Product review (5 stars): Best way to capture grease and odors when used with Broan AP130 hood/fan.
For those who have used those ineffectual microwave oven/range hood combos, you will find Broan AP 130 hood/fan with recirculating kit NDK35830SS a God-send.  Your house is cleaner and your fabrics do not retain kitchen smells.

I used a triple-filtered recirculating Broan Microtek hood/fan system for about 10 years, and found it acceptable for its nonvented application.  This newer AP130 hood and fan seems to work even better with the Broan recirculating kit NDK35830SS.

First, the AP130 fan.  The highest setting is certainly less than most vacuum cleaners, and I can hear the TV and people speak from short distances.  I do not mind 10-15 minutes of this fan operating on high at dinner time to keep my apartment free from a lot of grease and cooking odors.  It does not affect my hearing or annoy me especially.  Lower speeds of course, go down to an almost whisper setting.

I seem to think the technology is a bit better for the recirculating kit, even though it is the same triple filter as the older Microtek, the 88F available at many on-line filter outlets.  First the air hits the standard aluminum grease trap filter.  Then the air goes through three layers of material, including a charcoal impregnated one.  You must keep changing the three-layer filter often depending on how often you cook smelly, greasy food, from three months to a year.  Each pair of the 88F filters cost around $30 when bought on line. so it is a cheap alternative to dark greasy ceiling, cabinets and walls.  Besides the whole home smells better over the long term.  Installation of the filters takes less than 30 seconds, once you become familiar with the process.  Of course, the aluminum grease trap filters last indefinitely.  Do not put the latter in the dishwasher unless you do not mind the discoloration from the detergent.

The AP130 hood itself is tall and deep, giving a great stainless steel dimension to the kitchen decor.  I also bought the Broan SS backsplash which completes the look of the AP 130 and the recirculating kit for nonvented installations.  The two LED lamps work well at high, however the ones I bought have a high-frequency "vibration" on the lower setting.  No problem there as I just keep it on high.  If I need a night light in the kitchen, I use the refrigerator on-door water dispenser light.  Yes, it is a bit awkward to find the controls hidden under the hood, but it makes the kitchen hood look cleaner without clutter.

I am very happy with this unit with the optional recirculating kit.  Of course, I wish I had ductwork and an exterior wall for my kitchen fan to exhaust the air outdoors.  In that absence of that ideal solutions to kitchen odors, this is the next-best thing.