Modern kitchens have truly evolved, seamlessly blending style and function. Among the essential features of any kitchen is the extractor hood, which not only maintains cleanliness in your cooking area but also adds a touch of elegance to the space. If you're seeking inspiration for making your kitchen extractor hood a standout feature, look no further!
Extractor hoods, also known as range hoods or vent hoods, serve a crucial purpose in maintaining a clean, fresh, and comfortable cooking environment. Whether you're using a boiling water tap, cooking on your hob or cleaning up, a kitchen is a particularly humid environment - which makes extractor hoods crucial.
In this section, we will explore the primary functions and benefits of extractor hoods in your kitchen.
When planning your kitchen, be sure to consider where the extractor fan will go. The hood should be as close to the cooking surface as possible but still, allow for proper ventilation. You may also want to consider the style of your kitchen and choose a hood that will match existing metals or colour scheme. Some hoods are designed to be mounted on the wall, while others are designed to be installed on the kitchen island.
There are several reasons why you might want to consider an extractor hood for your kitchen island. Perhaps the most obvious one is that they provide a lot of space for cooking, which can be ideal if you like to cook a lot of food at once.
They're also great for creating a focal point in the kitchen and can help to define the space. Island extractor hoods come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you should be able to find one that fits your kitchen perfectly. And, because they're free-standing, they're usually quite easy to install too.
There are a few reasons why you might want to consider an under-cabinet kitchen extractor hood. Firstly, they are often more affordable than other types of hood and are therefore a good option if you are on a budget.
They are also very discreet, so they will not take up any valuable space on your kitchen countertop. Additionally, they are usually very easy to install, as they simply attach to the underside of your kitchen cabinets.
The main reason to go for a chimney hood kitchen extractor is their style. If you're looking to create a traditional or rustic look in your kitchen, a wall-mounted chimney hood is a perfect option. Their size also makes them perfect for filling any gaps between kitchen units and they come in a variety of materials and finishes to match any kitchen style.
While chimney hoods are a great choice for their style and functionality, they are not free-standing and must be fitted to a wall. This can be costly and time-consuming, so make sure you have the required space and installation knowledge before choosing this option.
There are a few reasons why you might want to consider a wall-mounted kitchen extractor hood for your home. Firstly, they're a great option if you have a limited amount of space in your kitchen as they don't require any additional fittings such as ducting like some other types of extractor hoods. They also offer a sleek and modern look that can complement a variety of kitchen designs.
Canopy hoods provide a sleek and stylish look to your kitchen. They are perfect for those who want an inconspicuous hood that doesn't stand out. Their telescopic design also allows for the covering of greater surface areas while taking up minimal space.
If you're looking for a way to give your kitchen an uplift, then canopy hoods are a great option. They come in a variety of styles and designs, so you can find one that fits your kitchen perfectly. And, because they're designed to be hidden away, they won't take up too much space.
Downdraft kitchen extractor hoods are a more discreet option. They sit hidden inside the work surface or hob and can be revealed with the press of a button. This makes them perfect for those who want to keep their kitchen design minimal and sleek.
What's more, they're also the most recent type of cooker hood to enter the market so they come with all sorts of high-tech features. However, they're also the most expensive type of cooker hoods you can buy.
Additionally, because they're so new, there aren't many models available on the market. So, if you're set on getting a downdraft cooker hood, you'll have to be prepared to pay a bit more and have fewer options to choose from.
Keep in mind that downdraft hoods are not recommended for use with gas hobs. This is because they can obstruct your view when cooking, which can be dangerous.
There are many reasons why you might want to consider a ductless kitchen extractor hood. Firstly, they're perfect for anyone who doesn't do a lot of cooking, as they don't require any complicated installation or ducting. They're also much easier to clean and maintain than traditional extractor fans, with filters that need to be replaced only every 4-6 months.
However, there are a few things to bear in mind before choosing a ductless cooker hood. Firstly, they're not as powerful as other extractor models, so they might not be suitable for large kitchens. Secondly, the filters will need to be regularly replaced or cleaned, which can be an extra cost to bear in mind.
Visor kitchen extractor hoods are a great choice for kitchens with limited space. Their small size means that they can easily be fitted in any right-angled space, and they also come at an affordable price.
Additionally, because visor hoods sit neatly under kitchen wall units, they are less visible and can easily match most kitchen aesthetics. However, one downside of visor hoods is that they are not the most powerful type of extractor fan available, so they may not be suitable for larger kitchens.
When it comes to lighting your kitchen extractor hood, there are a few things you need to take into account. The most important thing is to make sure that the light is bright enough to see what you're cooking, but not so bright that it's uncomfortable or distracting.
You also need to think about the style of your kitchen and whether you want the light to be a focal point or not. There are a few different options available when it comes to lighting your kitchen extractor hood, so be sure to do your research and find the perfect one for your needs.
One popular option for lighting your kitchen extractor hood is LED lights. These are becoming increasingly popular because they are very energy efficient and they provide a bright, even light.
Another option is halogen lights, which are also quite an energy efficient but can be a bit more difficult to find. Finally, incandescent bulbs are an option but they are not as energy efficient as the other two options.
What is the difference between an extraction hood and a recirculation hood?
The main difference between extraction hoods and recirculation hoods is where the air goes. When you extract the air, it needs somewhere to go, and it can either be sent outside through ducting (extraction hood) or it can be pumped through a filter and recirculated back into the kitchen (recirculation hood).
Recirculation hoods are often much cheaper than extraction hoods because they don't include ducting. However, they are less effective at dealing with smells, grease, and smoke because they have to process the air, and inevitably they don't do that 100% perfectly. You should also bear in mind that the filters will need replacing occasionally.
These cooker hoods may be the best solution for anyone redoing their kitchen on a budget and can be useful if you are reluctant to design your kitchen around where the ducting can go.
How can I clean the kitchen extractor hood?
If your kitchen extractor hood is made of stainless steel, you should use a product specifically designed for cleaning stainless steel to clean it. Wipe the hood down with a cloth, and make sure you dry it thoroughly before reassembling the hood.
If your extractor hood has grease filters, they will need to be changed every 4 to 8 weeks. In recirculating hobs, carbon filters will need changing every 9 and 12 months. To clean the metal mesh filter, soak it overnight in warm soapy water to loosen the grease. Use a toothbrush to get into the mesh and remove the grease.
How can I hide cooker hood ducting?
There are a few solutions you may want to consider if you find that your cooker hood ducting is unsightly. If the adjoining room is a utility or cloakroom, an unsightly length of ducting that you can choose to box in may not be an issue. If you have overhead cabinets on either side of your hob, you can conceal the ducting above or inside the cupboards, although this isn't an ideal solution.
