Cooker Hood Guide: Function, Installation, and Comparison

If you’ve ever cooked a stir-fry and watched the kitchen fill with steam, you already know why a cooker hood matters. This guide cuts through the marketing noise to help you match your hood’s extraction power to your kitchen size and cooking habits — covering venting, installation, and choosing between ducted and recirculating models.

Common widths: 60 cm, 90 cm ·
Typical airflow: 400 – 600 m³/h ·
Noise level: 40 – 60 dB ·
Installation height above hob: 65 – 75 cm ·
Power requirement: 230 V, 50 Hz

The table below sums up the key specifications every buyer should know.

What does a cooker hood do?

A cooker hood draws airborne grease, smoke, steam and odours away from your hob, improving air quality and reducing condensation on walls and cabinets. Which? explains that the hood’s fan pulls air through a grease filter, trapping particles before either venting the air outside or passing it through a charcoal filter and recirculating it.

How does a cooker hood work?

• Air enters through the bottom of the hood, passes a grease filter that captures large particles.
• In ducted mode, the air is pushed through ducting to the outside. In recirculating mode, a charcoal filter absorbs odours before the air is released back.
• The fan speed and noise vary by model; typical airflow ranges from 400 to 600 m³/h.

What are the types of cooker hoods?

• Chimney (canopy) hoods – mounted on the wall above the hob, vented or recirculating.
• Island hoods – suspended from the ceiling for cooktops on an island.
• Integrated hoods – built into the cabinet above the hob, often retractable.
• Downdraft hoods – rise from the counter behind the hob, ideal for islands without ceiling access.

Do all cooker hoods need to be vented outside?

No — but the answer depends on your kitchen. Ducted hoods are almost always preferred by building codes and appliance manufacturers because they remove moisture and odours completely. Recirculating hoods are a legitimate alternative when external ducting is impossible, such as in flats or kitchens without an outside wall.

What is the difference between ducted and recirculating hoods?

Here is a direct comparison of the two approaches.

Five key differences, one pattern: ducted wins on performance, recirculating wins on convenience. Consumer Reports notes that ducted hoods are “significantly more effective” for heavy cooking.

Can I vent my cooker hood through the wall?

Yes — wall venting is the most common method for ducted hoods. The NEFF installation manual describes marking a vertical centre line, drilling holes, and fixing the mounting bracket before connecting the ducting to a wall outlet. Ensure the duct is as short and straight as possible to maintain airflow.

Does a cooker hood have to be on an outside wall?

Only if you choose a ducted model. For recirculating hoods, the hood can be mounted anywhere — even on an island. However, if you later decide to convert to ducted, you’ll need access to an outside wall or roof.

Which is better, a cooker hood or extractor fan?

Cooker hoods and extractor fans serve the same purpose but differ in positioning and effectiveness. A cooker hood sits directly above the hob, capturing grease and smoke at the source. An extractor fan is ceiling-mounted and pulls air from the whole room, which is less targeted.

What are the pros and cons of cooker hood vs extractor fan?

Is there an alternative to a cooker hood?

Yes. Downdraft hoods rise from the counter behind the hob and are popular for island kitchens without a ceiling mount. Another option is a combination microwave-hood, which saves space but provides less extraction power. Bosch Home Ireland notes that downdraft systems are best for light cooking due to their lower airflow.

“Cooker hoods are designed to clean up your kitchen environment by removing airborne grease, smoke, steam and odour whilst you cook.”

— DID Buying Guide (UK appliance retailer)

Do you need an electrician to fit a cooker hood?

It depends on the model. Plug-in hoods can be installed by a competent DIYer. Hardwired units require a qualified electrician to comply with UK wiring regulations. The Bosch PDF installation manual (appliance manufacturer) warns that the mains cable must not be trapped during installation.

Can I install a cooker hood myself?

• If your model has a plug and the existing socket is within reach, yes — you can mount the hood and plug it in.
• If hardwiring is required, the hood must be connected to a fused spur. Appliance Reviewer advises that only a Part P registered electrician should do this.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s height and clearance specifications.

Does a cooker hood need a fused spur?

In the UK, a cooker hood that is hardwired must be connected via a fused spur or a switched fused connection unit. This is a legal requirement under Part P of the Building Regulations. Plug-in models (with a 13A fuse) are fine as long as the socket is accessible.

Should a cooker hood touch the ceiling?

No. Most hoods have a telescopic flue that can be adjusted to meet the ceiling, but the hood itself should not touch the ceiling. The NEFF installation chart (appliance manufacturer) shows that the flue top is fixed to the ceiling bracket, leaving a small gap for ventilation and access to the ducting.

Should there be a gap between cooker hood and cupboards?

Yes — a gap of 2–5 mm is recommended to allow for slight movement and to prevent vibration. The NEFF PDF installation manual (appliance manufacturer) instructs installers to level the appliance using a spirit level before fully tightening mounting supports, ensuring clearance.

“The mains cable must not be trapped during installation.”

— Bosch PDF installation manual (appliance manufacturer)

Which brand of cooker hood is the best?

No single brand dominates, but several stand out in the UK market. Bosch, Miele, Beko, and AEG consistently appear in retailer bestseller lists and independent reviews. The right choice depends on your budget, extraction needs, and kitchen aesthetics.

What are the top-rated cooker hood brands?

Here is how the leading brands compare on key specs.

Four brands, one pattern: Miele leads on noise control and maximum extraction, while Beko offers the best value. Appliances Expert ranks Bosch and Miele as the most reliable.

How to choose a brand based on extraction power, noise, and warranty?

• Calculate your kitchen volume (length × width × height). Multiply by 10 for a minimum extraction rate (m³/h). For heavy cooking, use 12 air changes per hour.
• Check noise levels: below 50 dB is quiet enough for open-plan kitchens.
• Look for a filter alarm and delay-off function — NeutraTest recommends these as useful features.
• Warranty length and filter replacement costs should be factored into the total cost of ownership.

What this means: match the spec to your kitchen volume, not the brand name.

Step-by-step installation guide

Installing a cooker hood yourself is feasible if you’re handy with basic tools. Follow these steps for a standard wall-mounted ducted hood. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for your specific model.

1. Switch off the power at the consumer unit.
2. Mark the vertical centre line on the wall above the hob. The NEFF installation manual recommends using the supplied template.
3. Drill holes for the mounting bracket (typically 5 holes of 8 mm diameter, 80 mm deep). Insert wall plugs flush with the wall.
4. Fix the mounting bracket securely.
5. Hang the hood onto the bracket. Bosch instructions note that the appliance is hooked from below into the support frame and secured with two screws.
6. Connect the ducting to the outlet (if ducted). Use rigid or semi-rigid ducting for best airflow.
7. For electrical connection: if plug-in, plug into a nearby socket. If hardwiring, call a qualified electrician to connect to a fused spur.
8. Attach the telescopic flue and adjust to the ceiling height. NEFF’s chart shows fixing the flue to the support with two screws.
9. Remove grease filters, fix the hood from inside using two screws and washers, then replace filters.
10. Restore power and test the hood.

“Cleaning or replacing dirty filters can improve a range hood that is struggling to clear the air.”

— Consumer Reports (US product testing organization)

The catch: even the best ducted hood underperforms with clogged filters.

The choice between ducted and recirculating, brand and size, comes down to your kitchen’s layout and how you cook. For UK households with gas hobs and frequent frying, a ducted hood from Bosch or Miele with at least 600 m³/h extraction is the practical winner. For flat dwellers or renters, a recirculating model with a good charcoal filter — and a filter alarm — will keep the air fresh without structural changes. The trade-off is clear: performance for convenience, or vice versa. Pick the one that fits your home, not the one with the fanciest design.

Frequently asked questions