Choosing an Extractor Hood

An extractor hood doesn’t just keep your kitchen cool, clean, and odor-free during cooking – it keeps your walls grease-free, helps your carpeting resist fading, and keeps moisture down to prevent peeling paint.  They can also add dramatically to the look and value of your kitchen. Extractor hoods come in a variety of styles: from wall-mounted to integrated to suspended.  Deciding which is best for you can be challenging, but here are some things to consider.

What am I venting?

Range hood power is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute.)  If you have a gas range or cooktop, you will want 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTU your stove generates.  (If you have a 50,000 BTU gas stovetop, you’ll want a fan with 500 CFM.)  If you’re working with an electric, the CFM needed is decided based on the size of the stovetop.  Shoot for 100 CFM for every 10” of stove width.  So, a 30” stove/cooktop would require at least 300 CFM.  Choosing one with an extraction rate higher than you need can result in a higher energy bill and excessive noise.

How much do I want to pay?

The most important consideration is the power you need, followed closely by your budget.  Once you know your power needs, it’s time to start shopping!  Many vendors offer a wide range of styles and prices.

What style am I looking for?

Are you looking to match/coordinate with your existing appliances?  Are you looking for a bold, “designed” look? Would you prefer that your cabinetry is the focus in the kitchen, not the appliances?  These are all important questions to consider.

Some other things to think about...

How long are you using the stove while cooking?  Are you canning or bottling?  Do you use stock pots in your meal preparation?

Do you have ductwork already in place, or will that limit your choices? (These hoods are often called “ductless” or “re-circulating.”)

How much space do you have?  This is especially important if you’re fitting a new hood into an existing kitchen layout or cabinet.

*Energy-saving tip!*

Clean the grease filter often. Many are dishwasher safe, so it's easy to do!  Keeping the filter clean helps it run more efficiently, saving you money.

Check out the full range of IKEA extractor hoods here.