Which extractor hood should you choose for your kitchen? All the tips from the experts
The frying pan is sizzling, the spices fill the air… but suddenly your kitchen is filled with smoke!
This time it's certain, you need a new kitchen extractor fan.
But because there are 10 different types of extractor fans, I decided to ask the experts in extractor fan installation you can book on Yoojo to give me their tips to help you choose the right model!
Thanks to this guide, you'll have all the essential information to choose the right extractor fan!
❌ Before buying an extractor fan, the mistakes to avoid
Before rushing to the nearest appliance store, let's take a moment to review the mistakes to avoid.
To choose your kitchen extractor fan, you need to consider the following factors:
| Elements to consider | Details |
|---|---|
| Size of the extractor fan | The extractor fan should be at least as wide as the cooktop for better efficiency. |
| Required air flow | Multiply the kitchen volume (L x W x H) by 10 to get the minimum flow rate in m³/h. |
| Noise level | Look for extractor fans with a noise level below 60 dB to avoid excessive noise, especially in open-plan kitchens. |
| Extraction type (Extraction or Recirculation) | Prefer extraction if possible; in case of recirculation, ensure the carbon filters are effective. |
| Adaptation to the kitchen layout | Choose a model (wall-mounted, island, built-in) suited to your kitchen layout. |
| Installation height | Install the fan between 60 and 75 cm above an electric cooktop, and between 65 and 80 cm above a gas cooktop. |
| Don't rely solely on aesthetics | Check the extractor fan’s performance, beyond its design. A beautiful fan that doesn't work well will be frustrating to use. |
| Energy consumption | Prefer a fan with an energy class of A or B to reduce electricity consumption, especially if used frequently. |
Discover the 10 types of extractor fans at a glance
You have better things to do with your time than meditate for 5 hours in the extractor fan aisle.
So save time by checking out my summary of the 10 main types of extractor fans.
For each, I'll give a quick description of the model, the average purchase price, the pros and cons, and most importantly: which type of kitchen this model is recommended for.
Extraction (or vented) extractor fan
This is what it looks like:
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Draws in air and vents it outside via a duct. |
| Average price | Between £130 and £670 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Closed kitchen, open kitchen, kitchen with central island. |
| Noise level | Between 50 and 70 dB depending on the power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Completely eliminates odors, humidity, and grease. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | Requires a ventilation duct, installation is more complex. |
The recycling hood
It looks like this:
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Filters the air with grease and activated charcoal filters, then returns the purified air back into the kitchen. |
| Average price | Between £85 and £510 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Closed kitchens, kitchenette, open kitchens without an external ventilation option. |
| Noise level | Between 50 and 75 dB depending on power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Easy to install, no need for an extraction duct. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | Less effective than an extraction hood, requires regular replacement of charcoal filters. |
The wall-mounted hood
It looks like this:
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Fixed against a wall above the hob, often in a chimney or flat shape. |
| Average price | Between £85 and £850 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Closed kitchens, open kitchens, kitchens with central islands. |
| Noise level | Between 50 and 70 dB depending on power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Available in a wide variety of styles, often aesthetic and effective. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | Requires a wall behind the hob for installation. |
The island hood
It looks like this:
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Suspended from the ceiling above a central island, often large enough to cover the cooking surface. |
| Average price | Between £255 and £1,700 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Open kitchens, kitchens with a central island. |
| Noise level | Between 50 and 75 dB depending on power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Modern aesthetic, allows you to cook while socialising, large suction area. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | More complex installation, requires enough space, often expensive. |
The built-in hood
It looks like this:
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | A discreet hood that fits into a high cupboard or kitchen cabinet. |
| Average price | Between £85 and £595 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Closed kitchens, open kitchens, kitchenette. |
| Noise level | Between 50 and 68 dB depending on power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Discreet design, ideal for minimalist or small kitchens. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | Fewer style options, may be less powerful than larger models. |
The ceiling hood
It looks like this:
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Integrated into the ceiling, it offers an aesthetic and modern solution, often equipped with LEDs. |
| Average price | Between £400 and £2,000 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Open kitchen, kitchen with central island. |
| Noise level | Between 40 and 70 dB depending on the power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Contemporary aesthetic, large suction area, often unobtrusive. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | Complex and costly installation, requires a sufficiently high ceiling. |
The telescopic hood
It looks like this:
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Retractable hood that deploys during cooking and stores away in the cabinet when not in use. |
| Average price | Between £120 and £600 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Closed kitchen, kitchenette, open kitchen. |
| Noise level | Between 50 and 68 dB depending on the power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Space-saving, discreet design, easy to use. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | Variable efficiency depending on the size of the central island, sometimes less powerful than fixed models. |
The downdraft hood
It looks like this:
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Hood integrated into the worktop that deploys during cooking and retracts when not in use. |
| Average price | Between £500 and £2,000 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Open kitchen, kitchen with central island. |
| Noise level | Between 45 and 75 dB depending on the power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Modern and sleek design, space-saving, effective vapour capture. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | Complex, costly installation, requires space under the worktop. |
The charcoal filter hood
It looks like this:
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Hood equipped with charcoal filters to purify the air without external venting. |
| Average price | Between £90 and £450 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Closed kitchen, open kitchen, kitchenette. |
| Noise level | Between 50 and 65 dB depending on the power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Simple installation, ideal for homes without air vents, inexpensive. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | Charcoal filters need to be replaced regularly, generally less effective than vented models. |
The decorative hood
It looks like this:
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Hood often shaped like a chimney, designed to be a decorative element in the kitchen. |
| Average price | Between £270 and £1,350 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Open kitchen, closed kitchen, kitchen with a central island. |
| Noise level | Between 50 and 70 dB depending on the power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Attractive aesthetic, wide choice of designs and finishes, good suction performance. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | Can be bulky, more complex installation, requires a good ventilation system. |
The visor hood
It looks like this:
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Description | Suspended hood, typically installed above the cooking area, with a visor extending down to capture vapours. |
| Average price | Between £180 and £900 depending on the model and performance. |
| Type of kitchen | Open kitchen, closed kitchen, kitchen with a central island. |
| Noise level | Between 50 and 75 dB depending on the power and model. |
| ✅ Advantages | Effective at capturing odours and vapours, modern and sleek design. |
| ❌ Disadvantages | Can be louder at higher power, needs a good ventilation system. |
My tips for installing your kitchen hood properly
Slightly different from choosing the right model, the installation is just as important. Make sure the hood is placed precisely above your cooking area.
Why is it important? Because the proper installation ensures the hood’s effectiveness and maintains kitchen safety.
Here are the key points you need to know:
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Location choice | - Recommended distance: 65-75 cm for gas cookers, 55-65 cm for electric hobs. - Position the hood centrally above the cooking area. |
| Type of hood | - Extraction (vents air outside) or recirculation (filters and returns air inside). - Compatibility with kitchen setup. |
| Electrical installation | - Ensure proper electrical connection. - Grounding required for safety. |
| Conduit connection | - Use a conduit with a diameter of 120 to 150 mm. - Minimise length and number of bends to avoid restrictions. - Insulate conduit if needed. |
| Hood fixation | - Use appropriate plugs and screws. - Ensure hood is level during installation. |
| Filters | - Correct installation for easy maintenance. - Regularly clean or replace filters. |
| Function test | - Check suction and functionality. - Ensure acceptable noise levels. |
| Compliance | - Ensure compliance with local construction and electrical codes for hood installation. |
| Manufacturer’s instructions | - Follow the manual to adhere to specific instructions and recommendations. |
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Conclusion: Choosing your kitchen hood isn't that complicated
In the end, you'll choose your kitchen hood faster than you can whisk some egg whites!
With all these tips, you now know what parameters to consider when selecting the right hood for your kitchen.
The key takeaway is that the model is only part of it: you still need to ensure proper installation for optimal suction performance.
So, the smart move for a smoke-free kitchen is to call in a professional to install your hood.
Thanks to Yoojo, you can post your request for free and quickly find a service provider. They’ll come to your home to install your hood whenever you need.
And the best part: having a hood installed with Yoojo costs just £40 on average.
Now, enjoy a kitchen worthy of a Michelin-starred chef!
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