Cooker Hood FAQs

A cooker hood is a really useful addition to any kitchen and if you have one then you’ll know just how useful they are. They can provide a much nicer and safer environment while you cook and can help to keep your kitchen, and house, clean.

Although cooker hoods are becoming more popular year on year, there are still many people who aren’t entirely sure what they are or what they’re used for. We’ve created a list of the most commonly asked cooker hood questions to explain the answer to these questions and many more.

What Is a Cooker Hood?

A cooker hood is a device that is found within a kitchen that contains a mechanical fan. This appliance is used to remove fumes, odours, heat, and any airborne grease from the environment. They are often found above ovens and stoves and are suited for both domestic and commercial use, increasing in size and scale accordingly.

Common alternative names for cooker hoods are exhaust hoods, extractor hoods, and range hoods. So, you may be more familiar with these terms.

Do I Need a Cooker Hood?

There are no laws or regulations stating that you have to have a cooker hood in your kitchen. It is something that we recommend having as it can make your cooking environment safer and cleaner.

However, something that must be considered is that within the UK there are regulations requiring new build properties to have a way of removing any condensation and steam from within a kitchen. This is primarily to prevent any mould from building up within the property. To achieve this, you can use a wall mounted extractor fan, but the cooker hood is easier to install and often the preferred choice.

What are the Different Types of Cooker Hood?

There are a few varying styles of cooker hood available on the market. We’re going to introduce you to the main types to help you decide which style is best for you. Our article on the different types of cooker hoods explains how different styles operate, providing more detailed information.

Canopy Hoods

Canopy hoods are situated within canopy housing or overhead cupboards and are often discreet and not very visible. These are also known as built-in cooker hoods.

Ceiling Hoods

These are built into your ceiling and will generally feature a remote control as they tend to lie flat and are out of reach.

Wall-mounted Hoods

These look different to most styles as they are vertical and not horizontal. As the name suggests these are placed on your wall. These are great if there are height restrictions above your cooking area.

Island Cooker Hoods

These are ceiling mounted and hang down by a steel frame. Located above your kitchen island, these absorb smoke and odours that wouldn’t be reached by a nearby wall-mounted unit.

Pendant Cooker Hoods

These are similar to the island extractor fan described above, however these feature a decorative pendant around the circumference of the cooker hood.

Downdraft Cooker Hoods

This style is less common but growing in popularity. The downdraft extractor fan is built into your island or worktop and aren’t visible when not in use, rising from the surface when turned on.

Which Size Cooker Hood Do I Need?

If you’ve begun your journey to buying your own range hood then you’ll know that they are available in various sizes. So, how do you decide what size cooker hood is best for you? First, you have to decide where you want to put it. Then measure your available space and use that as your main criteria for finding suitable models.

If you’re replacing an existing model then measure the size of the hood and the mounting space that this uses and look for a similar size. It’s still best to measure your available space so that you know what the maximum available space you have is.

Where Should I Put My Cooker Hood?

The best place for your cooker hood is dependent on a number of factors, including:

  • How much space you have above your cooking station
  • The design of your kitchen
  • Your ability to reach the space above your cooking station
  • Your preferred style

Then you must take into account any additional requirements you may have such as a cooker hood with lights, or an extractor fan with a particular shape of design.

If you have a small cooking area then you will benefit from a ceiling mounted range hood as it will not take up essential wall or height space.

If your cooking area is located on a kitchen island or underneath an area that doesn’t have sufficient space then consider an island cooker hood or a downdraft cooker hood.

Hopefully our section on range cooker hood types has helped to clarify which style will suit you the most.

How Do Cooker Hoods Work?

A standard kitchen extractor fan has a canopy which contains washable and replaceable grease filters, alongside an internal motor that absorbs the air from your cooking area and either transports these directly outside, or back into your room through the use of additional charcoal filters which remove any cooking odours during the journey.

How Do I Fit a Cooker Hood?

Fitting a cooker hood isn’t that easy if you’re not experienced, so if you’re not comfortable doing this then we recommend consulting a professional. With that in mind, we have decided to create a list of things that you must do in preparation for installing a range cooker hood, but have omitted any detailed technical instructions as these could easily fill an article on their own:

  • Measure your space – a general rule of thumb is to hang the hood approximately 24-30 inches above your cooking surface.
  • Turn off your power supply – The power source for your range cooker can often be found within your fuse box, ensure this is switched to Off before any work begins.
  • Remove your existing cooker hood – If you’re replacing your old cooker hood with a new model then make sure that all of the filters are removed and then the cover is taken off. Consult a professional for the remaining removal and unwiring if you’re not comfortable removing the rest of the unit.

The answers above will hopefully guide you on your way to understanding how cooker hoods work and get you on your way to picking the best range hood for your needs. If you have any queries regarding any of the models available on our website, or wish to know any further information then please contact us for more information.