When it comes to choosing the right cooker hood, one of the most critical factors to consider is suction power. The right suction power ensures that your kitchen remains free from smoke, steam, and cooking odors. But how do you determine how much suction power you need? This article will break down the concept of suction power, explain the difference between CFM (cubic feet per minute) and m³/h (cubic meters per hour), and guide you in selecting the ideal cooker hood for your kitchen.
What is the Suction Power of a Cooker Hood?
Suction power refers to the ability of a cooker hood to extract air from your kitchen and remove smoke, grease, and odors. It is measured by the airflow capacity, which is typically quantified in two ways:
- CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): This is the most commonly used unit in North America.
- m³/h (Cubic Meters per Hour): Commonly used in Europe and the UK, m³/h measures how much air is processed by the cooker hood in one hour.
While CFM is more prevalent in some regions, m³/h is the standard measurement in Europe and the UK, so it's important to convert between the two when comparing cooker hoods from different markets. The conversion formula is simple:
1 CFM ≈ 1.7 m³/h.
Understanding these units will help you make an informed decision about the suction power you need.
How to Choose the Right Suction Power
Choosing the right suction power for your 90cm cooker hood is essential to ensure optimal performance in keeping your kitchen smoke and odor-free. The ideal suction power depends on several key factors:
Kitchen Size
The size of your kitchen plays a major role in determining the suction power needed.
For kitchens under 20m², a cooker hood with 300-500 m³/h of suction power is usually sufficient. This range is effective for small to medium-sized kitchens where cooking intensity is moderate.
For kitchens larger than 20m², especially those with open-plan designs or more extensive cooking areas, opt for a cooker hood with 500-700 m³/h of suction power. This range ensures that smoke, odors, and grease are quickly removed, maintaining a fresh environment.
Cooking Style
The type of cooking you do will also impact the suction power required.
High-heat cooking methods, such as frying, grilling, or stir-frying, generate significant amounts of smoke and grease. For these cooking styles, a cooker hood with higher suction power, in the 500-700 m³/h range, will ensure that the air is cleared quickly and efficiently.
Moderate cooking, like simmering or steaming, doesn’t produce as much smoke or grease, so a cooker hood with a 300-500 m³/h range would be sufficient for most users.
Is the Suction Power of a 90cm Cooker Hood Enough?
For most homes, a 90cm cooker hood with a suction power between 300-700 m³/h is usually sufficient. This range is effective for medium to large kitchens, handling most cooking activities, including frying, grilling, and baking. However, if you have a very large kitchen or cook with high-intensity heat frequently, you might want to opt for a cooker hood with suction power above 700 m³/h.
If you’re looking for a high-performance model, the Ciarra Pinnacle 48cm Glass Smart Island Cooker Hood in Shadow Noir Marble (CBCG4850-OW) is a great option to consider. This stylish island cooker hood offers strong suction power that effectively clears smoke, grease, and odors, making it suitable for large kitchens or those with intensive cooking demands.
Related: 2025 The Best Island Cooker Extractor Hood
In general, a high suction power cooker hood offers the benefit of quickly clearing cooking odors and grease, ensuring better air quality. However, the need for such power depends on your kitchen’s layout and cooking habits.
Suction Power, Noise, and Energy Efficiency
While choosing a cooker hood with high suction power is important, it’s also essential to consider its noise level and energy efficiency.
Noise Level:
High suction power often correlates with higher noise levels, but newer models come equipped with advanced features to address this issue. One such innovation is the DC (Direct Current) Motor, which is designed to significantly reduce noise levels while maintaining powerful suction.
Advantages of DC Motors:
Quieter Operation: DC motors are known for their smooth and quiet performance. Unlike traditional AC motors, they generate less vibration and friction, resulting in a quieter kitchen experience even at higher suction levels.
Energy Efficiency: DC motors consume less power compared to their AC counterparts, making them more energy-efficient. This efficiency helps reduce your electricity bill while maintaining excellent performance.
Longer Lifespan: DC motors typically have a longer lifespan due to their less demanding mechanical structure. They experience less wear and tear, which means fewer repairs and replacements over time.
Energy Efficiency:
Higher suction power usually means more energy consumption. However, many modern cooker hoods are designed to be energy-efficient, offering powerful performance while minimizing energy use. Look for models with an energy rating of A or higher for optimal energy efficiency.
Find the Perfect Cooker Hood Based on Your Kitchen Size
CIARRA 90cm 650m³/h Smart Wall Mount Black Cooker Hood - CBCB9102P-OW
The CIARRA 90cm Smart Wall Mount Black Cooker Hood (CBCB9102P-OW) is the perfect blend of modern design, powerful suction, and smart functionality. With a sleek black finish, energy-efficient performance, and Wi-Fi control, this cooker hood offers a premium kitchen experience.
Price: €329,00 Suction Power: 650m³/h | Sound Power Level: 59dB(A) | Energy Efficiency Rating: A+++ | DC Motor
Key Features:
Strong Suction Power with DC Motor:
This 90cm linear cooker hood offers a maximum suction power of 650m³/h, making it ideal for kitchens where strong ventilation is necessary. Featuring 4-speed levels with a boost function, it allows you to adjust suction based on your cooking activity.
The DC motor ensures that this powerful extraction is achieved with minimal noise, providing lower noise levels compared to traditional motors while delivering exceptional performance.
Energy Efficiency:
The A+++ energy efficiency rating ensures that this cooker hood provides powerful suction while consuming minimal energy. The DC motor contributes to lower energy costs by using less electricity compared to conventional motors, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Smart Life Integration:
The Smart Life App allows you to control the CIARRA CBCB9102P-OW remotely via Wi-Fi. This app gives you the ability to adjust fan speeds, activate the air-purifying function, and control the LED lighting directly from your smartphone. Whether you’re in the kitchen or away, you can manage your cooker hood with ease.
CIARRA 370m³/h 90cm Wall Mount Cooker Hood -CBCS9201-OW
If you're looking for a more energy-efficient and compact solution for a smaller kitchen with less intense cooking, the CIARRA 90cm Wall Mount Cooker Hood (CBCS9201-OW) is a perfect choice. This cooker hood offers a sufficient suction power for moderate cooking activities while being easy to maintain and control.
Price: €159,99 Suction Power: 370m³/h | Sound Power Level: 63dB(A) | Energy Efficiency Rating: A++
Key Features:
Moderate Suction Power:
With a maximum suction power of 370m³/h, this cooker hood is well-suited for small kitchens or light cooking methods. It's ideal for kitchens where the cooking style doesn't produce excessive smoke or odors.
Energy Efficiency:
The CIARRA CBCS9201-OW comes with an A++ energy efficiency rating, ensuring that the cooker hood performs efficiently while minimizing energy use. With three speed levels, you can easily adjust the suction power to your cooking needs, and the energy-efficient motor helps keep running costs low.
Two Ventilation Modes:
Like other CIARRA models, this cooker hood offers two ventilation options:
- Recirculation Mode: The included carbon filter (CBCF002X2-OW) filters odors and smoke, recirculating the air back into the kitchen without the need for an external exhaust system.
- Extraction Mode: For kitchens with an external vent, the included 1.5m long, 150mm diameter aluminum exhaust pipe allows you to expel air outdoors, efficiently removing smoke and odors.
Mechanical Push Buttons for Easy Control:
The push-button controls allow for easy operation, letting you switch between the three fan speed levels and control the lighting with minimal effort. The straightforward control panel makes it perfect for anyone who prefers simplicity and functionality.
Aluminum Grease Filters:
This cooker hood features three 5-layer aluminum grease filters that efficiently capture grease and moisture from the air. The filters are detachable and washable, helping to maintain the hood's performance over time and ensuring a cleaner kitchen environment.
Sound Level:
With a sound power level of 63dB(A) on the highest setting, this cooker hood operates at a moderate noise level, making it suitable for small kitchens where quieter operation is preferred. It’s a great option if you need a balance between suction power and noise control.
CIARRA 90cm Smart Glass Angled White Cooker Hood - CBCW9736K-OW
If you’re looking for a stylish and high-performance cooker hood that combines elegance with power, the CIARRA 90cm Smart Glass Angled White Cooker Hood (CBCW9736K-OW) is the perfect choice. This angled cooker hood offers an energy-efficient DC motor, smart controls, and a sleek design that makes a statement in any kitchen. With 700m³/h suction power, it’s ideal for those who prioritize both style and functionality.
Key Features:
Strong Suction Power with DC Motor:
The 700m³/h suction power is perfect for removing large amounts of smoke, steam, and cooking odors from your kitchen. This cooker hood uses a DC motor, which delivers strong extraction while keeping the noise level low and energy consumption minimal. The A+++ energy efficiency rating ensures that you get powerful performance without high running costs.
Head-Free Design:
One of the standout features of this angled cooker hood is its head-free design. With its 60 cm width and inclined shape, the hood is designed to prevent you from accidentally bumping your head while cooking. This thoughtful design ensures more freedom of movement, making it safer and more comfortable to use, especially in smaller kitchens.
Smart Life Integration:
Thanks to Smart Life App compatibility, you can control the power, LED lights, and fan speeds from your smartphone via Wi-Fi. Whether you're at home or on the go, you can easily adjust the settings and activate the Air Purifying function, making this cooker hood both smart and convenient.
Energy Efficient & Quiet Operation:
Despite its high suction power, the CIARRA CBCW9736K-OW operates quietly, with sound levels starting at 46dB(A) on the lowest setting, reaching a maximum of 60dB(A) on the highest setting. This makes it ideal for those who want strong performance without excessive noise in the kitchen.
Conclusion
If you're looking to buy a 90cm cooker hood but are unsure about the right suction power for your needs, it's important to consider both the size of your kitchen and your typical cooking style. Ciarra offers a wide range of models, each designed to meet different requirements, from smaller kitchens to larger, open-plan spaces. Whether you're looking for high suction power for heavy-duty cooking or a quieter, more energy-efficient option for light cooking, Ciarra provides solutions to fit your needs. With reliable performance, stylish designs, and quality assurance, choosing the right Ciarra cooker hood ensures both functionality and peace of mind for your kitchen.