Cooker hood buying guide: Find the best extractor fan for your kitchen

Whether you’re frying up a breakfast or cooking an evening meal, steam and lingering smells can quickly fill your kitchen. That’s where a great cooker hood – and extractor fan – can make all the difference.

If you’re replacing an old appliance or updating your kitchen, a cooker hood may not be the most exciting item on your list. But the right cooker hood can transform how your space looks, smells, and feels.

From the difference between extraction and recirculation fans to installation considerations, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to find the right cooker hood for your kitchen.

Do you need a kitchen extractor fan?

While a kitchen extractor fan is not a legal requirement in UK homes, it is highly recommended – and is a standard feature in most cooker hoods.

Extractor fans help remove steam and moisture, which reduces condensation and the risk of mould. They also keep smoke and cooking smells at bay while filtering out grease particles from the air. This protects your walls, ceilings, cupboards, and other kitchen fixtures from grease build-up and helps improve air quality – which is essential in smaller or poorly ventilated kitchens.

Extractor fans are especially useful in open-plan homes, where smells can drift into living areas and linger. Without one, you’re left relying on windows or wall vents, which are far less effective.

What is a cooker hood?

The terms cooker hood and extractor fan are often used interchangeably, but technically they refer to different parts of the same system.

The cooker hood is the entire unit that sits above your hob. This includes either an extraction system or a recirculation system, along with housing, filters, lights, and buttons.

An extractor fan is the internal fan within the cooker hood that removes air, odour, and grease while cooking. 

What to consider when buying a cooking hood

The best cooker hood and extraction fan for you depends on your kitchen setup, style, and cooking preferences. Here are some things to think about when buying a new cooker hood: 

Types

Depending on the layout of your kitchen, you can opt for a chimney, integrated, or island cooker hood.

Chimney hoods are one of the most common styles and are designed to be mounted on the wall above your hob. A chimney hood usually has a wider base with a narrow “chimney” section that extends upwards. Many chimney cooker hoods are telescopic and can fit different ceiling types. Chimney hoods are great for kitchens with a hob against the wall.

Integrated cooker hoods, or built-in hoods, are ideal for a seamless, minimalist finish. They’re hidden inside a kitchen cabinet above the hob, designed to blend in with your existing kitchen design. Integrated cooker hoods are suitable for smaller kitchens or where space is limited.

Island cooker hoods – as the name suggests – are designed to sit above cookers on a kitchen island. They are most often ceiling-mounted and offer 360° extraction. As island cooking hoods are visible from all angles, they’re usually more of a statement piece, often available in modern glass or stainless steel. 

Extraction vs recirculation

Some cooker hoods offer both extraction and recirculation modes, but not all. Extraction systems remove air through ducting and vent it outside. This method is usually more powerful, especially if ducted correctly.

Recirculation systems filter the air and release it back into the room. They’re often used when external ducting isn’t possible and still offer effective odour and grease removal, thanks to carbon and grease filters.

For the most powerful setup, look for models with high airflow (measured in m³/h) and ducted extraction.

Size 

Most cooker hoods are between 60 and 90cm wide. A 60cm hood is standard for most four-burner hobs, while a wider 75–90cm model offers greater coverage for larger hobs.

The height of the cooker hood depends on the model and installation style. Many chimney hoods are adjustable, often with telescopic sections to fit different ceiling heights. Always check the product manual for clearance requirements and dimensions before buying.

Style

As well as removing air and grease, cooker hoods act as a focal point in your kitchen. They’re available in a range of styles and finishes – from sleek black to classic stainless steel – so it’s worth choosing something that complements your space.

Features 

Modern cooker hoods often come with smart features to make life easier. For example, our H-HOOD 500 models include Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can control the fan from your phone. Some hoods also sync with compatible hobs to adjust extraction automatically or allow you to set timers remotely.

Noise levels

Extractor fan noise levels vary depending on the motor and fan speed. If you want a quieter option for open-plan or evening use, look for models with noise ratings under 70dB. These are designed to keep background noise to a minimum without compromising performance.

Installation considerations when choosing a cooker hood

Before buying, check whether your kitchen can support ducted extraction – you’ll need access to an external wall and space for the ducting to run. If that’s not an option, a recirculation hood may be more suitable.

Also, check the minimum clearance needed between your hob and the hood. This is usually between 65–75cm for electric hobs and slightly higher for gas, but always refer to the product manual for safe installation guidelines.

Where to buy cooker hoods

If you’re looking for a reliable, modern cooker hood and extractor fan, we offer a wide range of models to suit different kitchen layouts and styles. Whether you’re after a sleek integrated canopy hood, a bold island cooker hood, or a compact chimney model, there are options for every space and budget.

Explore the full collection today to find a cooker hood that fits your kitchen – and your cooking routine – perfectly.