Extractor fans are being replaced by downdraft extractors for kitchens of the future. Downdraft extractors are a handy appliance for creating extra space in your kitchen. Only appearing when in use and being hidden when not. They remove odours and vapours directly from the hob and draw them downwards before they have the chance to spread through the air.
Downdraft extractors are a minimal, professional looking design. They integrate into the hob for a tidy space after you’re done cooking. They will need to be installed directly behind your hob. This type of extractor is especially handy for a kitchen island or peninsula, as there is no obstruction and a bigger surface area to fit.
Here are some of our favourite downdraft extractors.
Bosch Serie 8 Downdraft Extractor Hood
The Serie 8 downdraft extractor, by the well-established Bosch brand, is a sleek and stylish product. This high-quality downdraft extractor delivers maximum extractor performance, with a high extraction rate that is sure to have your kitchen odour free in no time. When not in use, it simply slides back into the worktop.
With additional LED lighting, your cooking area will be bright and visible. This option also includes an intensive speed setting to quickly get rid of those stronger smelling kitchen odours.
NEFF N90 Downdraft Extractor Hood
This NEFF downdraft extractor appears from your kitchen surface only when needed and sits tucked away neatly when it’s not. It offers a high extraction rate, meaning any steam and culinary odours will be eliminated quickly while you cook.
The N90 downdraft extractor is suitable for both ducted and recirculation. With noise-optimised design and integrated LED lighting, you can cook up a storm with only the pleasant sounds of sizzling and bubbling.
AEG Downdraft Extractor Hood With Breeze
The AEG downdraft extractor hood can be easily activated by the push of a button whilst you cook. When you’re finished, simply slide it down to leave a tidy worktop with more room.
The super quiet breeze technology removes cooking odours almost silently. Its powerful motor, with low-energy consumption, removes fumes quickly and efficiently.
Elica Get Up Downdraft Extractor
The Elica Get Up downdraft extractor is an innovative design that allows you to connect to your Elica app via wi-fi. Turn your extractor on, off, change the speed or intensity and adjust the colour of the light all through voice control. This particular product also comes with a regenerable Long Life odour filter that lasts up to three years. Just wash it with soap and water or pop it in the dishwasher.
This downdraft extractor blends seamlessly into the cabinet when not in use and is suitable for any kind of kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a downdraft extractor work?
Downdraft extractors are a hood design that is built into your worktop, usually behind the hob. They extract vapours, odours, and grease by drawing them backwards and downwards instead of upwards. Downdraft hoods can be used in extraction mode or recirculation mode. Extraction mode cleans the air using grease filters and conveys it to the exterior using ducts. Recirculation mode uses grease filters to clean the air and an activated carbon filter, it is then conveyed back into the kitchen.
How to use a downdraft extractor
Using a downdraft extractor is pretty simple. When you’re ready to cook, press a button to extend the hood up and out from below the worktop. As soon as it has been turned on, the downdraft extractor will begin removing moisture, smells, and grease from the area that you’re cooking. Most makes include a touch control for extractor speeds and lighting, some also include an automatic after running of ten minutes just to make sure all those vapours and odours are gone.
Can a downdraft extractor be used with a gas hob?
Downdraft extractors can be used with gas hobs. However, the appliance must be set to operate in air extraction mode. When using this type of extractor with a gas hob, you must be sure that your hob does not exceed a maximum of five single burners. This is because operating multiple hot plates at the same time generates a lot of heat and could damage the appliance.
Alternatives
Bora Cooktop and Extractor Systems
An alternative to downdraft extractors are venting hobs. A venting hob is an induction or ceramic hob with a built-in extractor fan located in the centre. These hobs are perfect for placing on your kitchen island as you won’t need an extractor hood above. An important thing to note is that you can’t install this type of hob above an oven, as you’ll need space below the counter for all the air venting components. Visit our post on air venting hobs to find out more.
We offer a generous range of appliances to suit the functionality of your kitchen. For more information regarding downdraft extractors or any other kitchen appliance, please give us a call on 0191 217 0917.
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