Forget the days of the anemic $39 range hood. Hoods like the General Electric Profile 30-Inch Stainless Steel Range Hood JV936DSS deserve the moniker they now carry: quality ventilation systems.

This hood, like many of the newer models, draws lots of air; up to 600 cubic feet of it to be exact. That power allows this model to do a fine job of removing smoke, grease, and heat from the kitchen. Controlling such power is an important function of a fan as well. And this model gives you that control with its choice of four ventilation speeds. One of these speeds is sure to give you just the amount of draw required for your cooking task, without pulling too much air out of your home.

Fairly quiet, as well as powerful, this hood generates a maximum of 7.0 sones. An additional benefit of a good hood, as far as we're concerned, is good lighting. This model makes the grade on that subject as well. The bright halogen lights serve to light the stovetop like never before. Finally you can see everything you're cooking with perfect ease. And, when you're not cooking, this model has a nightlight that provides ample low lighting that's just right for the overnight hours.

As you might expect with all this quality and convenience, this unit doesn't come cheap. Still, the General Electric JV936DSS compares favorably to many models with similar features and comes in under $1000. Complete with a dishwasher-safe grease filter, this model fits over a 30-inch range or cooktop and requires round, vertical ducting. It's offered in stainless steel, white, black, or bisque, and must vent upward usually into an upper cabinet.

Pro: quiet (7.0 sones), has 4 speeds
Con: can draw too much air in some rooms

Warranty
1 year