An extractor hood is often chosen as just another appliance, but its position and installation have a direct impact on the kitchen design.
That’s why it’s important to consider it from the very beginning, especially in kitchens that are open to the living area, where good extraction helps prevent cooking smells from spreading throughout the home.
Installation is essential
Choosing a powerful extractor hood isn’t enough. We also need to consider the route of the ducting, its diameter and the number of bends required before it reaches the outside.
A duct that’s too long or has too many changes in direction can reduce extraction performance and increase noise.
When I design a bespoke kitchen, I consider these aspects from the start so that the extractor hood can be properly integrated into the furniture or ceiling.
Which type of extractor hood should you choose?
The right choice will depend on the layout, aesthetics and the way you cook:
- Integrated into the furniture: remains hidden for a cleaner look.
- Decorative hood: remains visible and becomes part of the design.
- Ceiling extractor: discreet, but requires carefully planned installation.
- Integrated into the hob: eliminates the need for an overhead extractor, although it takes up some of the internal cabinet space.
You’ll also need to decide whether the extractor will vent outside or use a recirculation system with filters. The best option will depend on the possibilities of each home.
Extraction power, noise and maintenance
To choose the right extractor, we need to consider the size of the kitchen, whether it’s open to other spaces, the dimensions of the hob and how frequently you cook.
Noise levels don’t depend solely on the model. A poorly planned installation can also make an extractor hood noticeably louder.
Grease filters will also need to be cleaned regularly, following the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain good extraction performance.
Consider it from the beginning
The extractor hood should be part of the kitchen project from the very start. This allows us to integrate it more effectively, make better use of the available space and ensure that it works properly.
At Aina Vallés, we design, manufacture and install bespoke kitchens in Sóller and Mallorca, taking care of both the aesthetics and all those details that make a kitchen work well every day.
