As kitchen design continues to shift towards a more minimalistic and modern aesthetic, the kitchen has transformed from a purely functional space into the heart of the home. One key feature that aligns with this trend is the built-in cooker hood. Often called an integrated cooker hood, canopy hood, or built-in cooker hood, this appliance is designed to blend effortlessly into your kitchen’s cabinetry, creating a streamlined, clutter-free look.
In this article, we’ll explore the various types of built-in cooker hoods, their benefits and potential drawbacks, as well as the key features to look for when selecting the right one. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to choose the perfect built-in cooker hood that enhances both the design and functionality of your kitchen.
What Is a Built-in Cooker Hood?
A built-in cooker hood is an integrated ventilation system designed to blend seamlessly into your kitchen’s cabinetry. Unlike traditional cooker hoods, which can often be bulky and take up valuable space above the cooktop, a built-in cooker hood is discreetly hidden within the cabinetry, offering a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. It's typically installed above the hob, ensuring that the kitchen remains tidy and visually appealing.
One of the major advantages of a built-in cooker hood is its space-saving design. In many European or UK homes, especially those with older kitchen layouts or low ceilings, traditional range hoods (like the larger 90cm cooker hood) may feel out of place or create installation challenges due to height limitations. In contrast, a built-in cooker hood is more compact and can be installed with greater flexibility, making it a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice for kitchens with limited space.
Additionally, the integrated design allows for a more streamlined and modern kitchen environment, as the cooker hood doesn’t dominate the space. This makes it a popular choice for homeowners who prefer clean lines and an unobtrusive kitchen setup. Whether you have a small kitchen or want to create a contemporary look, a built-in cooker hood is an ideal solution.
Size of Built-in Cooker Hood
When choosing the right size for your built-in cooker hood, it’s important to match it with the size of your cooktop to ensure optimal performance. Generally, the width of the hood should be at least as wide as the cooktop, allowing for effective extraction of smoke and odors.
60cm Built-in Cooker Hood
The 60cm built-in cooker hood is a popular choice for medium-sized kitchens. It fits well above most standard cooktops, providing efficient ventilation without taking up too much space. This size is ideal for smaller to medium kitchens, ensuring a good balance between performance and design.
52cm Built-in Cooker Hood
The 52cm built-in cooker hood is a more compact option, perfect for kitchens with limited space or smaller cooktops. While it may offer slightly less suction power than larger models, it is still an effective solution for smaller cooking areas, providing a clean and uncluttered look in tight spaces.
How Does a Built-in Cooker Hood Work
A built-in cooker hood works by extracting smoke, grease, and odors from your kitchen to maintain a clean and comfortable environment while you cook. However, the way it functions can differ depending on whether it is a ducted (with ducting) or ductless (without ducting) model.
Ducted Built-in Cooker Hood
A ducted cooker hood works by drawing in the air from the kitchen and then expelling it outside through a vent. This system requires the installation of ducts that direct the air to an exterior wall or roof, ensuring that smoke, grease, and odors are fully removed from the kitchen. Because the air is vented outside, ducted systems are generally more effective in removing cooking fumes and moisture. The key advantage of ducted hoods is their efficiency in air extraction and the fact that they don't recirculate air back into the kitchen.
Ductless Built-in Cooker Hood
A ductless cooker hood doesn't require external venting. Instead, it uses filters to trap grease, smoke, and odors, then recirculates the cleaned air back into the kitchen. Most ductless hoods use carbon filters (also called activated charcoal filters) to absorb smells and grease filters to capture grease particles.
While ductless systems are easier to install, as they don't require ductwork, they may not be as effective as ducted models in terms of air quality, especially in large or high-traffic kitchens.
Related: Ducted vs Ductless Cooker Hood
Key Benefits of Integrated Cooker Hoods
For many homeowners, especially in Europe or the UK, where older homes often come with limited space and low ceilings, the integrated cooker hood is a perfect fit. These homes may have more compact kitchen layouts, where traditional range hoods or bulky ventilation systems can feel out of place. The built-in design of these hoods saves space and fits seamlessly into kitchen cabinets, making them a practical solution for older homes or homes with smaller cooking areas.
What's more, updating kitchen appliances, particularly the cooker hood, can boost your home's resale value by 3-7%, according to a survey by CIARRA.
Best Built-in Cooker Hood: Top Features to Look For
When searching for the best built-in cooker hood, you’ll want to focus on several key features:
- Extraction Power: Look for a model with sufficient power to handle your kitchen’s needs. The higher the CFM, the more air the hood can move.
- Noise Levels: A quieter hood is ideal, especially for open-plan kitchens. Some models offer quiet operation even at higher speeds.
- Energy Efficiency: Choose a model with a good energy rating to save on power bills in the long run.
- Filter Types: Choose between a carbon filter (for ductless models) or a grease filter for a more traditional, ducted system. Some models even feature dishwasher-safe filters, which make maintenance easier.
- Design: Built-in cooker hoods come in a range of designs. Look for one that fits your kitchen's aesthetic and cabinetry style.
Shop CIARRA Best Built-in Cooker Hood
If you're living in an older home with limited kitchen space or a low ceiling, upgrading to a CIARRA built-in cooker hood is the perfect solution for a modern kitchen makeover. These cooker hoods offer a sleek and efficient design that fits seamlessly into your existing cabinetry, making them ideal for homes with smaller kitchens or unique layout restrictions. Unlike traditional, bulky hoods, CIARRA's built-in models provide powerful air extraction while maintaining a clean and clutter-free aesthetic.
Below, we’ve highlighted some of the best CIARRA built-in cooker hoods, designed to elevate your kitchen’s function and style, no matter the size or age of your home.
CIARRA 60cm Integrated Telescopic Cooker Hood - Black (CBCB6909A-OW) -$143.99
The CIARRA 60cm Integrated Telescopic Cooker Hood is perfect for homeowners who want a space-saving and stylish option without compromising on power. With a high energy efficiency rating of A+, this model reduces energy consumption while maintaining a high extraction rate of up to 600 m³/h. It features a dual extraction system—choose between ducted or recirculating with carbon filters, allowing flexibility based on your kitchen layout.
This hood also offers modern touch controls with soft LED lighting for a sleek, contemporary look. The quiet performance ensures that cooking odors and smoke are effectively removed without disrupting your kitchen’s atmosphere. Plus, with a 2-year warranty, it’s a smart investment for your kitchen.
Advice: Replace the carbon filter every 2-4 months for optimal performance.
CIARRA 52cm Built-in Cooker Hood, Touch & Wave Control (CBCB5931B-OW)
For kitchens with limited space, the 52cm Built-in Cooker Hood is an ideal solution. This compact and stylish hood offers touch & gesture control, making operation easy and hygienic. With an energy class A rating, this model is both economical and environmentally friendly, reducing your energy bills.
The hood features a max extraction rate of 450m³/h, and you can choose between recirculation or exhaust modes. It also comes with a charcoal filter for improved air purification. The 6W LED lights perfectly illuminate your cooking area while being energy-efficient. Its quiet operation makes it ideal for open-plan kitchens, and the push-button control offers simple operation.
Advice: Replace the carbon filter every 2-4 months.
CIARRA 60cm Canopy Integrated Cooker Hood - Black (CBCB6926A-OW)- $175.99
The CIARRA 60cm Canopy Integrated Cooker Hood is a professional-grade appliance with an energy class A+++ rating, saving up to 80% on electricity bills compared to class C models. This hood offers a high extraction rate of 650 m³/h, making it perfect for larger kitchens or heavy cooking tasks.
It features dual-mode functionality for recirculation (with carbon filters) or direct exhaust. The touch control panel and integrated LED lighting enhance the user experience, while the easy-to-clean aluminum grease filters ensure efficient operation. This model is designed for two installation methods: under-cabinet or wall-mounted, providing flexibility to suit your kitchen's design.
CIARRA 60cm Integrated Telescopic Cooker Hood with 2-speed Extraction (CBCB6906D-OW)
The 60cm Integrated Telescopic Cooker Hood with 2-speed Extraction is perfect for small to medium kitchens, offering a compact yet powerful solution. The max extraction rate of 370 m³/h ensures effective air purification, while the two-speed levels and LED lighting provide ease of use. The telescopic design allows the hood to remain neat and compact when not in use and extends when you need it. With energy class A, this model is an eco-friendly option that helps reduce energy consumption.
The rocker control system makes it simple to operate, and with its dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filters, maintenance is a breeze.
CIARRA 52cm Canopy Integrated Cooker Hood A++ (CBCS5913-S)
The CIARRA 52cm Canopy Integrated Cooker Hood is designed for those looking for a compact and efficient solution. With a max extraction rate of 600 m³/h, it removes large amounts of smoke and cooking odors easily. The energy class A++ rating ensures minimal energy consumption, making it an eco-conscious choice.
It features 3-speed settings with a push-button control for easy operation. This model is also compatible with a carbon filter (included) for recirculation, and its LED lights provide energy-efficient illumination of your cooking area.
Advice: Replace the carbon filter every 2-4 months.
It features 3-speed settings with a push-button control for easy operation. This model is also compatible with a carbon filter (included) for recirculation, and its LED lights provide energy-efficient illumination of your cooking area.
| Model | Noise Level | Max Extraction Rate | Filters | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CBCB6909A-OW
$143.99 |
63 dB | 600 m³/h | Aluminum grease filter, carbon filter | Telescopic design for space-saving, quiet operation |
CBCB5931B-OW
$175.99 |
55 dB | 450 m³/h | Aluminum grease filter, carbon filter | Gesture control, hygienic, energy-efficient lighting |
CBCB6926A-OW
$175.99 |
63 dB | 650 m³/h | Aluminum grease filter, carbon filter | Ultra-minimalist design, high extraction rate |
| CBCB6906D-OW €111,99 | 62 dB | 370 m³/h | Aluminum grease filter, carbon filter | Telescopic design, space-saving, practical |
| CBCS5913-S €113,99 | 62 dB | 600 m³/h | Aluminum grease filter, carbon filter | Push-button control, eco-friendly |
Summary:
Noise Level: Most models are around 62–63 dB, offering a quiet operation, with the 52cm models being slightly quieter (55 dB).
Max Extraction Rate: The 60cm Canopy Integrated Cooker Hood has the highest extraction rate at 650 m³/h, followed by the 60cm Integrated Telescopic Hood (CBCB6909A-OW) with 600 m³/h. The 52cm models offer a more compact option with 450 m³/h and 600 m³/h.
Key Features:
Telescopic models (CBCB6909A-OW and CBCB6906D-OW) offer space-saving designs that extend when in use.
Touch & Gesture control and Push-button controls are featured in the 52cm models, offering a hygienic and easy-to-use interface.
High-efficiency filters and dual extraction modes (ducted and recirculating) allow flexibility in installation.
The CIARRA 60cm Canopy Integrated Cooker Hood stands out with its A+++ energy rating, making it the most energy-efficient model in the lineup.
CIARRA Built-in Cooker Hood Installation
Ducted Installation (With Ducting)
Prepare the Location
Choose the location above your cooktop. Ensure the space is clear and suitable for installation.
Measure the required height (usually 65-75 cm above the stove).
Install the Mounting Bracket
Attach the mounting bracket (included in the kit) securely to the wall or underside of the cabinet. Ensure it’s level.
Connect the Ducting
Attach the 150mm diameter aluminum exhaust pipe to the exhaust outlet at the top of the cooker hood.
Extend the duct to the outside wall or ceiling where the air will be vented. Secure the duct with clamps.
Fix the Cooker Hood
Place the cooker hood onto the mounting bracket and secure it with screws.
Connect Power Supply
Plug the cooker hood into a power socket or wire it directly to the power supply (ensure proper safety precautions).
Test the Unit
Turn the hood on to test the extraction performance and make sure the vent is working correctly.
Ductless Installation (Without Ducting)
Prepare the Location
Choose the location above your cooktop and ensure the space is clear.
Measure the required height for installation.
Install the Mounting Bracket
Attach the mounting bracket to the wall or cabinet base. Ensure it’s aligned properly.
Install the Carbon Filter
Place the activated carbon filter (included) into the unit’s filter compartment for odor removal.
Fix the Cooker Hood
Mount the cooker hood onto the bracket and secure it with screws.
Connect Power Supply
Plug the unit into an electrical outlet or wire it directly to the power supply, ensuring safety precautions are followed.
Test the Unit
Turn the hood on to check the extraction performance and ensure the unit is working properly in recirculation mode.
Both installation methods are straightforward and can be done with basic tools. For more complex setups, such as wiring or duct installation, professional assistance is recommended.
If you've purchased a CIARRA cooker hood and are wondering how to install it, you can refer to the user manual or installation video, which provide detailed guidance on the installation process.
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