Review on BROAN NuTone BCDF130SS Glacier Stainless Steel Convertible Range Hood with Light and Exhaust Fan - Under Cabinet by Kenny Beyer

I bought these to replace an existing Broan range hood in our kitchen when we were updating our cabinets. It was the same height and width as the previous hood, with the same ducts, so it looked like it could be easily replaced. I did the installation myself, it wasn't very difficult, but it wasn't trivial either. My previous hood was installed with a 3.25 x 10 rear rectangular duct. For this to work, the air ducts in the wall and the back of the hood must match to within 1/4 inch. In my case, because I was working on an existing hole, they didn't. I was able to modify the duct sleeve on the back of the unit by moving it down 1/4" to line everything up. The instructions suggest using foil tape to seal any joints in the duct. On a horizontal run, like mine , this is not possible as the last seam is inside the wall, however I was able to patch the connections where the connector connected to the back of the hood and any unnecessary small holes made by the hood during the Manufacturing have been added.In any case, remember you will need foil tape to complete the installation.You will also need a grommet (not supplied) where the electrical cable runs through the back of the hood to protect the cable from sharp metal edges to protect and comply with regulations.The hood I replaced was completely flat on top.so it fitted very flush with my cabinets.The new unit v features these additional one-person mounting brackets that create a series of 1/8" protruding holes in the hood. This leaves a 1/8 inch gap between the hood and the bottom of the cabinet above. no matter how you install it. In our kitchen, backlit under the cabinet, I could see the light reflecting off our light bulkhead and through this gap. It looked messy. I bought a 1/8" foam gasket that I routed along the bottom of the cabinet to fill that gap and now it looks crisp. This hood can be installed in one of four different configurations. There are three duct mounting options: 3.25x10 rear, 3.25x10 top, and a 7-inch round opening. Top venting generally avoids the exact alignment and duct sealing issues I mentioned, but does mean you lose some closet space. Apparently the 7-inch round duct is the quietest, and that's important because I didn't find this unit to be much quieter than the old unit it replaced. ) it makes more noise than my Bosch dishwasher but quieter than my microwave. You can talk about this on a medium setting (which moves enough air to cook), but it still drives my wife crazy on a high setting and she won't use it. A ductless configuration is at the top of the front of the unit, where you put it basically can't see. However, when you turn it on, you're blowing humid air straight into your closet doors, which I assume will end up destroying them. The bottom of the device is also shielded, so if you're sitting in a chair across the room and looking at it, it looks well made. I would buy this again.