http://www.appliancesonline.com.au/blanco-retractable-rangehood-brs60x/

Something like this might achieve what you're wanting, though I can't speak to it's "ability". I am installing a professional canopy style range hood with 600CFM. I am going with a professional style range, so I wanted a range hood that will actually work. We're installing a make-up air system too. Cost of install with product is around $2500 (we don't currently have ductwork).

Amber, I too have never had a hood, my stove is rather free standing in the middle of the room so that's why. They put a vent in the ceiling above, though not over the stove but over the dishwasher next to it. lol Go figure. And I rarely use it because as funky said, it sounds like a 747 idling on the tarmac. :/ Plus it did not work that well. And yeah, the prices of these things are rediculously shocking. :/

I used an inexpensive 390cfm cabinet insert, and built a hood around it. Over my electric range it's fine, and doesn't require a make-up air source. I've posted before that my father, who's always used recirculating hoods from big box stores, was scandalized that I paid $200 for just the insert. :)

Broan 390cfm insert at Amazon

Reviews

mama, I take it it works well then? Also, do you mind sharing what you built the hood out of and approximate cost?

I got a stainless steel direct vent under cabinet range hood off craigslist this week for $50. I think the flow rate is similar to mama goose's.

beth09, it works well--right now I'm baking 4 trays of bacon in the oven, and the hood is running on low speed. I usually start it on high for a few seconds, then turn it to low or medium, depending on the amount of steam I need to move. On high it's a little noisy, but not unbearable, and I don't use the high speed unless something is burning. I've never noticed it kick into auto high as the manufacturer claims it will.

I built it the housing from an old metal container that I found in our barn. I don't know what the cost of a wood surround would be, but this unit is made to insert into an upper cabinet. I didn't need the liner, and purchased all the pipe pieces locally, so mine was a good DIY budget solution.

Editing to add a link to my hood album:

The hood project

Bacon? I'll be right over. ;)

Thanks for getting back, and you definitely got a good DIY'er! I will check out your link. Thanks again.

+1 to mama _ goose's idea. I did a similar project in my remodel. Just a $80 Broan hood from Lowes, framed around it with 2x4s, and then enclosed it with 1x6 pine planks that I stained grey and distressed. I put the hood on a switch next to the stove.

Still under construction, so no pics yet.

Most people I know have OTR microwaves and never turn the vent on. They haven't died from it and their houses don't smell anymore than anyone elses.

Unless you have some kind of powerful range, I don't think it matters. I run mine everytime I cook because I am not a fan of cooking smells....

Of course, watching for sales is good. Also, you might find re-badged hoods cheaper. I purchased a re-badged Zephyr that retailed for about $800 on sale for $425. The badge is for an appliance chain in my state who purchases them in bulk and re-badges them. Since mine is a SS hood that doesn't require housing, the only other expense will be the new duct due to location change.

Being financially challenged, I plan to buy a good quality insert and then build my own hood. The fan will be in-line and will be placed out at the wall about 8 feet away, 400-600 CFM for a 30" range. I'll budget $1000 for materials but will spend that much only if I use metal for the hood.

I'm sure it's the best way to go ( spending more and getting a much Beyer product) funkycamper, but we're building an entire house and farm from scratch. I see $1000 on a range hood as $1000 less for my barn. ;) We horse girls have priorities!! ;) I've only ever been in houses that had cheapos or none at all so it's hard to understand what I'm missing, I don't doubt y'all, though!

We've got a 30" electric slide-in range, definitely nothing fancy for Gardenweb, but around here it will be considered high-end. That itself was less than $1200.

Stirfryi Around here OTR microwaves are marketed as being part of a "chef's kitchen". :)

Mama Goose Thanks for posting, I'm going to attempt it!! On my way over with Beth for those four trays of bacon!! ;)

Bacon is gone and so are the pancakes--my kids are all visiting this weekend. :) But come over for coffee when the place is cleared out--I'll need to sit down and 'put my feet up'.

Depending on what you choose to start with, you could always start with an inexpensive $100-150 hood and upgrade later if you find that it's too noisy so you don't use it often because of that and then upgrade later when finances allow. We have often scrounged for free or used items in good condition for temporary use, sometimes that means years, with the idea of upgrading later when we're ready. You're talking to the queen of cheap, lol, and why I spent $425, which was a splurge to me, rather than more. More dollars would have given me a bit quieter, especially on the highest speed, but this one is so much quieter and works so much better than my previous OTR micro-hood that it's a definite upgrade for not much money. To me, it was a good compromise level of hood.

Best wishes on your new build and have fun with your horses!

Mama goose --- Oh my that hood you DIY is beyond gorgeous. Do you or your SO have experience working with metal?

Carol

I second mama's hood. Georgous!

Amber, if you're interested, there is a Broan hood insert for a great price on eBay. I don't know how warranties work on appliances purchased on eBay, but here is the link: hood

beth, and ontariomom, thank you! No experience in metal work, although my late husband could figure out the mechanics, and find me all the materials. I'm not experienced enough to know when something can't be done, so I've tried some 'out there' ideas, lol. Fortunately, most of them have turned out well.

Well you have quite the knack! ;)