A well-placed extractor fan in your kitchen isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for maintaining clean air, reducing moisture, and eliminating odors. But where you install it makes a huge difference in how effectively it performs.
In this article, we’ll explore the best placement options for your kitchen extractor fan, discuss key factors to consider, and provide expert tips to ensure your fan operates at maximum efficiency. 💡✅
🔍 Why Placement Matters
Extractor fans are designed to remove airborne particles, including steam, grease, smoke, and smells. If placed incorrectly, they’ll only do part of the job—leaving behind lingering odors and extra moisture that can lead to mold or damage.
📌 Optimal placement = optimal performance.
🧱 Best Places to Install an Extractor Fan in Your Kitchen
1. Directly Above the Cooktop or Stove
📍 Why it works best:
Most of the heat, steam, and cooking fumes come directly from your cooktop. Installing the extractor fan or hood directly above this area ensures immediate capture of air contaminants.
✅ Ideal Height:
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Wall-Mounted or Under-Cabinet Hoods: 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) above the stove.
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Island Hoods: 30–36 inches (75–90 cm) above the island cooktop.
📌 Tip: Avoid placing the fan too high, or it will lose suction power and efficiency.
2. Near a Wall or External Vent
If you’re using a ducted extractor fan, placing it against an exterior wall allows for easier and more direct venting outdoors. This setup reduces the length of ductwork, which:
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Improves airflow
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Minimizes energy loss
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Lowers installation costs
📌 Tip: Avoid long or twisted duct paths—they reduce airflow efficiency.
3. Ceiling Placement for Open Kitchens
For kitchens with island cooktops or modern open layouts, a ceiling-mounted (island) extractor hood is ideal. It should be centered directly over the island.
🌀 Downdraft extractors are also a sleek alternative in this setup, installed behind or next to the cooktop, and retracting into the counter when not in use.
4. Near a Window (For Ductless Fans)
If you don’t have access to exterior ducting, a ductless fan with carbon filters is your best bet. In this case, placing it near a window or natural airflow source can help disperse filtered air more effectively.
⚙️ Factors to Consider When Choosing a Spot
🧭 Airflow Direction
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Make sure the fan is pulling air out and not blowing it back into the kitchen.
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For ducted fans, the vent should ideally exit through an exterior wall or ceiling.
🔊 Noise Levels
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Fans mounted far from the cooking area may need to work harder, increasing noise.
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Direct placement over the cooktop reduces the need for high-speed settings.
🧱 Kitchen Layout
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Galley and L-shaped kitchens benefit from wall-mounted hoods.
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Open kitchens work well with island or ceiling fans.
💡 Lighting
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Many modern hoods come with built-in lights—use this to your advantage when installing above your cooking area.
🔧 Professional Installation Tips
✔️ Use Smooth, Rigid Ducts: They reduce airflow resistance compared to flexible ducts.
✔️ Minimize Bends in Ducting: Each bend lowers performance by up to 10%.
✔️ Seal Duct Joints Properly: Prevent leaks that compromise suction.
✔️ Use a Backdraft Damper: Stops cold air from re-entering when the fan is off.
✔️ Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Especially regarding height and clearance.
🔄 Don’t Forget Maintenance
Proper placement won’t help if the fan is clogged. Make sure to:
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Clean or replace filters regularly 🧽
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Check ducts annually for blockages 🕵️♂️
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Wipe down the hood after heavy cooking sessions
📐 Example Configurations
| Kitchen Type | Recommended Placement | Fan Type |
|---|---|---|
| Small closed kitchen | Above cooktop on external wall | Under-cabinet / Wall-mounted |
| Open-plan kitchen | Centered above island cooktop | Island / Ceiling hood |
| Apartment kitchen | Near window, ductless setup | Recirculating hood |
| Custom cabinetry | Built into cabinet over cooktop | Insert fan |
✅ Final Thoughts
Installing your kitchen extractor fan in the right location is the secret to maximizing air quality, minimizing maintenance, and creating a comfortable cooking environment. Whether you’re working with an open-plan layout or a compact kitchen, the fan should always be as close as possible to your cooking source, vented directly outside when possible, and installed at the recommended height.
💡 Remember: A well-placed fan = less grease, fewer odors, and a cleaner home.
