Cooking at home can be fun and relaxing, but it can also be a bit of a hassle if the kitchen starts to fill with smoke and smells. A kitchen extractor hood is a great way to keep the air fresh and smell clean, but there are so many options on the market that it can be hard to know which one is right for you. This blog post will look at some of the most popular kitchen extractor hood ideas to help make your decision easier. Happy cooking!
Kitchen Extractor Hood
kitchen extraction hoods are appliances used in the kitchen to extract cooking smells and vapours. They are typically installed above the stove or cooktop and work by sucking in the air and fumes from the cooking area and then pushing it outside. Various kitchen extraction hoods are available, including canopy hoods, island hoods, wall-mounted hoods, and ceiling hoods. Kitchen extraction hoods come in a variety of different styles and designs to suit any kitchen decor and can be purchased from a variety of other retailers.
Position
There are a few factors you will need to take into account when positioning your kitchen extractor hood. The most important of these is the location of the hob, as the cooker hood should be placed above it or, in the case of a downdraught extractor fan, directly behind or to the side of it. You will also need to consider the size and power of the hood, as this will dictate how effective it is at extracting cooking smells and vapours. Another vital factor to consider is the design of your kitchen. If you have an open-plan space, a hanging cooker hood may not be the best option as it could disrupt the room’s flow.
Noise Level
Noise levels vary depending on the model of kitchen extractor hood, but most have a noise level of 60 decibels or less. You can find out the noise level of a particular model by checking the product specifications or reviews online. If you want a quieter kitchen extractor hood, look for one with a lower dB rating.
Kitchen Island
There are a few reasons why you might want to use an extractor hood for your kitchen island. Perhaps the most obvious reason is that an extractor hood can help remove cooking smells and vapours from the kitchen. It is vital to have an open-plan kitchen, as the odours can quickly spread to other parts of the house.
Another reason to use an extractor hood is to help keep your kitchen island clean. Cooking vapours and grease can quickly build up on surfaces, making them difficult to clean. An extractor hood can help to remove these contaminants from the air, keeping your kitchen island looking clean and fresh. Finally, an extractor hood can also help improve your cooking efficiency. When vapours and grease are removed from the air, heat circulates more evenly around the food, resulting in better-cooked meals.
Remember a few things when choosing an extractor hood for your kitchen island. First, you must ensure that the hood will be powerful enough to remove all the contaminants from the air. Second, ensure that the hood is the right size for your kitchen island. And third, you need to ensure that the hood fits in with the overall design of your kitchen.
Under Cabinet
There are a few reasons why you might go for an under-cabinet kitchen extractor hood. Firstly, they are often more affordable than other types of the hood. They are also discreet and can easily be integrated into your existing kitchen design. Additionally, they are an excellent choice for small kitchens as they take up minimal space. However, they have some drawbacks – they can be expensive to install and may not be powerful enough for large kitchens.
Downdraft
A downdraft hood is a great option to make your kitchen extractor hood as discreet as possible. They are built into the worktop so they are hidden when not in use, and they work by drawing the steam horizontally before pulling it down through the filters. It means that they are not recommended for gas hobs and can block your view when in use. However, they are a great option if you have an island setup or want to find something specifically tailored for your kitchen design.
Ducted or Ductless
When it comes to choosing between a ducted or ductless kitchen extractor hood, there are a few things you need to consider. Ducted extractor hoods need to be connected to the outside of your property to vent the air, so you will need to consider where they can be installed. They are also not supplied with ducting, so you will need to source this separately.
Ductless extractor hoods work by recirculating the air in your kitchen through a series of filters, so they do not require any ducting. They are perfect for anyone who cooks infrequently or owns a gas hob. However, they require more maintenance than ducted extractor hoods as the filters will need to be replaced or cleaned every 4-6 months.
When choosing between a ducted or ductless kitchen extractor hood, the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. Consider all the factors involved before deciding to ensure you choose the right choice for your kitchen.
Visor
When it comes to kitchen extractor hoods, there are a few different types to choose from. A visor hood might be the best option if you want something low profile and won’t take up much space. These hoods attach to the underside of your kitchen wall units and are relatively unobtrusive. However, they are not the most potent kitchen extractor fan, so they are best suited for small kitchens.
Wall Chimney
Wall chimney hoods offer a traditional look for your hob and oven and can easily match a variety of kitchen aesthetics. Wall chimney hoods are composed of a canopy and chimney and vary significantly in size. They can fit practically any hob, making them excellent options for large hobs and kitchens. Additionally, they are ideal for filling the gap between kitchen cupboards. While they have many benefits, wall chimney hoods are not free-hanging and must be fitted to a wall. It means you cannot use one if you cook on a kitchen island hob or lack the room to accommodate them.
Extraction Hoods vs Recirculation Hoods
Extraction hoods remove the air from the kitchen and expel it outside. Recirculation hoods pass the air through a filter before it is pumped back into the kitchen. Both hood types are available in various designs, but extraction hoods are more commonly used to deal with cooking smells and vapours. Recirculation hoods are often used in smaller kitchens with no outside venting option. When deciding which type of hood to choose, you need to consider the size of your kitchen, the kind of cooking you do and your budget. An extraction hood is the better choice if you do much cooking that creates a lot of smoke and vapour. A recirculation hood will do the job if you have a small kitchen and cannot vent to the outside.
Extraction hoods are more expensive than recirculation hoods because they require ducting outside your home. They are also more effective at removing smoke and odours from the kitchen. Recirculation hoods are less expensive than extraction hoods and are easier to install. They do not require ducting and can be installed without any major renovations. However, they are not as effective at removing smoke and odours from the kitchen.
FAQs
Do cooker extractor hoods have to vent outside?
Most cooker extractor hoods vent to the outside, but some models are designed to recirculate the air instead. If your kitchen has no external vent, you will need to choose a recirculating hood. These models usually come with charcoal filters that help remove odours from the air.
Do cooker hoods have to be on an outside wall?
No, not necessarily. If you have an island unit in your kitchen or a range cooker that is not up against an outside wall, you will need to look at other options, such as island hoods or chimney hoods. Cooker hoods come in all shapes and sizes to fit different cooking surfaces, so make sure you measure up before buying.
How do you hide a cooker hood?
One way to hide a cooker hood is to install it under the counter or in a false cabinet. Another way to conceal it is to purchase a recirculating range hood that will not be visible outside the kitchen. You can also build a decorative wood frame around the hood or have one custom-made. If you have an island cooktop, you can purchase an island range hood suspended from the ceiling.
How much space do you need around a cooker hood?
The size of the cooker hood will determine how much space you need to leave around it. For example, if you have a large kitchen with plenty of counter space, you can opt for a more prominent hood that protrudes further from the wall. However, if you have a smaller kitchen or limited counter space, you might want to choose a smaller hood that does not protrude as much. In general, you should leave about 15-20 centimetres of space around the perimeter of the hood to ensure proper ventilation and air circulation.
