Kitchen Hood

I have the Miele DA3180 with recirculating kit. Works pretty well. No complaints.

I too like the Miele

For those looking for an above the range microwave with a vent, Viking is the way to go.

When we did our reno 3 years ago we bought a non-vented hood from Euro-Kitchen.com. It was a fraction of the cost of a Viking, or Miele, etc. and it's been excellent. Not a single problem on the purchase, the installation, or use, and it has enough power given the limits of any non-vented hood (all of them basically provide extra lighting and otherwise blow hot air around). I love the way ours looks, its over-the-stove lighting is perfect, and it's easy to clean. And this hood gets a workout because I'm culinary school-trained and cook dinner every day. Every day.

Also, in case it helps, I'm meticulous about my kitchen appliances. I have a 36" SubZero, a Miele dishwasher, and a truly superb Wolf range that is the item I'd try to grab and take with me in case of a fire (to hell with the family photos....). But my range hood -- actually a very simple appliance if you consider what it does -- is a Spagna Vetro non-vented hood that cost less than $400. And no sales tax because Euro-Kitchen is in California.

If you buy from these folks remember to also get the ductless venting kit which will add about $100 in most cases. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Happy with our Broan E6430SS with the recirc kit installed- but as you probably know, any non-venting hood is going to be no where near as effective as a venting hood at getting rid of smoke (maybe 10% as effective, for example). Our Broan does do a decent job of trapping grease particles though - in part because of the huge removable stainless steel baffles (just put them in the dishwasher every month or so).