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Cooker Hoods: What is best, extraction or recirculation?

Updated: Jun 5, 2024

Have a look through our guide on the difference between extraction and recirculation hoods when it comes to your kitchen

Open plan kitchen with white cooker hood

Cooker hoods are a crucial long-term investment, and they should excel in both aesthetics and functionality. When selecting your cooker hood, you'll need to choose between two primary methods: extraction or recirculation. These hoods come in various styles that can complement any kitchen, offering versatility to cater to your cooking needs and seamlessly integrate into your kitchen design.


Extraction


The placement of your cooker determines how moisture, grease, and cooking aromas are managed. The choice between extraction and recirculation plays a crucial role in this. Extraction hoods expel the air outside through an external wall, necessitating access to such a wall, which might not always be feasible due to certain kitchen layouts. These hoods draw in air, capturing fats with a grease filter and expelling remaining fumes outdoors. Extraction hoods are highly effective but typically more expensive to install due to additional requirements.


Recirculation

In contrast, recirculation hoods guide air through internal filters, eliminating moisture and odours before reintroducing it into your kitchen. Most recirculation hoods feature both grease and charcoal filters to effectively remove food smells and smoke. Charcoal filters are essential for neutralizing odors during cooking. Recirculating cooker hoods are often more budget-friendly compared to extraction hoods, as they eliminate the need for ducting. However, keep in mind that replacement filters incur ongoing costs. Recirculation hoods are an excellent choice for kitchens where an external wall is not nearby and for those focusing on design flexibility.


When selecting your cooker hood, the primary consideration should be its placement in your kitchen, particularly if it's situated against an external wall. Regardless of whether you opt for extraction or recirculation, prioritize the quality of the internal system. Factors such as energy efficiency and ease of use may vary depending on the brand or type of hood you select.


A stainless steel extractor fan in a white kitchen

Wall Mounted Hoods:


These hoods often resemble chimney shapes, wider at the bottom and narrow at the vent. They make a stylish statement in your kitchen and efficiently remove odors. While they tend to be pricier than integrated hoods, they are a visually pleasing and logical choice.



An island cooker hood

Island Hoods:


Ideal for cookers positioned as part of a kitchen island, island hoods are suspended from the ceiling and offer flexibility in cooker placement. They create a glamorous focal point in the kitchen but tend to be larger and more expensive. Many island hoods are designed to resemble lighting fixtures, enhancing the kitchen's visual appeal.



An integrated discreet extractor fan

Integrated Hoods:


Perfect for those who prefer a discreet design, integrated cooker hoods can be concealed within a cabinet or under the cabinet, blending seamlessly with other kitchen elements. They are user-friendly and well-suited for smaller hobs. Under-cabinet hoods can either include ducts to vent air out or operate without ducts, recirculating air within the kitchen without compromising its aesthetic.


For further information, please contact us and we would be more than happy to help you make the right decision for you home!

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