Extraction plays an important role in the kitchen. Range cookers are capable of producing considerable amounts of heat and steam, not to mention cooking odours and grease.

When choosing a cooker careful thought should also be given to an extractor hood and where to position it.

Factors to consider:-

1. Dimensions - The hood should be at least the width of the hob, not only will this extract the fumes more effectively but it will also look better.

2. Capacity - This refers to the amount of air moved and a general rule of thumb is it should be able to move 10x the room volume per hour. This is easily found by measuring the height x width x length of the room x 10 and comparing this to the extractors figures.

3. Noise – All motors make noise in operation and extractor hoods are no exception. Aim for a noise level of 55db or less (ambient kitchen noise) in general running, higher levels will be encountered on maximum settings but this is usually only for a short time. A more powerful motor running at half capacity is usually quieter than a smaller motor running flat out to achieve the same air flow.

4. Ducting – this may seem boring but it is very important. Almost all hoods can be installed to recycle the air through a filter or to duct the air externally. Recycling is the easier option to fit but there will be the ongoing costs and mess of replacing carbon filters at regular intervals (6months); the output will be reduced by at least 30% as the air is forced through the filters and it will not reduce steam. The better option is to duct the out put to the outside. Check the manufacturers ducting requirements, don't be tempted to skimp on them, smaller ducts restrict airflow and generate more noise, as do bends and corrugated, flexible, liners.

Nb. Extraction fans must not effect the safe combustion of open flued appliances, if you have an open flued appliance already in your kitchen (example Aga) seek further advice.

5. Filters – check that the grease filters are machine washable.

6. Lighting – not always thought of but a hood provides the ideal position for lighting the hob, some hoods have spots while others have fluorescent strip lights.

7. Features - some hoods have filter alarms, some have remote control units while others have built in heat lamps, some can even automatically switch themselves on when required.

Now you have the basics sorted out it's time for the interesting part:-

Style - this is a personal choice but remember your hood is as much a focal point as the cooker and can affect the whole look of your kitchen.

We supply hoods from :-

If you are considering a hood with your new range cooker please contact us for more information at:-

Classic Cookers, Plymouth. 01752 222988