Range Hoods

Find the Best Kitchen Range Hoods in the UK: A Shopper's Guide to Brands, Types, and Where to Buy

Why a Range Hood Matters in Your Kitchen

If you love cooking but hate the lingering smell of last night’s curry, a range hood is a kitchen hero you’ll want on your side. It pulls away smoke, steam, grease and airborne particles, leaving your kitchen fresher and your walls and cabinets cleaner. Think of it as a vacuum for airborne kitchen chaos — only quieter and much more stylish. Whether you cook every night or you’re an occasional entertainer, picking the right hood makes your kitchen more comfortable and healthier.

Common Types of Range Hoods (and Which One Fits Your Space)

Range hoods come in several shapes and styles, and the best choice depends on your layout, cooking habits, and design taste. I’ll walk you through the usual suspects so you can picture what fits above your hob.

Under-Cabinet Hoods

These are mounted beneath kitchen cabinets and are ideal for fitted kitchens where space is tight. They’re usually 24 in, 30 in or 36 in wide to match standard hob widths. They’re unobtrusive and often the most budget-friendly option.

Chimney Hoods

Chimney hoods have a broad canopy and a vertical chimney that removes air up and out. They make a statement above a range and are perfect for homeowners who want both form and function. Typical canopy widths are 24 in to 36 in, matching common ranges and hobs.

Island Hoods

If your hob sits on an island, you’ll need an island hood that hangs from the ceiling. They tend to be larger and more powerful, often 30 in to 48 in wide, because they need to capture fumes from all sides.

Integrated or Built-In Hoods

These slip into a cabinet or a hood housing so only the lower part is visible. They offer a sleek, minimalist look and are great if you want the hood to disappear into your kitchen design. Typically made to match 24 in, 30 in or 36 in cabinetry widths.

Downdraft Systems

Less common but clever: downdraft systems rise from the cooktop and pull air downwards. They’re ideal for ultra-sleek kitchens where you want to keep the sightline clean, but they often need extra planning for ducting and may be less powerful than classic overhead hoods.

Brands and Products to Watch (Including Items Seen at Specialist UK Sellers)

When shopping, you’ll see a mix of specialist ventilation brands and general appliance manufacturers. Expert Electrical in the UK, for example, carries a variety of specialist parts and kits. Here are a few names and product styles you might encounter.

Manrose — Practical Venting Components

Manrose is known for ventilation bits like cooker hood kits and plenum fans. You’ll find items such as a 6 in cooker hood kit with a gravity grille — a simple and effective way to ventilate a kitchen — and plenum connectors in sizes around 9 in by 1 in or 12 in by 4 in for routing ductwork. These are the nuts-and-bolts parts that keep ducted systems working reliably.

Integral and Lighting Integration

Some products, like Integral 24 in x 24 in units seen in lighting ranges, point to how lighting and hood design often overlap. Brands that make LED modules and luminaires may collaborate with hood makers to offer integrated lighting or low-glare solutions for cooking zones.

Ansell and Commercial-Style Solutions

Brands such as Ansell manufacture robust, commercial-style lighting and ventilation fixtures. In a kitchen context you might see linear LED light bars or large low-bay options that translate into strong illumination above a hob or range. If you want restaurant-style robustness in a home kitchen, keep an eye on these heavier-duty offerings.

Where to Buy Range Hoods in the UK: Specialist vs. High-Street Stores

Shopping for a hood can be a treasure hunt. Specialist electrical suppliers stock specific components and industrial-grade fans, while mainstream retailers offer plenty of finished hoods with installation options. Here’s a quick run-through of UK outlets to consider.

Expert Electrical

Expert Electrical tends to stock ventilation parts and kits — think Manrose plenum connector pieces, cooker hood venting kits around 6 in diameter, and extractor fans good for ducted setups. If you need particular components for a custom installation, this kind of specialist trade supplier is a smart stop.

Currys

Currys is a go-to for mainstream kitchen appliances and carries a wide range of finished range hoods — under-cabinet, chimney, and integrated styles from big appliance brands. They often have helpful customer reviews and extended warranties if you want extra peace of mind.

John Lewis & Partners

John Lewis balances design and service, stocking higher-end and designer hood models. If you want a premium finish and good aftercare, this retailer can be a reliable choice — especially for the kind of canopy or chimney hood that doubles as a focal point.

AO.com and Appliances Direct

Both offer extensive online ranges and fast delivery for built-in and freestanding hoods. AO.com tends to have a broad selection at multiple price points, while Appliances Direct often runs deals on large kitchen appliances — great if you’re replacing a whole cooker hood and hob at once.

Screwfix, Wickes and B&Q

If you’re doing a DIY installation or need specialist ducting components, check trade and DIY suppliers like Screwfix, Wickes, and B&Q. They often stock standard ductwork, vent kits, and under-cabinet hoods sized to fit common 24 in–36 in cabinetry.

Amazon UK and eBay

Online marketplaces sometimes offer the best prices or rare models, especially for smaller parts like 4 in or 6 in adapters. Just be sure to check seller ratings and product details — especially when you need specific duct diameters or warranties.

Ducted vs Recirculating: Which Is Best for You?

One of the first decisions is whether to vent air outside (ducted) or scrub it and send it back in (recirculating). Each has pros and cons depending on your property and preferences.

Ducted (Vented) Systems

Ducted hoods are the most effective at removing steam and grease because they push the polluted air outside through a duct. They require planning for duct routing — typical duct diameters are 4 in, 6 in or larger depending on power — but they keep your kitchen air much cleaner long-term.

Recirculating (Carbon Filter) Systems

Recirculating hoods pull air through charcoal filters and return it to the room. They’re simpler to install because they don’t need a duct route, making them suitable for flats or listed properties where exterior venting is restricted. The downside is filters need replacing periodically and they don’t remove humidity as well as ducted systems.

Installation Basics: Sizing, Ducting, and Fan Power

Install the right hood for the job and you’ll avoid noisy underperformance and greasy cabinets. Here are the technical bits that matter most.

Match Hood Width to Hob Width

Your hood should be at least as wide as your hob. Standard sizes are 24 in, 30 in and 36 in, but larger island hoods can stretch to 48 in or more. A hood that overhangs the hob slightly will capture more fumes without feeling oversized.

Extraction Power — Look at CFM

Extraction is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). A typical home hood ranges from about 200 CFM for light cooking up to 600 CFM or higher for heavy frying and larger ranges. For a 30 in to 36 in professional-style range, you might want 600 CFM or more to keep up with high heat cooking.

Duct Size and Length Matter

Larger ducts allow airflow with less noise and strain — a 6 in duct will move air more efficiently than a 4 in one. Keep duct runs short and straight where possible; every bend reduces effective airflow and forces the fan to work harder.

Noise and Speed Controls

Noise is often measured in decibels; lower is better. Many modern hoods offer multi-speed controls and even variable fan speeds so you can run low when simmering and high when searing. Look for models that balance power and quiet operation.

Lighting and Extras: Making the Hood Work for Your Kitchen

Range hoods also provide task lighting and sometimes smart features. Think about how these extras fit into your cooking habits and kitchen design.

LED Lighting and UGR Considerations

LED modules are common because they’re energy-efficient and long-lasting. If glare is a concern, some lighting specs refer to UGR (Unified Glare Rating) — lower values mean less glare. Integrated lighting gives better illumination of pans and reduces shadows when you’re cooking.

Filter Types: Metal vs Charcoal

Grease filters are usually metal and washable, while charcoal filters are used in recirculating systems to reduce odors. Plan for maintenance: metal filters can often be put in the dishwasher, while charcoal filters need replacement every few months depending on usage.

Budgeting: How Much Should You Spend?

Range hood prices vary widely. A basic 24 in under-cabinet hood can be very affordable, while designer chimneys and powerful island units can cost significantly more. Factor in installation and possible ducting work when setting your budget. Remember: spending a bit more on a quieter, more powerful unit often pays off with better long-term performance.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Hood Working Well

Keeping your hood in tip-top shape is largely about cleaning and filter care. Here are sensible, low-effort habits that keep grease and smells at bay.

Clean Grease Filters Regularly

Clean or replace grease filters every few months, or more often if you cook heavily. Washable metal filters usually go in the dishwasher; charcoal filters need swapping out according to manufacturer guidance.

Wipe Down Canopies and Duct Covers

A quick wipe after heavy cooking prevents grease build-up. For stainless finishes, use a dedicated cleaner to avoid streaks, and check the chimney covers for dust or grease accumulation.

Service Fans If They Get Noisy

If your fan grows louder over time, it could indicate worn bearings or an imbalanced impeller. A service check can save you from a full replacement later on.

Final Checklist Before You Buy

Before you hit buy, make sure you’ve got these boxes checked: hood width matches your hob, CFM meets your cooking needs, ducting route is feasible, and the look fits your kitchen. If you’re working with a trade supplier like Expert Electrical for parts or a high-street retailer for complete hoods, compare models and check for proper warranties and spare-part availability.

Ready to Make the Upgrade?

Choosing the right range hood transforms your cooking experience much more than you might expect. Whether you’re sourcing parts from specialist suppliers or browsing the big appliance stores, a little planning will get you a quieter, cleaner and more pleasant kitchen. Happy cooking — and here’s to air that smells like nothing but a great meal!

Conclusion: A well-selected range hood is an investment in comfort, health, and kitchen longevity. Match type and power to your cooking style, plan the ducting carefully, and buy from a retailer or specialist who stocks the parts and models you need. With the right choice, your kitchen will feel fresher, cleaner, and more professional.