Air Venting Hob Guide

Image of an air venting induction hob fitted into a white marble worktop. Broccoli is cooking in a pan on the left of the hob and you can see the steam being drawn from the pan straight into the centre of the hob where the extractor is.

An air venting hob opens up brand new possibilities for your kitchen. Combining your hob with an extractor is a modern and effective way of cooking. Our air venting hob guide will explain how they work as well as talk you through the pros and cons of this type of hob.

What is an air venting hob?

Air venting hobs offer two appliances in one: a hob and an extractor. The extractor is positioned in the centre of the hob and draws the air downwards beneath the surface. There are two different extraction methods to choose from; recirculated and ducted out. Recirculated models use charcoal filters to trap grease and moisture before releasing the clean air back into the kitchen. Ducted out models expel the air outside your home using a pipe that connects from the extractor to an outside vent. Typically, air venting hobs use induction, however we do supply some air venting gas hobs too.

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Image of an Elica Nikolatesla air venting induction hob from above. There is a pan of brightly coloured chopped vegetables cooking on one side and a griddle cooking a fish on the other side. The vapour is being visibly drawn into the middle of the hob and the digital controls are illuminated to show you how the controls work.

How do you use an air venting hob?

If you opt for an air venting induction hob, you operate this in the same way you would a normal induction hob. Sliding digital touch controls allow you to adjust the temperature as well as the extraction rate. By having the controls for the extraction and the hob together, you can control the extraction rate without taking your concentration away from the cooking.

How do you clean an air venting hob?

Air venting induction hobs are easy to keep clean. By wiping the glass surface with a damp cloth after each use, you can keep the hob looking shiny and new. A deep clean roughly once a month will also help towards maintaining your hob. Each air venting model will have a slightly different extraction section however most have either a grill or a vent that can removed to clean. We have some tips and advice in our Hob Cleaning Guide. You can also find more information about how to clean your extractor and the grease filters in the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

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Close up of an Elica Nikolatesla

Pros and cons of air venting induction hobs:

  • Space saving – rather than having a bulky overhead extractor, you can eliminate steam and cooking odours without taking up much space.
  • Sleek aesthetic – air venting hobs blend seamlessly into your kitchen. The modern style works well in new kitchens, especially built into an island.
  • Easy to clean – as previously mentioned, you can wipe down the hob after each use. The smooth glass surface is easy to maintain. Most hob extractors are easy to clean too.
  • Clean air – because you are removing odour and vapour directly from the source, you can keep the air fresh and clean in your kitchen. Often this is more effective method than using a traditional cooker hood.
  • Cost – Air venting hobs tend to be more expensive to purchase than other hob types because they offer more functionality. However they are also highly energy efficient. So you will find that your running costs are cheaper than using a gas or ceramic hobs with a traditional cooker hood.
  • Installation – You’ll need to hire a professional to install this type of hob to ensure the ducting is installed correctly.
  • Specialist cookware – If you opt for an air venting induction hob, it is worth noting that you’ll only be able to use induction safe cookware. This can add to the upfront costs of replacing your hob if you’ve previously not used induction.
  • Noise levels – Because these hobs feature an extractor fan, you can find they produce extra noise. We do supply Quiet Mark certified air venting hobs if you’re looking to keep noise levels to a minimum*.

*Shop Quiet Mark certified air venting hobs

Brand

A close up image of an air venting induction hob installed into a stone grey island.

You might wonder which is the best air venting hob brand? We supply a variety of brands who make this type of hob. There are some specialist extraction brands that we would recommend. Find out which brands we think are best in our Best Hob Brand Guide!

Size

Close up of seafood cooking on a griddle on an air venting induction hob.

You’ll need to ensure there is enough space below the hob for the extraction ducting and filters. It is important to note that you will not be able to use the cupboard space beneath an air venting hob as the pipework and extractor motor will take up most of this space.

Features

Image of an Elica Nikolatesla air venting induction hob finished in white. The centre grill is weighing the saucepan of dried spaghetti.

Our range of air venting hobs offer many great features. Some models have a bridging function which combines two cooking zones so that you can cook with larger pots and pans. There are some models which can even weigh out your dry ingredients for you!

Air Venting Hobs: Conclusion

Now that we’ve discussed all the aspects you’ll need to consider before buying an air venting hob, the choice is yours! Not sure whether to choose this type of hob? You find find out about all other hob types in our Hob Buying Guide. If you need any further help and advice, call our sales team on 0115 965 1937. They are extremely experienced and knowledgeable so you can choose your new hob with confidence.

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