Types of Kitchen Extractor Hoods

01

Canopy or Chimney Hoods

Canopy hoods, also called chimney hoods, are mounted against a wall above the hob and typically include a visible chimney section that houses the ducting or, in recirculating models, conceals the motor and filters. They are among the most common type because they work well with a standard hob-against-the-wall kitchen layout and come in a wide range of sizes and finishes.

Within this category there are variations such as angled or curved glass canopy hoods, which are designed to sit at a slight tilt to improve both sightlines in the kitchen and the angle at which rising air is captured.

02

Island Hoods

Where a hob is set into a kitchen island rather than against a wall, an island hood is needed. These hoods hang from the ceiling above the island and must extract air from all sides rather than just from the front, as a wall-mounted hood does. Because there is no wall behind the hob to hide ducting, island hood installations usually need more planning, either running ducting up through the ceiling or using a recirculating system.

Island hoods tend to be a visual focal point in the kitchen as well as a functional one, since they are visible from multiple angles rather than tucked against a wall.

03

Under-Cabinet Hoods

Under-cabinet hoods are fitted beneath an existing wall cabinet above the hob, rather than being a standalone unit with its own cover. They are generally more compact and discreet than canopy hoods and are often chosen in kitchens where cupboard space has already been planned and a bulkier hood would not fit the design. Their extraction capacity is usually lower than larger canopy or island models, so they suit lighter cooking use rather than frequent high-heat frying.

04

Built-In and Integrated Hoods

Built-in or integrated hoods are designed to be hidden within a cabinet, with only a pull-out or flip-down panel visible when not in use. This keeps the kitchen's visual lines clean and is popular in minimalist kitchen designs. Because the extraction unit is enclosed, airflow paths and filter access need to be considered carefully during installation to avoid reduced performance.

05

Downdraft Extractors

Downdraft systems are a different approach entirely. Instead of sitting above the hob, a downdraft extractor rises from behind or beside the hob, or is built flush into the countertop, and pulls air downward and out rather than upward. These are more commonly paired with island hobs where an overhead hood is not wanted for design reasons. Downdraft systems generally require careful ducting below floor level or through a nearby wall, which can add to installation complexity.

06

Ducted Versus Recirculating Across All Types

Regardless of the physical style chosen, every hood type can usually be configured as either ducted or recirculating, as covered on the home page. A canopy hood, for instance, can vent outside through an external wall or simply filter and recirculate air back into the kitchen. The physical style determines where and how the hood sits in the kitchen, while the ducted or recirculating choice determines how effectively it actually removes contaminants from the air.

07

Choosing Between Types

In practice, the choice of hood type is often dictated as much by the kitchen's existing layout and cabinetry as by personal preference. A kitchen built around an island hob has little choice but to use an island hood or downdraft system, while a standard wall-mounted hob layout leaves more options open between canopy, under-cabinet and built-in styles. Extraction capacity, noise level and filter accessibility, discussed on the home page, remain relevant considerations across all of these types.