A Guide to Buying a Kitchen Extractor Fan
A kitchen extractor fan, also referred to as a cooker hood, gets rid of steam, smoke and unwanted cooking odours from your kitchen space. They can also add an additional design statement to your kitchen design.
Unlike wall or integrated cooker hoods, island extractor fans hang directly from the ceiling. They are typically ducted to either an external vent or through a charcoal filter for recirculating (Which?).
Ventilation
Extractor fans are used to clear the air in restrooms, kitchen areas and laundry rooms to get rid of smells and excess moisture and keep your area clean. They have a vent package which connects straight to an external wall allowing smells, smoke and wetness to be removed from the space, removing them into the outside environment and improving air quality. Additionally, you can select to recirculate the air using charcoal filters, which is ideal for small areas that do not have sufficient room for a duct system.
Unlike standard cooker hoods that are attached to the side or wall, an island extractor fan is hung directly 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 space. With a range of different designs available, there's something to fit every kitchen style and décor.
A kitchen extractor fan works to eliminate the wetness, odour, heat and smoke that frequently occur when cooking - ventilating your area and keeping it fresh. The odours, steam and condensation are drawn up into the hood, filtering and eliminating them from your home (Hampton Bay). It also helps to minimize the accumulation of greasy residue on kitchen surfaces, which in turn reduce cleansing time and improves health levels (Good Housekeeping).
For those searching for a streamlined and contemporary kitchen, an integrated extractor fan is perfect as it can blend effortlessly into the décor. These hoods have a plain panel element at the front of the hood which hides the motor and fan elements, preserving an unbroken aesthetic when the hood functions. These models are often more costly than those that are constructed into the ceiling, however the unobtrusive appearance makes them a stylish 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 basic yet stylish style pairs perfectly with the majority of kitchen styles and comes in a wide range of colours and sizes. It likewise features a number of innovative technologies, such as Ghost Air Movement technology, which makes sure the hood operates quietly so it doesn't interrupt your everyday life.
Sound
A kitchen island with a hob and extractor fan can act as a central hub that feels open and inviting, especially for those who enjoy cooking for good friends. However, a downdraft extractor can feel invasive, particularly if there is somebody sitting at the breakfast bar on the opposite side. Downdraft extractors work by eliminating air and grease from the hob directly below, either venting it outside or recirculating it depending on your choice of model.
They're also a little louder than island extractor fans or ceiling extractor hoods, with noise levels equivalent to that of a vacuum cleaner at optimal speed. That stated, they're still an excellent choice for open-plan areas, as they're fairly quieter than other extraction systems such as a ducted cooker hood.
If you're looking for an extractor with a low noise level, take a look at our range of quiet extractor hoods with sound levels as low as 60dB, which is the equivalent to the noise of a typical discussion. Including a range of smooth and modern designs, these models can turn a vital device into a style feature that works well with your kitchen's visual.
Energy Efficiency
A kitchen extractor fan will assist to keep your cooking area devoid of smells, smoke and steam that can develop 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 think about before you select what kind of extractor hood or cooker hood to purchase and install in your kitchen.
The size of the motor and energy performance of your extractor hood will influence how much it uses and what your electrical costs are going to resemble. Choosing the ideal fan can save you money over time, especially if it is a contemporary design that uses developments such as sealed bearings to lower friction when the fan spins. This implies less electrical energy is utilized however the exact same quantity of air is being pressed out-- a big win for your energy costs.
As an included bonus, a kitchen island extractor hood can be a gorgeous design function in its own right. From commercial chimney styles to copper-finished pendant light looks, there are plenty of choices to match your kitchen's visual and include a captivating focal point. This can separate an open strategy kitchen and produce a sense of area while still keeping all the home appliances in view.
A conventional extractor fan will have the ability to vent straight outside through a duct, however you can also choose a recirculating model which is perfect for homes without ducting. These fans work by sucking air, wetness and odours into a filter where they are cleansed then re-extracted back into the room-- saving you the expense of external venting.
While the advantages of a kitchen extractor hood can be clear, it is very important 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, select a design that will do the job well and complement your other appliances and design. It's a great concept to request for suggestions from an expert and compare the rates of various designs before making your decision.
Design
Whether your kitchen is a slick modern-day or conventional style, there are extractor hoods to suit every taste. A designer island extractor hood is a striking declaration piece that will stand apart in your open-plan kitchen design. The finest designs frequently look more like a masterpiece than a ventilation system, which can offer your kitchen a sense of high-end and glamour. Alternatively, an easy plaster chimney-style hood is delighting in a design revival with on-trend finishes and can assist to ground a modern kitchen style.
In basic, 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 in addition to steam directly 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 planning to cook greatly, it deserves buying a high-powered model with a big extraction rate and a great air flow to remove wetness, smoke and odours rapidly.
A downdraft extractor is another fantastic alternative for kitchen islands. These are typically set up beneath your countertop space and rise directly next to your hob when it's in usage, developing a minimalist aesthetic. They can be ducted to the outside or recirculated, depending on your preference. Downdraft extractors are also much quieter than other alternatives and discharge a sound level similar to that of a vacuum cleaner.
Another popular option for kitchen extractors is a ductless fan, which draws air through a carbon filter before recirculating it back into the kitchen. This type of fan can be a practical alternative 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 usage.
A venting hob with integrated extractor is a progressively popular option for kitchens. 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 option for kitchen islands, but can also be installed in other areas of the home such as breakfast bars.