EXTRACTION FEATURE

DW Premira Stainless Steel Wall Hood by V-ZUG

BREATH OF FRESH AIR

We all know the advantages of using an extractor fan: to eliminate surplus heat, smoke, steam and odour from our kitchen during cooking. But, with so many innovative designs hitting the market is it really necessary for homeowners to have both an extractor fan and cooker hood?

Rhys Evans, UK & Ireland Sales Director at V-ZUG says “UK building regulations state that you must have a way to remove steam and condensation from the kitchen. However, this regulation only applies to new build kitchens and extensions rather than a quick kitchen re-fit. So, if it's not possible to fit a cooker hood over the hob then you must ensure a wall extractor is installed to provide a decent extraction rate to comply. For me and for greater aesthetic appeal and design symmetry, a cooker hood is a really great way to provide additional ventilation in the kitchen: as well as provide an additional light source right where you need it!”

Nevertheless, the decorative cooker hood has definitely changed its purpose in the kitchen, no longer used as a focal point for every ‘on-trend’ kitchen scheme. The introduction of the concealed extractor, from downdrafts through to built-in ceiling

The 3L9 Lantern Extractor makes a striking focal point by CDA

models, suggests a positive move away from ornamental ventilation to more discreet solutions. Howard Bogod of Elica comments: “Currently we are in a time when, in terms of style, almost anything goes. There has been a great divergence in style from those who want everything concealed and minimalist at one end, to those who want to make a feature out of some or all of their appliances that others would choose to conceal.”

Strength of design therefore remains a key factor for customers wanting 21st century extraction in the kitchen: whether they reside in a traditional or contemporary property. Kathryn Lowe, Marketing Manager at Aga Rangemaster agrees "A matching extractor is the natural companion to a range cooker. We offer top quality classic chimney extractors in colours to match all of our ranges across the Rangemaster, Falcon

“Currently we are in a time when, in terms of style, almost anything goes. There has been a great divergence in style from those who want everything concealed and minimalist at one end, to those who want to make a feature out of some or all of their appliances that others would choose to conceal.”

Howard Bogod, Elica

and Mercury brands, contemporary stainless steel and glass canopy extractors, a dedicated extractor for the Hi-LITE range cooker. A coloured range with a matching classic extractor above makes a strong statement in the kitchen. A powerful extractor is an essential above a range where four or five burners may be used at the same time. There is also a selection of cutting edge designs that includes the Vesper rise and fall model and the stunning Opal in black or white glass for use above built in hobs. For our consumers who want to set a range cooker into an old chimney breast, we have a powerful professional style integrated model.”

Luke Shipway, Product Manager at Caple explains how choosing the right extractor fan really can influence the overall look and feel of a kitchen: “Kitchen design plays a big part in the type of extractor chosen. Focal extractors remain our biggest selling cooker hoods. However, style never comes at a compromise to performance. Combining form and function, our hoods allow consumers to have the best of both worlds – a statement hood that looks as good as it performs.”

So what support is out there to help you and your customers post installation? Well, thanks to an upsurge in whole-house interior solutions where kitchen retailers are now offering not only the furniture, but lighting, appliances, hardware, plumbing and even extraction, there is an increased level of advice and expertise prior to purchase. As a result, a lot of premium retailers now offer an invaluable after-care service which in most cases, is now offered as standard.

DI-Premira Sialnd Hood by V-ZUG

With extractors clearly needing much consideration in terms of design and performance, it is wise to speak to your local kitchen expert to understand the true benefits to your customer and even, whether or not one is required.

Steve Corbett, Marketing Manager at CDA says "Retailers should be selling extractors as an essential item in the kitchen. As well as removing cooking smells - essential in a kitchen diner/living room, the extractor helps to keep surfaces clean by removing steam which contains droplets of grease. Left alone these settle on surfaces and can be hard to remove. Make sure that the customer realises the importance of having the right size extractor for the room and point out the benefits of features such as a run on that clears lingering smells, super efficient peripheral aspiration and lighting that can become an important part of the general room scheme. Our EKP extractor which comes in three sizes has powerful

DW Levante Wall Hood by V-ZUG

“Retailers should be selling extractors as an essential item in the kitchen. As well as removing cooking smells - essential in a kitchen diner/living room, the extractor helps to keep surfaces clean by removing steam which contains droplets of grease. Left alone these settle on surfaces and can be hard to remove. "

Steve Corbett, Marketing Manager, CDA

halogen downlights to illuminate the hob area and edge lighting that highlights the elegant glass canopy. CDA offers one of the largest selections of extractors on the market with everything from efficient entry level products for those on a budget up to superb designer style talking points such as our suspended lantern extractor."