Oh, I forgot to mention. In case it makes a difference the ceilings are 9'3"

Mille- you might have seen my post about the Prestige Proline- though it just being installed in 2 weeks. I was told by about 3 different sources to get the Prestige proline, as it has the largest capture area and strongest fans. It is expensive though.

We are working on the same thing now....I've found recirculating from Rangecraft, Independent, Prestige, Kobe and Modern Aire. Viking also offers a recirculating hood. I'm sure there are more.

Thanks verysleepy! Please be sure to post your experience once it's installed. I'll be very curious to hear.

Did your feedback suggest that it would be sufficient for a prostyle range? I was considering getting a 36" hood for a 30" range to maximize what I could do on the range side.

The range and hood are the two places I'd like to splurge on appliances. I'll compensate somewhat by getting a low end fridge and medium end dishwasher.

Just wondering if plumorchard or anyone else has something to add to this thread.

I am in a condo with no external exhaust. Have a microhood now (double ugly) and wonder if I couldn't do better with a recirculating hood and a small micro placed elsewhere. I think the aesthetics of this array are preferable. Wondering about functionallity...can I get a stand alone hood that works better than a microhood without paying Prestige prices? Like $500 for the Kobe hood?

Amy - I've been told that the Kobe or the Zephyr are both good; I am in a condo and also have to get a recirculating hood. The Zephyr runs between $300-700 depending on its design. Of course, I like the style of the $700 one... but not there yet.

I just received my Zephyr Pyramid this past Friday. Although it was installed, the range hasn't been, so I can't really comment on it's functionality. I can say it looks better than a microhood. Hoping it functions better as well.

What cooking appliance are you putting it over? Is it a pro range, if so how big and what burners, if it is not a pro range
the most effective ductless hood I have heard of is the Kobe and it comes in 2 sizes 30 & 36" model RA3830sqd or RA3836sgd, if it is a pro range then most of New York City uses the Prestige pro-line ductless hood they come in 24, 30, 36, 42, & 48 widths and use both baffle and carbon filters to clean the air.

Has anyone used the Thermador wall hood with a recirculation kit? Probably going with the Prestige, but just wishing there was a cheaper option that was comparable.

I plan to put in a five-burner 30" gas Caldera cooktop - can I go with a 30" hood or do I need a 36? And I'm waiting to hear the reports from those of you who have recirculating hoods. Cannot vent and want the least noisy fan I can get that will still do the job.

HI there. After using our appliances- Blue Star 30 incher, Prestige Proline recirculating, and Whirlpool Velos installed about 2 feet away, I can tell you that not being ablt to vent really is a pain. That being said, the Proline does work well, because it traps with both baffles and charcoal filters. In addition, we have a window to our left bout 5 feet , where we put in an exhaust fan. AND- to the right of the stove- also about 5 feet- we have a hanging Whirlpool Velos that is attached to a cabinet hanging at over the counter height. This provides a huge amount of smoke removal too. BUT...be prepared for very loud noises, in order to clear the smoke on a semi commercial range. None that will do the job will be quiet.

Verysleepy--what size prestige do you have?

I would not spend big on any ductless fan. None of them do a good job.

Where do you think the steam, smoke, etc is going with a ductless hood? Right back at you. Its not just a known industry fact, its common sense. Obviously in a condo where you can't duct out you have no other choice. But people who own homes and have professional level stoves would never consider putting in a ductless hood. Any contractor would tell you the same even if you had a cheap free standing range.

premier,

I don't think anyone is questioning that if you have the option to duct out that this is far, far preferable.

The question at hand is that if you don't have that option does the Prestige (or some other hood) offer better performance than less expensive models. Even if it's 10% of ducted performance as opposed to 5% of ducted performance that's probably sufficient to warrant the greater price.

Good point, millej - I would like to know, also. Obviously, if we had a choice we would vent out. But we don't.

Prestige hoods appeal to people who want the cosmetic look of a pro like hood. The increased price is for the look. The performance is no different than anyother ductless hood. The hood relies strictly on recirculating the air and a charcoal filter. It doesn't matter if one ductless hood has a fan with greater fan CFM or a so called larger capture area because the hood is going to suck it in and spit in back right at you.

You are paying for the cosmetic look.

Berbel extractor hood has the best recirculating technology but currently only available in Germany and UK.
In conventional hoods grease is absorbed in filters. Grease particles clog the pores of the filter, and hood performance is reduced in increasing proportions.
With the berbel principle grease is accelerated out of the air by centrifugal force, and is effectively separated at two points.
The interior of the fan box remains virtually free of grease particles. There are no consequential costs, no unpleasant odors, no vermin, and there is no fire hazard.
With berbel the unit can be cleaned with just one wipe, as easy as cleaning a Ceran hob.
The stainless steel tray is made of the highest quality stainless steel and thus is dishwasher safe.

http://www.berbel.de/int/index.php?id=300351

http://www.berbel.de/int/index.php?id=10

Welcome to the site, Jim. I see you've revived several old threads on recirculating air vents and posted the same response.

Are you remodeling your kitchen?