Which kitchen extractor fan and where to put it?

[wigwam33]

We have an extractor hood on our cooker (inset into an unused chimney stack and routed to the outside) which I aim to use but as it sounds like an aeroplane taking off I find it hard to actually use as it adds to the general mayhem and noise in the house. I always have good intentions of using it as I know I should but the noise really stresses me out.

I want to install a quiet but effective extractor fan in the kitchen as well that will be linked to come on with the lights. Can anyone recommend one that fits the bill? PigletJohn?

Also where would be the best place to put it - next to extractor hood or on wall near the dishwasher / sink.

I like Elica.

Email them (and any other maker you like) and ask them to send you the glossy brochure. It is much easier than looking online.

Look at the air extract rate (quoted in cubic metres per hour, it will be some hundreds) and at the noise (quoted in db) to compare noisy and quiet ones. Makers often have a budget version that is noisier and less powerful than similar-looking ones.

A washable stainless mesh grease filter that goes in the dishwasher is more practical than a replaceable paper one.

They seem mostly to have 125mm or 150mm ducts these days. Older ones (and cheap ones) mostly 100mm. And the vent mostly on the top, not the back. It is relevant if you want to re-use an existing duct.

The duct or hole should be lined with plastic, otherwise grease and steam will soak into the brickwork. Rigid duct is cleaner and quieter than flexible hose, and more durable.

I am increasingly attracted to extractors that fit into a canopy or over-cupboard rather than hoods. I think the fake chimney style will go out of fashion.

Put it at a height where the tallest person in the house won't bang their head on it.

IMO an extractor should be wider than the hob in order to catch fumes that drift sideways.

Don't get a recirculating hood. It may be an attractive kitchen ornament but serves no other purpose.

oh, if you want a wall fan, get a big one. It will be quieter and more powerful than a small one. You may need someone to make a hole in the brickwork. It should be as far away as possible from wherever fresh air comes into the kitchen. Look for one with a high/low speed. Look at extract rate and noise.

Some examples:
12 inch

9 inch

A wall fan needs to be much more powerful than a cooker hood because it is not extracting from the best point.

I found this calculator to work out power needed

We installed an Elica one into an unused chimney breast in the kitchen, it was so discreet you wouldnt know it was there and with an external motor it was also quiet even on full - and very effective, we recommended it to 3 of our friends who have all also installed one too.