Choosing the right cooker hood is an important decision for any kitchen. Extractor and recirculation cooker hoods are two of the most popular types, offering different features and benefits. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between extractor and recirculating cooker hoods, including their design, power settings, noise levels, filters, styles and installation & maintenance. We’ll also look at some of the smart features available with modern models to help you choose the best one for your home.
Key Takeaways
- Extractor hoods require external ducting for ventilation while recirculation hoods use filters to cleanse air before recirculating it.
- Ducted hoods provide a higher rate of extraction than recirculation models, and recirculation mode has lower extraction rates than extraction mode.
- Recirculating units require regular replacement of air filters while extractive models may need servicing due to their complexity.
- Recirculation hoods are often used in smaller kitchens where there isn’t enough space for ducting, while extractive models provide more control over fan speed and air flow than recirculating hoods.
Design and Technology
Technology has revolutionized the way we cook, making extractor and recirculation cooker hoods essential modern kitchen appliances! Extractor and recirculation hoods are both types of cooker hoods that help to reduce the amount of smoke, steam, odours, and grease in a kitchen. They come in a variety of designs to suit any kitchen environment, from traditional chimney hoods to designer and island hoods. Hoods may also come with additional features such as lights or variable extraction rates.
Extractor hoods work by taking air from the room into an internal motor which then directs it outside through an exterior wall or roof vent. As such they require access to an external ducting system for ventilation leading outdoors. This type of hood is usually more powerful than recirculation models as it can remove all contaminants from the room quickly and efficiently.
Recirculation hoods on the other hand use either charcoal filters or metal filters to cleanse air before sending it back into the room in its purified form. This type of product is suitable for kitchens where there is no access to an external ducting system as clean air is sent directly back into the room without requiring outdoor ventilation. Recirculation mode does however have lower extraction rates than extraction mode so they may not be suitable for busy kitchens where there are large amounts of cooking activity taking place daily.
Cooker hoods are available in a wide range of designs allowing users to choose one that suits their individual needs while at the same time enhancing their kitchen’s overall aesthetic appeal. Whether you opt for an extractor or recirculating model depends on your personal preferences, budget and requirements – but rest assured both will make life much easier when cooking up a storm!
Ducted vs. Recirculating
Not sure if your kitchen needs a ducted or recirculating cooker hood? Let’s explore the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision!
Ducted and recirculating cooker hoods both have their benefits depending on your kitchen design. Ducted extractor hoods are traditional cooker hoods that work by using ducting to remove fumes and odors from the kitchen via an external vent. This type of hood is suited for use with traditional cooking surfaces such as gas hobs, as it provides a higher rate of extraction than recirculation models. They also require more space in the kitchen, as the external pipe must be installed in order to function properly.
Recirculation cooker hoods, on the other hand, use filters to cleanse the air internally instead of connecting to an outside vent. These types of hoods are often used in smaller kitchens where there isn’t enough space for ducting or when the type of filter needed cannot be easily accessed externally. While they may not offer quite as powerful a rate of extraction as their ducted counterparts, these models are still very effective at clearing away odors and fumes from your cooking surface while preserving your kitchen design aesthetic. Here are some key points to help you decide:
- The type of filter: Recirculation models use charcoal filters while ducted ones require specialised filters;
- The cooking surface: Gas hobs require more powerful extraction than electric stoves;
- Cooking style: If you frequently cook strong-smelling foods like fish or garlic then a higher powered extractor will be beneficial;
- Kitchen design: Recirculating units don’t need any extra vents or pipes but take up more internal space within the room itself.
When deciding which model is best for your home, consider all these factors carefully before committing to either option – this way you can find one that fits perfectly with both your cooking style and kitchen design!
Power Settings & Noise
The power settings and noise levels of ducted and recirculating cooker hoods can significantly vary, making it important to consider which one best suits your kitchen’s needs. Ducted cooker hoods tend to be more powerful than recirculating models due to their design, as they use filters that extract cooking odours directly outside the home. However, many newer models feature remote controls to adjust the fan speed for quieter operation. On the other hand, recirculating cooker hoods are attractive options for those who want a quiet kitchen environment because they don’t require venting hobs or additional ductwork; instead, they utilise carbon filters to trap grease and cooking smells before circulating clean air back into the room.
When choosing between a ducted or recirculating model, it is also important to consider the type of hood you need for your kitchen layout. Island hoods are integrated into an island countertop while ceiling hoods are suspended from the ceiling like chimney cooker hoods. Integrated hoods are built-in within cabinetry above cooktops and wall mounted varieties are fixed onto a wall above a hob range. Each of these styles have different power requirements depending on their design and size so you should always check with the manufacturer on energy specifications before selecting your preferred model.
Noise level is another key factor when deciding between a ducted and recirculating cooker hood since some models can be quite loud in operation. Many brands offer sound ratings that indicate how much noise is emitted but if possible try testing out different units at stores or read reviews online before purchasing your desired option.
Cooker Hood Filters
You’ll be glad to know that cooker hoods come with filters designed to keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean! There are two main types of filters used in most cooker hoods – charcoal filters and grease filters. Charcoal Filters can help to absorb cooking odours, while Grease Filters help capture airborne grease and other particles from the air. Both types of filter require regular cleaning or replacing over time, usually every month or so depending on the model of cooker hood, number of people in the household and how often it is used.
Cooker Hoods also come in a range of sizes with wall units being larger than those built into external walls. Controls on these vary according to size but can include anything from speed settings to lighting options. Many models feature guides on how often the filters need changing as well as advice on general maintenance for keeping your unit working efficiently and safely.
Regardless of whether you have a recirculation or extractor-style cooker hood, it’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for best practice when it comes to cleaning or replacing the filter at appropriate intervals each Time. Doing this will ensure that your kitchen remains smelling fresh and free from unpleasant Cooking Odours all year round!
Types and Styles
There’re a variety of types and styles of cooker hoods available, from built-in wall units to stand-alone models. For example, the popular ‘Island’ style cooker hood sits directly in the middle of your kitchen countertop, providing powerful extraction over all four burners. Recirculation and extractor cooker hoods are two common types that vary in terms of their design, performance and benefits.
| Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Recirculation Hoods | Reduced Noise Levels; Energy Efficiency; Touch Control Panels; Lighting Features |
| Extractor Hoods | Grease Filtration Technology; Improved Kitchen Environment; Increased Airflow Rate; Can be Customized by Kitchen Designer to Match Existing Kitchen Style |
Recirculation hoods are designed to filter out odors from the air using carbon filters before recirculating it back into the room. This type is quieter than an extractor fan as there’s no need for ducting or external venting, making them ideal for smaller kitchens where noise levels may be an issue. They also come with energy efficient LED lights and touch control panels which make operation effortless.
Extractor hoods rely on powerful motors to draw air away from cooking surfaces and through ducting or vents outside of the home. This type features grease filtration technology which captures particles like smoke, steam and odors more effectively than other systems. It also has higher airflow rates compared to recirculation models as well as flexibility in terms of customization – some can even be matched with existing kitchen styles by a professional kitchen designer.
No matter what type you choose, both recirculation and extractor cooker hoods provide great solutions when it comes to keeping your kitchen free from cooking smells or smoke while adding a stylish modern look at the same time!
Installation and Maintenance
Installing and maintaining a cooker hood requires careful consideration, as both recirculating and extractive models come with their own unique advantages and drawbacks. A recirculating unit does not require an exhaust pipe, making it much simpler to install than the downdraft extractor. It is also more cost effective as no additional elements are needed for installation. However, its powerful extraction is limited so it is not suitable in kitchens where strong odours are present or when cooking large amounts of food at once. On the other hand, extractive models need to be vented outside the house through an exhaust pipe but they offer a much more efficient way of eliminating unpleasant odours from your kitchen. Additionally, they can improve the overall cooking experience by providing more control over fan speed and air flow than recirculating hoods do.
Maintaining a cooker hood is essential in order to ensure its service life remains optimal. Touchsensitive controls make this task easier as they allow users to quickly adjust settings according to their needs without having to check the instruction manual every time. Additionally, most recirculating units require regular replacement of air filters while extractive models may need servicing due to their complexity. The former should be replaced every 3-6 months while the latter could benefit from yearly maintenance checks that can help keep them running efficiently for longer periods of time.
The kitchen cabinet is often seen as just another finishing touch but selecting between a recirculating or extractive model for your cooker hood will have serious implications that you should take into account before making any decisions. An essential guide on how each type works in different scenarios can help you choose which one best fits your needs and budget while still being able to make a style statement with your kitchen design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are recirculating cooker hoods more energy efficient than extractor hoods?
Yes, recirculating cooker hoods are more energy efficient than extractor hoods. This is because they use a carbon filter to trap cooking odors and smoke, eliminating the need for an external vent. The filtered air is then recycled back into the kitchen, meaning less energy is required to remove moisture and fumes from the environment. Furthermore, recirculating cooker hoods have been shown to reduce noise levels in comparison to their extractor counterparts.
Are recirculating cooker hoods quieter than extractor hoods?
Generally speaking, recirculating cooker hoods are quieter than extractor hoods due to the way they operate. Recirculating models don’t expel air outside of the kitchen, instead filtering and returning it into the room. This eliminates noise from fans expelling air and makes them a much more pleasant option for those seeking a quiet kitchen environment.
Does the size of a cooker hood have an effect on its performance?
It’s like a game of Goldilocks: when it comes to cooker hoods, size does matter. The size of the hood should be proportional to the size of your hob or range, so that it can effectively suck up steam and grease from cooking. If your cooker hood is too small, just like Goldilocks’ porridge, it won’t be able to do its job properly and could end up leaving an unpleasant smell in your kitchen. On the other hand, if it’s too big for your hob or range then you’ll end up wasting energy as the motor will have to work harder than necessary. Finding the right sized cooker hood is key in ensuring optimal performance and a pleasant cooking experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both extractor and recirculating cooker hoods have their own benefits. Extractor models are more powerful, often providing superior air filtration, but they can also require more maintenance and may be louder. Meanwhile, recirculating models are quieter and easier to install and maintain, but may not be as effective at clearing the air of fumes and odours. It really comes down to what is most important for your kitchen – powerful extraction or a quiet atmosphere. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which type of cooker hood best suits your needs.
