The Ultimate Cooker Hood Buying Guide:
Expert Advice & FAQs
Expert Advice & FAQs
How to Choose the Best Kitchen Extractor Fan.
Explore our comprehensive Cooker Hood Buying Guide to find the perfect extraction solution for your kitchen. From calculating extraction rates (m³/h) and choosing between ducted or recirculating models to understanding the latest brushless motor technology, we provide the expert advice you need to make an informed decision.
At Luxair, we don’t just manufacture cooker hoods; we engineer high-performance extraction systems designed to outperform standard market alternatives in both efficiency and longevity. Our commitment to quality is why we are highly rated by thousands of customers on Trustpilot.
Our latest models feature advanced brushless motor technology, delivering powerful extraction while operating significantly quieter than traditional motors. These motors are up to 85% more energy efficient on lower speeds, meaning lower running costs and a more refined, peaceful cooking environment.
Built with premium materials and precision engineering, every Luxair hood is designed for durability and consistent performance. Unlike many competitors, we prioritise long-term reliability over short-term cost-cutting. This dedication to craftsmanship is reflected in our Exceptional Trustpilot reviews, where customers frequently praise the build quality and aesthetic of our Italian-designed extractors.
We stand behind our products with comprehensive warranty support, giving you complete confidence in your purchase. You aren't just buying a product; you're gaining access to our UK-based expert aftercare and genuine parts availability. With an 'Excellent' reputation for customer service, our in-house technical team ensures you’re never left without support when you need it most.
A cooker hood, also commonly referred to as a kitchen extractor hood, is a critical appliance designed to maintain a clean and healthy cooking environment. Installed directly above your hob or cooktop, its primary function is to capture and eliminate airborne grease, combustion products, smoke, heat, and persistent cooking odours.
The Three Key Benefits of High-Quality Extraction:
Whether you choose a ducted-out system or a recirculating model with charcoal filters, a Luxair extractor is a vital investment in your home's hygiene and longevity.
An Extractor Hob (or vented induction hob) combines a high-performance induction cooktop with a powerful extraction system built directly into the glass surface. This eliminates the need for an overhead cooker hood, creating a completely open and minimalist kitchen aesthetic.
Instead of steam rising into a hood, an extractor hob uses downward suction to pull vapours and grease into a central vent between the cooking zones. This "cross-flow" technology is incredibly effective because it captures steam at the source before it has a chance to disperse into the room.
Just like traditional hoods, Luxair extractor hobs offer two installation options:
This is one of the most common questions we receive. Luxair extractor hobs are engineered with a liquid collection reservoir. If a pot boils over or you spill a drink into the vent, the liquid is caught in a dedicated internal tray that can be easily drained or wiped clean from underneath, protecting the motor and electronics.
Yes. The central grease filters are designed to be easily lifted out and are 100% dishwasher safe. Regular cleaning ensures the downward suction remains powerful and prevents grease build-up within the internal housing.
How powerful is the suction on an Extractor Hob?
Many customers wonder if downward suction can truly compete with a traditional overhead hood. To prove the efficiency of our engineering, we don’t use CGI or AI-generated simulations on our videos.
Real-World Testing: Our product demonstration videos feature real-life footage using industrial smoke pellets. This shows exactly how the high-velocity "cross-flow" suction captures and pulls heavy vapours into the vent at the source, ensuring 100% capture efficiency in a real kitchen environment.
Because extraction is pulling air downwards, very tall stockpots can sometimes bypass the suction. When cooking with tall pots, we recommend tilting the lid slightly to direct the steam toward the central vent for 100% capture efficiency.
Ready to upgrade? Explore our Collection of Induction Hobs with Extractors for the ultimate modern kitchen experience.
The most popular cooker hood styles include:
Chimney hoods – classic wall-mounted design with a flue.
Island hoods – suspended from the ceiling over a kitchen island.
Canopy hoods – integrated under a cabinet for a seamless look.
Ceiling hoods – flush-fitted into the ceiling for a minimalist style.
Downdraft extractors – rise from the worktop when in use, then hide away.
Induction hobs with built-in extractors – combine cooking and extraction in one appliance.
For compact kitchens, canopy hoods or integrated hoods save space and blend into cabinetry, while induction hobs with built-in extractors are perfect for open layouts without wall space. See also our small ceiling cooker hoods perfect for small kitchens or bathrooms.
Vented hoods are the most effective for moisture removal, while recirculating hoods are the best solution when external ducting is not possible.
Vented (ducted) hoods expel air outside, providing the most effective odour and moisture removal.
Recirculating hoods use filters to clean air and return it to the kitchen, ideal where external ducting isn’t possible.
If you can duct externally, choose vented for maximum performance. When recirculating, always ensure there is a way for the recirculated air to escape the void in which it is installed, this avoids a build-up of
condensation and moisture within this space.
Selecting the correct ducting diameter is the single most important factor in determining how quiet and efficient your extractor will be. At Luxair, we engineer our high-performance motors to move large volumes of air; therefore, the "exhaust pipe" must be wide enough to handle that flow without creating resistance.
For almost all modern kitchen extractors, 150mm rigid ducting is the recommended size.
While 125mm ducting is common in older homes, it should only be used for smaller, entry-level hoods with lower extraction rates. If you are installing a Ceiling Hood or a High-Power Brushless Motor, 125mm will significantly reduce performance and void some high-performance benefits.
We strongly advise against using 100mm ducting for any modern kitchen hood. This size is designed for small bathroom fans and is not capable of handling the high-pressure output of a kitchen extractor, leading to extreme noise and almost zero actual extraction.
Luxair Pro Tip: Always match your ducting size to the outlet on the top of your hood. If your hood has a 150mm outlet, never use a reducer to fit it into a smaller hole, as this is the #1 cause of "noisy hood" complaints.
Yes. In fact, induction hobs with integrated extractors are a growing trend, offering direct extraction from the cooking surface. This reduces steam spread and is perfect for open-plan kitchens.
Choosing the Right Size: The Induction vs. Gas Rule
When selecting your kitchen extractor, the type of hob you use is the most critical factor in determining the correct hood width. While standard advice suggests matching the width of your hob, for induction hobs, we strongly advise choosing a cooker hood that is two sizes wider than the hob surface.
Why Size Matters for Induction Hobs:
Unlike gas hobs, which produce an open flame that creates a natural "thermal updraft" to push steam directly into the filters, induction hobs only heat the pan itself. This creates two specific challenges for extraction:
By choosing a hood that is two sizes larger, you significantly increase the capture area, ensuring that wayward steam is trapped before it can condense on your cabinetry or spread odours throughout your home.
To ensure maximum steam capture and reduce condensation, follow our recommended sizing for induction cooking.
Expert Tip: If your kitchen layout limits you to a smaller hood, prioritise a model with a Brushless Motor. These motors provide the higher airflow (m³/h) needed to compensate for a narrower capture area.
Wall Mounted Cooker Hoods collection.
Ceiling Cooker Hoods collection.
Island Cooker Hoods collection.
Downdraft collection
Built-In extractor collection
Canopy cooker hood collection
Ceiling hoods are the ideal extraction solution for modern, open-plan kitchens. By flush-fitting into the ceiling, they free up valuable wall space and maintain clear sight lines across your kitchen island. Most Luxair ceiling extractors feature energy-efficient LED lighting and intuitive remote control operation for maximum convenience.
Choosing the Right Motor for Your Ceiling Void:
Ceiling Hoods with External (Outside) Motors
For the ultimate in high-performance extraction and acoustic comfort, Luxair offers ceiling hoods with external motors. By moving the motor from the kitchen to an outside wall or roof space, you can achieve powerful extraction without the internal noise of a traditional fan.
Explore our full range of External Motor Ceiling Hoods for a truly silent kitchen experience.
An Island Cooker Hood is a specialised extractor designed to be suspended directly from the ceiling, positioned over a kitchen island or a freestanding cooking station. Unlike wall-mounted models that rely on a vertical surface for support, island hoods are finished on all sides, serving as a stunning architectural focal point in modern, open-plan kitchens.
When planning your island extractor installation, ensure your ceiling is structurally capable of supporting the unit's weight. For the best aesthetic and performance, we recommend ducting through the ceiling void using 150mm rigid ducting to maintain a "clean" look and maximum airflow.
Browse our designer collection of Island Cooker Hoods to find the center-piece for your new kitchen.
A Canopy Cooker Hood is the ultimate choice for a minimalist kitchen design. Unlike bulky wall-mounted models, a canopy extractor is designed for seamless integration, fitting discreetly into the underside of a kitchen wall cabinet or a custom-built decorative chimney breast.
When selecting your cabinet-mounted hood, consider the depth of your cupboards. At Luxair, our canopy models feature high-performance motors and LED lighting to ensure your cooking surface is perfectly illuminated. For induction hobs, we recommend a canopy hood with a Brushless Motor to handle the increased steam dispersal.
Browse our full collection of Canopy Cooker Hoods to find the perfect fit for your cabinetry.
For most hoods:
Electric/induction hobs: 65–75 cm above the hob.
Gas hobs: 75–80 cm above the hob.
Always follow Luxair's guidance for safety and efficiency.
Grease filters (aluminium or stainless steel) – trap cooking grease.
Carbon filters – used in recirculating hoods to remove odours.
Grease filters are washable; carbon filters need replacing periodically.
To keep your kitchen air clean, a cooker hood should ideally be able to replace the air in the room 10 to 12 times per hour. If you have an open-plan living area, we recommend aiming for the higher end of that scale to ensure cooking odours don't settle on your soft furnishings.
Example Calculation:
While the m³/h (airflow) tells you how much air the motor can move, Static Pressure tells you how well it can push that air through the ducting. If you have a long ducting run with several bends, you need a high-pressure motor (like our Brushless series) to maintain that extraction rate. Without high static pressure, the air will simply "bounce" back, increasing noise and reducing efficiency.
The noise level of a cooker hood depends on three main factors: motor technology, the quality of your ducting, and whether you are venting outside or recirculating. While all extractors make some sound, modern engineering has made quiet kitchen extraction a reality for open-plan homes.
Why Noise Varies Between Models:
Extraction Mode: Vented (ducted) hoods are naturally quieter than recirculating models because they don't have the air resistance caused by charcoal filters.
Motor Type: For a truly peaceful kitchen, look for models under 60dB or choose a hood with a Brushless Motor. These advanced motors eliminate mechanical friction, making them up to 50% quieter and 85% more energy efficient than traditional motors.
Ducting Quality: Using 150mm rigid ducting significantly reduces "wind noise" compared to smaller or flexible foil pipes.
When shopping for a quiet cooker hood, the decibel (dB) rating is your most important metric. Many customers worry about buying a "tractor" that makes it impossible to hold a conversation while cooking. At Luxair, we prioritise acoustic comfort alongside extraction power.
Decibel (dB) Comparisons for Kitchen Extractors:
To help you choose the right kitchen fan for your home, here is how different decibel levels sound in a real-world environment:
The Luxair Advantage: Brushless Motor Technology
Standard cooker hood motors use brushes that create friction, heat, and mechanical noise. Luxair’s advanced Brushless Motors eliminate this friction. The result? A significantly quieter operation that is up to 85% more energy efficient, providing powerful extraction without the unwanted roar.
The efficiency of your cooker hood is only as good as the ducting you connect it to. Many installations fail to reach their full potential because of the type of ducting used. For the best airflow and noise reduction, the choice between rigid and flexible materials is critical.
Rigid plastic ducting is the gold standard for high-performance extraction. Because the interior walls are perfectly smooth, the air can flow freely without hitting any obstacles.
While flexible foil ducting is often cheaper and easier to install around tight corners, it is a "performance killer" for modern kitchen extractors.
The Luxair Expert Rule: Always use 150mm (6 inch) rigid ducting where possible. If you must use flexible ducting for a difficult bend, keep the run as short as possible and ensure it is pulled taught to minimize ridges.
To ensure your Luxair cooker hood continues to operate quietly and efficiently, regular maintenance is essential. A clogged filter doesn't just reduce airflow; it puts unnecessary strain on the motor and increases noise levels.
Most Luxair hoods come with high-quality aluminium or stainless steel grease filters. These are designed to trap airborne grease before it reaches the motor.
If your hood is not ducted to the outside, you will be using charcoal filters to neutralise odours.
Whether your hood is Brushed Stainless Steel, Matt Black, or White, keeping it clean prevents "pitting" and staining.
Choosing the right extraction system is a technical decision. Did you know we offer a Professional Site Survey to take the guesswork out of your installation?
Alternatively, email our technical experts with your kitchen plans or photos. We aim to respond within 24 hours with a tailored recommendation!
Email: info@luxairhoods.com