What’s the right extractor for your kitchen?

Posted on 29th April 2024

Choosing the right extraction unit for the size and layout of your kitchen is key to good ventilation, improved air quality and maximum appliance efficiency. But which one is right for you?

KBB journo Sally Smith reveals the key points to consider before buying a new kitchen extractor. Let’s begin, shall we?

Kitchen design with cabinetry in pale pink, quartz worktop, white shelves and extractor in pale blue and black. — Fisher & Paykel’s 90cm Wall Box chimney hood (HC90BCXB4) has four fan speeds, plus a boost function and powerful maximum air movement of 617m3/hr. It costs £850. Photography: Shannon Mcgrath.

The different types of kitchen extractors

Overhead extraction units are ideal for an open-plan or broken layout, while slimline ceiling units can be discreetly installed flush to the ceiling above an island – the higher the ceiling the more powerful the extraction motor needs to be.

Suspended pendant hoods hang from the ceiling like a light fitting and include dimmable lighting, ideal for a kitchen-dining-living space.

Kitchen space in black with white, gold and wood details. — Westin‘s Stratus 360 ceiling hood, pictured in a Tom Howley kitchen, includes a four-point recirculation filter system, providing clean, purified air without the need to duct with concealed filters. Priced at £3904.80.

Some modular extraction units include shelving and lighting, too, and create a dramatic statement in a large space. In a galley kitchen, a wall-mounted chimney hood in high-grade stainless steel works great, adding an industrial feel.

An integrated extraction unit hidden in the cabinetry is perfect for compact L- or U-shaped kitchens where cabinets sit above the cooking surface. The latest vented hobs are a genius space-saving idea in any layout, with hob and extraction in one sleek appliance.

Kitchen space with wooden island and cabinetry, high-light ceiling hood, white reclining chair and an array of plants. — Faber’s High-Light 2.0 built-in high-light ceiling hood with four adjustable air outlets, perimeter airflow and LED lighting reduces noise with a compact motor. The hood is available in a choice of finishes and costs £1995.

The latest technology

The motors in all styles of extraction units are now almost half the size of traditional motors. This means these appliances are much quieter. Some noise levels are as low as 37dB and up to around 60dB when using power or boost. Plus, they are also more slimline, taking up much less space, and giving more flexibility in installation.

Many extraction hoods provide perimeter aspiration, which moves the airflow away from the central area and evenly distributes it through narrow openings around the edge of the hood, making the unit more energy efficient and again helping to reduce noise levels.

Kitchen space with beige extractor, cabinetry and worktop adorned with flowers, set against exposed brickwork. — Falmec’s Virgola NRS concealed kitchen extractor fits neatly under an overhead cupboard. Priced from £1250.

Kitchen and living area with black matt cabinetry and a suspended cooker hood featuring green light. — Miele’s Generation 7000 DA7378 unique Aura 4.0 cooker hood is ideal for island installation. It uses an energy-saving motor with an adjustable colour lighting system. Its AmbientFragrance function emits subtle scents to the air. Priced from £6229.

Good to know

Extraction units not only remove the grease and smells while you’re cooking but can also purify the air depending on the type and number of filters within the appliance.

The traditional stainless steel or aluminium filters can be easily removed and washed in the dishwasher. However, some units will include active carbon filters that will neutralise stronger odours, including fish. This helps purify the air from pollutants, airborne particles and allergens.

You can regenerate some of these filters in the oven to prolong their lifespan. They can last up to five years, but this also depends on the number of cooking hours.

Design in dark brown shades, with grass green kitchen stools and suspended hood. — Novy‘s Phantom Frame (7540) 130cm island hood operates using perimeter extraction. The noise levels are low with a minimum of 39dB and maximum of 58dB. Priced at £4039.

Kitchen extractor buying tips

It’s important to discuss installation options before deciding on the style of extraction. Bear in mind that ducted hoods need to be connected to a vent in an exterior wall, drawing all the unwanted smells outside.

Recirculating hoods don’t need to be ducted to an outside wall and can be installed anywhere in a kitchen layout. This type of extraction draws steam and smells into a single unit, filters and then pumps purified air back into the kitchen.

However, if the ceiling is already being replaced as part of a renovation, you’ll be able to install ducts during the building process before the kitchen is installed.

Work surface in black steel and quartz, with black extractor attached to the wall and open wooden shelves on the side. — Bertazzoni‘s Master Series 90cm wall-mounted hood (KT90P1ANET) has a single motor with three speeds, stainless steel filters, and two LED lights. Priced £899.

Induction hob with downdraft extraction made of black glass, on top of white surface, with sizzling pan of veggies on top, and surrounded by more bowls and platters of vegetables. — Caple’s 80cm induction hob with downdraft extraction features a black extractor grille and 10 power levels including a boost function. It can be ducted or recirculated with reduced noise thanks to a plinth motor. Priced at £3321.23.

How much will a kitchen extractor cost?

Prices of extraction units vary quite widely so you’ll need to account for this when budgeting for your kitchen appliances. For example, built-in hoods tend to be the most cost-effective choice at less than £1000. Traditional-style wall-mounted chimney hoods are another good option.

However, overhead and ceiling models vary between £2000 to anything up to £6000 as they are more powerful and decorative in appearance. The latest vented hobs – 2-in-1 appliances – cost between £2500 to £4000, making them a flexible and budget-effective solution.