From what I understand from previous discussions on this forum, venting vertically with as few bends as possible maximizes cfms and (slightly?) minimizes noise. We didn't have this option, unfortunately. This is our first house and therefore first time I had ever used a range hood at all, LOL, so all three range hoods used the same set-up. I can compare the different brands I've had, but not a different setup. I can only say that the three people I know with range hoods that vent vertically out the roof seem quieter than mine (none are remote blowers, which are the quietest), but they are also different brands so I can't make a straight comparison.

OK, sounds like I want to pass up those Ikea options. I want to be able to have friends over and have conversations with my H and kid, so I don't want something insanely loud. Thanks for the rec on Costco!! I haven't been lately, but we do have a membership. I just looked it up online and indeed it sounds like a nice option, especially for that price! I'm going to read all the reviews carefully to see whether it's loud... would love any other recommendations as well. Thanks all!! This forum is the best!

any comments

@Marty H: I'm not sure what your question is. Given that you know what your CFM requirements are based on hood size (see a bazillion threads here) and understand the pressure loss picture well enough to estimate the rated CFM of the blower needed, (or just use a factor of 1.5), pick a blower from the Wolf, Broan, Fantech, Abbaka, etc. products depending on how you can mount it and adapt it. Some electrical work will be required when the blower is at point X and the hood and/or blower control is at point Y. That is, the power to the blower has to get from where the old fan was to where the new blower fan is. And if the motor types are different, then the motor control has to be different. Every case will need some tailored solution. @pittsburrito may be able to describe his adaptation in sufficient detail to allow you to copy it. I have no information on the motor control details of the Faber hood line.