Choosing the Right Extractor for Your Kitchen: A Comprehensive Guide
The extractor or hood in your kitchen plays a pivotal role, not just in keeping your cooking space free of odours and smoke, but also in shaping the aesthetic of the room. With a plethora of choices available, how do you choose the right one? Let's delve into the factors that can guide your decision.
Vented Out or Recirculation: Setting the Foundation
Your first step is to decide whether you want an extractor that vents air externally or recirculates it within the kitchen.
- Vented Out: Air is expelled through a ducting hose connected to an external wall.
- Recirculation: Air is cleaned via carbon filters before being released back into the kitchen. Do note, special kits or filters might need to be purchased separately for certain models.
Deciding between these two options is crucial, as it narrows down your subsequent choices.
Types of Extractors: An Overview
Once you've settled on venting, you can explore the types of extractors available. Here are some options:
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Chimney Extractors: These are fixed directly to the wall and come with a 'flue' or 'chimney.' They are available in flat, pyramid, or curved shapes, with some featuring a glass body design.
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Wall-Mounted Extractors: Similar to the above but often without a 'flue,' offering a sleeker look. These are better for recirculation.
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Ceiling Extractors: Fixed to the ceiling via a concealed frame, these are designed to be visually appealing from all angles. Best for recirculation.
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Conventional Extractors: Installed under a wall unit or directly on a wall, these generally lack a 'flue' and are better suited for recirculation.
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Integrated, Canopy, and Telescopic Extractors: These are designed to fit into a wall unit or purpose-built bulkhead. They offer various operational styles, such as hinged or hidden controls.
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Downdraft Extractors: Installed into a worktop or island, these rise up when activated to enlarge the catchment area.
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Venting Hobs: These are built into the centre of a hob, making installation a one-step process.
Power Levels: Doing the Maths
To calculate the power level you need, find the cubic capacity (in metres) of your kitchen (length x breadth x height). Then multiply this figure by 10. This gives you the recommended minimum power level for extraction, measured in m³ per hour.
Noise Levels: Striking a Balance
The noise level of an extractor is mostly influenced by the power of its motor. Some models offer a better power-to-noise ratio due to quality insulation and motor design. As a general guide, anything with a extraction rate over 700 m³ per hour (in boost mode) and a noise level less than 70 dB (in boost mode) is considered a good power to noise ratio.
If noise is a concern, please feel free to give us a call for a balanced choice.
Ducting: An Important Consideration for Noise
If you opt for an external vent, your ducting route should be as straightforward as possible to minimise noise. Stick to the manufacturer's recommendations on ducting size and type. Note that the length and number of bends along a duct route will negatively impact performance, both in terms of power and noise.
Motor Types: An Additional Note
- Internal: Standard in most models.
- Remote or Inline: Located away from the extractor, beneficial for noise reduction and fitting into restricted spaces.
- External: Installed outside the property, offers the quietest operation.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right extractor involves a blend of functionality and aesthetics. It's an appliance which requires careful consideration, so if you're ever in doubt or have specific needs, please don't hesitate to give one of our experts a call!
