What is an Angled Cooker Hood?
An angled cooker hood is a kitchen appliance designed to extract cooking fumes, steam, and odours, distinguished by its distinctive slanted canopy. This design not only offers a modern visual appeal, setting it apart from conventional, flat hoods, but can also improve ergonomics by providing more headroom while you cook.
- Slanted canopy for a modern aesthetic.
- Offers improved headroom over the hob.
- Available in various sizes, including 60cm and 90cm.
- Effective at fume and odour extraction.
- Can be wall-mounted or island-mounted.
These hoods are crafted from materials such as glass, stainless steel, or a combination, presenting a clean, sleek line that complements contemporary kitchen designs. Unlike traditional canopy hoods that project straight out, the angled design sits closer to the wall or cabinetry, creating a less obtrusive profile. This makes them a popular choice for kitchens where aesthetics are paramount, without compromising on the vital function of air purification.
The primary purpose remains the same: to maintain a fresh and clean cooking environment. They achieve this through powerful fan systems that either vent air outside the property via cooker hood extraction ducting or filter it and recirculate it back into the kitchen using cooker hood filters. Both methods are effective, though ducted systems generally offer superior performance for heavy-duty cooking.
When considering an angled cooker hood, understanding the different types and their installation requirements is crucial. Most are designed for wall mounting, aligning with the back wall above your hob. However, some larger, more elaborate designs might be suited for island installations, though this is less common for the distinctly 'angled' style, which typically features a wall-mounted configuration to showcase its linear design.
The choice of size is often dictated by the width of your hob. Common sizes include 60cm and 90cm angled cooker hoods, ensuring a proportionate fit and adequate coverage for most standard cooking appliances. A 60cm angled cooker hood is suitable for smaller hobs, while a 90cm angled cooker hood provides broader extraction for wider cooktops, ensuring more fumes are captured effectively.
Benefits of Choosing an Angled Design
What makes an angled cooker hood a standout choice for many modern kitchens? It’s a blend of form and function that addresses common kitchen pain points while elevating the overall aesthetic. The most immediate benefit is visual. The sleek, often glass-fronted, slanted design introduces a contemporary edge that can transform a kitchen's look, making it feel more open and sophisticated.
Beyond the visual appeal, the angled structure offers practical advantages. By positioning the main extraction point at an angle rather than directly overhead and flush, these hoods can provide significantly more headroom. This is a genuine benefit for taller individuals or anyone who has ever bumped their head on a standard, protruding cooker hood. It makes working at the hob a more comfortable and less constrained experience.
Furthermore, the efficacy of the extraction itself is a key consideration. Many angled cooker hoods are engineered with powerful fan cooker hood units designed to capture airborne grease, steam, and odours efficiently. The angle can sometimes help direct steam and fumes towards the intake more effectively, especially when combined with well-designed cooker hood filters. Whether you opt for a recirculating cooker hood that uses charcoal filters or a ducted system, the performance is often on par with, or superior to, many traditional models.
Consider the 90cm angled cooker hood as an example. This size offers substantial coverage for larger hobs, ensuring that even when cooking with multiple burners or large pans, the fumes are drawn in effectively. Similarly, a 60cm angled cooker hood provides a more compact, yet still stylish, solution for smaller kitchens or standard-sized hobs, without sacrificing extraction power.
Key Considerations for Your Angled Cooker Hood
Selecting the right angled cooker hood involves more than just appreciating its modern appearance. Several practical factors must be weighed to ensure it meets your kitchen's needs effectively and seamlessly integrates into your space. The size is paramount; ensure your chosen cooker hood angled model, whether it's a 60cm angled cooker hoods or a 90cm cooker hood angled variant, is at least as wide as your hob. A 90cm angled cooker hood, for instance, is ideal for a 90cm hob, offering complete coverage. For a standard 60cm hob, a 60cm angled cooker hood is generally sufficient.
Extraction Type: Ducted vs. Recirculating
You’ll need to decide between a ducted or recirculating setup. A ducted system, using cooker hood extraction ducting to pipe air outside, is generally more efficient at removing odours and moisture. This is the preferred method if your kitchen layout allows for external ducting. A recirculating cooker hood, on the other hand, filters the air through cooker hood filters (typically charcoal) and releases it back into the kitchen. This is a viable option when external venting isn't feasible, but it requires regular filter replacement to maintain effectiveness.
Noise Levels
Cooker hoods generate noise, measured in decibels (dB). While an angled design might look sleek, its sound output is a crucial performance metric. Look for models that specify their dB levels at different fan speeds. Lower numbers indicate quieter operation, which is especially important in open-plan living spaces. A powerful fan cooker hood doesn't have to be excessively loud.
Control and Features
Modern angled cooker hoods often come with advanced features. These can include LED lighting for better hob illumination, touch controls for a seamless look, variable speed settings, and even remote controls or smart connectivity. Consider which features are genuinely useful for your cooking habits and kitchen setup.
Installation Requirements
The installation process for an angled cooker hood can be more complex than for a standard flat hood. While many are designed for wall mounting, the specific mounting brackets and the need for electrical connections and potential ducting must be considered. It is often recommended to use a professional installer to ensure the hood is securely fitted and functions correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Angled Cooker Hood Issues
Even the most stylish angled cooker hood can encounter minor issues. Understanding how to approach these common problems can save you time and prevent unnecessary service calls. The goal is to diagnose whether the issue lies with the appliance itself, the installation, or the maintenance.
Reduced Extraction Power
If you notice your angled cooker hood extractor fan isn't performing as effectively as it once did, the first point of call is the filters. Grease filters, often made of metal mesh, can become clogged, significantly impeding airflow. These typically require regular cleaning – check your manufacturer’s instructions, but most can be washed in a dishwasher or by hand. If you have a recirculating cooker hood, the charcoal filters will also need periodic replacement; their lifespan is usually detailed in the product manual.
Unusual Noises
A new or suddenly appearing grinding, rattling, or humming noise could indicate a few things. It might be that the fan blades are obstructed by debris, or perhaps a component has become loose. For wall-mounted units, check that the hood itself is securely fixed to the wall. If the noise persists after checking for obstructions and ensuring secure mounting, it might point to an issue with the motor, and professional assessment would be advisable.
Lights Not Working
If the integrated lights on your angled cooker hood have stopped functioning, it's often a simple fix. The bulbs may have blown and need replacing. Check the user manual for the correct bulb type and how to access them safely. Ensure the power to the hood is switched off before attempting any replacements.
Odours Persist
If a recirculating cooker hood isn't effectively removing odours, it’s almost certainly due to saturated charcoal filters. These filters have a limited capacity to absorb smells and need to be replaced according to the manufacturer's schedule, typically every 3-6 months depending on usage. If you have a ducted system, ensure the cooker hood extraction ducting is not kinked, blocked, or incorrectly installed, which could hinder external airflow.
Maintaining Your Angled Cooker Hood's Performance
To ensure your angled cooker hood continues to perform effectively and maintain its aesthetic appeal, a routine maintenance schedule is indispensable. Neglecting this can lead to reduced efficiency, premature wear, and potential damage. The most impactful maintenance task involves the filters.
Metal grease filters should be cleaned regularly, ideally every 2-4 weeks, depending on how frequently you cook and what you cook. For most models, these can be washed with hot, soapy water or placed in a dishwasher. If they are heavily soiled, a soak in a strong degreasing solution might be necessary before washing. Clean filters allow air to pass through freely, maximising the fan cooker hood’s extraction capability.
For recirculating cooker hoods, charcoal filters are vital for odour removal. These are not washable and must be replaced. The frequency of replacement varies by manufacturer and usage, but a general guideline is every 3 to 6 months. Consult your specific model’s manual for the recommended schedule. Failing to replace them means the hood will stop effectively filtering out cooking smells.