Without a range hood, prioritize ventilation methods to mitigate smoke, odors, and heat. Use exterior windows to exhaust air, install exhaust fans or portable range hoods, position fans above the stove to disperse steam, and consider air purifiers with HEPA filters. Cook with covered pots and avoid high-heat methods.

The absence of a range hood increases exposure to airborne pollutants, as confirmed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which states that inadequate ventilation can elevate indoor particulate matter levels by up to 40% (EPA, 2022). A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 60% of households reporting respiratory issues in kitchens cited poor ventilation as a key factor (CDC, 2021). Exhaust fans reduce airborne contaminants by 50% when used correctly, per the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (IACHI, 2023). Portable range hoods, costing $50–$200, are 70% as effective as built-in models in capturing smoke (Consumer Reports, 2023). Cooking with lids reduces steam and odor by 30%, as demonstrated in a University of California study (UC, 2022). Combining these strategies can maintain kitchen air quality comparable to range hood-equipped spaces while addressing cost and installation constraints.