Introduction

A cooker hood is an important device that sometimes goes unnoticed while redesigning or remodeling your kitchen. A cooker hood is more than simply a fashionable addition; it has a practical purpose: it eliminates smoke, smells, oil, and other airborne particles produced when cooking. This keeps your surfaces cleaner and the air in your kitchen fresher. However, it might be difficult to choose the best cooker hood due to the large selection that is now available. Knowing what to look for before making a purchase is essential, since there are a variety of extraction capabilities, sizes, and designs to choose from, including ducted and ductless types. Everything you need to know about cooker hoods is covered in this in-depth guide, so you can make an informed decision that will work well for your kitchen and cooking preferences.

Types of Cooker Hoods: Ducted vs. Ductless

The choice between a ducted and a ductless cooker hood is among the first things you must decide. A ducted cooker hood effectively removes smoke, steam, and smells from the air by venting them outside your house. Although ductwork installation is necessary for this alternative, which often offers better ventilation, not many kitchens, especially those in flats or rental properties, can accommodate it. 

A ductless cooker hood, on the other hand, purifies and circulates the air back into the kitchen using charcoal filters. Although some types are more adaptable and simpler to install, they may not be as good at eliminating strong smells or smoke, and frequently need new filters. Selecting between these two types requires an understanding of your kitchen’s structure and venting options.

Choosing the Right Extraction Power

The amount of air that the cooker hood can move is indicated by the extraction power, which is expressed in cubic meters per hour (m2/h). The cooker hood’s ability to remove undesirable contaminants from the air in your kitchen improves with its extraction rate. You may estimate the minimum extraction rate your cooker hood should have by multiplying the volume of your kitchen (length x width x height) by 10 to find the appropriate power for your area.

A kitchen with a 4 × 3 m floor plan and a 2.5 m ceiling, for instance, has a capacity of 30 cubic meters. A cooker hood with a minimum extraction power of 300 m³/h is required when multiplying by 10. A higher-capacity cooker hood is a good choice if you regularly prepare fatty or smoky foods in order to guarantee optimal ventilation.

Noise Levels and Additional Features

A cooker hood that makes a jet engine noise is not something anyone wants. Decibels (dB) are commonly used to measure noise levels, and a quieter cooker hood typically has a noise level between 40 and 60 dB. When buying, seek out models that strike a mix between minimal noise production and powerful extraction capability, particularly if your living area is tiny or your kitchen is open-plan. 

Performance and convenience can be improved with additional features. Numerous cooker hoods include touch controls or remote operation, easy-to-clean filters, LED illumination for improved vision while cooking, and adjustable fan speeds. To make cooking easier, some more sophisticated versions come with clever sensors that can detect smoke levels and automatically regulate the fan.

Design and Size: Match Your Kitchen Aesthetic

A cooker hood contributes to the overall look of your kitchen, in addition to being a useful equipment. There is a cooker hood type for every kitchen taste, whether you choose a sleek, contemporary stainless steel model, a classic canopy hood, or a minimalist glass design. 

In terms of dimensions, make sure your cooker hood is the same width as your stove or cooktop. The hood should ideally be a little bit broader in order to efficiently absorb smoke and pollutants. Although some manufacturers provide bespoke sizes for bigger or smaller cooking surfaces, standard widths are typically 60 cm, 90 cm, or 120 cm.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

For your cooker hood to function as efficiently as possible, proper installation is essential. To guarantee proper vent placement and ductwork, expert installation is advised for ducted models. Although ductless versions are simpler to install, they need to be maintained on a regular basis. To keep your cooker hood operating properly, clean the grease filters every few weeks and replace the charcoal filters every six to twelve months. 

Grease accumulation can cause a fire, thus, maintenance is not just about cleanliness but also safety. To make cleaning easier, get a cooker hood with detachable, dishwasher-safe filters. Maintaining your equipment on a regular basis guarantees a healthier kitchen and increases its longevity.

Conclusion

An essential kitchen tool that enhances your cooking space by fusing design and practicality is a cooker hood. Before making a purchase, it’s important to comprehend the distinctions between ducted and ductless systems, select the appropriate extraction power, take noise levels into account, and fit the size and appearance of the system to your kitchen. With the correct information, you can choose a cooker hood that will fit in with your kitchen’s design and way of life while also efficiently eliminating cooking fumes and aromas. Purchasing a high-quality cooker hood will result in a cleaner kitchen, better air quality, and an improved cooking experience that lasts for many years.

CIARRA is a modern kitchen appliance brand known for its stylish, eco-friendly, and user-focused Ciarra cooker hoods and induction hobs.