Last Updated on February 14, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After testing three kitchen exhaust fans over the past two months, I found clear winners for different needs.
Best Overall: TUCO Portable Range Hood.
Best Budget: HG Power 8 Inch Exhaust Fan.
Best Compact: NIXOD Portable Range Hood.
I tested each fan in my small apartment kitchen. I cooked with them daily. I measured their performance. And I’m sharing everything I learned.
Our Expertise
I’ve been testing kitchen appliances for over five years. My apartment has a tiny kitchen with poor ventilation. I cook daily, often with high heat and oil.
Before these tests, I dealt with smoke alarms going off. My kitchen would fill with grease smell. Neighbors complained about cooking odors.
I needed real solutions. So I tested these three exhaust fans under real conditions. Not lab tests. Real cooking. Real smoke. Real grease.
Here’s what I tested:
- Daily cooking for 60 days
- Indoor BBQ sessions
- Deep frying (the ultimate test)
- Hot pot parties with friends
- Early morning breakfast cooking
- Late night stir-fry sessions
I measured noise levels with a decibel meter. I tracked how much grease each filter caught. I noted how often I needed to clean them.
This guide shows what actually works.
Why You Need a Kitchen Exhaust Fan
Let me be honest. I resisted buying an exhaust fan for months.
My apartment came without a range hood. I thought I could manage. I was wrong.
Here’s what happened without proper ventilation:
The smoke detector went off three times in one week. My landlord sent a warning notice. The grease built up on my cabinets. My clothes smelled like cooking oil. The walls showed yellow stains near the stove.
I finally realized I needed help.
Kitchen exhaust fans solve these problems:
They remove smoke before it spreads. No more smoke alarms at 7 AM when you’re making breakfast.
They capture grease particles. Your kitchen stays cleaner. Your cabinets don’t get sticky.
They eliminate cooking odors. Your apartment won’t smell like last night’s dinner.
They improve air quality. You’re not breathing in all that smoke and oil vapor.
For apartments, dorms, and RVs, portable exhaust fans are perfect. No installation needed. No ducting required. Just plug in and use.
How I Tested These Fans
I created a standard testing process. Every fan went through the same tests.
Test 1: Daily Cooking
I used each fan for two weeks of normal cooking. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I noted how well they handled regular steam and light smoke.
Test 2: High-Heat Cooking
I cranked up the heat. Stir-frying, searing steaks, and making crispy bacon. This test shows if a fan can handle serious smoke.
Test 3: Deep Frying
The ultimate challenge. I made fried chicken, French fries, and donuts. Deep frying produces the most smoke and grease. This test separates good fans from great ones.
Test 4: Noise Measurement
I used a decibel meter at three feet away. I measured all speed settings. Noise matters when you’re cooking early or late.
Test 5: Filter Performance
After 30 days, I checked each filter. How much grease did it catch? How dirty did it get? How easy was it to clean?
Test 6: Cleanup Process
I timed how long it took to clean each fan. Some were simple. Others were a pain.
1. TUCO Portable Range Hood (Best Overall)
The TUCO became my daily driver. It’s the fan I still use every day.
Product Features
This fan packs serious features into a portable design.
Five-layer filtration system. Most portable fans have one or two filters. The TUCO has five layers. This catches more grease and smoke.
Three speed settings. Low for simmering. Medium for regular cooking. High for when things get smoky.
Built-in LED light. This surprised me. The light actually helps when cooking. It’s not super bright, but it’s useful.
70-inch power cord. Long enough to reach any outlet. I could place it anywhere on my counter.
Oil collection cup. Grease drips into this cup instead of your counter. Genius design.
Dimensions: 7″D x 5″W x 14.5″H. Fits on any counter without taking up much space.
What I Like
The five-layer filter is the star feature. It caught way more grease than I expected.
After frying chicken, I checked the filter. It was covered in grease. But my kitchen air was clear. The filter did its job.
The oil cup saved me from messy cleanups. Grease dripped into the cup. I just emptied it after cooking. No scrubbing the counter.
The LED light became surprisingly useful. When I’m focused on cooking, that extra light helps. Especially in the evening.
Three speeds give you control. I used low speed for eggs. Medium for regular meals. High for anything that produces smoke.
Setup was instant. I took it out of the box. Plugged it in. Started cooking. No assembly required.
Why It’s Better
The TUCO outperformed the others in smoke removal.
During my deep frying test, it cleared smoke faster than the other two fans. The five-layer filter made the difference.
I fried chicken for 30 minutes. The TUCO kept the air clear. My smoke detector stayed silent. The other fans struggled with this test.
The build quality feels solid. It’s made from ABS plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap. The buttons are responsive. The fan motor sounds smooth.
At 50-65 dB, it’s quieter than my old bathroom fan. I can hold a normal conversation while it runs.
How It Performed
Here’s the real data from my tests.
Regular Cooking Test:
I made stir-fry with high heat. The TUCO cleared smoke in under 2 minutes. My kitchen stayed clear throughout cooking.
Deep Frying Test:
30 minutes of frying chicken. Smoke detector never went off. The five-layer filter caught massive amounts of grease. After cooking, I could barely smell anything.
Noise Test:
- Low speed: 51 dB
- Medium speed: 58 dB
- High speed: 64 dB
These numbers are comfortable. My refrigerator is louder.
Filter Performance:
After 30 days of daily cooking, the filter was dirty but not clogged. It still worked effectively. The grease was contained in the outer layers.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is straightforward but requires some effort.
Weekly cleaning:
- Unplug the fan
- Remove the five-layer filter
- Soak in warm soapy water for 15 minutes
- Rinse under running water
- Let air dry completely
- Empty the oil cup
- Wipe down the exterior
Deep cleaning (monthly):
- Disassemble all filter layers
- Wash each layer separately
- Use degreaser for stubborn spots
- Clean the fan blades with a damp cloth
- Wipe the interior housing
The filter layers separate easily. Each layer can be washed individually. This takes about 20 minutes total.
The oil cup needs emptying after big cooking sessions. Just pour it out and rinse.
Testing Results
The TUCO won in these categories:
- Best smoke removal: Cleared heavy smoke fastest
- Best filtration: Five layers caught the most grease
- Best features: Oil cup and LED light are useful
- Best build quality: Feels the most durable
It didn’t win in price. At $109.99, it’s the most expensive. But the performance justifies the cost.
For serious home cooks, this is the one to buy.
2. HG Power 8 Inch Exhaust Fan (Best Budget)
The HG Power surprised me with its performance at this price point.
Product Features
This is a different type of exhaust fan. It’s wall-mounted, not portable.
576 CFM airflow. This is powerful. Much stronger than portable fans.
8-inch metal blades. Metal construction means durability. These blades move serious air.
Backdraft damper included. Prevents cold air from coming back in when the fan is off.
Built-in switch. No need for extra wiring. Just plug it in.
8-foot power cord. Long enough for most installations.
53.5W power consumption. Surprisingly energy-efficient for this much airflow.
Dimensions: 5.9″D x 9.84″W x 9.84″H. Standard size for wall mounting.
What I Like
The power is incredible. At 576 CFM, it moves massive amounts of air.
I installed it in my kitchen wall. The difference was immediate. It pulled smoke out faster than any portable fan could.
The metal construction feels industrial-strength. This isn’t a cheap plastic fan. It’s built like commercial equipment.
The backdraft damper works perfectly. On cold days, I don’t feel air coming back in. The damper closes tight when the fan is off.
The built-in switch makes it user-friendly. I don’t need to reach for a wall switch. Just press the button on the fan.
At $44.99, the value is unbeatable. This is half the price of the TUCO but moves three times the air.
Why It’s Better
For raw power, nothing beats the HG Power.
It creates negative pressure in my kitchen. Smoke gets sucked out before it spreads. Steam disappears instantly.
The metal construction means it’ll last for years. I’ve seen plastic fans break after a few months. This one feels like it’ll outlive my lease.
Energy efficiency impressed me. Despite moving 576 CFM, it only uses 53.5W. That’s less than a light bulb.
Installation was easier than expected. I mounted it in a window opening. Took about 30 minutes with basic tools.
How It Performed
The HG Power dominated in air movement tests.
Regular Cooking Test:
Steam from boiling pasta disappeared instantly. The fan pulled it out before it could rise to the ceiling.
Deep Frying Test:
During the chicken frying test, this fan cleared smoke the fastest. The high CFM rating made the difference. Smoke was gone in under a minute.
Noise Test:
This fan is louder than the portable options. At full speed, it measured 68 dB. That’s noticeable but not painful.
Durability Test:
After two months of daily use, it runs like new. No weird sounds. No wobbling. The motor stays strong.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is simple because of the metal construction.
Monthly cleaning:
- Turn off and unplug
- Remove the front grill (four screws)
- Wipe the blades with a damp cloth
- Clean the grill in soapy water
- Dry everything thoroughly
- Reassemble
The metal blades don’t collect as much grease as filters do. A quick wipe keeps them clean.
The backdraft damper needs occasional cleaning. Dust can build up. I check it every two months.
Total cleaning time: 10 minutes.
Testing Results
The HG Power excelled in these areas:
- Most powerful: 576 CFM beats everything else
- Best value: Under $50 for this performance
- Most durable: Metal construction lasts
- Best for serious cooking: Handles any amount of smoke
The downsides:
- Requires wall installation
- Louder than portable fans
- Not portable or flexible
For a permanent solution, this is the best buy.
3. NIXOD Portable Range Hood (Best Compact)
The NIXOD is the smallest fan I tested. But small doesn’t mean weak.
Product Features
This fan focuses on portability and convenience.
10 activated carbon filters included. You get a year’s worth of filters right away.
120-degree adjustable air intake. You can angle it toward your cooking surface.
One-button operation. Simplest controls of all three fans.
Compact 8″D x 8″W x 8.5″H design. Smaller than a cereal box.
Lightweight. Easy to move around or store.
Strong suction. Despite the size, it pulls in smoke effectively.
What I Like
The included filters are a huge plus. Most fans make you buy filters separately. NIXOD gives you 10 right away.
Each filter lasts about 30-40 cooking sessions. That’s months of use without buying anything.
The 120-degree adjustment is genius. I can angle it based on what I’m cooking. Tall pots? Angle it up. Low pans? Angle it down.
One-button operation means anyone can use it. My roommate figured it out instantly. No manual needed.
The compact size fits anywhere. I store it in a cabinet when not using it. It takes up less space than a blender.
At $79.99 with 10 filters included, it’s a solid value.
Why It’s Better
For RV owners and dorm residents, this is perfect.
The small size means it fits in tight spaces. My friend uses one in her RV kitchen. It works great.
The portability is unmatched. I can bring it to a friend’s house for a hot pot party. Or use it on my balcony for outdoor cooking.
The activated carbon filters handle odors better than standard filters. After cooking fish, the smell disappeared quickly.
Setup takes seconds. Place it near your stove. Plug it in. Press the button. Done.
How It Performed
The NIXOD punched above its weight class.
Regular Cooking Test:
For everyday cooking, it performed well. Steam and light smoke disappeared quickly. It kept up with normal meals.
Deep Frying Test:
This was challenging for the small fan. It handled it, but struggled more than the others. The smoke cleared, but it took longer. About 3-4 minutes versus 1-2 minutes for the bigger fans.
Noise Test:
Surprisingly quiet at 55 dB. Quieter than the TUCO on high speed.
Portability Test:
I moved it around my kitchen. I used it on the counter, the table, and even on a chair. The adjustable angle made each position work.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is the easiest of all three fans.
Filter replacement:
- Open the top cover
- Remove the used activated carbon filter
- Insert a new filter
- Close the cover
That’s it. Takes 30 seconds.
Exterior cleaning:
- Unplug the fan
- Wipe down with a damp cloth
- Dry with a towel
No complicated disassembly. No washing filters. Just replace and wipe.
Total maintenance time: Under a minute.
Testing Results
The NIXOD won in these categories:
- Most portable: Lightest and smallest
- Easiest to clean: Filter replacement is instant
- Best for small spaces: Fits anywhere
- Quietest operation: 55 dB is very low
The limitations:
- Less powerful than the others
- Struggles with heavy smoke
- Smaller coverage area
For light cooking and small kitchens, it’s perfect.
Detailed Comparison
Let me compare all three side by side.
Power and Performance
Winner: HG Power
- 576 CFM is unbeatable
- Clears smoke in under a minute
- Handles any cooking situation
Runner-up: TUCO
- Five-layer filtration works great
- Strong enough for most cooking
- Consistent performance
Third: NIXOD
- Good for light cooking
- Struggles with heavy smoke
- Best for small-scale use
Price and Value
Winner: HG Power
- $44.99 for professional-grade power
- Metal construction lasts
- Best performance per dollar
Runner-up: NIXOD
- $79.99 with 10 filters included
- Great value for portability
- Low maintenance costs
Third: TUCO
- $109.99 is expensive
- Premium features justify cost
- Best for daily serious cooking
Ease of Use
Winner: NIXOD
- One button, instant operation
- No learning curve
- Anyone can use it
Runner-up: TUCO
- Three speeds are easy to understand
- Oil cup simplifies cleanup
- LED light is helpful
Third: HG Power
- Simple switch operation
- Requires wall installation
- Less flexible placement
Cleaning and Maintenance
Winner: NIXOD
- 30-second filter replacement
- Wipe and done
- Minimal effort
Runner-up: HG Power
- Quick wipe of metal blades
- 10-minute cleaning
- Durable parts
Third: TUCO
- Five layers to wash
- 20-minute cleaning process
- More maintenance needed
Portability
Winner: NIXOD
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to move and store
- Perfect for RVs
Runner-up: TUCO
- Portable but larger
- 70-inch cord helps
- Can move around kitchen
Third: HG Power
- Wall-mounted only
- No portability
- Permanent installation
Which One Should You Buy?
Your choice depends on your situation.
Buy the TUCO if:
- You cook daily with high heat
- You want the best smoke removal
- You need a reliable daily-use fan
- You have counter space
- Budget isn’t your main concern
The TUCO is my personal favorite. I use it every day. It’s worth the $109.99.
Buy the HG Power if:
- You want maximum power
- You can install a wall-mounted fan
- You do serious cooking regularly
- You want the best value
- You need professional-grade performance
For permanent kitchens, this is the smart choice.
Buy the NIXOD if:
- You live in a dorm or RV
- You need portability
- Space is limited
- You do light to moderate cooking
- You want easy maintenance
This is perfect for students and RV owners.
Installation Tips
Let me share what I learned about setting up these fans.
For Portable Fans (TUCO and NIXOD):
Placement matters. Put the fan as close to your cooking source as possible. Keep it at least 4 inches from the stove.
Angle it right. Point the intake toward where smoke rises. This captures smoke before it spreads.
Keep it stable. Place it on a stable surface. Don’t let the cord dangle where it can get pulled.
Test the outlet. Make sure your outlet can handle the power draw. These fans don’t use much power, but check anyway.
For Wall-Mounted Fans (HG Power):
Choose the right spot. Install it above or behind your stove area. Height matters for good airflow.
Check the wall. Make sure you’re not drilling into electrical wires or pipes. Use a stud finder.
Seal the gaps. When mounting, seal around the edges. This prevents air leaks.
Test the switch. Make sure the built-in switch is easy to reach while cooking.
Consider the exhaust. If you’re venting outside, make sure the path is clear.
I installed the HG Power in a window opening. This let me vent directly outside without cutting into walls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made some mistakes during testing. Learn from them.
Mistake 1: Placing the fan too far from the stove.
I initially put the TUCO at the back of my counter. It didn’t work well. I moved it closer. Big improvement.
Mistake 2: Not cleaning filters regularly.
I went six weeks without cleaning the TUCO filter. Performance dropped significantly. Now I clean every two weeks.
Mistake 3: Using the wrong speed setting.
I used high speed for everything at first. It was too loud and wasted energy. Match the speed to your cooking.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the oil cup.
I forgot to empty the TUCO’s oil cup. It overflowed onto my counter. Now I check it after every cooking session.
Mistake 5: Not angling the NIXOD properly.
The adjustable angle only works if you actually adjust it. I left it flat for a week. Angling it improved performance by 50%.
Maintenance Schedule
Here’s the cleaning schedule I follow.
Daily:
- Empty oil cup (TUCO only)
- Wipe exterior surfaces
- Check for visible grease buildup
Weekly:
- Clean filters (TUCO and HG Power)
- Wipe down the fan housing
- Check power cord for damage
Bi-weekly:
- Replace activated carbon filter (NIXOD)
- Deep clean the oil cup
- Inspect fan blades
Monthly:
- Deep clean all components
- Check motor performance
- Test all speed settings
- Inspect for wear and tear
Quarterly:
- Check mounting stability (HG Power)
- Replace worn parts
- Test electrical connections
- Evaluate overall performance
Following this schedule keeps the fans running like new.
Safety Considerations
Kitchen exhaust fans involve electricity near heat sources. Safety matters.
Never touch the fan with wet hands. Always dry your hands before adjusting controls.
Keep it away from water. Don’t place it where water can splash on it. Steam is fine. Direct water is not.
Check the cord regularly. Look for fraying or damage. Replace the fan if the cord is damaged.
Don’t block the intake or exhaust. The fan needs clear airflow. Don’t cover vents with towels or other items.
Unplug when not in use. This saves energy and reduces fire risk.
Keep flammable items away. Don’t store paper towels or dish towels on or near the fan.
Clean regularly. Grease buildup is a fire hazard. Keep filters clean.
Follow manufacturer guidelines. Each fan has specific safety instructions. Read them.
I’ve never had a safety issue with these fans. But I stay careful.
Cost of Ownership
The purchase price is just the start. Here’s what each fan costs to own.
TUCO Total Cost (First Year):
- Purchase: $109.99
- Electricity (daily use): ~$8
- Replacement filters: $0 (comes with filters)
- Cleaning supplies: ~$5
- Total: ~$123
HG Power Total Cost (First Year):
- Purchase: $44.99
- Electricity (daily use): ~$6
- Replacement parts: $0
- Cleaning supplies: ~$3
- Total: ~$54
NIXOD Total Cost (First Year):
- Purchase: $79.99
- Electricity (daily use): ~$7
- Replacement filters: $0 (10 included)
- Cleaning supplies: ~$2
- Total: ~$89
The HG Power wins on total cost. It’s cheap to buy and cheap to run.
FAQs
Can these fans replace a built-in range hood?
For light to moderate cooking, yes. I’ve been using the TUCO as my only ventilation for two months. It works great for everyday cooking.
For heavy daily cooking or professional use, a built-in hood is better. These portable fans are excellent supplements or alternatives for apartments.
How often do I need to replace filters?
It depends on your cooking frequency.
For the TUCO: Clean every 2 weeks, replace every 3-4 months.
For the NIXOD: Replace every 30-40 cooking sessions, roughly monthly with daily use.
For the HG Power: No filters to replace, just clean the blades monthly.
Are these fans loud enough to disturb neighbors?
No. The loudest (HG Power at 68 dB) is quieter than a vacuum cleaner. My neighbors never complained.
The TUCO and NIXOD are even quieter. You can have normal conversations while they run.
Can I use these for outdoor cooking?
The NIXOD works great for outdoor cooking on patios or balconies. I’ve used it for portable grills.
The TUCO can work outdoors but is less ideal because of its size.
The HG Power is wall-mounted and not designed for outdoor use.
Do these fans remove cooking odors completely?
Not completely, but they reduce odors by 80-90%. The activated carbon filters in the TUCO and NIXOD handle odors best.
Strong odors like fish or curry will still linger slightly. But it’s much better than without a fan.
How much do replacement filters cost?
TUCO filters: Around $25-30 for a pack of 3-4
NIXOD filters: Around $20 for a pack of 10
HG Power: No filters needed
The NIXOD gives you the best filter value since 10 come included.
Can I install the HG Power in an apartment?
Check with your landlord first. Some allow window installations. Others don’t allow wall modifications.
I installed mine in a window frame using removable mounting brackets. No permanent damage to the apartment.
Final Verdict
After two months of testing, here’s my conclusion.
For most people, buy the TUCO. It balances performance, features, and portability perfectly. The five-layer filter and oil cup make daily use easy. Yes, it costs $109.99. But you’ll use it every day for years.
For budget-conscious buyers, get the HG Power. At $44.99, it’s a steal. The 576 CFM power handles anything you throw at it. Just know you’ll need to install it on a wall.
For RV owners and students, choose the NIXOD. The compact size and portability are unbeatable. With 10 filters included, you’re set for a year. Perfect for small spaces and light cooking.
I personally use the TUCO daily. It sits on my counter permanently. When I’m doing really heavy cooking, I sometimes run the TUCO and HG Power together. Total smoke elimination.
My kitchen stays clean now. No more smoke alarms. No more grease on the cabinets. No more complaints from neighbors.
These fans solved my ventilation problems. They’ll solve yours too.
Choose based on your needs. Buy from the links above. Start cooking with confidence.
Your kitchen will thank you.
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