In modern kitchen design, the under-cabinet cooker hood has become the go-to choice for many homeowners. Unlike traditional freestanding range hoods, under-cabinet models are installed directly beneath the kitchen cabinets, venting smoke and odors outside through ducts. This design allows for a more compact and space-saving solution, seamlessly integrating into your kitchen layout.

However, for those who prioritize a completely seamless and integrated look, built-in (or integrated) cooker hoods are another popular option. While under-cabinet hoods are visible beneath the cabinetry, built-in hoods are installed inside custom cabinets or enclosures, offering a sleek, hidden appearance while providing powerful ventilation.

Difference Between Under-Cabinet Cooker Hoods and Built-in Cooker Hoods

Built-in Cooker Hoods

Built-in hoods are integrated into custom cabinetry, offering a more seamless, modern look.

Under-Cabinet Cooker Hoods

These hoods are installed directly under your kitchen cabinets. They are compact, cost-effective, and easy to install.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Ductless Cooker Hood?

Ductless cooker hoods, often found in under-cabinet or built-in models, are great for kitchens without venting options. However, they come with some downsides:

• Less Effective Filtration: They use carbon filters, which may not fully eliminate grease or smoke.
• Frequent Filter Replacement: Carbon filters need to be replaced regularly, adding maintenance costs.
• Lower Airflow: Ductless hoods tend to have less suction power compared to ducted models.
• Odor Build-up: They may struggle to fully eliminate cooking odors over time.

While convenient, ductless hoods are better suited for lighter cooking, like simmering or sautéing. For heavier cooking, such as deep frying, a ducted hood might be more effective.

Since ductless hoods rely on carbon filters to recirculate the air, frequent filter replacement is important. Over time, filters can become clogged with grease and odors, reducing their efficiency. Regularly changing the filters ensures that the hood can effectively filter out smoke, grease, and odors, keeping your kitchen air clean and fresh.

How To Choose Which Vent Hood Is Better For My Kitchen?

When choosing the best vent hood for your kitchen, it’s important to consider your kitchen layout, budget, and design preferences.

Kitchen Size and Layout: If you have limited overhead space or a compact kitchen, an under-cabinet range hood may be the best option. It’s space-saving, easy to install, and budget-friendly. If you have a larger kitchen or want a more seamless, integrated design, a built-in range hood will offer a more polished look and blend smoothly into custom cabinetry.

Budget: Under-cabinet hoods tend to be more affordable compared to built-in models, which may require professional installation and come with a higher price tag due to customization options.

Design Preferences: If aesthetic appeal and clean lines are important to you, a built-in range hood is ideal. It can seamlessly integrate into your kitchen, offering a more sophisticated, streamlined look. Under-cabinet hoods, while practical, might be more visible but still effective.

Regardless of your choice, both types of range hoods will ensure efficient ventilation, keeping your kitchen smoke-free and pleasant while cooking.

Are All Under-Cabinet Cooker Hoods the Same Size?

No, not all under-cabinet cooker hoods are the same size. They come in various widths, typically ranging from 50cm to 90cm, to fit different kitchen layouts and cooking surfaces. The most popular size is 60cm, which is ideal for standard-sized cooktops. This size works well for kitchen ranges with 4 burners or smaller, fitting comfortably in most kitchen spaces.

However, under-cabinet hoods also come in other sizes, like 90cm for larger cooktops, or 50cm for compact kitchens. When selecting the size, ensure the hood width matches or slightly exceeds the width of your cooktop for optimal ventilation.

What is the Best CFM for an Under-Cabinet Cooker Hood?

The best CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) for an under-cabinet cooker hood typically depends on the size of your kitchen and your cooking habits. In general, for most European and UK kitchens, a range hood with around 200 CFM (approximately 340 m³/h) is sufficient for standard kitchen setups.

CFM and m³/h Conversion:

1 CFM is approximately equal to 1.7 m³/h, so 200 CFM equals roughly 340 m³/h.

What Kitchen Size Works Best with 200 CFM?

Small to Medium Kitchens (up to 15 m² or around 160 sq. ft.) usually work well with a hood around 200 CFM (340 m³/h). This size will efficiently handle cooking odors and smoke, especially for everyday cooking like boiling, simmering, or light frying.

How to Choose the Right Suction Power (CFM/m³/h)?

For kitchens where light to moderate cooking is the norm, such as basic stir-frying or boiling, 200 CFM is generally enough.

If you enjoy heavy-duty cooking like deep frying or grilling, you may want a higher suction, such as 300 CFM (510 m³/h) or more, but for most UK and European kitchens, 200 CFM remains a practical and effective choice.

CIARRA 60cm Slim Under Cabinet Cooker Hood | Touch Control, LED Light, Carbon Filter Included CBCB6921-OW

This 60cm slim under-cabinet cooker hood is perfect for compact kitchens, offering a sleek design and powerful performance.

Extraction Power: Max 300 m³/h | Price: €199,99 | Energy Efficiency: A+ | Type: Under-Cabinet Slim | Control: Touch control | Additional Features: Quiet DC motor

• Touch Control: 3 fan speeds and intuitive sensor touch panel for easy control.
• LED Lighting: Dual LED lighting modes for bright cooking or soft ambiance.
• Flexible Installation: Can be wall-mounted or installed under the cabinet.
• Ventilation Modes: Choose between ducted or recirculating mode. Carbon filter (CBCF011) included for recirculation.
• Powerful Extraction: 300 m³/h extraction power, using a quiet and efficient DC motor.
• Warranty: 24 months
• Advice: Replace the acrylic filter every 2-4 months for optimal performance.

CIARRA 60cm Visor Integrated Telescopic Cooker Hood Black CBCB6909A-OW

This 60cm built-in telescopic cooker hood combines space-saving design with high performance.

Extraction Power: Max 600 m³/h | Price: €99,99 | Type: Built-in Telescopic | Energy efficiency: (A+)

• Energy Efficiency: A+ rated for lower power consumption and eco-friendly operation.
• Dual Extraction Modes: Ducted or recirculating, with included carbon filters (CBCF055).
• High Extraction Power: 600 m³/h maximum capacity with a 3-speed motor to handle larger smoke amounts.
• Modern Touch Control: Easy-to-use touch panel with ambient LED lighting.
• Quiet Performance: Keeps your kitchen fresh without noisy operation.
• Warranty: 24 months
• Advice: Replace the carbon filter every 2-4 months.

CIARRA 60cm Integrated Telescopic Cooker Hood with 2-Speed Extraction CBCB6906D-OW

The 60cm telescopic cooker hood is ideal for smaller kitchens, offering compact storage and efficient performance.

Extraction Power: Max 370 m³/h | Price: €139,99 | Type: Telescopic 

• Extraction Power: Max 370 m³/h, ideal for small to medium kitchens.
• Dual Extraction Modes: Exhaust and recirculating air system with activated carbon filter.
• LED Lighting: Provides perfect visibility with energy-saving 1W LED lights.
• Rocker Control: Simple 2-speed control for easy operation.
• Space-Saving Design: Telescopic feature allows you to slide out the hood when in use and store it neatly when not.
• Warranty: 24 months
• Advice: Replace the carbon filter every 2-4 months.

Product Comparison

Conclusion

CIARRA CBCB6921-OW: Best for those looking for a slim, powerful under-cabinet hood with efficient suction (300 m³/h) and modern touch controls. At €199,99, it’s a mid-range option with solid performance.

CIARRA CBCB6909A-OW: The most affordable option at €99,99, offering a telescopic design with high extraction power (600 m³/h) and energy efficiency. Perfect for budget-conscious buyers.

CIARRA CBCB6906D-OW: With space-saving telescopic design and a solid extraction power of 370 m³/h, this model is ideal for smaller to medium kitchens, priced at €139,99.

Choose the model based on your kitchen size, design preference, and desired extraction power!

You may also be interested in:

Guide to Choose an Integrated Cooker Extractor Fan for Your Kitchen

Suitable Scenarios for Built-in Cooker Hoods

Top 5 quietest canopy hood extractors 

Top 5 Built-in Cooker Hoods