Range Hood Accessories

Upgrade Your Kitchen Air: The Best Range Hood Accessories and Where to Buy in the UK

Why range hood accessories matter

Think of your range hood accessories as the unsung heroes of your kitchen. They trap grease, whisk away steam, and keep smoke from turning your ceiling into a permanent reminder of last night’s dinner drama. A good set of accessories turns a noisy, inefficient hood into a quiet, powerful appliance that keeps your kitchen smelling fresh and working efficiently. If you care about indoor air and kitchen longevity, investing in the right parts pays off like a tidy pantry — comforting and smart.

Benefits of upgrading accessories

Upgrading filters, ducting and grilles can cut cooking odors, reduce the build-up of grease on kitchen surfaces, and improve extraction performance. Better accessories also reduce strain on the motor, which can extend the life of your hood and save you money in the long run. Imagine changing a clogged filter and suddenly hearing your hood sigh with relief — that’s the difference new accessories can make.

Key accessories every kitchen should consider

Range hoods are simple in concept but complex in performance. Accessories such as grease filters, carbon/charcoal filters, ducting kits, flue extensions, and gravity grilles each play a specific role. Grease filters catch fat and splatter, charcoal filters neutralize smells where recirculation is used, and good ducting moves air efficiently from stove to outside. Picking the right combination keeps cooking comfortable and surfaces cleaner.

Grease and charcoal filters — what’s the difference?

Grease filters are usually metal and catch oil droplets before they coat your ductwork. Charcoal or activated-carbon filters are used for recirculating hoods to absorb odors rather than vent them outside. If you cook a lot of frying or use strong spices, consider replacing both types regularly. Think of grease filters as a sieve for the big stuff and charcoal filters as scent-busters for the small stuff.

Choosing the right size and fit

Size matters when fitting a hood accessory. Duct diameter, for example, is critical to maintaining airflow. Many installations use a standard duct diameter of around 4.7 inches (often referred to as a 5-inch fitment in some kits). Choosing an accessory that mates correctly with your ductwork prevents leaks, reduces noise, and preserves extraction power. Always measure the duct and the hood outlet before ordering — a small mismatch can have big consequences.

Measuring tips for a perfect fit

Use a tape measure and note both the inner and outer diameter of the duct. If you’re dealing with older hoods, measure both ends and check for reducer collars. If a duct says it’s about 5 inches, that usually means roughly 4.7 inches in actual diameter — fit matters more than label. If in doubt, take a photo and ask the retailer for compatibility advice.

Spotlight: Manrose 4.7-inch 5 Cooker Hood Kit with Gravity Grille

One popular product to consider is the Manrose 4.7-inch 5 Cooker Hood Kit with Gravity Grille. It’s designed to be a straightforward solution for venting your kitchen, typically including ducting, a gravity grille and couplings. The gravity grille acts like a one-way door — it lets air out but closes when the fan stops, keeping drafts and pests at bay. It’s a classic, practical choice for many UK kitchens.

When the Manrose kit is the right pick

If you have a standard domestic installation and a vent outlet around 4.7 inches, the Manrose kit is often a quick, reliable option. It’s especially handy for retrofits where you don’t want to redesign ductwork. The gravity grille reduces backflow and is simpler than mechanical backdraft dampers, making it a good fit for many DIYers and installers who want a low-maintenance, effective setup.

Best UK retailers to buy range hood accessories

Shopping for accessories is easier when you know where to look. Several UK retailers specialise in kitchen ventilation parts and stock trusted brands like Manrose. Here are reliable places to start your search, each with strengths depending on what you need.

Expert Electrical

Expert Electrical is a specialist outlet that focuses on electrical and ventilation products. They carry a range of hood accessories including duct kits and grille solutions, and they’re a go-to when you want genuine, purpose-made components. If you prefer retailers with a strong focus on ventilation, stores like Expert Electrical often provide the right mix of choice and technical detail.

Screwfix and Toolstation

Screwfix and Toolstation are popular with tradespeople and DIYers. They stock a wide variety of ducting, fixings, and filter types, often at competitive prices. The benefit of these stores is their practical, trade-oriented selection and the availability of components that suit both one-off fixes and larger renovations. You’ll often find branded kits alongside handy extras like duct tape and clamps.

B&Q, Wickes and Homebase

These home improvement chains offer convenience and broad selection. You’ll find a mix of in-house and branded accessories, plus the ability to see parts in person before you buy. They’re a good bet if you want to walk into a store and match pieces or grab some supplementary hardware on the same trip. Plus, they usually cover the most common sizes and styles.

Currys, John Lewis and Appliances Online

For complete hoods or manufacturer-branded accessories, larger appliance retailers like Currys, John Lewis and Appliances Online are useful. They often sell genuine replacement parts and may carry higher-end or brand-specific grilles and filters. If your hood is from a recognised appliance brand, these stores can help you source compatible components without having to navigate generic fittings.

Amazon UK and eBay

If variety and convenience are top of your list, Amazon UK and eBay offer massive selections and customer reviews that help guide buying decisions. You’ll find both branded kits and budget alternatives. Just be sure to check seller ratings and product descriptions carefully — pictures can be deceiving and compatibility remains key.

Installation tips and common mistakes

Installing accessories can be satisfying, but it’s easy to slip up. A common mistake is underestimating the importance of airtight joints. Gaps, poor clamps, or incorrect duct tape leave your hood underperforming and noisy. Another trap is choosing ducting that’s too long or bends excessively — every extra turn reduces airflow, like threading a hose through a maze.

Simple steps to a better install

Start by planning the shortest, straightest route to the outside. Use rigid or semi-rigid ducting where possible, and secure joints with quality metal clamps. Seal with foil-backed tape rather than standard cloth tape to maintain a secure, heat-resistant bond. If your installation requires penetrating exterior walls, install a gravity grille to stop backdrafts and keep pests out.

Maintenance and when to replace filters

Regular maintenance keeps your hood running like a well-oiled machine. Grease filters typically need cleaning every few months depending on how much you cook. Charcoal filters require replacement more often, often every few months in heavy-use kitchens. A quick inspection can reveal if filters are discoloured or clogged — that’s your cue to clean or replace them.

Signs your hood needs attention

Watch for reduced airflow, persistent cooking smells, or excessive noise — these are signs that something needs attention. If the hood struggles to clear steam or takes longer than it used to, the motor may be working harder because of blocked filters or poorly fitting ducting. Addressing these issues early avoids larger repairs down the line.

Upgrading for style and efficiency

Accessories aren’t just functional; they can complement your kitchen’s look. Brushed stainless steel grilles and discreet, low-profile flues can make a modern kitchen feel cohesive. Meanwhile, upgrading to smoother, rigid ducting reduces drag and noise, improving performance almost invisibly. It’s like swapping a squeaky bicycle chain for a smooth gear system — everything just works better.

Matching accessories to kitchen aesthetics

Choose finishes and styles that echo your existing appliances. If you prefer a minimalist look, opt for flat grilles and concealed fixings. For a classic kitchen, choose decorative grilles that blend with cabinet hardware. Aesthetic upgrades can often be done alongside functional improvements so you don’t have to sacrifice style for performance.

Budgeting and finding deals in the UK

Range hood accessories cover a wide price range, from budget filters to premium duct kits. Decide on must-haves versus nice-to-haves before you shop. Trade stores and online marketplaces often have seasonal deals, and buying a kit can be cheaper than purchasing parts separately. Don’t forget to factor in small extras like clamps and tape — they add up, but they’re essential for a secure fit.

Buying online vs in-store

Buying online offers convenience and a bigger choice, while in-store shopping lets you match parts physically and get hands-on advice. If you’re unsure about fit, a quick visit to a local retailer is worth the peace of mind. However, for specialist or rare parts the wider web often has the only available stock.

Whether you’re replacing a worn filter, fitting a new duct, or upgrading to a full Manrose-style kit with a gravity grille, the right accessory choice makes a difference. Shop with measurements in hand, prioritise airflow and sealing, and pick retailers that match your needs — whether that’s specialist ventilation stores, trade suppliers, or large appliance retailers. With the right parts and a little attention, your hood will repay you with cleaner air, better performance, and fewer headaches.

Final checklist before you buy

Before clicking “buy,” walk through a short checklist: measure the duct and hood outlet in inches, confirm the accessory’s diameter matches, choose rigid ducting where possible, and make sure you have the right clamps and sealing tape. If you’re fitting a gravity grille, check the outside wall opening dimensions. That short checklist saves hours and ensures the install is tidy and long-lasting.

Ready to shop? Start with the retailers mentioned here, compare specifications for the 4.7-inch fittings, and pick accessories that match both your kitchen’s needs and your DIY confidence. Small changes yield big benefits when it comes to kitchen ventilation — and once it’s done, you’ll wonder how you lived with the old setup.

Conclusion: Upgrading your range hood with the right accessories is one of the smartest, most cost-effective ways to improve kitchen comfort and appliance longevity. From filters to ducting and gravity grilles, the right choice keeps air clean, noise down, and performance up. Measure carefully, pick reputable retailers, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it — your kitchen will thank you.