5 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing the Right Cooker Hood & Hob for Home Cooking

A well-planned kitchen makes home cooking more enjoyable, efficient, and mess-free. However, many homeowners make costly mistakes when choosing their cooker hood and hob, leading to poor ventilation, excessive smoke, uneven cooking, and even higher electricity bills.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ll explore the top five mistakes people make when selecting a cooker hood and hob—and how you can avoid them to enhance your home-cooked meals experience.

1. Ignoring Kitchen Size and Layout

Your kitchen’s size and layout should always be the first consideration when choosing a cooker hood and hob.

• A small kitchen needs a compact slim or integrated hood to avoid overcrowding the space.
• Open-plan kitchens require a chimney hood or a designer hood with higher suction power.
• A hob should fit your countertop space—a 80cm hob is standard, while 86cm hobs offer more burners for larger families.

Why It Matters:
A cooker hood that’s too small may fail to remove smoke efficiently, while one that’s too large may overpower your kitchen space. Similarly, a hob that doesn’t fit well can make cooking difficult and unsafe.

2. Overlooking Ventilation Type

There are two main types of cooker hood ventilation systems:

1. Ducted (Vented) Hoods – These expel air outside, ensuring strong odor and grease removal.
2. Ductless (Recirculating) Hoods – These filter and recycle air, best for apartments where external ducting isn’t possible.

Why It Matters:

• If you do a lot of frying or grilling, a ducted hood is the best choice because it removes smoke completely.
• If you live in an apartment or a rented space, a ductless hood with charcoal filters can still provide decent air purification.

💡 Tip: Choose a hood with multi-layer filters and an oil collector for easier maintenance.

3. Choosing the Wrong Hob Type

The right hob makes home cooking easier and more efficient. Here’s how to choose:

Types of Hobs

✔ Gas Hobs – Great for precise heat control, wok cooking, and high-heat dishes.
✔ Induction Hobs – Energy-efficient, fast heating, and safer due to its flameless design.

Why It Matters

• If you love stir-frying or searing meats, a gas hob is the best option.
• If you prefer energy-saving, modern cooking, an induction hob is a great choice.

💡 Tip: Look for hobs with safety features like flame failure protection (for gas hobs) or automatic shutoff (for induction hobs).

4. Neglecting Maintenance and Cleaning Needs

A dirty cooker hood and hob not only reduces efficiency but can also pose health and fire risks.

Hood Maintenance

• Clean grease filters every 1-3 months to ensure proper airflow.
• Opt for dishwasher-safe filters for easier cleaning.

Hob Maintenance

• Gas hobs need regular burner cleaning to prevent clogging.
• Induction hobs should be wiped down immediately after spills to prevent stains.

💡 Tip: Choose a hob with a spill-proof design and a cooker hood with an easy-clean oil collector.

5. Prioritizing Price Over Quality and Features

While sticking to a budget is important, choosing the cheapest cooker hood and hob can lead to:

• Weak suction power, leaving your kitchen smoky.
• Uneven heating, make cooking difficult.
• Frequent repairs and replacements, costing more in the long run.

Instead, consider long-term durability and energy efficiency over just the upfront cost.

💡 Tip: Look for brands with a good warranty and energy-saving features to save money in the long run.

6. How to Choose the Right Cooker Hood & Hob for Your Kitchen

Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the best option:

💡 Final Tip: If you love home-cooked meals, invest in appliances that match your cooking style and kitchen needs.