A well-ventilated kitchen is essential for maintaining indoor air quality, removing cooking odors, and preventing grease buildup. Extractor fans play a crucial role in achieving this by expelling smoke, steam, and airborne particles. In this guide, we will explore the importance of kitchen extractor fans, their types, key features to consider, and how to choose the best one for your kitchen.
Is It Worth Having an Extractor Fan for Kitchen?
Yes, having an extractor fan in a kitchen is definitely worth it. Cooking generates smoke, grease, and odors that can linger in the air, leading to poor indoor air quality and even potential health issues. Extractor fans help:
- Remove smoke and steam, preventing condensation and mold growth.
- Reduce cooking odors and keep the kitchen smelling fresh.
- Eliminate airborne grease particles that can settle on surfaces and appliances.
- Improve ventilation and create a comfortable cooking environment.
Types of Extractor Fans for Kitchens
1. Small Extractor Fans for Kitchens
Ideal for compact kitchens, apartments, or areas with limited space.
Typically designed for discreet installation, such as under cabinets or on ceilings.
Available in both ducted (venting outside) and ductless (using filters) options.
Example: Ciarra’s island cooker hood, which offers efficient air filtration in a small form factor.
2. Mobile Extractor Fan for Kitchen
A mobile extractor fan is a portable and flexible ventilation solution for kitchens without built-in hoods or ducting. It helps remove smoke, grease, and odors without requiring permanent installation.
Key Features:
Compact & Lightweight – Easy to move around and store when not in use.
Ductless Design – Uses carbon filters to purify air instead of venting outside.
Rechargeable & Corded Options – Some models run on batteries, while others plug into an outlet.
Ideal for Small Spaces – Perfect for rental apartments, tiny homes, or mobile kitchens.
3. Wall Mounted Extractor Fan for Kitchen
Installed directly onto the wall above the stove or cooktop.
Comes in chimney-style or flat-panel designs.
Great for kitchens with a traditional layout where the stove is placed against a wall.
Often features powerful suction, LED lighting, and multiple speed settings.
Example: Ciarra 90cm Wall Mount Range Hood with 3-speed extraction.
4. Built-in Extractor Fans for Kitchens
Integrated into kitchen cabinets or ceilings for a seamless look.
Popular in modern, minimalist kitchens where aesthetics are key.
Often comes with hidden ventilation to keep the kitchen design clean.
Can be recirculating (using filters) or ducted for external venting.
Example: Ciarra’s built-in range hoods, which blend into kitchen cabinetry while providing effective air extraction.
5. Downdraft Extractor
A sleek, space-saving option that rises from the countertop behind the cooktop when in use.
Ideal for kitchen islands, where wall-mounted or ceiling hoods aren’t practical.
Provides powerful suction directly at the cooking surface, pulling steam and odors downward.
Ciarra’s downdraft induction cooktops integrate air purification technology, eliminating the need for external ducting.
How to Choose an Extractor Fan for the Kitchen?
Selecting the right kitchen extractor fan depends on several factors, including ventilation type, noise levels, capacity, and style. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make the best choice:
1. Ducted vs. Recirculating Extractor Fans
Ducted: Homes with access to external ventilation, frequent cooking.
Recirculating: Small apartments, rental properties, or kitchens without ducting.
2. Noise and Capacity
Noise Level
Extractor fans produce noise, measured in decibels (dB).
Quieter models operate at around 50-60dB, while louder ones go beyond 70dB.
If you want a silent kitchen, choose a low-noise extractor fan.
Extraction Capacity (Measured in m³/h)
Determines how quickly the fan can clear the air.
Small kitchens need at least 200-300 m³/h airflow.
Medium kitchens require 400-600 m³/h.
Large kitchens should have 700+ m³/h for powerful extraction.
Formula to calculate required extraction rate:
Multiply kitchen volume (width × length × height) by 10 to get the ideal airflow.
Example: A 4m x 3m x 2.5m kitchen → 4 × 3 × 2.5 × 10 = 300m³/h required.
3. Choosing Your Extractor Fan Style
Different extractor fan styles cater to various kitchen layouts and aesthetics:
Wall-Mounted Extractor Fan
Best for traditional kitchens with a stove placed against a wall.
Built-in (Integrated) Extractor Fans
Installed inside cabinets or ceilings for a seamless look.
Ideal for modern kitchens where aesthetics matter.
Available in both ducted and recirculating models.
Downdraft Extractor Fans
Hidden inside the countertop.
Great for kitchen islands where a traditional hood isn’t practical.
Pulls steam and smoke downward, rather than up.
Mobile/Portable Extractor Fans
Compact, lightweight, and easy to move.
Uses carbon filtration for recirculating air.
Ideal for rental apartments, small kitchens, or mobile cooking spaces.
What Size Extractor Fan Do I Need for My Kitchen?
The size of the extractor fan you need is determined by the size of your kitchen and the level of extraction power required.
1. Calculating the Right Size for Your Kitchen
Multiply the length, width, and height of your kitchen to find the volume.
Example: If your kitchen is 4 meters long, 3 meters wide, and 2.5 meters high, the calculation would be:
4 × 3 × 2.5 = 30m³
To get the right airflow in m³/h, multiply the kitchen volume by 10.
For a kitchen of 30m³, the required airflow is 300m³/h.
2. Extractor Fan Power Based on Kitchen Size
Small Kitchen (Up to 3 meters x 3 meters)
- Required Extraction Capacity: 200-300 m³/h
- Recommended Size: Small 40-55cm range hoods or compact models.
- Budget Range: £50-£120
Medium Kitchen (Around 4 meters x 4 meters)
- Required Extraction Capacity: 400-500 m³/h
- Recommended Size: 60cm-80cm range hoods or integrated extractors.
- Budget Range: £100-£300
Large Kitchen (Over 5 meters x 5 meters)
Volume: 60m³ and up
Recommended Size: 90cm range hoods or downdraft extractors.
Budget Range: £300+
Can I Install An Extractor Fan Myself?
Yes, you can install an extractor fan yourself, but the level of difficulty depends on the type of fan you're installing your DIY skills, and whether you choose a ducted or recirculating model.
1. Recirculating (Ductless) Extractor Fans
These are generally easier to install because they don’t require external venting or ductwork. You simply need to:
- Choose the correct mounting location above your cooktop.
- Mount the fan using the included brackets or screws.
- Install the carbon filters (if applicable) to ensure the fan works effectively in recirculating mode.
- Plug it in and check if the electrical wiring is safe and correctly connected.
- DIY Difficulty: Easy
- Tools Needed: Screwdriver, drill, and level.
- Installation Time: 1-2 hours.
2. Ducted (Vented) Extractor Fans
These are more complex to install, as they require a ducting system to vent air outside. Here’s what’s involved:
- Mounting the Fan: You’ll need to securely fix the fan to the wall or ceiling. Ensure it's positioned above the cooktop.
- Installing the Ductwork: The ducting will need to be routed from the fan to an external vent, either through the roof or an external wall. This could involve cutting holes in your wall or ceiling.
- Electrical Wiring: You may need to connect the fan to the power supply, which may require electrical knowledge or professional help.
- DIY Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Tools Needed: Power drill, saw (for wall/roof cutting), ducting materials, screwdriver, and possibly electrical tools.
- Installation Time: 3-5 hours (may require more time if venting through walls or ceilings).
You may be interested in: Is it Possible to Vent Kitchen Hood Up a Wall
If you purchased a Ciarra product, check out the installation video!
Do All Extractor Fans Work with Induction Hobs?
In general, most extractor fans will work with induction hobs, as long as the fan's extraction rate matches the size of your kitchen. While opting for induction hobs with integrated extraction provides an all-in-one solution, reducing the need for a separate fan. These hobs feature built-in air purification systems to remove odors, smoke, and bacteria directly at the cooktop.
Key Features of Induction Hobs with Integrated Extraction:
-
Plasma⁺ system: Removes cooking odors, smoke, bacteria, and airborne pollutants using a UV-C system.
-
Energy Efficiency: The extraction system works in tandem with the hob to efficiently clean the air, offering low energy consumption and an A+ energy rating.
- Low Noise Levels: These systems typically operate at quieter levels (around 60dB), ensuring a peaceful cooking environment.
Final Thoughts
Extractor fans are essential for a clean, healthy, and odor-free kitchen. Whether you opt for a wall-mounted, ceiling, window, or cooker hood extractor fan, selecting the right model with the right features will ensure efficient ventilation and improved air quality in your home. Invest in a high-quality extractor fan to enhance your kitchen’s functionality and comfort.