Sealed heating systems, double glazing and insulation all stop the circulation of fresh air, so extraction is needed in kitchens and bathrooms to help get rid of moisture and odours. This quick guide will help you decide what’s best for your kitchen.
Filters
Steam and odours are best removed from a kitchen via ducting to the outside, but this may not be possible in a flat or if the cooker hood is too far from the outside wall. In this case, air has to be recirculated through the cooker hood and this is done through a grease then a charcoal filter. The charcoal filter needs to be replaced every year or so, depending on how much you use your cooker hood. The grease filter can either be replaced if paper or washed if metal.
Extraction
To work out the extraction rate you need, you'll have to calculate the volume in cubic metres of the room and multiply x10, to allow for 10 changes of air per hour. You'll need to position the hood at a minimum of 65cm above a gas hob, or 43cm from an electric hob.
Click here to see our buying guide for hobs
Noise
The noise of the hood can be somewhat intrusive when on intensive or high speed, but a good tip, especially if you're eating in the kitchen, is to switch the hood on a few minutes before you start cooking to get air circulating in advance. You can then switch it off or to the lowest setting when you sit down to eat, and it will have done its job.
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