A Guide to Buying a Kitchen Extractor Fan
A kitchen extractor fan, also referred to as a cooker hood, removes steam, smoke and unwanted cooking odours from your kitchen area. They can also include an additional design statement to your kitchen layout.
Unlike wall or integrated cooker hoods, island extractor fans hang straight from the ceiling. island cooker hoods are usually ducted to either an external vent or through a charcoal filter for recirculating (Which?).
Ventilation
Extractor fans are utilized to clear the air in restrooms, kitchen areas and laundry rooms to get rid of smells and excess moisture and keep your area tidy. They have a vent set which links straight to an external wall allowing odours, smoke and wetness to be eliminated from the room, removing them into the outside environment and improving air quality. Alternatively, you can choose to recirculate the air using charcoal filters, which is ideal for small areas that don't have sufficient room for a duct system.
Unlike traditional cooker hoods that are connected to the side or wall, an island extractor fan is hung straight from your ceiling above your hob. This develops a vibrant design declaration in your kitchen and can serve as a striking centerpiece for the entire area. With a range of different styles available, there's something to match every kitchen design and decoration.
A kitchen extractor fan works to get rid of the wetness, smell, heat and smoke that typically occur when cooking - aerating your space and keeping it fresh. The smells, steam and condensation are drawn up into the hood, filtering and eliminating them from your home (Hampton Bay). It likewise helps to reduce the build-up of oily residue on kitchen surface areas, which in turn cuts down on cleansing time and enhances hygiene levels (Good Housekeeping).
For those searching for a sleek and modern kitchen, an integrated extractor fan is perfect as it can mix flawlessly into the design. These hoods have a plain panel component at the front of the hood which hides the motor and fan components, preserving an unbroken aesthetic when the hood is in operation. These designs are frequently more expensive than those that are developed into the ceiling, however the inconspicuous appearance makes them an elegant alternative for any kitchen (Houzz).

The Xpelair Simply Silent Contour extractor fan is among the very best examples of a powerful and functional kitchen extractor fan. Its simple yet stylish style sets perfectly with many kitchen designs and is available in a wide variety of colours and sizes. It also includes a number of sophisticated technologies, such as Ghost Air Movement innovation, which guarantees the hood runs silently so it doesn't disturb your everyday life.
Sound
A kitchen island with a hob and extractor fan can function as a central center that feels open and inviting, especially for those who delight in cooking for buddies. However, a downdraft extractor can feel intrusive, specifically if there is somebody sitting at the breakfast bar on the opposite side. Downdraft extractors work by removing air and grease from the hob straight underneath, either venting it outside or recirculating it depending on your option of design.
They're likewise a little louder than island extractor fans or ceiling extractor hoods, with noise levels comparable to that of a vacuum cleaner at optimal speed. That said, they're still an excellent alternative for open-plan areas, as they're reasonably quieter than other extraction systems such as a ducted cooker hood.
If you're looking for an extractor with a low noise level, have a look at our range of peaceful extractor hoods with sound levels as low as 60dB, which is the equivalent to the noise of a normal conversation. Featuring a range of smooth and modern styles, these models can turn an important device into a style function that works well with your kitchen's aesthetic.
Energy Efficiency
A kitchen extractor fan will help to keep your cooking location free from odours, smoke and steam that can develop mould and mildew on walls and ceilings. It will also ensure that your home stays fresh, healthy and comfy to live in. Nevertheless, there are a couple of things you need to consider before you choose what kind of extractor hood or cooker hood to purchase and install in your kitchen.
The size of the motor and energy effectiveness of your extractor hood will affect just how much it utilizes and what your electrical costs are going to be like. Choosing the best fan can save you money gradually, particularly if it is a modern-day design that utilizes developments such as sealed bearings to reduce friction when the fan spins. This implies less electricity is used however the same amount of air is being pushed out-- a big win for your energy bill.
As an added reward, a kitchen island extractor hood can be a lovely style feature in its own right. From industrial chimney designs to copper-finished pendant lamp looks, there are lots of alternatives to match your kitchen's aesthetic and add a captivating focal point. This can separate an open plan kitchen and produce a sense of area while still keeping all the appliances in view.
A conventional extractor fan will have the ability to vent straight outside through a duct, but you can also select a recirculating model which is best for homes without ducting. These fans work by sucking air, wetness and odours into a filter where they are purified then re-extracted back into the space-- conserving you the expense of external venting.
While the benefits of a kitchen extractor hood can be clear, it is necessary to take your time when picking one for your home. Whether you're installing it in a new home or merely upgrading your existing kitchen, choose a design that will do the job well and complement your other home appliances and decor. It's a good concept to request recommendations from a professional and compare the rates of different models before making your decision.
Design
Whether your kitchen is a slick modern-day or traditional style, there are extractor hoods to match every taste. A designer island extractor hood is a striking declaration piece that will stand apart in your open-plan kitchen design. The best designs often look more like an artwork than a ventilation system, which can give your kitchen a sense of luxury and glamour. Alternatively, an easy plaster chimney-style hood is taking pleasure in a style revival with on-trend finishes and can help to ground a contemporary kitchen style.
In general, island extractor hoods tend to be more reliable than other kinds of cooker hood, due to the fact that they are placed straight above your hob and can draw in grease and odours in addition to steam directly from the pan. This type of hood is ideal for a chef's kitchen or for high-intensity cooking such as searing and stir-frying. If you're planning to prepare greatly, it's worth buying a high-powered model with a large extraction rate and an excellent air flow to remove wetness, smoke and odours quickly.
A downdraft extractor is another fantastic choice for kitchen islands. These are normally installed below your counter top area and rise directly next to your hob when it's in usage, producing a minimalist aesthetic. They can be ducted to the outdoors or recirculated, depending on your choice. Downdraft extractors are likewise much quieter than other alternatives and produce a sound level comparable to that of a vacuum.
Another popular alternative for kitchen extractors is a ductless fan, which draws air through a carbon filter before recirculating it back into the kitchen. This kind of fan can be a useful option to a ducted extractor, especially in new-build homes where ducting can be difficult. However, ductless fans tend to be noisier and require regular filter replacements, which can increase energy usage.
A venting hob with built-in extractor is a significantly popular choice for cooking areas. These home appliances have a extractor fan developed into the centre of the hob, drawing air down and either venting it out or recirculating it as required. They're an effective and structured option for kitchen islands, but can also be set up in other locations of the home such as breakfast bars.