A Guide to Buying a Kitchen Extractor Fan
A kitchen extractor fan, also known as a cooker hood, eliminates steam, smoke and undesirable cooking odours from your kitchen area. They can also add an additional style declaration to your kitchen layout.
Unlike wall or integrated cooker hoods, island extractor fans hang straight from the ceiling. They are normally ducted to either an external vent or through a charcoal filter for recirculating (Which?).
Ventilation
Extractor fans are used to clarify in restrooms, kitchens and laundry spaces to get rid of odours and excess wetness and keep your space clean. They have a vent kit which connects straight to an external wall allowing odours, smoke and moisture to be removed from the space, eliminating them into the outside environment and enhancing air quality. Alternatively, you can select to recirculate the air utilizing charcoal filters, which is ideal for little spaces that do not have sufficient room for a duct system.
Unlike conventional cooker hoods that are connected to the side or wall, an island extractor fan is hung directly from your ceiling above your hob. This produces a strong design statement in your kitchen and can act as a striking focal point for the whole space. With extractor hood for island of various designs readily available, there's something to match every kitchen style and decoration.
A kitchen extractor fan works to eliminate the wetness, smell, heat and smoke that often happen when cooking - ventilating your space and keeping it fresh. The smells, steam and condensation are sucked up into the hood, filtering and removing them from your home (Hampton Bay). It likewise helps to lower the build-up of greasy residue on kitchen surface areas, which in turn cuts down on cleaning time and enhances health levels (Good Housekeeping).
For those searching for a smooth and modern kitchen, an integrated extractor fan is best as it can mix flawlessly into the design. These hoods have a plain panel component at the front of the hood which conceals the motor and fan elements, maintaining an unbroken aesthetic when the hood is in operation. These designs are typically more pricey than those that are developed into the ceiling, but the inconspicuous look makes them an elegant option for any kitchen (Houzz).
The Xpelair Simply Silent Contour extractor fan is one of the best examples of a powerful and practical kitchen extractor fan. Its simple yet stylish design pairs completely with most kitchen styles and comes in a wide variety of colours and sizes. It also includes a number of sophisticated innovations, such as Ghost Air Movement technology, which guarantees the hood operates quietly so it does not interrupt your everyday life.
Sound
A kitchen island with a hob and extractor fan can act as a main hub that feels open and welcoming, particularly for those who enjoy cooking for buddies. Nevertheless, a downdraft extractor can feel invasive, especially if there is someone sitting at the breakfast bar on the opposite side. Downdraft extractors work by getting rid of air and grease from the hob straight below, either venting it outside or recirculating it depending upon your option of model.
They're also a little louder than island extractor fans or ceiling extractor hoods, with sound levels comparable to that of a vacuum cleaner at optimal speed. That stated, they're still an excellent choice for open-plan areas, as they're relatively quieter than other extraction systems such as a ducted cooker hood.
If you're looking for an extractor with a low sound level, take a look at our range of quiet extractor hoods with noise levels as low as 60dB, which is the comparable to the noise of a normal discussion. Including a range of smooth and contemporary styles, these models can turn an essential home appliance into a style function that works well with your kitchen's aesthetic.
Energy Efficiency
A kitchen extractor fan will assist to keep your cooking area free from odours, smoke and steam that can produce mould and mildew on walls and ceilings. It will also make sure that your home stays fresh, healthy and comfortable to reside in. Nevertheless, there are a couple of things you need to consider before you select what sort of extractor hood or cooker hood to buy and install in your kitchen.
The size of the motor and energy performance of your extractor hood will affect how much it uses and what your electrical bills are going to resemble. Picking the best fan can save you cash over time, particularly if it is a modern-day design that uses developments such as sealed bearings to minimize friction when the fan spins. This implies less electricity is utilized however the same amount of air is being pressed out-- a big win for your energy costs.
As an added reward, a kitchen island extractor hood can be a lovely design feature in its own right. From industrial chimney designs to copper-finished pendant lamp looks, there are plenty of alternatives to match your kitchen's visual and include a distinctive centerpiece. This can break up an open plan kitchen and produce a sense of space while still keeping all the appliances in view.
A conventional extractor fan will be able to vent straight outside through a duct, however you can also go with a recirculating model which is perfect for homes without ducting. These fans work by sucking air, moisture and odours into a filter where they are cleansed then re-extracted back into the space-- conserving you the expense of external venting.
While the advantages of a kitchen extractor hood can be clear, it is essential to take your time when selecting one for your home. Whether you're installing it in a brand-new home or merely updating your existing kitchen, choose a model that will do the job well and match your other home appliances and decoration. It's a good idea to ask for suggestions from a specialist and compare the costs of various designs before making your choice.

Style
Whether your kitchen is a slick modern or traditional design, there are extractor hoods to suit every taste. A designer island extractor hood is a striking declaration piece that will stick out in your open-plan kitchen style. The very best styles often look more like an artwork than a ventilation system, which can provide your kitchen a sense of high-end and glamour. Additionally, a simple plaster chimney-style hood is delighting in a design revival with on-trend surfaces and can help to ground a contemporary kitchen style.
In general, island extractor hoods tend to be more effective than other kinds of cooker hood, since they are positioned directly above your hob and can attract grease and odours as well as steam straight from the pan. This kind of hood is perfect for a chef's kitchen or for high-intensity cooking such as searing and stir-frying. If you're preparing to cook greatly, it's worth buying a high-powered design with a large extraction rate and a good air flow to remove wetness, smoke and odours quickly.
A downdraft extractor is another fantastic choice for kitchen islands. These are normally installed underneath your counter top area and rise straight beside your hob when it's in use, creating a minimalist aesthetic. They can be ducted to the outside or recirculated, depending on your preference. Downdraft extractors are likewise much quieter than other options and discharge 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, particularly in new-build homes where ducting can be tough. However, ductless fans tend to be noisier and require regular filter replacements, which can increase energy consumption.
A venting hob with integrated extractor is a progressively popular option for kitchen areas. These devices have a extractor fan built into the centre of the hob, drawing air down and either venting it out or recirculating it as required. They're an effective and streamlined solution for kitchen islands, however can likewise be set up in other locations of the home such as breakfast bars.