The BRANO GXEA-197C-36-B offers 900 CFM from a 230-watt motor in a 35.7-inch black under-cabinet design at $379, with four fan speeds and a baffle filter. It earns a 4.8-star rating from 10 early buyers, suggesting genuine satisfaction at an attractive price for the airflow capacity.
Buyers with 36-inch gas ranges who want high airflow in a black painted finish without spending upwards of $600. The ducted-only design means it is best for kitchens that already have or can easily add exterior ductwork.
Skip if
Skip if you need a ductless option, this hood vents only to the outside. Also skip if your cabinet opening is narrower than 35.7 inches, or if you prefer stainless steel over a painted black finish.
Wattage 230 W
Mounting Under Cabinet Mount
Ventilation Ducted
Airflow 900 CFM
Fan speeds 4
Filter Baffle
Airflow of 900 CFM - stronger than 66% of the 91 models we track
Fan speeds of 4 - higher than 62% of the 91 models we track
Width of 35.7 in - wider than 91% of the 91 models we track
Our scorecard
4.1/5overall
Owner rating4.8/5
4.8 average across 10 owner ratings
Popularity1.4/5
10 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other kitchen ranges, cooktops, wall ovens, range hoods and microwaves we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
At $379 and 900 CFM, the BRANO GXEA-197C-36-B offers some of the best airflow-per-dollar in the 36-inch under-cabinet segment. Most 900 CFM hoods in this width category cost $50-$150 more. The 230-watt motor is appropriate for the output, and four fan speeds give more control than the standard three-speed designs common at this price.
The matte black painted finish is a deliberate aesthetic choice that suits kitchens with black appliances or a modern dark palette. It is a painted rather than powder-coated or stainless surface, so it may show fingerprints and should be cleaned with a soft cloth and appropriate cleaner to avoid dulling.
The baffle filter is a practical fit for 900 CFM operation, it collects grease efficiently and will need cleaning roughly monthly with regular high-heat use. The ducted-only design is the right call for a hood at this CFM; ductless recirculation at 900 CFM is less effective and adds filter maintenance complexity. The 4.8-star rating from 10 buyers is too small a sample to be definitive, but no red flags emerge from that feedback at this price point.
Pros
900 CFM at $379 is strong value for the 36-inch under-cabinet category
4-speed fan offers finer control than typical 3-speed competitors
Baffle filter handles heavy grease better than mesh and is easier to maintain
Black painted finish suits dark-themed kitchens and modern design schemes
At 230 watts the motor is appropriately sized for 900 CFM output
Cons
Ducted only, no ductless or convertible option for kitchens without existing venting
Painted black finish requires careful cleaning to avoid surface damage
110V (AC) requirement, verify outlet at install location
10 reviews is a very small sample despite the positive average
Specifications
Wattage
230 W
Mounting
Under Cabinet Mount
Ventilation
Ducted
Airflow
900 CFM
Fan speeds
4
Filter
Baffle
Width
35.7 in
Controls
Touch
Finish
Painted
Color
Black
Dimensions
5.9 X 35.7 X 19.7 In
Weight
38.1 lb
Voltage
110 Volts (Ac)
Performance notes
The 900 CFM motor at 35.7 inches wide is designed for 36-inch ranges. Four fan speeds allow meaningful gradation between light ventilation on an electric simmer burner and full-power operation during gas-burner frying. The unit is ducted only, so it requires a duct connection to the exterior, a proper duct run is essential to realize the 900 CFM spec. Touch controls keep the interface clean and grease-resistant. At 38.1 pounds and 5.9 x 35.7 x 19.7 inches it is a compact depth profile, which may help in kitchens where cabinet headroom is limited.
What buyers say
Ten buyers averaging 4.8 stars is an encouraging early signal, though the sample is too small for firm conclusions. The absence of any reported installation or performance complaints in that small pool is a reasonable positive indicator. The price-to-performance ratio at $379 for 900 CFM is what would attract most buyers, and the feedback suggests they are not disappointed.
Does the BRANO GXEA-197C-36-B support ductless installation?
No, this model is a ducted unit only. It requires a duct connection to an exterior wall or roof. If your kitchen does not have existing ductwork and you cannot install it, you will need a convertible or ductless model instead.
How do I clean the painted black finish without damaging it?
Use a damp soft cloth and a mild non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid steel wool, harsh scouring pads, or strong chemical degreasers, which can strip or dull painted surfaces. Wipe dry after cleaning to prevent water spots.
Will a 35.7-inch hood fit over a 30-inch range?
Mechanically it will mount, but a 35.7-inch hood is oversized for a 30-inch cooktop and will extend well past the sides. Ventilation performance would be adequate, but the visual proportions would be off. This hood is sized for 36-inch range configurations.
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