Product review (5 stars): This is probably the best looking + functioning model at this price point
I have a low ceiling kitchen (8ft) with an island range, no duct, attic, and open living. Whenever I cooked, the whole floor would be impacted. Although I have two ceiling fans and a window fan, it was never enough to circulate the air out especially when I cooked steaks. I knew I needed a range hood. Island range hoods are considerably more expensive than wall models, so I was meticulous in staying within my budget. This is probably the best looking + functioning model at this price point.
The hood shipped fast and I was able to have a contractor install it as I wasn't willing to make any DIY guesses. It did needed to be custom mounted due to the layout of my attic. They were also able to have it duct out to the side of my roof. And because of my shorter ceiling, they had to trim the metal frame to achieve the proper height placement.
After install, I was very happy. The unit and panel worked great with the exception of the back panel that wasn't working at all. I was just glad it was the back panel and not the front. From the lights to the fans, everything functioned as they should. And although I probably would've been content, I did contact AKDY about the back panel. They were very responsive and sent out a replacement part, so I wanted to wait until reviewing. Once received, I was able to swap out the units and now both touch panels work as they should!
After 3-4 weeks of use, I am still satisfied. There were several moments cooking where I wasn't certain if the fans were doing a good enough job because I could clearly see the smoke going around the vent. Needless to say, no vent is going to contain 100% of fume but I've noticed that cooking steak there was a significant improvement in smoke/smell through the house, which is good enough for me.