How To Choose an Extractor Hood
How To Choose the Right Cooker Hood for Your Kitchen Project
Extractor hoods are essential kitchen appliances that hold an important role in both the functionality and appeal of kitchen designs. For kitchen fitters and interior designers, selecting the right cooker hood helps to ensure the kitchen not only serves its functional purpose but also complements the existing or the planned design. Our experts at Häfele share their tips to help you choose the right cooker hood for your project:
Assess Kitchen Functionality
Choosing the appropriate extractor hood depends on how often the kitchen is expected to be used. If you are designing a kitchen with anticipation of frequent, heavy cooking, a cooker hood with robust extraction capability is a practical solution. However, a kitchen intended for lighter, less frequent use can be complemented by an extractor hood with moderate power.
Align with Kitchen Aesthetics
The extractor hood’s design should be considered, especially in kitchens where aesthetics is a priority. The style, material and finish should complement the overall design theme of the space. Whether the project’s focus requires a statement piece that stands out or a more subtle design that blends with the cabinetry, extractor hoods can be used to enhance the kitchen’s looks. We have a wide range of colours and finishes, including black cooker hoods and stainless steel cooker hoods available.
Consider Kitchen Size and Layout
The space where the extractor hood will be installed plays an important role in the process. In larger kitchens, the hood must have sufficient power to circulate air throughout the entire space, which requires larger and more powerful extraction hoods. In smaller spaces, an integrated extractor hood may be more appropriate, offering sufficient ventilation without overwhelming the space.
Determine the Desired Extraction Type:
Different types of extraction systems can cater to various cooking habits. Understanding the differences between the most common types is important when choosing an extractor hood.
Ducted Extraction
Cooker hoods with ducted extraction are the traditional choice for many kitchen fitters. They work by pulling the cooking fumes and grease through a filter and expelling them outside the kitchen through a duct. This method is highly efficient in clearing out smoke, making it a perfect fit for kitchens where heavy cooking is frequent.
Recirculating Extraction
Unlike the ducted systems, extractor hoods with recirculating extraction purify and recycle the air back into the kitchen. They use a series of filters to trap grease and neutralise the odours before releasing clean air. This type of an extractor hood is particularly beneficial in kitchens where external ducting isn’t feasible, also offering easy installation.
Hybrid Extraction
Hybrid extractor hoods combine the features of ducted and recirculating extraction, allowing users to switch between the type of extraction depending on the cooking needs. This functionality makes hybrid hoods a great option for those working on kitchen projects for clients that desire the flexibility in their ventilation system.
Cooker Hood Options: Canopy, Chimney or Telescopic?
When selecting an extractor hood for your kitchen project, understanding the specific applications and design compatibility of different types of hoods is important. Explore the differences between canopy, chimney and telescopic hoods and the types of kitchens each suit best:
Canopy Cooker Hoods
Canopy cooker hoods are a great choice for kitchens where space efficiency is priority. They are designed to fit under cabinets or against the wall, making them a discrete yet effective solution.
Extraction methods: Ducted, Recirculating or Hybrid.
Best suited for: These hoods are perfect for smaller kitchens or complementing a minimalistic look. Their integrated nature means they don’t dominate the space, allowing other design features to stand out. They work exceptionally well in apartments or in layouts where aesthetics are kept simple.
Chimney Cooker Hoods
Chimney hoods are great for making a statement and are ideal for larger kitchens, especially with a central island cooktop. Their design mimics a chimney, with a canopy over the hob and a duct that extends to the ceiling.
Extraction methods: Usually ducted, some models offering recirculating options.
Best suited for: These are particularly suitable for spacious kitchens where the extractor hood can be the focus point. They fit well in open-plan spaces and their robust design is perfect for kitchens with frequent, heavy cooking.
Telescopic Cooker Hoods
Telescopic cooker hoods offer a blend of functionality and sleek design. They are built to be pulled out when in use and retracted back, making them almost invisible when not in operation.
Extraction methods: Usually recirculating, some models offering hybrid options.
Best suited for: These hoods are an excellent choice for modern kitchens where maintaining sleek lines and uncluttered aesthetics is a priority. They are particularly beneficial in projects where space saving is important, but functionality cannot be compromised. Ideal for medium to large kitchens, they provide efficient solution for ventilation without compromising the kitchen’s overall look.
Consider the Noise
The noise level of appliances is an important consideration. High performance extractor hoods should not disrupt the ambience of the living space. Many extractor hoods are designed to offer a powerful extraction while operating quietly. Assessing the noise levels and choosing a model that balances functionality with low noise output is an essential step in your kitchen design project.
Maintenance and Accessibility
When determining how to choose an extractor hood, maintenance and accessibility should be considered. Extractor hoods with easy maintenance features, such as easily removable filters like Smeg’s charcoal filters and accessible components for cleaning, can greatly enhance client satisfaction.
Choose Häfele as Your Project Partner
Understanding how to choose the right extractor hood will help you with your kitchen design project. Our extensive range of cooker hoods, including Smeg and Hoover cooker hoods, ensures that you have access to the best solutions in the market. Explore our range of kitchen fittings that complement your project.
Find more inspiration with Häfele’s Kitchen Hub and choose Häfele as your partner for your next kitchen project, today!
