This is a decision that could change your kitchen design completely. Does the hood lead the way or follow? Ponder these points to help you on your way...
1. Size
You will, more than likely, have a range cooker. And chances are it is wider than 65cm. This will probably rule out a visor or fully integrated kitchen hood. But this is a good thing. You need to think about making more of a statement than these traditional options. Don't be afraid to go for something with more weight and depth that reminds you, perhaps, of a country-style chimney.
2. Functionality
If at all possible, go for an extractor hood rather than recirculation. The latter are fine, but if you are making a feature of your kitchen, chances are you want to do a lot of cooking there. An extraction hood will protect your investment for longer.
3. Materials: stone
Yes, sounds mad, but combined with the right materials elsewhere in your kitchen the effect can be stunning. Marble worktops for example can tone beautifully with a stone hood. They don't necessarily weigh a ton either – you can find suppliers of hoods made from reclaimed crushed travertine (a kind of limestone) which, because it's reclaimed, also makes them an eco-friendlier option.
4. Materials: copper
This is proper country style for obvious reasons. A copper hood, like stone, is more of a specialist item, so will set you back more than a stainless steel option, but the effect could be worth it.
5. Materials: stainless steel
A stainless steel finish is forgivable on a cooker hood, but you must take care to integrate it into your broader design. The danger is that the silvery colour will clash with warmer tones. But if your style is traditional country kitchen with a modern twist, then you can certainly pull this one off.
See our range of stainless steel kitchen hoods
6. Materials: black metal
This is probably the most versatile option. Whether you are going for a modern styling on a traditional country kitchen or for the full country design, a black kitchen hood can blend seamlessly into your scheme.
See our Datid range of hoods for sleek understated elegance.
7. Materials: beadboard panelling
This is a traditional style with an American feel to it. Your kitchen hood can be made from beadboard panelling, but it does commit you to making your hood fully integrated to the rest of your units. It does give you a great deal of flexibility with colour, however, as beadboard is available in a variety of different woods and can, of course, be painted.
8. 75 is the magic number
Your kitchen hood must sit 75cm above your hob. If your country kitchen actually is in a country cottage, your ceiling height might restrict how much room is left for a hood. Take care not to waste your money on something you can't use.
9. Lighting
This is secondary to the main function your kitchen hood will serve, but it is important to strike the right tone with your hood lights. If you have them at all, go for something that casts a softer, more rounded light onto your hob. Anything that has a sharp definition and colder tone is going to clash with the rest of your kitchen.
10. Extraction rate
You can easily find out what extraction rate to go for on-line depending on the size of your kitchen. Be aware, though, that larger kitchens require higher extraction rates and therefore louder fans. If you expect to have a hectic, family-filled kitchen maybe this won't matter so much to you. But if you are looking to create that serene, contemplative space to wile away the hours baking muffins, maybe you should go for a lower extraction rate and open your windows.
See our range of kitchen hoods.
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