When designing a kitchen, one important consideration is the placement of your kitchen extractor or range hood. An ongoing debate in kitchen design revolves around whether the extractor should be placed on the outside roof, either through a ducted system or a more modern solution. But is it the best option?
What Does a Hooded Kitchen Extractor Do?
A hooded kitchen extractor, also known as a range hood or cooker hood, is a device installed above a cooktop or stove to improve air quality in the kitchen. It works by drawing in air, including smoke, steam, grease, and cooking odors, and then either filtering and recirculating the air or venting it outside.
The purpose of a kitchen extractor is to maintain a fresh and clean cooking environment, reduce lingering smells, and prevent grease build-up in the kitchen, which can contribute to fire hazards or unpleasant odors.
Should Hooded Kitchen Extractors be on the Outside Roof?
Hooded kitchen extractors don’t always need to be installed on the roof, but if you have a ducted range hood, the ventilation system should ideally expel air outside the building. This typically involves installing ducts that lead to an external vent, usually on the roof or an exterior wall.
Why choose the roof? Roof venting provides a direct path for air to escape, minimizing the risk of lingering grease and odors. Additionally, roof-mounted vents are less likely to disrupt the kitchen’s aesthetics or the appearance of the house's exterior. However, this isn’t a strict requirement. Depending on your home’s design, some systems vent through an exterior wall.
For ductless extractors, there's no need to vent air outside. These units simply filter and recirculate the air back into the kitchen, allowing for more flexible installation options.
Disadvantages of the Kitchen Extractor Hood on the Outside Roof
While installing a kitchen extractor hood on the outside roof has its advantages, there are a few potential disadvantages:
1. Complex Installation
Installing ducts to vent air to the roof can be more complicated and expensive, especially if the kitchen is located on an upper floor or far from the roof. This might require additional modifications to the home.
2. Roof Penetration
Cutting through the roof to install a vent can cause damage or compromise the roof’s integrity if not done properly. Improper installation may lead to leaks or structural issues.
3. Maintenance
Roof vents may require more frequent maintenance to ensure they’re clear of debris, such as leaves or snow, which can block the vent and reduce efficiency.
4. Weather Considerations
Roof vents can be vulnerable to weather conditions like strong winds, heavy rain, or snow, which might affect the performance of the system or cause wear over time.
5. Energy Efficiency
Ducting to the outside means that your extractor needs to work harder to expel the air. In cold weather, the heat from the kitchen can be lost to the outside, reducing energy efficiency. On the flip side, during hot weather, warm outdoor air could be drawn in, potentially raising cooling costs.
6. Maintenance
Having ductwork running to the roof requires regular inspection and cleaning. Leaves, debris, or even animal nests can clog up the ducts, reducing the efficiency of your extractor and possibly even causing damage.
Alternatives to Roof Venting
If venting your kitchen extractor to the outside roof is not possible or practical, there are alternative solutions:
Wall Venting
Venting the extractor to a side wall or out through a window is a common solution in kitchens where roof access is limited. This option can still be highly effective, though it may require modifications to the exterior of your home.
Recirculating Extractors
For kitchens where external venting is simply not feasible, recirculating extractors are a good alternative. They work by filtering air through charcoal or carbon filters and releasing purified air back into the kitchen. While not as powerful as external venting, they are still effective for smaller kitchens or in apartments.
Ductless Extractors with Advanced Filtration
Newer models of ductless range hoods come with powerful filtration technologies, such as plasma or UV filtration, that help eliminate cooking odors and contaminants without needing external venting.
Is Mould Only Caused by Poor Ventilation?
No. Mold can also develop due to wet surfaces caused by leaking pipes. This can be particularly hazardous because the speed at which the leak is repaired directly impacts how quickly mold can spread. If the issue is not addressed promptly, the mold can spread to other areas of the kitchen or even throughout the rest of the house.
Does a Hooded Kitchen Extractor Prevent Mould?
A hooded kitchen extractor can help reduce the risk of mold, but it doesn’t entirely prevent it. The extractor’s primary function is to remove steam, humidity, smoke, and cooking odors from the air, which can contribute to mold growth if left unchecked. By improving air circulation and ventilation, a cooker hood can help lower the humidity levels in the kitchen, creating an environment less favorable for mold.
Can I Get Rid of Mould in My House?
Yes. While ventilation is a preventive measure against mold, it doesn't eliminate mold that's already present. The method for removing mold depends on how it forms. Mold can be cleaned off surfaces using mold-cleaning products, such as mold surface cleaners or anti-mold paints. If poor ventilation was the cause, establishing a proper ventilation routine and upgrading your ventilation units can help prevent mold from reappearing.
However, if the mold was caused by leaks or structural issues, those must be fixed to stop the mold from returning. Even with improved ventilation, if water continues to seep into the building structure, mold will eventually reappear. This is also true for internal leaks caused by faulty plumbing.
1. Clean Small Mold Areas: For minor mold growth, you can clean surfaces using a mixture of water and detergent or a specialized mold cleaner. Scrub the affected areas with a brush, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
2. Use Disinfectants: You can apply a disinfectant like diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to kill mold. However, bleach can be harsh, so be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area, and always wear protective gloves and a mask.
3. Improve Ventilation: After cleaning, increase air circulation in the affected area by using fans, dehumidifiers, or opening windows to help prevent future mold growth.
Where to Find Hooded Kitchen Extractor?
You can find Ciarra hooded kitchen extractors through several channels:
Official Website: Visit the Ciarra website to browse their range of hooded kitchen extractors. This is often the best place to find detailed product information, specifications, and any current offers.
Authorized Retailers: Ciarra’s products are available through various authorized online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and Home Depot, depending on your region. These platforms may also offer customer reviews to help you make an informed decision.
You may be interested in:
How to clear smoke from kitchen
Modern Kitchen Design with Range Hood: The White and Black Trend
2025 The Best Portable Range Hood
Conclusion
Whether a hooded kitchen extractor should be installed on the outside roof depends on a variety of factors, including your home's design, the climate in your area, and your budget. While external venting provides the best results for air quality and extractor efficiency, it may not be practical or possible in every situation. Consider all your options carefully and consult with a professional kitchen designer or contractor to find the best solution for your kitchen's needs.