14 August 2023
Everything you need to know about cooker hoods
The importance of cooker hoods and kitchen extraction is something that can be overlooked when dealing with a huge project. Luckily for you I have prepared a guide covering everything you need to know about cooker hoods.
Keep reading to learn the answers to the frequently asked questions from homeowners about when choosing a cooker hood.
Pareo Plus Island Hood| IG: @palominohome
Do I need a cooker hood?
According to UK regulations, all kitchens need good ventilation. This ensures you don’t pollute your homes with any cooking smoke or fumes. Cooker hoods are the most efficient way of keeping the air in your home fresh and safe (whilst also protecting your furniture).
Cooking every day produces a lot of moisture which over time, without current ventilation, will damage your kitchen cabinetry which could cost a lot in the future (the last thing your want if you’ve invested in a new kitchen!) With open-plan living spaces, it is even more crucial to make sure your sofas, rugs, carpets, and other pricy items aren’t being damaged by cooking. Or simply to keep strong cooking smells out of your living areas, who wants to smell cabbage whilst catching up on tv?!
Daisy B Wall Hood | IG: @nasra_h
Must–have kitchen gadgets
Cooking hoods don’t have to only be there for practical reasons, oh no, some cooking hoods are must-haves for tech lovers.
The Faber “K-air” is not only an extractor but also a digital screen that you can access on YouTube or the Internet. Browse recipes whilst you extract! This hood also allows you to see the analysis of how clean your home’s air really is.
The Galileo venting hob which includes an extraction is a state-of-the-art cooking appliance with stylish black glass which could be exactly what you are looking for to finish of your island design. There are hundreds of designs you can choose from that can enhance your kitchen design, which brings us to my next point.
Heaven 2.0 Ceiling Hood | IG: @gormleykitchens
What to Consider When Buying an Extractor
You may be wondering “How do I choose a cooker hood?”. With so many extractor types, consider the points below to narrow down your cooker hood options:
Size and Type
The size of your cooker hood is an important consideration, as it should be able to efficiently cover your cooking area. Measure the width of your range cooker or hob to ensure that the cooker hood you choose is wide enough to effectively capture all the cooking moisture and fumes.
Additionally, consider the type of cooker hood that will fit best in your kitchen design. There are various options available, including wall-mounted, island, and built-in cooker hoods. Another consideration is cost, Faber Hoods (the inventor of the domestic cooker hood) has cooker hoods available for all budgets, from luxury all-singing-all-dancing island hoods to functional and discreet integrated hoods. I will break down each hood type later.*
Ventilation options
Cooker hoods come in two main ventilation types: ducted and ductless. Ducted cooker hoods are connected to an exterior duct, which helps to expel the cooking fumes and odors outside your home. On the other hand, ductless cooker hoods use filters to trap and recirculate the air. Consider your kitchen layout and decide which ventilation type will work best for you!
Ducted cooker hoods are more efficient, ensuring more cooking fumes are taken out of your kitchen. Recirculated cooked hoods give you more freedom, allowing you to place them more or less anywhere in your kitchen.
Extraction Power
How big is your kitchen? This will affect how powerful your extraction rate needs to be. Remember the larger the space the higher the extraction rate, you can figure out what extraction rate you can work out here.
The extraction power of a cooker hood is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and determines how effectively it can remove cooking fumes and odors from your kitchen. It is recommended to choose a cooker hood with a higher CFM rating if you do a lot of high-heat cooking, such as frying or stir-frying. However, bear in mind that the noise level of the cooker hood may increase with higher extraction power.
Noise Level
Speaking of noise level, it is important to consider how loud the cooker hood operates. Look for cooker hoods with a lower decibel (dB) rating, as they tend to be quieter during operation. This will ensure a more peaceful cooking experience and reduce any disturbance in your kitchen.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Consider how user-friendly the cooker hood is in terms of controls and features. This can be subjective, if you love high-tech toys then this might not be much of a concern for you. Many cooker hoods are very easy to operate but it’s always worth checking the controls on the cooker hood before purchase. Intuitive controls are really easy to understand and use, Faber also offers simple touchscreen buttons on glass. Additionally, check if the cooker hood has removable and washable filters, as this will make maintenance much easier!
Aesthetic Appeal
Lastly, consider the design and aesthetic appeal of the cooker hood. It should complement the overall look of your kitchen. Choose a style, colour, and material that matches your kitchen decor and enhances the visual appeal of the space. This brings us to our next commonly asked question…
Galileo Venting Hob | IG: @monkeywood12
Which type of extractor do I need?*
Consider the factors below when buying a cooker hood. This will you ensure that you find the perfect appliance that meets your needs and enhances your cooking experience. Happy shopping!
Chloe Wall Hood | @kitchenrefit
Chimney Cooker Hoods
Chimney cooker hoods are a popular choice for many kitchens. They are characterized by their tall, chimney-like appearance, which adds a sleek and stylish touch to the kitchen. Typically installed against the wall above the range cooker or hob, you can rely on chimney hoods to remove smoke, odors, and grease from the kitchen.
One advantage of chimney hoods is that they provide better coverage for larger cooking areas. They usually come with multiple fan speeds and lighting options, giving you more control over ventilation and visibility while cooking.
Additionally, chimney extractors are great at concealing ducting. For example, Faber’s “Chloe” here comes in 3 metallic finishes and stylishly conceals any ducting. This fabulous hood has multiple options. Keep the chimney “look” by ducting above or loose the chimney panel and duct from behind.
Chloe Wall Hood (Without Chimney) | IG: @hove.improvements
Island and Ceiling Cooker Hoods
If you have a kitchen island or a free-standing cooker, an island cooker hood would be the best choice. Island hoods can be suspended from the ceiling, directly above the island cooking area. Island cooker hoods not only provide effective ventilation but also enhance the aesthetics of the kitchen by becoming a focal point of the space. Since island hoods are visible from all angles, they often feature stylish designs and high-quality materials. They are available in various shapes, styles, and sizes, ensuring there is an option to fit any kitchen style.
Ceiling hoods are more discreet and can allow your kitchen to feel more open and neater. With various colour options to choose from, ceiling hoods can be easily blended into your ceiling. For example, Faber’s “High-light” in Matt White can only be seen once the light in turned on.
Highlight Ceiling Hood | IG: @kajastef
Integrated Cooker Hoods
Integrated cooker hoods, also known as built-in, canopy or cupboard hoods, are designed to be discreet and hidden within your kitchen cabinetry. They seamlessly blend in with the kitchen decor, a great choice if you want a minimalist/clutter-free look.
These hoods are installed inside a wall unit or cupboard above the hob, with only the front panel visible. Despite their discreet appearance, integrated cooker hoods are highly efficient in extracting steam, grease, and odors while you cook whilst providing an unobtrusive solution for small kitchens.
Downdraft cooker hoods and venting hobs
Another discreet hood option is the venting hob. These incredible 2-in-1 appliances can be hidden away inside the island completely out of view when not in use. Venting hobs have taken the kitchen industry by storm over the last few years. These hood-in-hob appliances draw steam out at cooking level, meaning more smells/condensation are captured.
Another subtle island option is the “Fabula”, with a touch of a button, and with thanks to Faber’s “up&down” technology,” this hood raises up from this island ready to be in service!
Fabula Plus | IG: @infinitebespokefor
Conclusion
When choosing a cooker hood style, the biggest consideration is what suits you. Ultimately, there is no “best” cooker hood. These appliances are great to utilise in your space and should reflect your personal cooking/interior style. Still unsure about anything? Need to be pointed in the right direction? Reach out to cooker hood experts like Faber!
For more kitchen extractor information, head to @FaberHoodsUK‘s Instagram.