How To Choose The Right Extractor Fan For Your Kitchen

If you’ve ever found yourself waving a tea towel under the smoke alarm after a Sunday fry, or opening every window in the house to banish the scent of last night’s curry, you’ll know just how important a good extractor fan is. Our kitchens are more than just a place to cook—they’re the backdrop for family breakfasts, birthday cakes, and long chats over cups of Barry’s or Lyons. So, when it comes to keeping the heart of the home fresh and inviting, picking the right extractor fan is a small detail that makes a big difference.

Let me walk you through it, just as I would if you popped into the Abbeyfeale Interiors studio with your kitchen plans in hand.

Picture This: A Real-Life Kitchen

A while ago, I worked with the family from Newcastle West. Their kitchen is classic Irish: open to the living room, always busy, and the site of many a hearty meal. But every now and again, their house hung onto the smell of spuds and cabbage for days! Their old extractor hood, noisy and underpowered, barely made a dent.

We set out to find a fan that would not only clear the air but also suit their space and style. The process we followed is one I’d recommend to anyone:

1. Start With Your Budget—But Don’t Let It Limit Your Options

Extractor fans range from simple (€100) to statement-making (€3,000). For most Irish homes, a budget of €300-€400 will get you a reliable and stylish fan. If you want something that’s both highly functional and a design feature (think sleek island hoods or hidden downdraft extractors), you might want to invest a bit more—around €800-€1,000.

Tip from the Newcastle West family:
“We nearly went for the cheapest option, but Wioleta showed us how spending a bit more now would save us headaches down the line.”

Types of extractor fans

2. Choose the Extraction Method: Ducted vs. Recirculating

• Ducted Extractors: The gold standard for removing moisture and odours, sending them outside via a duct. Perfect if you have an external wall nearby.

• Recirculating Extractors: Use filters to clean the air and release it back into the kitchen. Ideal for apartments, old cottages, or anywhere running ducting isn’t practical.

A Local Twist:
Older Irish homes, with their thick stone walls and quirky layouts, sometimes make ducting a challenge. But don’t fret—today’s recirculating models are far better than their ancestors, with charcoal filters that really work.

3. Consider Power: How Much Muscle Do You Need?

The family from Newcastle West loves a full Irish breakfast (who doesn’t?), so they needed a fan with plenty of oomph.
Here’s how to figure out what you need:

• Measure your kitchen (length x width x height = volume in cubic metres).

• Multiply by 10.
  So, a kitchen that's 4m x 5m x 2.5m = 50m³.
  50 x 10 = 500m³/h airflow recommended.

If you love your fry-ups, stir-fries, or have an open-plan kitchen, err on the side of more power.

4. Choose the Hood Style to Suit Your Space and Taste

The family I worked with from County Limerick originally wanted a bold chimney hood, but their kitchen layout suited a built-in canopy style better, hidden away for a clean look. Here are the main options:

• Chimney Hood: Classic, makes a statement. Best for traditional kitchens with a clear wall above the hob.

• Canopy Hood: Discreet, built into a cabinet. Great for a minimalist or Scandi look.

• Downdraft Extractor: Pops up from the worktop—amazing for kitchen islands or ultra-modern spaces.

• Angled Hood: Slopes up, giving more headspace (and fewer bumped heads—handy for taller cooks!).

• Island Hood: Suspended above an island, often the centrepiece of a kitchen.

• Ceiling Hood: Flush with the ceiling, almost invisible but highly effective.

Tip:
Match your hood to your kitchen’s “personality.” A rustic country kitchen suits a classic chimney hood, while a modern extension might look best with a sleek ceiling or downdraft extractor.

5. Noise: The Unsung Hero

It’s easy to overlook, but noise levels can make or break your love for your fan.
Look for fans rated at 60 decibels or lower—that’s about the hum of a normal conversation. My clients told me, “We can finally hear the telly while cooking!”

6. Don’t Forget Filters and Maintenance

Extractor fans need a bit of TLC to keep working their magic. Metal grease filters should be washed (usually in the dishwasher) every month or so. If you go for a recirculating fan, charcoal filters need to be changed every 3-6 months.

It’s a small price for a fresh, inviting home, without that lingering aroma of last week’s fish pie!

7. Bonus Tips: Irish Home Realities

• Damp and Humidity: Irish weather isn’t exactly dry. A good extractor helps keep mould and mildew at bay—especially in small kitchens.

• Energy Use: Modern fans are much more efficient—look for an A-rated model to keep your energy bills down.

• Style & Substance: Don’t be afraid to choose a fan that makes you smile every time you walk into the kitchen. You can have both good looks and great performance!

Final Words: Make Your Kitchen a Joy

Choosing the right extractor fan is more than a technical decision—it’s about making your home feel welcoming, comfortable, and truly yours.
The clients from Newcastle West now enjoy their Sunday roasts and a fresh-smelling home. Their new extractor is quiet, efficient, and fits so seamlessly into their kitchen, you’d hardly notice it—until you realise there’s no more waving tea towels at the smoke alarm!

If you’re feeling unsure, remember you’re not alone. Send me your kitchen plans—I’ll be delighted to help you find the perfect fit for your unique home.

Here’s to many more delicious meals, minus the smoky haze!

P.S. Got a question about extractor fans? Contact me here. Your dream kitchen is just a chat away.