Do I Have to Have an Extractor in My Kitchen?

If you’re contemplating the current trends to add when putting up your kitchen, you must have already heard of using an “Extractor fan or hood.” But is it necessary for your kitchen?

Even though it is not a legal requirement, it is still highly recommended for your kitchen to improve the air quality and remove excess heat, moisture, and odors. Continue reading to explore the importance of a kitchen extractor and understand why it is essential for your kitchen!

Do I Have to Have an Extractor in My Kitchen

What is A Kitchen Extractor:

Kitchen extractors are commonly known as kitchen hoods, electric/range hoods, or exhaust hoods.

It is a specific ventilation device with a mechanical fan, which can be installed above gas stoves or electric cooktops in the kitchen.

How Does A Kitchen Extractor Work?

A kitchen Extractor typically includes a capture panel, grease filter, and ducting.

The mechanical fan inside these extractors uses its “Capture Panel” to suck or capture generated moisture, particles, airborne grease, combustion products, fumes, smoke, heat, and steam from the air.

Then, it filters the grease through its filtration process and evacuates the dirty air through the internal (ducting) hood funnel.

Types of Kitchen Extractors: They are available in two main categories:

Ductless Hoods
Vented Hoods

Besides that, there are 8 different types of extractors available for kitchen_

Kitchen (standard) Chimney:

Kitchen Island chimney:

Kitchen Ceiling Hoods:

Downdraft (Modular/linear hoods) Extractors:

Venting Extractor Hobs:

Integrated Extractors:

Telescopic Hoods:

Canopy Extractors:

Do I Have to Have an Extractor in My Kitchen?

You are not “Legally obligated” to have one in your kitchen. But kitchen extractors are required in the kitchen for ventilation.

These are purpose-built kitchen appliances to remove buildup grease, steam, and cooking odors from the air.

Especially an extractor is necessary when you have an open kitchen or kitchen without proper window ventilation. They also help:

to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from building up in your home.
to reduce the risk of moisture-related problems, such as peeling paint and wall damage.
to minimize the chance of health issues such as asthma and allergies.

That is why an extractor is highly recommended to prevent moisture and grease problems in your kitchen.

Benefits of Using an Extractor in Your Home Kitchen:

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Kitchen Extractor:

There are several factors that you should consider before choosing a kitchen extractor. Here check out some of the most important ones explained below:

Type:

As mentioned earlier, range hoods or kitchen extractors come in different types. So, you need to choose wisely between these options to ensure that the chosen one suits your kitchen space and needs perfectly.

If you choose a Ductless kitchen extractor, this slim and lightweight hood comes with circulation fans that suck smoke and filter the air to direct clean air into the kitchen. These are more suitable if you live in an apartment home.

On the other hand, if you choose the vented extractor, the hood will suck the greasy air and particles to direct it outside through the funnel.

Style and Size:

Based on the available space you have in your kitchen or the style and layout of your kitchen, you should choose the style and size of your extractor hood.

If you are looking for a stylish ceiling mounting option, you can choose between Island chimneys and ceiling hoods.

Similarly, you can also choose between standard chimneys, Integrated and Telescopic if you are looking for a wall-mounting option or something that you can install between your kitchen furniture (cabinet) setup.

If you are picking a wall-mounted kitchen extractor, make sure to choose either the same size as your stove/range or choose a bit (not too big) bigger than that. If you are going to use an island-mounted range hood or something similar, choose the size that overlaps (3-6) inches on each side.

Power or energy Consumption:

You also need to consider the type of range, stove, or cooker that you have and the level or frequency of your cooking.

This will help to determine whether you need regular or commercial (professional) extractor hoods for your kitchen.

For example, if you frequently cook a lot of spicy foods that leave a strong odor after each cooking session, you might need a commercial hood that can easily filter the bad smells and greasy air. Even if you frequently fry or grill a good amount of food, a professional-level hood will be more suitable for your kitchen.

But if your kitchen already has window(s) or proper space for ventilation and you are more into light cooking, a typical chimney or kitchen hood will just work fine for your kitchen.

Noise Tolerance and Cost or Budget:

In general, kitchen extractors or range hoods emit noise while they are working. Some powerful options are even more noisy, so you need to consider your level of noise tolerance while choosing the kitchen hood.

Besides that, if you have a budget limitation, find out the best option that does not exceed that limitation including the installation cost (if you are not going to install it yourself).

People May Also Ask:

What should I use if I do not have an extractor in the kitchen?

You can use one of the following alternatives if you don’t have an extractor in your kitchen:

Install a window fan and run it during cooking.
Use an Air Purifier like the HEPA air filters.
Even a Downdraft Cooktop System can also be an effective solution (but it won’t be as effective as a full kitchen hood).
Place a pan with Charcoal Briquettes on your stove or cooktop. It will absorb cooking odors in the air during cooking.
Otherwise, opt for an induction cooktop instead of a traditional stove because induction cooktops don’t generate smoke and steam.

Do I Need to Have an Extractor Even If My Kitchen Has a Window?

Yes. It is still better to have an extractor fan as it helps to extract smoke, steam, and cooking smells effectively from the kitchen. That means having an extractor and an open window will enhance the air exchange process in your kitchen during cooking.

Can I vent my kitchen without an extractor fan?

Yes, you can do that by using a ductless range hood or one of the following alternative methods: