AD | When planning a new kitchen, we spend a lot of time choosing new appliances, thinking about the design of the oven and hob, and the type of fridge freezer. But often, the importance of a kitchen extractor fan is overlooked, or it’s simply added as an afterthought. Yet an extractor fan is integral to a fully functioning kitchen. Here are four reasons why you should use an extractor fan and some tips for picking the best one.
Why should I use a kitchen extractor fan?
Tackles excess moisture
The first, and perhaps most important, reason to install and use an extractor fan is to absorb the excess moisture created when you cook. The steam from pans and ovens needs to go somewhere. If it isn’t removed, it will simply condense on your surfaces. So, your windows, walls, and worktops will start to get damp, potentially leading to mould.
It’s better for your health
As we all know, damp in the home is an issue. Long term, it leads to the growth of mould which is not only unsightly but also bad for our health. Black mould in the home has been linked to respiratory issues, including coughing, chest tightness, and the aggravating of asthma.
It’s not good for our immune system and can spark allergic reactions and infections. So, anything we can do to prevent mould in the home is going to be better for our health. But it’s not just about preventing mould, an extractor fan will improve the overall air quality in your kitchen, boosting your wellness further.
Cuts down on grease
You may not realise it but the oils and fats from cooking are carried up in the steam that comes from your hob. This settles onto surfaces, leaving a greasy residue on cabinets, worktops and walls. So, using an extractor fan cuts down on grease and saves you a lot of effort when it comes to cleaning the kitchen.
Takes away smells
Extractor fans don’t just remove moisture, they also take away cooking smells. This is especially handy when it comes to open-plan spaces. It makes the kitchen a nicer space to work in and stops pungent odours such as onion, garlic, and the smell of frying from impregnating fabrics. So, your curtains, blinds, and dining chairs won’t end up smelling of last night’s dinner.
What to look for when buying a kitchen extractor fan
After reading this, you may be thinking about buying an extractor fan for your kitchen. But not all extractor fans work in the same way and some have additional features that make them more practical to use. So, what should you look for in an extractor fan, to make sure you pick the best one?
Well, first of all, it’s a good idea to choose one that vents outside as this will ensure that moisture as well as grease and smells are removed effectively. A ducted fan is a bit more complex to install, so you do need to bear that in mind. However, it should be far more effective than a recirculation extractor fan.
Extraction rate
To be sure you’re going for a fan that performs well at removing steam, it’s worth paying close attention to the extraction rate listed in the specifications. This is usually measured in cubic metres per hour and can vary between 200m³/h and 700m³/h. The lower end of the scale is fine for small kitchens and for those who don’t do a lot of cooking but for large family kitchens, a higher rate between 500m³/h and 700m³/h is best.
Efficiency
Another thing to pay close attention to is the extractor fan’s efficiency rating. In terms of energy efficiency, it’s best to aim for an A or B rating rather than a C or D, as this will help keep your running costs down. It’s also worth looking at the kWh per year that the extractor fan typically consumes as this will give you an idea of how much it will add to your energy bills.
Some of the most energy-efficient fans will use between 15kWh and 40kWh per year while others are double that. This could be the difference between paying £3.60 and £7.20 in annual running costs. As well as running costs, the energy efficiency label should rate the extractor fan on how well it performs at removing grease. So, it’s worth checking this information too.
Noise
Another important thing to check before buying an extractor fan is the amount of noise it makes. This is listed in decibels and will typically fall somewhere between 55dB and 75dB. The lower the number, the quieter it is when it’s on. For reference, a fridge-freezer usually creates around 35dB of noise and a dishwasher about 45dB to 50dB. To keep your kitchen calm and sociable, a 55dB to 59dB fan is best.
Convenience
Most cooker-hood style extractor fans come with integrated lighting but if you want it to throw an even light across the whole of your hob, look for one with multiple LEDs. Another thing that will make life easier is a fan that’s simple to maintain. Some hoods have metal filters that are dishwasher safe, making them much quicker to clean. Stainless steel is considered the most hygienic option but a simple, clean-lined design will ensure there are no nooks and crannies for grease to get trapped in.
By investing in a high-quality, easy-to-maintain kitchen extractor fan, you’ll create a healthier, cleaner, and more comfortable environment for your home. And somewhere that’s a pleasure to spend time in – whether you’re cooking, entertaining, working, or simply enjoying your new space.
* This is a collaborative post – please see my Disclaimer.
I use the extractor fan every time I cook on the stove, but I thought it was just for the steam. I didn’t realize it also helped with grease and smell! Ours has a built-in light too which I often use in the evenings instead of turning on the kitchen lights.
Yes, they’re brilliant multi-purpose appliances – and I use mine for lighting the kitchen too, rather than turn on all the overhead lights!