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 known as an extractor hood, is an appliance
installed above your hob or cooktop to remove cooking fumes, smoke,
steam, and odours. It improves air quality, reduces grease build-up, and
keeps your kitchen fresh.
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.
The optimal ducting diameter is 150mm (6 inches) for best airflow and noise reduction. Many hoods allow 125mm (5 inches)
ducting, but performance may drop. Always match the duct size to the hood manufacturer’s recommendation.
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.
Browse our 120cm Cooker Hoods designed for 90cm induction hobs.
Browse our 150cm Cooker Hoods designed for 90cm induction hobs.
Browse our 180cm Cooker Hoods designed for 90cm induction hobs.
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.
Ceiling hoods free up wall space, maintain open sight lines, and suit island cooking areas. They often include LED lighting and can be paired with remote controls for convenience. slimline motors are best for fitting between the joists and box style motors are best for lowered into a custom canopy box.
Island cooker hoods are suspended from the ceiling and designed to extract in open spaces, while wall-mounted hoods are fixed to a wall. Island hoods often have 360° extraction zones and stronger lighting.
A canopy hood fits under a kitchen cabinet or canopy, making it almost invisible. It’s ideal for those who want discreet extraction without impacting kitchen aesthetics.
Common size cooker hood ducting
150mm (6") – Best airflow, lowest noise.
125mm (5") – Acceptable for smaller hoods.
100mm (4") – Not recommended unless unavoidable, as it reduces extraction performance.
For most hoods:
Electric/induction hobs: 65–75 cm above the hob.
Gas hobs: 75–80 cm above the hob.
Always follow the 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.
Noise depends on motor power, ducting, and extraction mode. Vented hoods
are usually quieter than recirculating models because there’s no fan
resistance from carbon filters. Look for models under 60 dB for quieter operation or choose a cooker hood that has brushless motors they are significantly quieter than traditional motors.
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.
