A 90cm cooker hood is a versatile and popular choice for many kitchens, offering the perfect balance between size, power, and design. With a width of 90 centimeters, this type of cooker hood is ideal for standard-sized cooktops and ranges, providing induction hob effective ventilation to keep your kitchen free from smoke, odors, grease, and airborne contaminants produced during cooking. It plays a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy cooking environment.
Cooker hoods, also known as extractor hoods or range hoods, are appliances designed to improve indoor air quality by removing fumes, steam, grease, and odors generated while cooking. These elements, if left unchecked, can linger in the kitchen, making the air unpleasant and causing greasy residue to build up on walls, cabinets, and appliances. The 90cm cooker hood is specifically designed to cover cooktops up to 90cm wide, making it a common and practical option in many households.
Choosing the right size hood is important to ensure effective extraction. A hood that is too small will not capture all the smoke and fumes, leading to poor ventilation. On the other hand, a hood that is too large can overpower the kitchen space, be unnecessarily costly, and sometimes less efficient. The 90cm cooker hood is popular because it matches well with most cooktops, which typically range between 60 and 90 centimeters wide.
One of the most important specifications to consider when selecting a 90cm cooker hood is its extraction capacity. Measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/h), this figure indicates how much air the hood can filter or expel in one hour. For most household kitchens, an extraction rate between 600 and 800 m³/h is sufficient to clear smoke and odors quickly and efficiently. This ensures the kitchen remains fresh without producing excessive noise or drafts.
Noise level is another key consideration. Since cooker hoods usually run while you cook, quieter models tend to create a more pleasant kitchen environment. Many modern 90cm cooker hoods feature noise levels ranging from 40 to 65 decibels, depending on the fan speed. This is comparable to the noise level of a quiet office or a normal conversation, making these appliances unobtrusive and comfortable to use during meal preparation.
There are several styles of 90cm cooker hoods available to suit various kitchen layouts and ventilation setups:
Wall-mounted cooker hoods are the most common type. Installed above the cooktop and attached to the wall, these often feature a chimney design that vents air directly outside. This design is highly efficient in removing smoke and grease and is ideal for kitchens with external walls that can accommodate ducting.
Under-cabinet hoods are installed underneath kitchen cabinets, making them a discreet option that integrates well with kitchen design. These hoods can be ducted externally or set to recirculate air using charcoal filters, which is helpful in kitchens where external venting is not possible.
Island cooker hoods are suspended from the ceiling over cooktops placed on kitchen islands. While island hoods in the 90cm size are less common because islands often require larger extraction units, they are available for smaller island cooktops and provide both functional ventilation and a design centerpiece.
Recirculating hoods do not vent air outside but instead filter and clean the air internally before releasing it back into the kitchen. These models use charcoal filters to reduce odors and are useful where ducting to the outside is not feasible. However, they generally require more frequent maintenance and filter replacement.
Filters are crucial components of cooker hoods. Most 90cm cooker hoods use metal grease filters that trap airborne grease particles to prevent buildup in the ductwork. These filters are washable and reusable, making maintenance straightforward. Charcoal filters, on the other hand, are designed to absorb odors in recirculating models and must be replaced regularly to maintain effectiveness.
Proper installation height is essential for optimal hood performance. The cooker hood should be mounted 60 to 75 centimeters above the cooktop. Installing it too high reduces its ability to capture cooking fumes effectively, while installing it too low can interfere with cooking activities and even pose safety hazards. Additionally, ducting should be as straight and smooth as possible to promote efficient airflow and minimize noise.
Energy efficiency is a growing concern for many homeowners. Most modern 90cm cooker hoods come equipped with energy-saving LED lights to illuminate the cooking area without consuming much electricity. The motors and fans are designed to operate efficiently, which not only reduces power consumption but also helps keep noise levels low.
Aesthetics also play a major role in the selection process. 90cm cooker hoods come in a variety of finishes including stainless steel, black glass, and white enamel. Stainless steel remains a favorite due to its durability, resistance to staining, and timeless modern appearance. Many models also feature digital controls, touch panels, and timers, adding convenience and enhancing the kitchen’s contemporary feel.
Maintaining a 90cm cooker hood is straightforward but essential. Regular cleaning of metal grease filters prevents grease buildup and maintains airflow, reducing fire risk. These filters are often dishwasher-safe or can be washed with warm soapy water. Charcoal filters require periodic replacement, typically every few months depending on use and manufacturer recommendations.
The price of a 90cm cooker hood varies depending on brand, features, and style. Entry-level models provide basic functionality at affordable prices, while premium hoods come with advanced features such as variable fan speeds, sensor controls, and integrated lighting. Investing in a high-quality cooker hood ensures better durability, performance, and overall satisfaction.
In summary, a 90cm cooker hood is an excellent choice for most kitchens, offering a size that matches typical cooktops and provides effective ventilation. By considering key factors such as extraction capacity, noise levels, filter type, installation height, energy efficiency, and design, you can select the ideal cooker hood to suit your kitchen and cooking habits. With proper maintenance, a 90cm cooker hood will keep your kitchen fresh, clean, and comfortable for years to come.