How to Choose the Right Cooker Hood: An Expert Buying Guide

Choosing the ideal cooker hood is essential for maintaining a fresh, clean, and comfortable kitchen. It’s not just about removing cooking odours; a powerful extractor is vital for controlling grease, steam, and airborne particles, protecting your kitchen cabinets and air quality.

At Howard's Electrical, we stock a comprehensive range of quality cooker hoods to suit every kitchen design and cooking requirement. This expert guide breaks down the key factors from extraction type to sizing and style, to help you make a truly informed decision.

1. Define Your Extraction Method: Ducted vs. Recirculating

The first, and arguably most important, decision is the type of ventilation the hood will use.

Ducted (Vented) Cooker Hoods

A ducted system is the most efficient. It physically removes cooking air, smells, steam, and grease from your kitchen and expels it outside through a ducting pipe (vent).

• Pros: Highly effective, permanent removal of all airborne contaminants, generally quieter.

• Cons: Requires external wall access and professional installation of ducting, which can be complex.

Recirculating (Ductless) Cooker Hoods

If external venting isn't possible, a recirculating hood is your solution. It draws air in, filters it through a grease filter and a charcoal/carbon filter to remove odours, and then releases the cleaned air back into the kitchen.

• Pros: Flexible installation as no external ducting is needed, often easier to fit in apartments or certain kitchen layouts.

• Cons: Less efficient than ducted (may require a higher motor capacity), charcoal filters need regular replacement (typically every 3-12 months) to remain effective.

💡 Expert Tip: Many modern hoods are designed as 'Convertible' models, meaning they can be installed to operate in either a ducted or recirculating mode, offering maximum flexibility.

2. Calculate Your Required Extraction Rate (m3/h)

A cooker hood's extraction rate—measured in cubic metres per hour (m3/h)—indicates how much air it can shift. To work out the ideal rate for your kitchen, we apply the UK industry standard of exchanging the air volume $10-12$ times per hour.

The Calculation Formula:

1. Calculate Kitchen Volume: Measure your kitchen's Length x Width x Height (all in metres) = Volume (m3).

2. Calculate Required Extraction: Volume (m3) x 10 = Minimum Extraction Rate (m3/h).

Example: For a kitchen that is 4m long, 3m wide, and 2.4m high:

• Volume: 4×3×2.4=28.8 m3

• Minimum Extraction Rate: 28.8×10=288 m3/h

If you have an open-plan kitchen/diner or cook frequently with strong odours (e.g., grilling, frying), we recommend multiplying by 12 instead, or choosing a model with a powerful boost/intensive setting that exceeds your calculated minimum.

3. Choose the Right Style and Placement

The type of cooker hood you select will depend entirely on your kitchen layout and aesthetic preference.

4. Don't Overlook Noise and Efficiency

Noise Level ($\text{dB}$)

In modern, open-plan homes, the noise level is a critical factor. Measured in decibels ($\text{dB}$), noise generally increases with extraction power.

• Look for models operating at $60\text{dB}$ or less at maximum normal setting—this is comparable to a normal conversation.

• The minimum/low setting should be significantly quieter, ideal for simmering or low-intensity cooking.

Energy Efficiency

Check the hood's Energy Efficiency Class (rated A+++ to D, or increasingly, A to G). A higher rating (e.g., A or B) means lower running costs and a more efficient motor, saving you money in the long run.

Summary Checklist Before You Buy

1. Extraction Method: Ducted (best performance) or Recirculating (most flexible)?

2. Sizing: Is the hood the same width as your hob (or larger)? A 60cm hob needs at least a 60cm hood.

3. Power: Does the Extraction Rate (m3/h) match or exceed your kitchen’s minimum requirement?

4. Style: Does the Hood Type (Chimney, Angled, Integrated) suit your kitchen design and layout?

5. Acoustics: Is the Noise Level ($\text{dB}$) acceptable for your living space?

6. Running Costs: Does the Energy Rating meet your efficiency standards?

Browse our extensive range of cooker hoods today to find the perfect blend of power, performance, and style for your kitchen. Need further assistance? Our expert team at Howard's Electrical is on hand to help you extract the perfect solution.