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A cooker hood sits above your hob. It pulls smoke, steam, grease, and cooking smells out of the air. Many kitchens use one every day. It keeps the room cleaner and the air fresher.
What Is a Cooker Hood?
A cooker hood is a fan unit that hangs over the hob. It draws in air from the cooking area. The fan moves the air through filters. Some models send the air outside. Others clean it and send it back into the room.
People also call it an extractor hood or kitchen hood. It removes heat, odors, and grease particles that build up while you cook. Without one, these particles settle on walls, cabinets, and counters.
How Does a Cooker Hood Work?
The fan starts when you turn it on. It pulls air upward. Grease filters catch oil and food bits. Charcoal filters trap smells in recirculating models. The cleaned air then leaves through a duct or returns to the kitchen.
Good models run at different speeds. Low speed handles light cooking. High speed clears heavy steam or frying. Many have lights so you see the hob clearly.
Why Every Kitchen Needs One
Cooking creates steam and particles. A cooker hood clears them fast. It cuts down on grease buildup. It lowers the chance of smoke alarms going off. It also reduces condensation on windows and walls.
In small or open kitchens, it keeps the rest of the house from smelling like last night’s dinner. It makes daily cooking easier and the space more pleasant to use.
Main Types of Cooker Hoods
Choose the type based on your hob location and kitchen layout.
- Wall-mounted chimney hoods: Stand against the wall. They have a visible chimney section that hides the duct. Good for most standard kitchens.
- Island hoods: Hang from the ceiling over a central hob. They need strong extraction because air comes from all sides.
- Integrated or built-in hoods: Hide inside a cabinet. They slide out when you need them. They save space and look tidy.
- Canopy hoods: Sit under a cabinet. Simple and low-profile.
- Angled hoods: Tilt forward for a modern look. They often take up less height.
Ciarra offers models in all these styles. Check sizes from 60 cm to 90 cm to match common hobs.
How to Choose the Right Size
Measure your hob width. The cooker hood should be at least as wide. A wider hood catches more air.
For a 60 cm hob, pick a 60 cm or 90 cm hood. For an island setup, go wider than the hob. Most kitchens use 60 cm or 90 cm models. Leave 45 to 65 cm between the hob and the bottom of the hood. Use the higher gap for gas hobs.
Extraction Rate: How Much Power Do You Need?
Extraction rate tells you how much air the hood moves each hour. It is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h).
Here is a quick way to work it out:
Multiply your kitchen length × width × height (in metres).
Then multiply that number by 10.
This gives the minimum rate to clear the air about 10 times per hour. For heavy cooking or open-plan rooms, use 12 to 15 times instead.
Example: A kitchen 4 m long, 3 m wide, and 2.5 m high equals 30 m³. Times 10 equals 300 m³/h. Pick a hood rated at least this high.
Ducted or Recirculating: Which Option Works Best?
- Ducted (extraction): Air goes outside through a pipe. It removes smells and moisture completely. This is the best choice if you can run a duct to an outside wall.
- Recirculating: Air passes through charcoal filters and returns to the room. It needs no duct. Change the charcoal filters every 6 to 12 months. It works well when ducting is not possible.
Many models let you switch between the two with a simple kit. Ducted gives better results, but recirculating still clears most grease and odors.
Noise Levels to Consider
Check the noise rating in decibels (dB). Lower numbers are quieter. Look for models under 65 dB on normal speed.
Quiet operation matters if your kitchen is open to living areas. Good motors and solid construction keep sound low even at higher speeds.
Key Features to Look For
- Filters: Metal grease filters wash easily in the dishwasher. Charcoal filters handle odors in recirculating models.
- Lights: LED lights give clear view of pots and pans. They use little power.
- Controls: Touch, push-button, or sensor options. Some connect to your hob for automatic speed changes.
- Speeds: At least three speeds plus a boost mode for quick clearing.
- Energy rating: Look for A or better. It saves on electricity.
Simple Installation Tips
Install at the correct height above the hob. Use the right duct size to match the hood outlet. Short, straight ducts work best. Add a backdraft damper to stop cold air coming back in.
If you are not sure about wiring or ducting, call a professional. Always follow local building rules.
How to Clean and Maintain Your Cooker Hood
Clean the grease filter every month or after heavy use. Most slide out and go in the dishwasher.
Replace charcoal filters when smells start to come through again. Wipe the outside with a damp cloth. Run the fan for a few minutes after cooking to clear leftover steam.
Regular care keeps suction strong and stops grease buildup.
Ciarra One Cooker Hoods
Ciarra One cooker hoods give strong suction in a range of styles. You can find angled, island, integrated, and canopy models in 60 cm and 90 cm sizes. Many use energy-efficient motors and quiet operation.
Browse the full collection here: Ciarra one cooker hoods. Visit the main site for more kitchen appliances:
Final Thoughts
A good cooker hood clears your kitchen air and makes cooking simpler. Match the size and extraction rate to your room. Decide on ducted or recirculating based on your layout. Keep noise low and filters clean for years of steady use.
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