Product review (5 stars): I scratched it, removing it from the box
This hood is replacing another ventless hood we had for a while. While I was unpacking it, I scratched the bottom because the box is stapled shut... The folded cardboard is really stiff and didn't want to open completely and the huge staples protrude enough to scrape the hood as you pull the unit out of the box. I noticed this as I was unpacking it and still scratched the thing. FOLD THE FLAPS OUT ALL THE WAY and you will be good. Anyway, If I used this hood as a vented unit, I would have to drill or cut through 4 shelves in the cabinet above it (mine are not removable) plus the top and the plaster ceiling (avoiding my roof joists in the attic). Then the roof vent and piping required in the attic. This unit uses two types of ducts (for vented operation) a huge 7" round or a box type that is about 4" by 11" (not exact but close).
Because of all that work, I decided to stay ventless. This hood is replacing my previous ventless hood. Compared to my old hood, this thing kicks butt!!! The two lights are just amazing, they added more light to the countertop on both sides of the range... Like under cabinet lighting on the sides of the range now. I bought 50W light output LED bulbs. They fit right in and don't flicker on the lower setting. The dimmer setting on the hood does lower brightness but with the LED bulbs not much. Dim setting is about 20% less bright and I would like it a bit dimmer because we tend to leave this light on all the time, day or night. Since they pull very little power, it isn't a big deal at all. I REALLY like the lighting.
Now the fan, the motor does hum when in operation and you can hear the air flow especially on high... This thing can move a lot of air. It does make noise but no where near as loud as the one it replaced (bought off the shelf at Home Depot). Even on high, it is easy to hold a conversation near it... Not possible before. The low setting is much quieter and the motor hum is more prevalent but not even annoying. It is just there. I know that if there are a lot of strong cooking odors or something burnt, this setup won't pull it out of the house (which sucks) but I feel that on the high setting with the nonvented type filter I bought installed, it may clear the air visibly and help with the smell. We haven't tested this yet but it is what it is. All in all a good vent hood and a definite upgrade from the $45 hood it has replaced.