If you’re wondering, “What kitchen extractor fan do I need for my cooking style?”, same here, that was my exact question too. I cook often, and things like smoke, steam, and food smells were getting out of hand.
I didn’t want something fancy, just something that actually works with the kind of cooking I do. Turns out, it’s not a one-size-fits-all deal. Different cooking styles totally need different fan types. I learned this the hard way after picking the wrong one first.
So if you’re unsure whether you need a basic fan or something more powerful, I’ve got you. I’ll walk you through what I found out, what worked, and how I finally got my kitchen feeling fresh again, without needing a full remodel or some expensive upgrade.
Contents
What That “How I Figured Out What Fan I Actually Needed in My Kitchen”
When I first started looking into extractor fans, I had no clue what made one better than the other. I mean, don’t they all look the same? So, I just bought the one that didn’t hurt my pocket. Big mistake. It barely pulled the steam from my boiling pots, and my kitchen still smelled like fried onions hours later.
That’s when I knew I needed to pay more attention. I started checking out what people used based on how they cook, like folks who bake versus those who stir-fry every night. I also looked at my kitchen layout, because where the fan goes matters too.
Once I got all that sorted, I realized the fan I needed was nothing too fancy, just one strong enough to handle my everyday cooking. It made a huge difference. My windows stopped fogging up, and the kitchen actually felt lighter and fresher.
Cooking Style Matters: The Fan I’d Pick for Each Type
I figured out pretty quick that your cooking style totally changes what fan you need. If you mostly bake or reheat stuff, you honestly don’t need anything too strong. A simple under-cabinet fan should do the trick.
But if you’re like me and love stir-frying, grilling on the stovetop, or cooking with heavy spices, you’ll want something stronger, like a chimney hood or a wall-mounted fan. For people who cook big meals often or have an open-plan kitchen, an island hood can help a lot.
The fan needs to move enough air to keep up with what you’re doing. And if you cook greasy stuff, look for one with washable filters, it’ll save you later. I learned that choosing based on how you cook, not just what looks good, is the key to getting it right the first time.
For a detailed breakdown of hood types and their suitability for various cooking habits, check out this Range Hood Buying Guide.
The One I Chose and Why It’s Been Working Great So Far
After going back and forth a few times, I ended up getting a chimney-style extractor fan. My cooking involves a lot of frying, boiling, and spicy stuff, and this fan has been awesome. It pulls the steam right up, and the smells don’t stick around nearly as long anymore.
I also liked that it wasn’t super noisy, which was a big win for me because I hate loud appliances. It’s not the cheapest fan, but definitely not the priciest either. I picked one with a good suction rate (I checked the CFM rating) and a washable filter.
When I was picking my extractor fan, I also thought about how it would fit with my kitchen’s overall look. Since I wanted my kitchen to feel timeless and stylish, I checked out some tips on choosing classic cabinets, You can see what I mean in my article What Kitchen Cabinets Are Timeless and Worth It. That helped me pick a fan that not only works well but looks great too.
Cleaning it is easy, and it still works like new after months of daily use. So yeah, it wasn’t just about the brand or looks. I chose based on what I needed, and finally, my kitchen feels way more fresh and comfy to cook in.
FAQs
Do I really need a strong extractor fan if I just bake?
Not really. If you mostly bake or toast, a basic fan should be enough. No need to overdo it.
How do I know what size fan my kitchen needs?
It depends on your kitchen size and how much you cook. I just made sure mine matched the space and had decent suction.
What’s the best fan for open kitchens?
Island hoods work great in open kitchens. They help clear out smells before they spread around the whole house.
Can I install the fan myself or need help?
You might need help if it’s wall-mounted. I got someone to do mine just to be safe and not mess anything up.
Conclusion
So yeah, picking the right kitchen extractor fan isn’t just about looks, it’s about what you cook and how often. Once I matched my fan to my cooking style, everything felt easier. No more lingering smells or steamy windows. Totally worth it.
I’m Jeniffer, and I help you create a stylish, luxurious home on a budget with smart shopping, DIYs, and design hacks for a high-end look.