A guide to kitchen extractor fans  

Looking to improve your kitchen's air quality? This guide explores everything you need to know about kitchen extractor fans. These essential appliances remove cooking odours, smoke, steam and airborne grease particles that would otherwise linger in your kitchen.

We'll help you determine if your kitchen requires an extractor fan and explore the various types available on the market. From powerful downdraft models to stylish ceiling-mounted options, AEG offers a comprehensive range of high-performance extractor fans designed to suit any kitchen layout and cooking style. Discover how the right extractor can transform your cooking space into a fresher environment.

How do fan extractors work?

Extractor fans keep your kitchen air fresh by pulling in air and removing cooking fumes, steam, smoke, odours and excess heat. They use powerful motors to push this air outside, preventing harmful fumes from building up.

What is airflow?

Understanding airflow helps explain why extractor fans are important in your kitchen. Airflow is how air moves in a space, and it can be affected by temperature, air pressure and humidity.

Extractor fans control airflow in your kitchen. They remove cooking smells, steam, smoke and extra moisture, keeping the air fresh and making your kitchen healthier.

Types of kitchen extractor fans

  • Wall-mounted hoods

    Wall-mounted hoods, also called chimney hoods, are classic kitchen ventilation systems. They are installed on the wall above your cooking area and efficiently vent steam, smoke and odours outside through an exterior wall.

    At AEG, we offer a range of wall-mounted cooker hoods, each with its own unique style. Our stainless steel and glass cooker hoods have a sleek finish and include the Hob2Hood feature, which wirelessly connects the hob to the hood for automatic extraction. Our pyramid cooker hoods provide a classic look and come with integrated LED lighting and a breeze function for quiet operation. We also have T-shape cooker hoods that combine a traditional design with powerful motors to keep the air clean, as well as vertical cooker hoods that add a distinctive style to your kitchen.

  • Integrated hoods

    Integrated cooker hoods are another great way to save space in your kitchen. Unlike traditional extractors that stick out from the wall, these hoods are tucked away inside your cabinets. This design keeps your kitchen looking clean and spacious while ensuring it stays fresh.

    AEG has a variety of integrated cooker hoods to match different styles. Our built-in cooker hoods blend perfectly with overhead cabinets, giving you a clean, hood-free look. For a hidden option, try our flip-open cooker hoods that stay out of sight until you need them. Lastly, our telescopic cooker hoods also stay hidden when not in use and provide top-notch performance with very quiet operation when you pull them out.

  • Island cooker hoods

    If you have a kitchen island, you'll need a special cooker hood designed for it. Island cooker hoods work just like regular designs, removing cooking smells to keep your air fresh. The main difference is that they're made to fit above hobs on a kitchen island.

    At AEG, our island cooker hoods come with SilenceTech, which means they remove cooking vapours very quietly.

  • Extractor Hob

    An extractor hob, also known as an induction hob with integrated extraction, combines the functionality of a cooking surface with a built-in extractor fan. Eliminating the need for a separate overhead hood by drawing steam, smoke, and cooking odors directly from the hob. The extractor fan is usually placed at the center of the hob, effectively removing vapors and grease particles from your pots and pans during cooking.

Do I need a cooking hood extractor?

You don't legally need an extractor hood in your kitchen. However, since 2006, UK building regulations require some form of ventilation in kitchens. This can be a cooker hood or a wall-mounted extractor fan, as long as it vents outside and meets the required extraction rate set out by building regulations.

Opting for a cooking hood extractor offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Enhanced lighting: Many AEG cooker hoods feature built-in LED lights, providing extra illumination while you cook.
  • Quiet operation: Our models are designed for quiet extraction, unlike standard extractor fans, which can be quite noisy.
  • Kitchen maintenance: Excess steam can lead to discoloured paint or peeling wallpaper. A cooking hood effectively extracts fumes, reducing the risk of damage and keeping your kitchen in top condition.
  • Temperature control: Cooking can heat up your kitchen, especially in warm weather. A cooking hood helps cool the space by removing steam and smoke.
  • Increased home value: A stylish cooker hood not only enhances your kitchen's aesthetics but also adds functional value, making your home more appealing to potential buyers.