Do Kitchen Extractor Fans Need to Vent Outside? [Quick Guide]

Many people got confused while installing the extractor hoods. As they aren’t sure if kitchen extractor fans need to vent outside or not? So, if you’re also confused, here is your quick answer:

Kitchen extractor fans have been a legal requirement in the UK since April 2006. But, an extractor fan doesn’t have to vent outside. There is no legal requirement for an outside vent, but it is considered a best practice if the fitted hood vent is outside.

Range hoods are designed to remove the cooking odors, grease particles, and other pollutants released into the air while you cook. It might not be possible for many homeowners of Central London or Brits living in flats. Well, they can extract stale air through a ducted range hood. 

Before diving into details, let us give you a general overview of different extraction units and other essential information you should know.

Do Kitchen extractor fans need to vent outside building regulations?

There were no regulations about ventilation. Since April 2006, extractor fans have been a legal requirement in the U.K. If you renovate or build a new home, it is a legal requirement.

In March 2019, the new homes act came into force. It was a recent amendment to the landlord and Tenant act of 1985. 
The landlord must ensure a dehumidifier, a new extraction hood, or a fan for proper kitchen ventilation. Without a dehumidifier or ducted hood, you would often be cleaning dirty kitchen tiles due to food debris and smoke particles.

What is the difference between recirculating hoods and extraction hoods?

When unclear air is pumped out from the kitchen or apartment by ducting in, an outside wall to the air outside is known as extraction.

The recirculation process is practised when it is not possible to vent externally. The air is sucked, filtered, purified, and then pushed back into the room. Such hoods also work as steam & grease filters.

Most ductless range hoods have a built-in carbon filter and charcoal filter. But, they did not go well with the small kitchens and the home’s exterior. Using them in a small kitchen can cause several problems, i.e., stale air and humidity.

Types Of Extraction Units

According to the HSE UK, an extractor hood is essential for your kitchen. There are plenty of types of extraction hoods and high-end hoods.

Have a look at some of the best steam extractor hoods that will surely make a big difference in the air quality. Some of them also work as charcoal filters and recirculating hoods.

  1. Vented extractor fans.

Vented fans are a common way to extract and remove grease from the kitchen air. They keep the kitchen wall and ceiling stainless. 

You may need to make a large hole in the wall to install them. Extractor fans are essential for removing steam so you can cook quickly.

  1. Recirculating.

A recirculation hood or a wall unit comes in handy when it is impossible to vent warm air and carbon filters by ducting through a wall.

Recirculating units work well in limited space. They sucked cooking smells and pumped the purified air back into the room. It is not a bad idea to install them in your small kitchen.

If you don’t have a window in Kitchen, then a low fan power duct will work wonders for you. A ducted or recirculating hood keeps the cooking area smoke-free.

  1. Downdraft extractor.

Downdraft extractors are the newest blessing of science. They rise up behind the cooker and suck the smell. It is different from the traditional ductless range hood.

A downdraft extractor is highly recommended for a stylish look – an elegant and clean kitchen. There are no vent holes in the external wall to install, like a cooker hood or most hoods. 

Unlike most cooker hoods, A downdraft venting hob works well with 60cm gas cookers and ensures a perfect exterior wall. They also came in led lighting of the same size and width as a cooking range.

  1. Cooker or conventional hoods.

Recirculation hoods, Visor hoods, and ducted systems are known as conventional hoods. They are fairly common in the U.K as they are mostly installed. They are very space-efficient and vent outside. 

Such hoods vent steam, grease, and smoke and keep the kitchen wall and wall cabinets clean and non-sticky.

Which Cooker Head Should I Buy?

Vent hoods have become an essential item in our kitchen. Look at some of the best cooker hoods in the UK. For ventilation purposes, extractor fans are necessary.

  • Quietest Cooker Hoods in the U.K.

Here are some of the top pick quietest hoods in the U.K. Their noise level is 36db to 50db. Most of these hoods come in the form of a Chimney or canopy. 

  1. Design air ART28216 Alize 90cm Curved Glass Cooker Hood.
  2. Miele DA2450 Built-In Cooker Hood.
  3. Belling Unbranded 700CGH 70 cm.
  • High Extraction Rate Cooker Hoods.

Professionals must love high extraction hoods. They go well with an eye-level grill gas cooker. Such hoods vent at an effective rate. The maximum extraction rate can go up to 650m³ per hour.

  1. Neff N50 D55MH56N0B Canopy Cooker Hood.
  2. Elica Elibloc HT 80 Built-in Cooker Hood.
  3. Siemens LB57574GB Canopy Cooker Hood.
  • Best Recirculating Cooker Hoods in the U.K.

Recirculating hoods do not need any ducting. If there is no source of ventilation in your kitchen, then such cooker hoods are the best option for you.

  1. Belling Unbranded UH100B 100 cm.
  2. Hotpoint PHVP6 60 cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood.
  3. CIARRA CBCS6506B  60cm Glass  Curved Cooker Hood.

Final Verdict

Kitchen extractor fans or hoods are essential in any home. They vent the stale air and keep the home interior safe and fresh by absorbing moisture. Most people across the UK prefer ducted range hoods for electric cooker installation

Ductless hobs or hoods can be used, but they can never replace the extractor or venting hood. So, extractor fans are necessary, but they don’t have to vent outside continuously!

Jason
I like to research and write about modern kitchen designs and kitchen appliances; Whether you are looking to design a perfect kitchen or want the best cooking experience, my writing will surely help you out!