Which type of Extractor Hood do I need?

fluffster

Have seen a Designair curved glass style extractor hood in the B&Q sale but want to check it is the right type for my kitchen. It will be on an external wall. Currently there is a big pipe coming out of a hole in the wall going into a flat type hood which is fitted into a unit. Is this vented - sorry, hopeless with technical things. Do I need to buy a duct kit with the extractor?

andrew-b

That would be vented yes. Check the diameter of the pipe coming out the wall...if it's a 4 inch round pipe and in decent condition (i.e not corroded if it's metal and not cracked) you should be able to reuse it. You should see a vent on the outside of the wall too. Don't throw away any connectors between the old extractor and duct in case you can reuse. Depending on the positioning you might need to buy additional parts of ducting to hook up the new extractor to the existing pipe but these are readily available from B&Q/Wickes/Homebase - until you come to fit it you probably won't know though!

Andy

fluffster

Thanks so much for your help. Do I have to get an electrician to do this?

andrew-b

If there's an existing fused connection unit supplying the old hood with cable coming out of it then no you can DIY it...if in doubt get someone else in (friends/family - no need for an electrician). Just isolate the relevant circuit first. If there's no suitable connection then you would need to get a Part P registered electrician in.

Andy

fluffster

The kitchen fitter has just recommended that I move my extractor along the wall a foot to get a better kitchen layout. This would mean patching up the hole where the duct is and getting a recirculating hood. I'm not sure if the Designair one operates in both modes and can't find another cheap one that looks nice. Any advice?

SteveU

You would be better off venting it to the outside to be honest. All that is involved is drilling a 4" hole through the wall which any competent kitchen fitter should be able to do for you. If your kitchen fitter simply won't do it then a plumber will and shouldn't charge more than £20 at the most.

There are building regulations in force now that say you must have an externally vented extractor in all kitchens & bathrooms to get rid of moisture and prevent damp. A recirculating cooker hood will not do this, it will only get rid of smells if fitted with a carbon filter.

If you insist on having a recirculating extractor then check out Ikea's website as they have a very good range at reasonable prices and most can operate in both modes.

toffeegirl

SteveU wrote: »

There are building regulations in force now that say you must have an externally vented extractor in all kitchens & bathrooms to get rid of moisture and prevent damp.

Fairly sure that this only the case for new builds only...