If you're upgrading your kitchen or designing a new one, choosing the right extractor hood, also known as a cooker hood or range hood, is essential for maintaining clean air and removing smoke, grease, and odors. But with so many models and features available, where do you begin? This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting the best extractor hood for your kitchen.
What Does a Kitchen Extractor Hood Do?
A kitchen extractor hood removes airborne grease, smoke, steam, and cooking odors from the air by either extracting them outside (ducted) or filtering and recirculating the air (recirculating/ductless). It helps keep your kitchen air clean, reduces humidity, and prevents grease buildup on surfaces.
How Do I Choose the Best Extractor Hood for My Kitchen?
1. Start with Your Kitchen: Assess the Layout and Style
Before diving into technical specs, take a good look at your kitchen. Ask yourself:
- Is it open-plan or enclosed?
- How often do you cook, and what kind of meals do you typically prepare?
- Do you want the extractor to be a statement design piece or discreet and minimal?
A large open kitchen will need a more powerful extractor than a compact, enclosed space. Also, the style of your kitchen—modern, industrial, traditional—can help you decide whether to go for a wall-mounted chimney hood, an island hood, or a sleek built-in model.
2. Choose the Right Suction System Type
Extractor hoods come in two main types based on how they handle air:
Ducted hoods (with external venting): These extract air to the outside. They’re highly efficient and ideal for heavy-duty cooking but require ductwork.
Recirculating hoods (ductless): These filter the air and release it back into the kitchen. They are easier to install and suitable for apartments or kitchens without access to external vents.
Some models offer both options, giving you more flexibility.
3. Calculate the Extraction Capacity You Need
To determine how powerful your hood should be, calculate the volume of your kitchen:
mathematica
Length x Width x Height = Volume (m³)
Then multiply that volume by 10 to get the recommended airflow rate in m³/h. For example, a 30m³ kitchen needs an extractor with at least 300 m³/h capacity.
If you cook frequently or use strong spices, consider a higher suction rate—up to 12 times the air volume.
4. Pay Attention to Sound Level
Extractor hoods can be noisy, especially at high speeds. A quiet hood will make your kitchen a more pleasant place to cook and entertain.
Look for models with a sound level:
Below 50 dB on low settings (similar to a quiet conversation)
Below 65 dB on high power (like background music)
Many modern hoods come with noise-reducing technology or silent mode for nighttime use.
5. Choose the Right Size and Position
Your hood should match the size of your cooktop. As a general rule:
For a 60 cm cooktop, choose a 60–80 cm hood.
For a 90 cm cooktop, opt for a 90–120 cm hood.
The extractor should be mounted at the recommended height above your cooktop—typically:
65–75 cm above gas cooktops
50–65 cm above electric or induction hobs
Positioning it correctly ensures optimal airflow and safety.
6. Follow Installation Tips for Best Performance
Proper installation is key to your extractor's performance. Here are a few tips:
Keep ducting short and straight to minimize airflow resistance.
Use a wide duct diameter (150 mm is standard) for maximum efficiency.
Avoid sharp bends in the duct to reduce noise and airflow loss.
Regularly clean or replace filters to maintain suction power.
Ensure the extractor is securely mounted, especially for heavier island hoods.
If in doubt, hire a qualified installer to ensure safe and effective setup.
How Much Does a Cooker Hood Cost?
The cost of a cooker hood varies widely depending on the type, features, and brand. Here's a breakdown to help you understand what to expect:
1. Cooker Hood Prices (Unit Cost Only)
-
Basic ductless models: £60–£150
Ideal for light cooking and easy to install without ductwork. -
Wall-mounted chimney hoods: £100–£400
A popular choice with stronger extraction; prices vary based on size and materials. -
Island cooker hoods: £300–£1,000+
Designed for open-plan kitchens with an island hob; typically more powerful and stylish. -
Built-in or integrated hoods: £100–£500
Neatly concealed in cabinetry for a seamless look. -
Designer and high-tech models (e.g., with plasma or UV technology): £500–£1,500+
2. Installation Costs
| Type of Cooker Hood | Installation Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Ductless cooker hood installation | £120–£150 | 3–4 hours |
| Wall-mounted cooker hood installation | £225–£250 | 3–4 hours |
| Island cooker hood installation | £435–£500 | 3–4 hours |
| Electrical work (if required) | £120–£300 | Varies |
| Vent hole cutting through wall | £310 | Varies |
| Ducting through an exterior wall | £260–£420 | ~3 hours |
While a basic installation might seem quick, allow extra time if your kitchen has complex dimensions, requires electrical upgrades, or if you're switching from a recirculating model to a ducted one.
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Extractor Hoods Under €100 – Easy to Install, High Performance
If you're upgrading your kitchen ventilation on a budget, CIARRA offers powerful and affordable kitchen extractor hoods priced under €100 — without compromising on performance or design. These models are ideal for renters, first-time buyers, or anyone seeking excellent value with easy DIY installation.
CIARRA Integrated Cooker Hood 60cm (Model: CBCS6903-OW)
- Max Airflow: 220m³/h
- Operation: Recirculating air system (carbon filter optional)
- Control: Push buttons with 3 power levels
- Design: Ultra-slim, installed under cabinets
- Lighting: Built-in LED
- Warranty: 24 months
- Filter: Acrylic filter (replace every 2–4 months)
Perfect for compact kitchens, this cooker hood is slim, discreet, and offers efficient odor removal. You can install it yourself with ease — no ductwork required in recirculating mode.
CIARRA 60cm Wall-Mount Cooker Hood (Model: CBCB6201-OW)
- Max Airflow: 370m³/h
- Operation: Ducted or recirculating (carbon filter included)
- Control: Mechanical push buttons, 3-speed levels
- Design: Matte sandblasted finish, anti-fingerprint
- Filter: 5-layer aluminum grease filters (dishwasher safe)
- Lighting: 1W LED light
- Warranty: 24 months
A stylish wall-mounted hood with strong extraction power. The included carbon filters and exhaust pipe mean you can choose the best setup for your kitchen.
CIARRA Canopy Integrated Cooker Hood 60cm (Model: CBCS6903D-S)
- Max Airflow: 220m³/h
- Ventilation: Recirculating or extraction (carbon filter included)
- Design: Slim, under-cabinet or wall-mount options
- Control: Push button, 3-speed levels
- Filter: Dishwasher-safe aluminum grease filters
- Warranty: 24 months
This model offers two installation options—ideal if you have cabinets or not. It's a compact, unobtrusive choice for modern kitchens.
DIY-Friendly Installation
All CIARRA cooker hoods include:
- Installation guide and video tutorial
- Simple wiring and mounting process
- No ducting needed for recirculating mode
With clear instructions and lightweight designs, you can easily install these hoods without professional help, saving both time and cost.
If you purchased a hood from Ciarra, check out the manual and installation video!
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best kitchen extractor hood involves more than just picking a stylish model—it’s about matching your kitchen’s layout, cooking habits, and ventilation needs. By considering the suction type, airflow capacity, noise level, size, and installation requirements, you can ensure a healthier, more comfortable cooking environment. A well-chosen extractor hood keeps the air clean and adds value and style to your kitchen.