How To Choose The Right Extractor Fan For Your Kitchen
With multifunctional spaces becoming all the rage, it’s essential to increase flexibility in every space of your interior. This means the kitchen shouldn’t be home to too many odors — especially if you’re looking forward to lounging and dining nearby, with little to no partitions.
The trick to achieving this is by using the right extractor fan. Extractor fans remove moisture, grease, and smoke from the air, making the interior pleasant and odor-free. But with so many options out there, choosing the right extractor fan for your kitchen can be a challenge. If you’re in the same boat, give this article a thorough reading to know exactly how to decide the best choice for your space!
Decide On A Budget
The first thing to consider when shopping for an extractor fan is your budget. This is important, especially because these extractor fans range from around 100 euros all the way up to 3000!
A reasonable amount to spend is around 300 to 400 euros — you can find a decent extractor fan that successfully filters unwanted substances from the air in this budget. However, if you’re after aesthetics as much as functionality, consider increasing your budget to somewhere between 800 and 1000. In this price range, you can find extractor fans with stunning designs and a strong visual presence in your kitchen, creating a statement of their own!
Choose Your Preferred Extraction Method
Next comes another important decision: the extraction method. Generally, there are two types to choose from:
Ducted extractor: Air is extracted through a pipe. This guides the air from the interior to an outside vent.
Recirculation extractor: Air is extracted through a filtration system. This removes grease and smell from the air and releases it back into the kitchen.
Although a ducted extractor sounds like the better option, the recirculation extractor has its benefits, too. This includes quick and easy installation and budget-friendliness. Recirculation extractors can also be placed in unsuitable locations as they do not require connection with the outdoors.
Consider The Power
To decide on the power of your extractor fan, consider your daily activities in the kitchen. Do you fry items often and practice indoor barbecuing? You’ll need a more powerful extractor hood. If you’re someone who eats out often and doesn’t cook much, a lower-power one will do.
As a rule of thumb, hoods with an airflow of 400 cubic meters per hour work fine if you cook up to 3 items at a time.
Pick The Type Of Hood
Finally, pick the type of kitchen hood that suits your space best. There is a range to choose from, including the following:
Chimney Cooker Hood
Chimney cooker hoods are fixed to the wall and have a chimney coming out from the top of the appliance for venting the air. Their large build means they can easily dominate the room and act as a focal point, with their sleek appearance turning heads and making a design statement.
Built-In Canopy Hood
Built-in canopy hoods, as their name suggests, are installed inside kitchen cabinets above your hob. This means they contribute to a minimalist look, as the extractor doesn’t make a bold appearance in the kitchen. They’re also a very cost-effective option.
Downdraft Extractor
The motor and housing of downdraft extractors are installed into the cabinet below the extractor. They rise out of the workspace when in use and sit flush with the surface when not. This allows them to be closer to the source of cooking, ensuring they can vent air efficiently.
Angled Hood
Angled hoods angle upwards to create more headroom space when working in front of them. They are often large in size and have a bold presence in the kitchen.
Island Hood
Island hoods use recirculating extractors and don’t need a chimney to vent out. This means they can be installed almost everywhere, including above islands and peninsular units. If you have an optimum position for placement, they can also be made to duct out for better extraction.
Ceiling Hood
Ceiling hoods are built into the ceiling and operated with remote controls. However, they require sufficient space for the motor and in between ceiling joists to run ducting along and out.
Final Words
I hope you’re now a tad bit more knowledgeable on extractors fans — and can make a more educated choice for your kitchen. A final tip before you head fan shopping: pay heed to the noise levels. Generally, faster fans are noisier. Be sure to read the decibel rating on the product to have an idea of the noise level associated with it. And remember, the lower the level, the better — provided the performance is compatible with your needs!
