Most of our customers understand the need for extraction and how important it is to efficiently deal with smells, steam and smoke created from cooking. The type of extractor you choose will be heavily influenced by the position, size, and type of hob that you have. There are many solutions available to suit different applications, in this guide we will explain the differences between them and give you a good sense of which options are available to you.
Before we cover specifics of each extractor type, there are two things to consider first.
- Ducted or recirculated?
For optimum performance, your extractor should be ducted to the outside of the house so that the extracted air is vented outside. Sometimes this is not possible due to the position of the extractor, in this case, you must choose a re-circulated solution which has grease and carbon filters which help deal with moisture and cooking odours.
2. The size of your kitchen
An extractor should be able to change the air in the kitchen 12 times per hour. To check whether a hood is sufficient for your space, you must calculate the volume of your kitchen (H x W X D metres), multiply this figure by 12 to give you the desired extraction rate that you need from your appliance.
For example – Room: 4 x 4 x 2.5m = 40m³ x 12 = 480m³ per hour.
So, your extractor must achieve an extraction rate greater than 480m³p/h in intense mode.
Extractors can be broken down into 8 different types
Available in a huge range of shapes and sizes and in many colours, these hoods offer the consumer a chance to reflect their style.
Independently secured to the wall, these hoods can sit on their own or between wall units. Extractors of this type tend to have great extraction rates and are suitable for ducting and recirculating.
Width: 60 / 70 / 90 / 100 / 110 and 120cm
Application: Wall
Energy class (typical): D – A
Max extraction rate (typical): 600 – 900m³p/h
These ceiling mounted extractors are widely available in a 90cm wide ‘chimney’ style, typically with a stainless steel or glass hood.
Decorative recirculating ‘pendant’ styles are available too, these look like chandeliers or pendant lights and are suspended from the ceiling with wire cables.
Island extractors are seldom specified as they can often dominate the space over an island and disrupt the eye-line / view from the kitchen. Ceiling hoods, downdraft or venting hobs are used instead.
Width: 90cm (chimney) / variable pendants
Application: Ceiling
Energy class (typical): C – A
Max extraction rate (typical): 450 – 900m³p/h
Installed flush to, or just proud of the ceiling, these large hoods offer great extraction rates and large amounts of light over your island or peninsula.
The motor and ducting for vented models sit above the ceiling between joists or inside an artificial bulkhead if there is insufficient space in the ceiling void.
Sleek and unobtrusive this type of hood works well with any style of kitchen.
Control for hoods of this type can vary, some work with remote control, some are automatic with a humidity sensor and some models can be controlled via the hob using Wi-Fi.
Width: 70 / 90 / 100/ /120cm
Application: Ceiling
Energy class (typical): A
Max extraction rate (typical): 700 – 900m³p/h
Installed into the worktop, these extractors work at source to deal effectively with moisture and cooking odours.
There are two types of downdraft extractor:
– modular hoods which sit between domino hobs and
– linear hoods which are set behind and span the width of the hob.
Both solutions can be vented but this is often difficult with an island, more often they are recirculated.
Note: this type of extractor can only be used with induction hobs.
Width: 90cm (linear) 10cm (Modular)
Application: Worktop
Energy class (typical): C – A
Max extraction rate (typical): 650³p/h
An induction hob (70 – 90cm wide) with an integral downdraft extractor. All the flexibility and control of an induction hob with a built-in central extractor.
This type of hob is perfect for placement on areas where there is no space above for an overhead extractor.
A reservoir within the extractor unit will hold approx. 2 litres of water to allow for accidental spills.
It is worth noting that extra space is required within cabinetry below to allow for the motor and ducting / ventilation.
Width: 70 / 90cm
Application: Worktop
Energy class (typical): A
Max extraction rate (typical): 700m³p/h
A basic solution for extraction, installed between two wall units and fitted with a furniture door on the face, these extractors open out to capture steam and smoke. This type of extractor is 60cm in width and is generally the least efficient solution.
Width: 60cm
Application: Wall / Furniture
Energy class (typical): C/D
Max extraction rate (typical): 400m³p/h
These hoods are fitted within a wall unit, the motor and outlet sit behind a fixed fascia with the exposed vent / grille installed either flush or proud to the bottom of the cabinet. The grille can be extended when required to increase the amount of surface area used for efficient extraction.
Width: 60 / 90cm
Application: Wall / Furniture
Energy class (typical): C
Max extraction rate (typical): 700m³p/h
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A fixed extractor that sits flush to the underside of a wall unit or decorative canopy structure with the motor concealed above. This type of extractor is perfect for creating a minimal, linear look with a run of wall units. With a horizontal grille and direct in-line motor over, these hoods are very efficient.
Width: 55 / 70 / 80cm
Application: Furniture
Energy class (typical): A
Max extraction rate (typical): 750m³p/h
