Choosing the right extractor fan for your kitchen isn’t just a matter of aesthetics — it’s a critical decision that affects your home’s air quality, comfort, and even energy efficiency. Whether you’re building a new kitchen or upgrading an old one, a well-chosen extractor fan helps eliminate cooking odors, steam, and grease, keeping your home fresh and clean. Let’s explore everything you need to know to make the right choice. ✅
✅ Why You Need a Kitchen Extractor Fan
Extractor fans, also known as range hoods or cooker hoods, are installed above your stove or cooking surface. Their main job? To remove airborne grease, steam, smoke, and odors produced while cooking. Without one, your kitchen could quickly become damp, smelly, and even prone to mold. 😷
🛠️ Types of Kitchen Extractor Fans
Before making a purchase, it’s important to understand the different types available:
1. Ducted (Vented) Extractor Fans
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How they work: Air is sucked up and expelled outside via ducting.
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Pros: Best for removing heat, odors, and moisture. ✅
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Cons: Requires external wall access and professional installation. 💰
2. Recirculating Extractor Fans
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How they work: Filters air (typically with carbon filters) and recirculates it back into the kitchen.
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Pros: Easier to install; no ducting needed. 🔄
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Cons: Less effective than ducted fans; filters need regular replacement. 🔁
3. Integrated or Built-in Fans
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How they work: Hidden within cabinetry or the hob itself.
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Pros: Great for modern, minimalist designs. 😍
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Cons: Often more expensive; lower extraction power. 💸
4. Island Extractor Hoods
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Best for: Kitchens with a central cooking island.
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Style: Often a statement piece; stylish and functional. 🏝️
📏 How to Size Your Extractor Fan
The power of an extractor fan is measured in m³/h (cubic meters per hour), which tells you how much air it can move. The ideal fan should be able to change the air in your kitchen 10 to 12 times per hour.
👉 Use this formula:
Kitchen volume (length × width × height) × 10 = minimum extraction rate needed.
For example, a 4m x 3m x 2.5m kitchen: 4 × 3 × 2.5 = 30m³
30 × 10 = 300 m³/h minimum extraction rate ✅
If your kitchen is open-plan or you do a lot of frying or boiling, aim for a higher extraction rate (e.g. 500–700 m³/h).
🔇 What About Noise Levels?
No one wants an extractor fan that sounds like a jet engine. 😫 Look for models with noise levels between 40–60 decibels (dB). Quieter fans tend to cost more, but they offer a better cooking experience.
Bonus Tip:
Choose a fan with multiple speed settings — use the lower settings for regular cooking and higher ones for smoky or steamy tasks.
🔄 Filtration: What You Need to Know
If you’re using a recirculating fan, filtration is key:
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Grease filters (usually metal): Trap airborne grease. Washable and reusable.
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Carbon filters: Absorb odors. Need replacement every 3–6 months.
Ducted fans also use grease filters, but they don’t need carbon filters because air is vented outside.
🎨 Design and Style Tips
Today’s extractor fans come in a wide range of styles to match any kitchen:
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Chimney hoods — Classic and visible above a cooktop.
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Glass or stainless steel hoods — Sleek and modern.
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Under-cabinet hoods — Compact for small kitchens.
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Downdraft extractors — Hideaway fans that rise from the worktop. 🚀
Choose a model that complements your kitchen layout, cabinetry, and color scheme for a cohesive look. 🎨
🔌 Installation Considerations
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Duct length matters: Shorter, straight ducts are best. Long or curved ducts reduce efficiency.
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Height above cooktop: Typically 65–75 cm (gas) or 50–65 cm (electric) from hob.
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Power supply: Ensure proper electrical connections and ventilation access.
Always consult installation guides and hire a professional if needed. 👷♂️
💡 Smart Features Worth Considering
Modern extractor fans come with features that make your life easier:
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Touch controls or remote control
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Automatic sensors that detect steam or smoke
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LED lighting to illuminate the cooktop
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Smart connectivity to sync with apps or smart home systems 📱
These might cost more upfront but provide convenience and energy efficiency in the long run. ⚡
💰 How Much Should You Spend?
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Budget fans: $100–$300 (basic models)
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Mid-range: $300–$700 (better performance and aesthetics)
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Premium: $700+ (designer, smart, and integrated features)
Investing in a high-quality extractor fan can save you from future issues with air quality, mold, or kitchen grime. 🏠
✅ Checklist for Buying the Perfect Extractor Fan
🔲 Choose the right type (ducted or recirculating)
🔲 Calculate the correct extraction rate
🔲 Check the noise levels
🔲 Choose efficient filters
🔲 Match the fan style with your kitchen
🔲 Consider installation requirements
🔲 Look for smart and energy-efficient features
🔲 Set a realistic budget
✨ Conclusion
Choosing the right extractor fan is more than picking a sleek kitchen appliance — it’s about ensuring proper ventilation, reducing indoor air pollution, and protecting your home from moisture and grease damage. With so many models available, taking the time to consider size, type, filtration, and design will help you make a smart, long-lasting investment. 💡💸
So, whether you’re an occasional cook or a culinary enthusiast, your kitchen (and your lungs!) will thank you for a well-chosen extractor fan. 😉
