Does a Kitchen Need an Extractor Fan? Essential Guide and Key Considerations

This article explains the UK building regulations around kitchen extractor fans—whether they’re required by law and the benefits they provide.

With information on ventilation, condensation, and practical considerations, it offers guidance on when and why an extractor fan is recommended for your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Does a Kitchen Need an Extractor Fan?

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Yes, having an extractor fan is highly recommended for any kitchen to provide proper ventilation.

Extractor fans effectively remove odours, grease, steam and smoke from cooking.

They help keep the kitchen clean and prevent moisture build-up.

Key Points

Extractor fans have been a legal requirement in new UK kitchens since 2006.
They remove odours, grease, steam and smoke from the air.
Extractor fans prevent condensation and moisture buildup.

Our Opinion

In my expert opinion, installing an extractor fan is one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen.

While not always an outright legal requirement, a good extractor fan makes a huge difference in keeping the kitchen air fresh and breathable during cooking.

I always recommend including an extractor fan in any kitchen remodel or new construction. Proper ventilation should be a top priority.

Do Building Regulations Require an Extractor Fan?

Kitchen extractor fans have been a legal requirement in the UK since April 2006, but there are some nuances:

They are mandatory for new kitchen installations, but not necessarily for kitchen replacements if you aren’t altering room structure.
Extractors must have an airflow of 30l/s over the hob or 60l/s elsewhere in the kitchen.
They don’t have to vent outside – recirculating extractors are allowed, though less effective.

The regulations aim to deal with condensation and smells from cooking. While opening a window doesn’t provide the same controlled ventilation, some form of extractor or hood is recommended even if not legally required.

Vented extractors ducted outside are most effective at removing steam, smoke, and kitchen grease. But they involve external ducting and are trickier to install.

Ultimately, while mandated for new kitchens, extractors may not be an absolute necessity for minor kitchen updates. Their practical benefits, however, make them well worth considering.

When Should You Install a Cooker Hood?

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Here are some key times when installing a cooker hood can be especially beneficial:

If you do a lot of frying, grilling, or other cooking that produces smoke or steam.
When your kitchen layout places the cooker close to cabinets or walls, so smells linger.
In small, enclosed kitchens prone to humidity build-up.
If you’ve noticed condensation or mould on walls near the cooker.
When renovating an older kitchen without an existing extractor.

Extractor fans help clear the air, preventing lingering odours in your kitchen and potential moisture damage over time. Even if your cooker has decent ventilation already, upgrading to a powerful extractor can make a big difference.

Wall-mounted cooker hoods are most effective due to their proximity to the cooking fumes. Island cookers can benefit from downdraft or ceiling extractors instead. Consider ducted or recirculating models to suit your kitchen layout.

Installing a cooker hood along with your new kitchen is ideal. But it can also be added down the line if condensation or steam becomes an issue.

What Are the Benefits of a Kitchen Extractor Fan?

Extractor fans provide several advantages for your kitchen:

They remove steam, grease, odours, and smoke from cooking.
This helps prevent condensation build-up on walls and cabinets over time.
Extractors clear the air, making the kitchen environment more pleasant.
They can reduce humidity and lingering smells throughout the home.
Proper ventilation helps protect surfaces and appliances from grease damage.

Powerful cooker hoods are especially effective for venting cooking fumes. They suck air directly upward before odours can spread. This localised extraction helps keep the rest of the kitchen cleaner and clearer.

For open-plan kitchens or smaller homes, extractor fans are essential. Without them, cooking smells and moisture can end up all over the house.

Consider adding charcoal filters for recirculating cooker hoods. They help neutralise odours for improved indoor air quality.

Kitchen extractors also remove excess heat from cooking. So, they help regulate temperature and prevent the kitchen from overheating.

What Types of Extractor Fans Are Available?

There are several types of kitchen extractor fans to choose from:

Ceiling extractor fans are mounted above the cooker hob. They are effective for drawing up steam and odours.
Chimney cooker hoods fit against the wall behind the hob. They can be ducted outside or recirculated.
Island cooker hoods hang over a central island. These need to be powerful to reach fumes.
Integrated extractor fans are concealed discretely within kitchen cabinets. Good for minimalist designs.
Downdraft extractors are built into the kitchen worktop near the hob. They pull air downwards.
Slot-in extractors fit between wall cabinets for a streamlined look.
Window extractors mount inside a pane and duct to the outside.

Consider noise levels and extraction power. More powerful fans remove odours better but can be noisy on higher settings. Look for energy-efficient models too.

For open-plan spaces, choose an extractor with a wider capture area. Carbon filters help with recirculated air.

Pick an extractor style to match your kitchen layout and design. There are many options to effectively keep the kitchen air fresh.

How to Choose the Right Extractor Fan

Selecting the best extractor fan for your kitchen depends on several factors:

Measure the size of your kitchen and identify the main cooking areas. Larger kitchens need more powerful extractors.
Consider the ceiling height. Ducted fans need vertical space to install ducting.
Check if you can vent outside or need recirculation. Ducting out is more effective at removing odours.
Look at the extraction rate in litres per second. Aim for 8-10 l/s for a small kitchen up to 15 l/s or more for larger spaces.
Noise levels range from quieter 35-45dB up to noisier 60-70dB on boost. Balance noise against extraction power.
Energy-efficient fans have low-wattage motors. Check the annual energy consumption.
Choose between manual or automatic operation. Some fans self-adjust speed.
Opt for a longer grease filter life. Washable aluminium filters are reusable.
Consider smart features like humidity sensors, air quality monitors and connectivity.
Choose a style to suit your kitchen – island, chimney, integrated or downdraft.

Taking time to evaluate your needs will ensure you select the perfect extractor fan for cooking, comfort and kitchen style.

FAQ

Is an extractor fan a legal requirement?

Extractor fans have been a legal requirement in new UK kitchens since April 2006 when Part F of the building regulations came into effect. However, they are not necessarily required when simply replacing kitchen units in an existing room.

What can I use if I don’t have an extractor fan in my kitchen?

If you don’t have an extractor fan, opening a window can provide some ventilation. Portable extractor fans are another option, or installing a cooker hood that recirculates the air back into the room rather than venting it outside.

Do you need an extractor fan in the kitchen for an electric hob?

Extractor fans are recommended for any hob, including electric models. While electric hobs don’t produce as much steam, smoke, or grease as gas hobs, a cooker hood will still help remove odours, moisture, and lingering grease in the air.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while not an outright legal requirement in all kitchens, installing an extractor fan is highly recommended to effectively remove odours, steam, smoke, and condensation. Extractor fans serve an important practical purpose in keeping kitchen air clean and breathable. Considering does a kitchen need an extractor fan, the answer is yes for optimal air quality and ventilation.