Are Venting Hobs Worth It? Pros & Cons of Hobs with Built-In Extractors

When planning a new kitchen, one of the most common questions is how best to handle cooking odours, steam, and grease. Traditionally, this has meant choosing between a wall-mounted cooker hood or a ceiling-mounted extractor above an island.

In recent years, venting hobs – hobs with a built-in extractor fan – have become a popular alternative. But are they worth the investment? Let’s explore what they are, how they work, and the pros and cons compared to traditional hobs and cooker hoods.

 

What Is a Venting Hob and How Does It Work?

A venting hob (also called a hob with built-in extractor fan or downdraft hob) is a modern appliance that combines a cooking surface with an integrated extractor.

Instead of relying on a hood above, the extractor sits in the centre or to the side of the hob surface and pulls steam, smoke, and odours directly from the pan.

The air is then:

• Ducted outside (like a traditional cooker hood), or

• Recirculated through charcoal filters, which clean and return the air back into the kitchen.

This design gives you a sleek, space-saving option while still removing cooking fumes effectively.

 

What Are the Advantages of Venting Hobs?

Venting hobs offer several key benefits:

• Space-saving design – No need for a bulky overhead cooker hood, making kitchens feel more open and uncluttered.

• Stylish appearance – Seamlessly blends into modern layouts, especially on kitchen islands.

• Extraction at source – Steam and odours are pulled directly from the pan for effective performance.

• Flexible layouts – More freedom in kitchen design since you’re not tied to wall or ceiling-mounted extractors.

Together, these features make venting hobs especially popular for smaller kitchens, open-plan living, and modern island setups.

 

What Are the Disadvantages of Venting Hobs?

Before investing, it’s important to weigh the downsides:

• Higher cost – Typically more expensive than a standard hob and separate cooker hood.

• Installation challenges – Ducting can be tricky for islands or upstairs kitchens.

• Reduced storage – The extractor mechanism takes up drawer space beneath the hob.

• Maintenance requirements – Filters need regular cleaning or replacing; servicing may be needed.

• Less powerful than hoods – For heavy steam and high-heat cooking, a wall or ceiling-mounted hood usually performs better.

 

Venting Hobs vs. Traditional Cooker Hoods – Which Is Better?

Venting Hobs:

• Sleek, modern, space-saving.

• Great for kitchen islands and open-plan spaces.

• More expensive, harder to install, and reduce storage.

Traditional Hobs + Cooker Hoods:

• Usually cheaper and easier to maintain.

• Stronger extraction (steam naturally rises).

• Require wall or ceiling space, which can feel bulky.

In short, choose a venting hob if design flexibility and aesthetics are your top priorities. Choose a traditional hob + hood if you want maximum extraction power and lower cost.

 

When Venting Hobs Are a Good Investment

• Kitchen islands – Avoids a bulky overhead hood.

• Open-plan kitchens – Keeps sightlines clear and enhances a modern, minimal look.

• Small kitchens – Maximises wall space for cabinets or shelving.

 

When a Traditional Hob and Hood Is Better

• Budget-conscious projects – More affordable upfront.

• Storage-focused kitchens – Keeps valuable drawer space below the hob.

• Heavy cooking households – Better extraction power for frying, boiling, or wok cooking.

 

Venting Hob FAQs

How much do venting hobs cost?

Typically between £1,500–£3,000, plus installation.

Do venting hobs need to be ducted outside?

No – they can be either ducted outside or use a recirculating filter system.

Are venting hobs noisy?

Noise levels are comparable to traditional cooker hoods. Ducted models are usually quieter than recirculating ones.

Are venting hobs easy to clean?

Yes – the hob surface cleans like any induction hob. Filters are removable and either washable or replaceable.

Are venting hobs reliable?

Most models from leading brands (e.g. Bora, Neff, Siemens) are reliable, provided filters are maintained.

Do venting hobs work as well as cooker hoods?

They are very effective for everyday cooking, but a powerful wall or ceiling hood will usually extract more efficiently in high-steam or high-heat situations.

 

Conclusion – Are Venting Hobs Worth It?

Venting hobs are an excellent choice for homeowners who want a modern, stylish, and space-saving alternative to traditional cooker hoods. They’re especially well-suited to kitchen islands, open-plan layouts, and smaller spaces.

However, they come with higher upfront costs, installation challenges, and some loss of storage. For households that do a lot of heavy cooking or want the most powerful extraction, a traditional hob and hood may still be the best fit.

If design freedom and aesthetics matter most, venting hobs are worth the investment. If cost, storage, and maximum power are priorities, a traditional hob and extractor will serve you better.

 

Next Step

At RDO Kitchens & Appliances, we stock a wide range of venting hobs from trusted brands like Bora, Neff, and Siemens. Visit our venting hob collection or come to our Surrey showroom to see them in action and get expert advice on the right choice for your kitchen.