Buying a new cooker hood does not have to be complicated — as long as you know what to look for. Whether you are a first-time buyer furnishing your first flat, a tenant looking for an affordable cooker hood that simply does its job, or a homeowner ready for a replacement: this article gives you all the information you need to make a sound choice. No technical jargon, just practical advice.
Why a good cooker hood is essential in every kitchen
A cooker hood may look like a minor detail, but it certainly is not. Cooking without proper extraction has direct consequences for both your health and your home.
- Air quality: Cooking releases steam, cooking vapours, fine particles and gases. A cooker hood removes these right at the source, so you are not cooking in a cloud of smells and smoke.
- Protecting your kitchen: Grease and moisture settle on wall units, walls and ceilings. Over time that leads to discolouration, greasy build-up and even mould. A cooker hood protects your kitchen units effectively.
- A healthier living space: In smaller or poorly ventilated kitchens — as found in many flats — good extraction is essential. It lowers the concentration of harmful combustion products and damp air.
- A complete kitchen: A hob without a cooker hood is simply not finished. Just like a fridge or an oven, a cooker hood belongs to the basic kit of any functional kitchen.
Which types of cooker hood are there?
No two kitchens are the same, and the same goes for cooker hoods. There are five common types, each with its own installation setting and price bracket.
- Integrated cooker hood: Fitted underneath a wall unit, directly above the cooker or hob. Compact and affordable.
- Angled cooker hood: Mounted openly on the wall, angled above the cooking zone. Popular in modern kitchens without wall units.
- Island cooker hood: Suspended from the ceiling above a kitchen island. A striking design, but more expensive and more involved to fit.
- Built-in cooker hood: Built into a cupboard above the hob. Almost invisible, but less powerful than other types.
- Ceiling cooker hood: Similar to the island cooker hood, but flatter and sleeker. Suitable for open-plan kitchens with enough ceiling height.
For most standard kitchens — certainly in rented homes or smaller flats — the integrated and the angled cooker hood are the most practical and affordable choices.
Integrated cooker hood: compact and affordable
The integrated cooker hood is by far the best-selling type in the Netherlands. It is fixed to the underside of a wall unit that sits directly above the cooker or hob. That makes it ideal for the standard kitchen layout with wall units.
The advantages are clear: a low purchase price, very little space taken up and relatively easy fitting. For first-time buyers and tenants this is usually the sensible choice. If you are looking to buy an integrated cooker hood, Pro Witgoed stocks models from the Heinner brand that offer excellent value for money without an unnecessary premium for a brand name.
Angled cooker hood: modern and wall-hung
The angled cooker hood hangs at an angle on the wall and is popular in modern kitchens without wall units. It combines a sleek design with a good extraction rate and is very much on show as a design feature in the kitchen.
The purchase price is slightly higher than that of an integrated model, but for kitchens without wall units this is often the only logical choice. When fitting it, make sure there is enough clearance above the hob: usually at least 65 cm above an electric hob and 75 cm above gas.
Ducted vs. recirculation: which suits your situation?
This is one of the most important decisions when buying a cooker hood. There are two systems:
- Ducted: The cooker hood carries the polluted air outside through a duct. This is the most efficient method and gives the best air quality.
- Recirculation: The air is passed through a carbon filter and then blown back into the kitchen clean. No duct is needed.
Thinking about buying a recirculation cooker hood? That is the obvious option if you have no duct — which is the case in many rented homes and flats. A ductless cooker hood is therefore more flexible to position, but it does need its carbon filter replaced regularly (usually every 3 to 6 months, depending on use).
A ducted system is quieter and more efficient in the long run, but it requires a duct that either already exists or has to be installed. In those cases it is wise to consult a professional for the ductwork itself.
What should you look for when buying a cooker hood?
If you want to buy a cooker hood, a number of technical specifications have a direct effect on day-to-day use. These are the most important ones:
- Width: The standard width is 60 cm, which suits most hobs. Always match the width to that of your hob — the cooker hood should be at least as wide. Are you looking to buy a 60 cm cooker hood? In the vast majority of cases that is the right size.
- Extraction rate (m³/hour): A rule of thumb is that the cooker hood should be able to handle at least ten times the volume of your kitchen per hour. For an average kitchen of 15 m³, an extraction rate of 150 m³/hour is already enough for normal use.
- Noise level (dB): On the lowest setting, a well-designed cooker hood is barely audible. On the highest setting the level is usually between 55 and 70 dB. Pay attention to this if you have an open-plan kitchen next to the living room.
- Lighting: LED lighting is more energy efficient and lasts longer than halogen. The practical benefit: better visibility above the hob, especially when cooking in the evening.
- Controls: Push-button controls are sturdy and straightforward. Touch controls look sleeker but are a little more sensitive to grease and moisture. Choose whatever suits you.
- Energy rating: A higher energy rating (A or B) means less electricity used over the years. With daily use that difference adds up.
Browse our full range of cooker hoods to compare models on these specifications. Pairing your cooker hood with a matching hob straight away? Then take a look at our hobs as well, or choose directly between built-in gas hobs and built-in electric hobs.
Fitting a cooker hood: how difficult is it?
How difficult it is depends on the type of cooker hood. Most people can fit an integrated model themselves with basic tools. An angled or island cooker hood calls for a little more precision, especially if a duct has to be connected or extended.
What you will need in any case:
- A tape measure to work out the right position and height
- A spirit level so that it sits straight
- A drill and wall plugs for the wall fixing
- A screwdriver and, if necessary, a connecting hose for the ducting
Before you buy, always check whether a duct is already in place and whether the socket is in the right spot. In more complicated situations — such as a new duct route through a wall — it is sensible to call in a qualified tradesperson for the ductwork.
Maintenance and filters: keeping your cooker hood working at its best
A well-maintained cooker hood works more efficiently, runs more quietly and lasts longer. Here is how to go about it:
- Grease filters: These filters catch grease and, with normal use, have to be cleaned every 4 to 8 weeks. Most grease filters are dishwasher safe, which makes maintenance easy.
- Carbon filters (on recirculation models): These cannot be washed and have to be replaced. Depending on use, that means every 3 to 6 months. The cost is modest, but do factor it into your overall budget.
- Exterior and lighting: Wipe the outside down regularly with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning product. Avoid abrasive products on stainless steel surfaces.
Why buy your cooker hood from Pro Witgoed?
At Pro Witgoed we focus on one thing: the best value for money in practical domestic appliances. Our cooker hoods come from the Heinner brand — a dependable name that delivers quality without the brand premium of the big-name manufacturers.
- Available straight from stock: No waiting for weeks. What you see is what we have.
- Full 5 year warranty: Peace of mind that most large retailers do not offer.
- Free delivery: No hidden shipping costs at the end.
- No brand premium: You pay for the function, not for a logo on the front.
- Transparent prices and personal service: Direct contact, none of that call-centre feeling.
- Ideal for first-time buyers and landlords: Functional, reliable and keenly priced.
Looking for a cooker hood offer? Then be sure to have a look at our current offers. Or explore the broad overview of all our cooking appliances for a complete kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Which cooker hood width do I need?
In most kitchens 60 cm is the standard width, matching a hob of the same width. If you have a wider hob (90 cm), choose a wider cooker hood as well. The cooker hood should be at least as wide as the hob for the best extraction.
What is the difference between ducted and recirculation?
A ducted system carries the polluted air outside through a duct — this is the most effective method. A recirculation system filters the air through a carbon filter and blows it back into the kitchen. Recirculation is ideal where there is no duct, as in many rented homes.
Can I fit a cooker hood myself?
Most people can fit an integrated cooker hood themselves with standard tools. With angled or island models, or when a new duct has to be installed, it is advisable to call in a tradesperson for the technical work.
How often should I clean the grease filter?
With normal use you clean the grease filter every 4 to 8 weeks. Most grease filters are dishwasher safe, which makes maintenance a good deal easier. A clogged filter reduces the extraction rate and can be a fire risk.
What is a good extraction rate for a cooker hood?
A common rule of thumb: the cooker hood should be able to handle at least ten times the volume of your kitchen per hour. For a kitchen of 15 m³, 150 m³/hour is enough. If you cook intensively or have a larger kitchen, 300 m³/hour or more is the better choice.
Do Pro Witgoed cooker hoods come with a warranty?
Yes. Every cooker hood at Pro Witgoed comes with a full 5 year warranty. That includes parts and service, with no hidden costs and no small print.
Is delivery included?
Delivery is free at Pro Witgoed. Please note: we do not offer a fitting service for cooker hoods. The cooker hood is delivered, and you fit it yourself or have a tradesperson of your choice do it.
Which type of cooker hood is most suitable for a rented home?
In most rented homes the integrated cooker hood is the best choice: compact, affordable and easy to fit under an existing wall unit. If there is no duct, go for a recirculation model. That way you do not depend on any alterations to the property.
Conclusion
Buying a cooker hood is not a complicated decision once you know what to look at. First work out which type suits your kitchen layout, choose between ducted and recirculation on the basis of your situation, and keep an eye on width, extraction rate and noise level. At Pro Witgoed you will find an honest range of Heinner cooker hoods: solid quality, a five year warranty and a price that matches what you actually need.