When it comes to designing a functional and healthy kitchen, one of the most critical yet often underestimated components is airflow. A properly sized kitchen extractor fan doesn’t just remove cooking smells — it helps eliminate smoke, steam, airborne grease, and even harmful gases like carbon monoxide. Get the sizing wrong, and you’ll either suffer poor ventilation or waste energy on an overpowered unit. 😕
In this article, we’ll explain why airflow matters, how to calculate the correct extractor fan size, and what other factors you should consider to ensure your kitchen stays fresh, clean, and comfortable.
🧠 Why Airflow Matters in the Kitchen
Cooking generates a variety of pollutants:
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Steam from boiling and simmering
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Smoke and grease from frying
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Odors from food preparation
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Heat that raises indoor temperatures
Without proper ventilation, these elements can:
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Make your home uncomfortable
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Create condensation that leads to mold and mildew
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Damage cabinetry and walls
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Affect air quality and your health 😷
That’s why choosing the right airflow capacity, measured in CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) or m³/h (cubic meters per hour), is essential.
📏 What Is the Right Extractor Fan Size?
The size of your extractor fan depends on the volume of your kitchen and the type of cooking appliances you use.
🧮 Step 1: Measure Your Kitchen Volume
Use this formula:
Kitchen Volume (m³) = Length × Width × Height
Example: A kitchen that is 4 m x 3 m x 2.5 m = 30 m³
🔄 Step 2: Multiply by the Air Changes Per Hour (ACH)
The recommended number of air changes per hour for kitchens is 10 to 15.
Required airflow (m³/h) = Kitchen Volume × 10–15
From the example above:
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30 m³ × 10 = 300 m³/h (minimum)
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30 m³ × 15 = 450 m³/h (maximum)
👉 Your extractor fan should have an airflow rate between 300–450 m³/h.
🔧 Other Key Factors to Consider
🍳 1. Type of Cooking
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Gas cooktops produce more heat and moisture — go for higher airflow (12–15 ACH)
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Electric/induction cooktops require slightly less (10–12 ACH)
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Frequent frying or grilling? Choose the upper end of the range
🚪 2. Duct Length and Shape
The longer and more twisted your ductwork, the more airflow you’ll lose.
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Add 15% more capacity for every bend in the duct
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Add 10% more if the duct exceeds 3 meters
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Use smooth, rigid ducting for best performance
🔇 3. Noise Levels
Measured in decibels (dB):
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Quiet models: 40–55 dB
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Loud models: 65+ dB
💡 Choose a fan with variable speed settings — high speed for heavy cooking, low for simmering or airing out.
🧱 4. Kitchen Layout
Open-plan kitchens may need stronger extractor fans due to larger air volumes and lack of confined space. Island cooktops especially benefit from ceiling-mounted hoods or downdraft extractors.
🔢 Quick Reference: Recommended Airflow (m³/h) by Kitchen Size
| Kitchen Size (m²) | Ceiling Height (2.5m) | Recommended Airflow |
|---|---|---|
| 6 m² | 15 m³ | 150–225 m³/h |
| 10 m² | 25 m³ | 250–375 m³/h |
| 15 m² | 37.5 m³ | 375–560 m³/h |
| 20 m² | 50 m³ | 500–750 m³/h |
🧼 Tips for Better Efficiency
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Install close to the cooking area for maximum effect
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Always vent outside if possible — recirculating models are less efficient
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Clean the filters monthly to prevent clogging and airflow loss
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Make sure to leave a small air gap (like a window or door) for replacement air
💡 Conclusion
Choosing the right extractor fan is about more than just brand or style — it’s about ensuring proper airflow to protect your home and health. Measure your kitchen space, consider your cooking habits, and factor in duct length and layout. When in doubt, slightly oversize your fan rather than go under — but don’t forget to balance power with noise and energy efficiency. 🔧🔊
A well-sized extractor fan is a small investment that pays off with cleaner air, a fresher kitchen, and fewer long-term repair costs. 💸🌿
