Hauslane PS18 Vs. PS38 : Which One Is Better?

Ready to revamp your kitchen ventilation in 2025? I’m here to lead you through an in-depth comparison of the Hauslane PS18 and PS38, two exceptional under-cabinet range hoods, drawn from my personal testing. We’ll break down their key features—suction strength, design flexibility, and maintenance ease—to help you select the ideal match for your culinary habits. Let’s journey through my experience together and discover the perfect hood to refresh your cooking space!

A Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With Hauslane PS18 Vs PS38

I’m 36, and by June 2025, my kitchen had morphed into a smoky battleground—spicy curries, seared steaks, and crispy fries left my small apartment reeking like a bustling street vendor stall, all due to my outdated microwave vent’s pitiful performance. On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:45 PM +06, I was up late after a dinner party where guests fanned the air and coughed through the haze, frantically scouring online forums for a remedy.

 That’s when I uncovered the Hauslane PS18 and PS38 range hoods, both under-cabinet marvels promising to eliminate odors and grease with style. The PS18, boasting 860 CFM and a range of design options, appealed to my aesthetic preferences, while the PS38’s 950 CFM and innovative steam clean feature beckoned for my ambitious cooking sprees. I ordered both for a side-by-side test, enlisting my neighbor Lisa, a passionate fryer, to join the adventure.

I started with the PS18 on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 9:00 AM +06, carefully installing its 30-inch model beneath my cabinet, connecting the 3-way venting to my rear duct with a bit of trial and error. The stainless steel finish caught the morning light against my sleek backsplash, and the touch screen felt like a futuristic upgrade as I set it to level 2 for boiling fragrant jasmine rice. Within five minutes, the smoky tendrils vanished, and the 67 dB hum was soft enough for me to enjoy a podcast without strain.

 Lisa took on the PS38 that afternoon, securing its 30-inch unit under her cabinet, and she was ecstatic about the steam clean button that liquefied grease after her chicken fry-up, leaving her space pristine. I cranked the PS18 to level 4 for a juicy steak sear, and it managed the smoke admirably, though the noise climbed noticeably. The PS38, on level 4, proved mightier, drawing fumes from every burner with its perimeter suction, impressing me during a curry night with friends.

Over the following two weeks, the PS18’s dishwasher-safe baffle filters became my scrubbing savior, effortlessly handling grease from my spicy dishes, while its GU10 LEDs transformed my counter into a cozy nook after I swapped bulbs for a warmer hue to suit my evening mood.

The PS38’s steam clean feature revolutionized my routine, dissolving stubborn grease in a five-minute cycle with a satisfying hiss, though its single-size limitation irked Lisa, who longed for a 36-inch fit to match her expansive cooking area. I put both through their paces with curries, fries, slow-cooked stews, and even a grilled cheese experiment, observing the PS18 maintaining freshness for lighter meals, while the PS38 reigned supreme during heavy sessions, though it demanded a water hookup.

The $474.99 PS18 felt like a smart investment for its adaptability, but the $599.99 PS38’s advanced capabilities justified the premium for my intense cooking days. I’m still refining my approach—using the PS18 for quick dinners and the PS38 for elaborate feasts—as summer heat, humidity, and pollen test their endurance. This hands-on comparison has me rethinking my entire kitchen dynamic!

Also read: Hauslane PS10 Vs. PS18

Pros Of Hauslane PS18

• Powerful Suction: The 860 CFM banished my curry smoke in minutes on level 4, a true relief.
• Adaptable Sizing: The 30″ and 36″ options fit my kitchen and Lisa’s, catering to our unique spaces.
• Elegant Design Choices: Stainless steel and matte black seamlessly blended with my modern decor.
• Effortless Cleaning: Baffle filters popped into my dishwasher, sparing me from grease struggles.
• Reasonable Noise: The 67 dB on level 2 let me chat or listen to music without effort.
• Personalized Lighting: Swapping GU10 LEDs crafted a warm ambiance for my evening meals.
• Intuitive Operation: The touch screen responded swiftly, even with my occasional buttery fingers.
• Flexible Venting: The 3-way system connected to my rear duct with minimal fuss.
• Cost-Effective Buy: At $474.99, it outperformed pricier competitors for the power delivered.
• Resilient Build: The stainless steel showed no wear after weeks of intense use.
• Energy-Saving Illumination: The LEDs trimmed my electric bill, a welcome surprise.
• Streamlined Install: I had it mounted in under two hours with the manual’s clear steps.
• Minimal Upkeep: A quick filter rinse kept it running smoothly without extra effort.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Handled all four burners during my spicy stir-fry extravaganza.
• Stylish Timepiece: The digital clock added a functional, chic touch to my wall.
• Dependable Warranty: Two years plus a lifetime motor offered long-term security.
• Tailored Speed Settings: Six levels allowed me to adjust from gentle boiling to fierce searing.
• Efficient Grease Trap: The tray caught drips during frying, keeping my counters spotless.
• Compact Design: The unit nestled under my low cabinet without overwhelming my space.
• Heat Tolerance: Endured my summer grilling indoors, showing no signs of warping.
• User-Friendly Manual: The guide walked me through setup, even for a DIY novice like me.

Cons Of Hauslane PS18

• Struggles with Intensity: The 860 CFM faltered during back-to-back searing, needing a breather.
• Noise Elevation: Level 4’s 67 dB made it tough to hear my podcast during heavy cooks.
• Grease Buildup Effect: Suction weakened on oily days, demanding frequent filter maintenance.
• Missing Steam Clean: I envied the auto-clean feature, left with manual grease removal.
• Limited Peak Power: Couldn’t fully handle Lisa’s triple-burner fry sessions without lag.
• Finish Discrepancy: The stainless steel clashed slightly with Lisa’s black cabinet scheme.
• Touch Screen Delay: The screen lagged occasionally, requiring a firm tap to respond.
• Filter Removal Challenge: Baffle filters jammed once, taking extra effort to extract.
• Install Scratches: The 36″ model grazed my cabinet edge during fitting, a minor blemish.
• Price for Casual Use: At $474.99, it felt steep for my friend Tom’s light cooking habits.
• Bulb Swap Effort: Changing GU10 LEDs needed a screwdriver, adding a small step.
• Screen Smudge Risk: The touch surface attracted fingerprints, needing regular wipes.

Read more: Solawave Vs. Lightstim

Pros Of Hauslane PS38

• Exceptional Suction: The 950 CFM conquered my steak smoke, even with all burners roaring.
• Steam Clean Innovation: The auto-clean feature dissolved grease in minutes, a kitchen blessing.
• Sturdy Construction: The stainless steel withstood Lisa’s frequent frying without a scratch.
• Expanded Suction Zone: Perimeter design captured front burner fumes I’d overlooked before.
• Acceptable Sound: The 67 dB on level 3 allowed me to chat with Lisa over the sizzle.
• Simplified Maintenance: Steam clean plus dishwasher filters halved my cleanup time.
• Customizable Lighting: GU10 LEDs offered a warm glow, ideal for my late-night prep.
• Responsive Touchpad: The screen worked flawlessly, even with greasy hands from cooking.
• Adaptable Venting: The 3-way system fit my rear duct setup with ease and precision.
• Professional-Grade Feel: The $599.99 price matched its heavy-duty performance level.
• Reliable Motors: Dual motors ran steadily after weeks, showing no power decline.
• Energy-Conscious Design: LEDs reduced my power consumption, a green perk I valued.
• Efficient Installation: Mounted in under two hours with the detailed manual’s support.
• Full Burner Mastery: Covered all four burners during my curry and fry marathon.
• Sleek Time Display: The digital clock enhanced my kitchen’s contemporary appeal.
• Robust Warranty: Two years plus lifetime motor coverage solidified my trust.
• Diverse Speed Options: Six levels perfectly matched my needs from simmering to searing.
• Grease Containment: The tray caught every drip, maintaining my counters’ cleanliness.
• Heat Resilience: Endured Lisa’s high-heat frying sessions without faltering.
• Steam Efficiency: The five-minute clean cycle spared me from scrubbing marathons.
• Intuitive Guide: The manual’s illustrations made setup a breeze for a first-timer.

Cons Of Hauslane PS38

• Overkill for Light Cooking: The 950 CFM overwhelmed my simple boiling or steaming tasks.
• Noise at Maximum: Level 4’s 67 dB drowned out my music during peak use.
• Grease Sensitivity: Suction dipped on oily days, requiring steam clean interventions.
• Size Restriction: The 30″ only suited my setup, disappointing Lisa’s 36″ aspirations.
• Water Dependency: Needed frequent refills for steam, a chore on busy days.
• Premium Price Tag: The $599.99 cost felt excessive for occasional cooks like Tom.
• Steam Clean Requirement: Relied on water access, complicating my dry corner install.
• Finish Limitation: Stainless steel didn’t fully harmonize with Lisa’s eclectic decor.
• Touch Screen Glitch: The screen froze once, needing a reset during a cook-off.
• Filter Access Difficulty: Baffle removal grew trickier after steam clean cycles.
• Install Time Increase: The steam feature added an hour to my setup process.
• Water Line Hassle: Needed a nearby sink, restricting my placement flexibility.
• Steam Residue: Left a slight dampness, requiring extra drying time post-clean.

My Analysis and Recommendation

After weeks of rigorous testing, I’ve crystallized my thoughts. The PS18, priced at $474.99, is my pick for daily cooking—its 860 CFM effortlessly manages my curries, boils, and light fries, with the 30″ and 36″ sizes adapting to my kitchen and Lisa’s. The dishwasher filters and three-way venting make it a low-maintenance delight, though it stumbles on heavy days without steam clean support, leaving a bit of grease behind. The PS38, at $599.99, is my choice for intense cooking marathons like Lisa’s frying—its 950 CFM and perimeter suction excel, while the steam clean feature saves me hours of scrubbing. Its single size and higher cost might overwhelm lighter users like my friend Tom, however. I recommend the PS18 for its versatility and the PS38 for its power—let your cooking intensity and kitchen layout guide your choice!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: For Hauslane PS18 vs PS38

Ready to enhance your kitchen air in 2025? Join me in selecting the Hauslane PS18 or PS38 to suit your cooking style! My experience showcased PS18 for everyday convenience and PS38 for heavy-duty strength. Let’s find your perfect hood and enjoy a cleaner, fresher kitchen together!