 56–73dB 45–70dB 47–72dB 49.6–56.6dB(A)*
Depth 505mm 550mm 450mm 500mm
Motor location Onboard Onboard Onboard Onboard, inline or external*
Ducting size 150mm 150mm 150mm 150–200mm*
Warranty 2 years 3 years, 6 with Sirius ducting 2 years 5yr + 10yr motor, lifetime electronics
RRP $1,249 $1,629 $2,490 $2,790–$3,390
Install difficulty Often low difficulty Moderate Often low difficulty Often low difficulty
Install note No specialty ducting needed, so it often suits existing compliant ducting. Dark stainless is hard to match if a custom flue extension is needed for a high ceiling. Semi-rigid ducting recommended, lifting the warranty from 3 to 6 years. A custom flue extension for a high ceiling is hard to match to its rounded edges. No specific ducting required, so it often suits existing compliant ducting. Semi-rigid recommended for better acoustics. Wide flue cover likely hides marks or gaps left in the cornice by the previous unit.
More specs
Spec WestinghouseWRC924DSD SiriusSL22900EL SmegKBTAU900AE Whispair Stockholm 90X5S09S
Width 898mm 900mm 900mm 900mm
Control Touch, Hob2Hood Push buttons Push buttons 4-button touch, LED
†Cost per m³/hr shows how much of the price buys you each unit of extraction: RRP divided by max air capacity (entry configuration used for the Whispair Stockholm). Lower means better value per unit of airflow, a guide to value rather than overall quality, see the extraction basics section above for what else is worth weighing up.
*Whispair's Stockholm 90 is sold as separate motor configurations, the same approach as their Monte Carlo and Zurich ranges elsewhere in this comparison, each with its own extraction figure, duct size and price. The external remote option moves the motor fully outside the kitchen, on the roof or an external wall, for the quietest configuration Whispair offers. Noise figures are indoor dB(A) as published on Addison's own Whispair brand page.
Install difficulty is a guide only, based on our experience fitting each model. Often low difficulty suits an existing cut-out or cabinet with little or no change, Moderate means minor to some cabinetry modification or a brand-specific detail to plan around, and Plan ahead means the result depends on ceiling height, position or structure. Every job is assessed on site.
810 m³/hr

Entry-level: Westinghouse WRC924DSD

Hob2Hood links extraction speed automatically to select cooktops, with touch controls and a telescoping flue to suit higher ceilings.

1,020 m³/hr

Whisper-quiet: Sirius SL22900EL

A fixed-spec Italian-made canopy with the lowest idle noise of the group, and a 3-year warranty extendable to 6 with Sirius ducting.

730 m³/hr

Design-led: Smeg KBTAU900AE

The shallowest projection of the group at 450mm, in Smeg's Universale anthracite finish.

1,020–2,010 m³/hr

Premium: Whispair Stockholm 90

Configurable up to the strongest extraction in this comparison, with a true external motor option to keep the kitchen quiet.

Configurable up to the strongest extraction in this comparison
Model spotlight

Whispair Stockholm 90

The Stockholm is Whispair's wall-mounted canopy, sold in the same motor configurations as their undermount and island ranges elsewhere in this comparison, from an onboard Power motor at 1,020 m³/hr through to a fully external remote Pro Plus motor at 2,010 m³/hr. The external option moves the motor onto the roof or an external wall, completely out of the kitchen, the quietest configuration Whispair offers.

Whispair Stockholm 90 wall mounted canopy rangehood
MODEL X5S09S
5yr + 10yr motor*
90cm canopy, configurable motor
For 70–100cm cooktops, external motor option keeps the kitchen quietest
Width900mm
Depth500mm
Extraction range1,020–2,010 m³/hr
Noise range49.6–56.6dB(A) indoor
Filtration3x baffle filters (H-25)
Motor optionsOnboard, inline, external
RRP$2,790–$3,390
*5-year comprehensive warranty across the hood, plus 10-year cover on remote motors and lifetime cover on electronics, per Addison's Whispair brand page. Extraction, noise and RRP all depend on which of the four motor configurations is fitted, see the compare table above. We can help match the right motor to your ducting run at enquiry.
Island rangehoods

Island rangehoods, compared

Island rangehoods hang above a freestanding island bench, with no wall or overhead cabinetry to fix to. They need their own structural support from the ceiling and usually run a longer or more complex ducting path than a wall-mounted canopy, which is part of why they sit well above the other three types on both span and price. If you are planning around an island cooktop rather than retrofitting existing cabinetry, this is the category to know.

Four real options across a wide price spread this time, from a compact, affordable pendant style through to a fully custom design piece.

Planning an island bench for the first time? We can plan the ceiling support and ducting route with you from the design stage, before the joinery is locked in, rather than working around it after the fact.
Spec SmegKIR37XE2 Falmec Trento 120F7TN12S1ER2010 SchweigenIS4110SP Whispair Zurich 120X7Z12S
Photo Smeg KIR37XE2 Falmec Trento 120 Schweigen IS4110SP Whispair Zurich 120
Best for Most affordable, compact Highest fixed extraction German engineering, quiet power Design-led, custom colours, 100–130cm
Max air capacity 700 m³/hr 2,010 m³/hr 1,600 m³/hr 1,020–2,010 m³/hr†
Cost per m³/hr§ $5.27 $2.59 $3.41 $7.05
Noise range 48–69dB — — 49.6–56.6dB(A)†
Depth 370mm 600mm 660mm 360mm
Motor location Onboard (single internal) Offboard (external) Remote (Isodrive)‡ Onboard, inline or external†
Ducting size 150mm 200mm — 150–200mm†
Warranty 5 years 5 years 10yr motor, lifetime filters 5yr + 10yr motor, lifetime electronics
RRP $3,690 $5,199 $5,459 $7,190–$7,790
Install difficulty Plan ahead Plan ahead Plan ahead Moderate
Install note Works with basic flexible ducting if compliant. Small capture area means placement must be spot on, so get advice first. Often installed in pairs. External motor with multiple options. Hangs no more than 1290mm from the ceiling, so check ceiling height. Needs enough ceiling height to work and look right. Mesh filters rather than baffle filters, uncommon at this price point. Large ceiling plate gives room to route ducting around in-roof obstructions. Onboard motors often suit existing ducting.
More specs
Spec SmegKIR37XE2 Falmec Trento 120F7TN12S1ER2010 SchweigenIS4110SP Whispair Zurich 120X7Z12S
Width 370mm 1200mm 898mm 1200mm
Height 870–1215mm* 1290mm 975mm 800mm
Control Electronic buttons, boost Touch, 24hr timer Touch, 15-min timer 4-button touch, LED
Filtration 1x aluminium mesh Baffle filter 4x stainless steel 4x baffle filters
*The Smeg's flue telescopes from 870mm to 1215mm to suit different ceiling heights, see the flue and duct cover section above.
§Cost per m³/hr shows how much of the price buys you each unit of extraction: RRP divided by max air capacity (entry configuration used for the Whispair Zurich). Lower means better value per unit of airflow, a guide to value rather than overall quality, see the extraction basics section above for what else is worth weighing up.
‡Schweigen markets the IS4110SP under its "Silent" range using Isodrive remote motor technology, the same system behind the off-board install in the backflashing video below, rather than a motor built into the hood body. Addison's listing for this model does not include a separately published noise figure or duct size. †Whispair's Zurich island range is sold as separate motor configurations, each with its own extraction figure, duct size and noise level, the same approach as their Monte Carlo undermount range above. Noise figures are indoor dB(A) as published on Addison's own Whispair brand page. Falmec does not publish a noise figure for the Trento.
Install difficulty is a guide only, based on our experience fitting each model. Often low difficulty suits an existing cut-out or cabinet with little or no change, Moderate means minor to some cabinetry modification or a brand-specific detail to plan around, and Plan ahead means the result depends on ceiling height, position or structure. Every job is assessed on site.
700 m³/hr

Most affordable: Smeg KIR37XE2

Compact pendant-style canopy with an adjustable 870–1215mm height and a boost function. The most affordable island option here by a wide margin.

2,010 m³/hr

Strongest fixed spec: Falmec Trento 120

A fixed-spec offboard motor at the strongest extraction figure in this comparison, in Falmec's distinctive T-shape canopy.

1,600 m³/hr

German engineering: Schweigen IS4110SP

Isodrive remote motor, 10-year motor warranty and lifetime filter cover. The same brand featured in the backflashing video further down this page.

1,020–2,010 m³/hr

Design-led: Whispair Zurich 120

Configurable motor family in custom heights and colours. Widest coverage of the four at 100–130cm.

The design-led premium pick
Model spotlight

Whispair Zurich 120

Of the four island options here, the Zurich is the one built to be seen. It is made to order in custom heights and colours to match the joinery around it, and Whispair positions it on its own product page as the range's interior design statement. Underneath the finish it shares the same configurable motor family used across Whispair's range, from an onboard Power motor at 1,020 m³/hr through to an external remote Pro Plus motor at 2,010 m³/hr.

Whispair Zurich 120 island mounted rangehood
MODEL X7Z12S
5yr + 10yr motor*
120cm island, custom finish
For 100–130cm cooktops, custom heights and colours to order
Hood width1200mm
Hood depth360mm
Extraction range1,020–2,010 m³/hr
Noise range49.6–56.6dB(A) indoor
Filtration4x baffle filters (H-25)
Motor optionsOnboard, inline, external
RRP$7,190–$7,790
*5-year comprehensive warranty across the hood, plus 10-year cover on remote motors and lifetime cover on electronics, per Addison's Whispair brand page. Extraction and noise depend on which of the five motor configurations is fitted, RRP varies accordingly, see the compare table above. Custom heights and colours are made to order, ask us for current lead times at enquiry.
Ducting & venting

Getting the ducting right, not just the rangehood

Every extraction figure in this comparison assumes the ducting behind it is done properly. Get the ducting wrong and even the strongest motor here will not perform, or will not last.

The right ducting depends on the rangehood, not a single house rule. We run standard flexible ducting on installations where the brand does not call for anything more specific, Sirius specifies semi-rigid ducting for its range, and Whispair and Schweigen each specify their own signature ducting system, covered further down this section. The problem is not flexible ducting itself, it is cheap, thin flexible ducting used where it should not be, the type that collapses in on itself or kinks wherever it bends.

Incorrectly installed ducting: puts added pressure on the motor, which can cause premature failure, reduces extraction, makes the whole system noticeably noisier as the motor works harder against the restriction, increases oil and grease build-up inside the duct, and can attract insects and rodents. Cheap flexible ducting is the most common cause, a kink or collapsed section restricts airflow at exactly the point the motor is working hardest to push air through it.
Ducting that terminates into the roof space instead of running through to an external wall or the outside air is worse again. It is a fire hazard on top of the grease build-up and rodent problems above, dust and loose roof insulation get drawn back into the system and wear the motor out over time, and it does not meet compliance requirements, which is why we will not install a rangehood duct that terminates into the roof space. Every rangehood duct needs a clear path to the outside, not just into the ceiling cavity.

Here is a quick look at the semi-rigid ducting Sirius specifies for its rangehoods, and why installing it alongside the rangehood extends Sirius's warranty from 3 to 6 years.

Addison Appliances, 12 August 2025

Signature ducting

When a brand specifies its own ducting

Beyond generic semi-rigid or flexible duct, a few brands engineer ducting specifically for their own motors. Two we install regularly do this, and it is worth using what they specify rather than substituting something generic.

Whispair's Zilikon ducting, used across the Monte Carlo, Stockholm and Zurich ranges in this comparison, is crush and tear resistant, PVC-coated for acoustic insulation rather than bare foil, and sized at 200mm rather than the usual 125–150mm on their inline, external and Ultra onboard motors. The entry-level Power onboard motor is the exception, it still runs a 150mm duct.

Schweigen's Isodrive-approved ducting plays the same role for their Silent, off-board motors. Schweigen is explicit that the wrong ducting on one of these motors can cause the duct to collapse under suction, reduced airflow, higher noise and motor damage, the same failure points covered above, just specific to their system.

Roof & wall penetrations

Getting the roof or wall penetration right

Ducting has to exit the building somewhere, and how it does that depends on your roof type, or whether you are going through an external wall instead.

Flat cliplock roofs
Backflashing is essential
A flat cliplock roof needs proper backflashing where the duct penetrates. Done incorrectly, this is one of the more common causes of a roof leak after a rangehood install. See the walkthrough below.
Tiled or metal roofs
Needs a Dektite roof flashing
A pitched tiled or metal roof needs a Dektite (or equivalent) flashing boot, sized to the duct and sealed around the profile of the roofing material. For tiled roofs specifically, we insist on high-quality lead flashings, not cheap aluminium or lead-alternative products.
Wall penetrations
Weatherproof and sealed
Going through an external wall instead needs a weatherproof vent cowl, properly flashed and sealed against the cladding, with insect mesh to stop pests entering through the duct.
General guidance rather than a substitute for a specific product's installation manual or your roof or wall type. Confirm the detail against your own home with us at enquiry.

This walkthrough of an off-board Schweigen install covers the roof backflashing process in detail, along with a few other things worth knowing before an external motor goes in.

Addison Appliances, 13 June 2025

Flue & duct covers

Flue covers, the part people forget to check

For canopy and island rangehoods, the metal chimney that runs from the unit up to the ceiling or cabinetry is the flue or duct cover, also called a shroud in the trade, worth knowing both terms since brands use them interchangeably. Slide-out and undermount rangehoods do not have one, they sit inside or flush with the cabinetry rather than projecting into the room. These come in pre-fabricated lengths from most brands, sized for a standard ceiling height. If there is a large distance between your rangehood and the ceiling, a high or raked ceiling being the common case, the standard kit may not reach.

If you have high ceilings: check the flue or duct cover (shroud) height range while you are comparing models. Some brands sell a taller kit as an accessory. Not every model can accept a custom-made shroud, so get in touch with us to confirm compatibility before you buy, rather than ordering the wrong product. Where a taller kit is not available, we can design and order a custom flue cover from a third party for installation, and can confirm this against your actual dimensions at enquiry.
Sizing & installation

Getting the size and the ducting right, before you order

The type you choose settles the general shape of the job. These three things settle whether a specific model actually fits, and we work through all of them as part of your quote, you do not need to figure this out yourself before getting in touch.

1

Cut-out width and depth

Measure the cabinetry opening for slide-out and undermount units. The models in this comparison range from 520mm to 898mm wide and 264mm to 550mm deep, depending on type. Canopies and island units need cooktop clearance instead, minimum 600mm above an electric cooktop and 650mm above a gas cooktop, plus room for the flue to reach the ceiling.

2

Ducting route

Work out how the ducting will reach an external wall or the roof, and how many bends it needs. See the ducting and venting section above, a longer or bendier run reduces real-world extraction against a model's rated maximum, and for configurable rangehoods it decides which motor location actually makes sense. We confirm the route and motor selection as part of your quote rather than expecting you to work it out first.

3

Power and connection

Most of the rangehoods in this comparison run on a standard 10A plug and lead rather than a hardwired circuit, so a new circuit usually is not needed. We confirm this against your specific model and existing power point as part of the enquiry.

Replacing an in-cabinet rangehood is not always a straight swap. Tim walks through when cabinet modifications are needed and the minimum clearance rules behind them.

Addison Appliances, 20 April 2026

Getting a quote: for most rangehood installations we can quote from the enquiry form plus a few photos of the cabinetry, cooktop and switchboard, without a site visit. Damon covers exactly what to measure and photograph in the short video below.

Addison Appliances, 20 April 2026

Common questions

Rangehood types, answered

The questions we field most often when someone is weighing up which type of rangehood to install.

Mostly how visible they are and where they sit. A slide-out lives inside the overhead cabinetry and pulls forward on rails when in use, hiding away the rest of the time. An undermount fixes flush under the cabinetry, visible from below but flush with the joinery line. A canopy hangs on the wall or ceiling above the cooktop and stays fully visible, doubling as a design feature. None is objectively better, it comes down to how much you want the rangehood to be seen and how your cabinetry is laid out.
Not on its own. That figure is a manufacturer's maximum under lab conditions with a short, straight duct run. Your ducting length, number of bends, kitchen volume and how often you cook on high heat all affect what you actually feel in the room. A mid-range model on a short, direct duct run can outperform a higher-rated model fighting a long, bendy one.
Several of the slide-out and undermount models here support a recirculating, ductless configuration through an accessory kit, including the Westinghouse WRR604SB, Bosch DFS097A51A and DLN56AC60A, and the Miele DAS2620. We generally recommend a ducted installation where the layout allows it. Recirculation filters trap grease and odour but do not remove heat and moisture from the kitchen the way ducting to the outside does.
It depends on which speed you actually run. Most households sit closer to the minimum noise figure most of the time and only hit the maximum on boost. The undermount Sirius models in this comparison have the widest gap between minimum and maximum, 25dB up to 56dB, which means they can be genuinely quiet on low speed but still have real power in reserve when needed.
Width should generally match or be similar to your cooktop's width, so a 90cm cooktop is better served by a 90cm rangehood than a 60cm one squeezed to fit. It does not need to exceed it exactly, some rated "90cm" models are genuinely 85cm and still perform fine, check the model's actual width rather than the marketing name. Beyond that, a wider hood is not automatically quieter or a stronger extractor, that comes down to the motor and ducting, not the frame size.
Usually not for the electrical side, most of the rangehoods in this comparison run on a standard 10A plug and lead rather than a dedicated circuit. Canopy rangehoods mounted higher on a wall or plasterboard ceiling can need additional bracket support depending on the wall type, which we check as part of the installation rather than assuming a standard fixing will do.
Usually not. For most rangehood installations, the enquiry form plus your measurements and a few photos of the cabinetry, cooktop and the route the ducting would take is enough for us to quote. More involved jobs sometimes need a site visit, and we will tell you if that applies to yours.
Semi-rigid ducting holds its round shape once installed, which keeps airflow consistent along its length. Cheap flexible ducting, the thin foil type, can collapse or kink wherever it bends, restricting airflow, putting extra load on the motor and encouraging grease build-up at the kink point. We use semi-rigid ducting as standard, and Sirius and Whispair both specify their own approved ducting for the same reason, see the ducting and venting section above.
If the ducting exits through a tiled or metal pitched roof, yes, a Dektite or equivalent flashing boot sized to the duct is the standard way to seal that penetration. We insist on high-quality lead flashings for tiled roof installations, not cheap aluminium or lead-alternative products. A flat cliplock roof uses backflashing instead. Either way, the roof penetration is not somewhere to cut corners, it is the most common source of a leak if done incorrectly.
On a canopy or island rangehood, the flue or duct cover, also called a shroud, is the metal chimney that runs from the unit up to the ceiling or cabinetry, concealing the ducting. Slide-out and undermount rangehoods do not need one. Most brands supply these in pre-fabricated lengths sized for a standard ceiling. If you have a high or raked ceiling, the standard kit may not reach, some brands sell a taller kit as an accessory, and where that is not available we can design and order a custom flue cover from a third party. Not every model can accept a custom shroud, so check with us before you buy rather than ordering the wrong product, and we can confirm it against your own ceiling height at enquiry.
A canopy fixes to a wall above the cooktop. An island rangehood hangs from the ceiling above a freestanding island bench, with no wall to fix to, so it needs its own ceiling support and usually a longer ducting run. That extra structural and ducting work is part of why island rangehoods sit at a higher price point than the other three types in this comparison.

Weighed up the right type for your kitchen?

Send through the model you're considering, your measurements, and a few photos of your existing cabinetry and cooktop, and we'll come back with what installation involves and a quote.

Fill out the enquiry form