Ceiling cooker hoods are designed to keep the air in your kitchen clean without compromising on space or style. Fitted neatly into the ceiling above your hob or island, they extract steam, grease, and cooking odours just as effectively as wall-mounted models — but with a more open and minimalist look.
Whether you are planning a new kitchen or upgrading an existing one, it is worthwhile to understand the different types of ceiling hoods available, how they work, and what to consider before choosing a model.
How do Ceiling Cooker Hoods Work?
All cooker hoods perform the same basic job — they pull in steam, smoke and odours from your hob. Then, they will either vent them outside or filter and return the air into the room.
- Ducted ceiling hoods extract the air using ducting that runs through the ceiling or loft to an external wall or roof vent. A short, straight duct run gives the best performance and keeps noise low.
- Recirculating ceiling hoods filter the air through grease and carbon filters, then return it to the kitchen. Many people choose this option when external ducting is not feasible, such as in apartments or concrete ceilings.
Both types rely on powerful motors and efficient airflow design to remove airborne grease and odours, helping to keep your kitchen fresh and reduce condensation.
Are Ducted Ceiling Hoods More Efficient Than Ductless Recirculated Models?
Ducted ceiling hoods are generally more effective at maintaining air quality because they expel steam, grease, and odours outdoors. SO, if performance is your priority, a ducted system is the better choice. Recirculating hoods can be cheaper to install and do not remove warm or conditioned air from the room. However, they don’t remove steam, grease and odours as effectively.
Ducted ceiling hoods remove air from the kitchen entirely, venting odours, steam, and grease outdoors. With only a washable grease filter in place, the air moves more freely than it does through a dual-filter recirculating hood, giving a stronger extraction rate and quieter operation.
Maintenance is straightforward- the grease filters can be cleaned rather than replaced, unlike the carbon filters required for recirculation systems.
Because ducted ceiling hoods vent air outside, they can also remove some of the warm or cooled air from your kitchen. Recirculating models avoid this by cleaning the air through grease and carbon filters, then releasing it back into the room. The air is a little drier and far less greasy, but also at roughly the same temperature.
So, Why Purchase a Recirculating Ceiling Cooker Hood?
Recirculating ceiling hoods are often the most practical option when ducting is not feasible (for example, in apartments, kitchens with solid ceilings, or open-plan spaces without an external wall nearby). Many modern models are convertible, such as the Opus and Aria, allowing either ducted or recirculating installation depending on your setup. When used in recirculating mode, the air is drawn through grease and carbon filters before being returned to the room.
No Need for Structural Modifications
Because they do not require exterior vents or ceiling cavities, you can install a recirculating hood almost anywhere with a power source. The absence of ductwork means that no holes through walls or ceilings are required, and they typically offer a quicker, simpler installation. They are ideal above kitchen islands and open-plan layouts where traditional wall-mounted extractors are not suitable.
Ideal for Kitchen Islands and Open-Plan Spaces
Recirculating ceiling cooker hoods are particularly useful above kitchen islands, where there are no walls or cabinets to help direct steam and cooking odours. Positioned directly over the hob, they capture rising vapours before they can spread across the room.
Traditional wall-mounted or chimney hoods rely on being close to a wall, which naturally channels air towards the extractor. In an open-plan layout, the hood loses that effect, making a ceiling-mounted hood the most practical and visually clean solution.
Ceiling cooker hoods are not designed to replace wall-mounted extractors but to complement them. In kitchens with a central island or where no external wall is available, a ceiling model provides effective extraction directly above the hob, keeping the design open and unobstructed. For standard wall or corner installations, a traditional chimney or integrated hood remains the most efficient option.
What Factors Could Limit the Option to Choose a Ceiling Cooker Hood?
Structural layout, ceiling height, and ducting access are the primary considerations when planning a ceiling cooker hood.
Ceiling Height
Most ceiling hoods perform best when installed around 120–150 cm above the hob. If the ceiling is higher than this, the hood may sit too far away to capture vapours effectively. Conversely, too little clearance — typically less than 75 cm — can affect airflow and shorten the unit’s lifespan.
Joist Direction and Ceiling Void Depth
Ceiling hoods usually fit between joists. But the orientation and spacing of those joists will dictate what is possible. Because joists are structural, they can not be cut or moved without a professional assessment. If they run in the wrong direction or the ceiling void is too shallow for the motor housing, additional framing or a false ceiling may be needed.
Cavity Depth
Many models require a minimum cavity depth to house the motor and fan assembly. Where space is limited, the ceiling may need to be lowered or boxed out to accommodate the unit. This extra step can add cost and disruption, but makes installation achievable in most kitchens.
How Big Should a Ceiling Cooker Hood’s Ducting Be?
The ideal ducting length for a ceiling cooker hood is around 3 metres, using either 150 mm circular ducting or 220 × 90 mm rectangular ducting. This measurement provides the best balance of airflow and quiet operation.
When planning the duct route, try to keep it as straight as possible. Each 90-degree bend is essentially equivalent to adding 1 metre of ducting, as bends create resistance and can slightly reduce the overall extraction rate. Keeping the route smooth, sealed, and well-supported will help your hood run efficiently and quietly for years to come.
What Does Extraction Rate Mean for Cooker Hoods?
The extraction rate measures how much air a cooker hood can move in one hour, expressed in cubic metres per hour (m³/hr). In simple terms, it shows how many times the hood can replace all the air in your kitchen within an hour. The higher the number, the stronger the extraction.
How to Work Out What You Need
To estimate the ideal extraction rate, multiply the length × width × height of your kitchen (in metres) to find its total volume. Then multiply that figure by 10 to get the minimum extraction rate required in m³/hr.
Example:
If your kitchen measures 5 m × 3 m × 2.5 m, its volume is 37.5 m³.
37.5 × 10 = 375 m³/hr, so a hood with a rated extraction of around 400 m³/hr or higher would be suitable.
Can the Extraction Rate of a Cooker Hood be Too High for My Kitchen?
In most cases, a more powerful cooker hood clears the air faster. However, there is a point where extra capacity does not add real benefit.
The hood may draw air from around the room, rather than directly above the hob, if the extraction rate is higher than the volume of your kitchen. This will make the cooker hood less efficient in practice. Higher-powered motors can also generate more noise, particularly when used at full speed or in smaller kitchens.
You will achieve the best balance of performance and comfort if you choose a hood with an extraction rate close to your calculated requirement and use its higher settings only when needed, such as during heavy frying or boiling.
What are the Different Types of Ceiling Cooker Hoods?
Ceiling cooker hoods are available in several configurations depending on how you install them, the position of the motor, and whether they vent externally or recirculate air. The main categories are Flush-Fit, Slimline, Inline Motor, External Motor, and Recirculating. Understanding the difference between these designs will help you choose a model that suits both your kitchen layout and the type of extraction available in your home.
Flush Fit Ceiling Cooker Hoods
“Flush-fit” describes any ceiling hood where the main body and motor are fully recessed within the ceiling void or bulkhead, leaving only the intake panel visible. Most ceiling hoods fall into this category, offering a clean, built-in appearance that blends with surrounding surfaces.
- Best for: New builds or full renovations where ceiling height and structure can be planned around the hood.
- Pros: Seamless finish, quiet running, modern aesthetic.
- Cons: Requires sufficient ceiling depth and access above for installation or servicing.
Ducted Ceiling Cooker Hoods
Ducted ceiling cooker hoods offer all the aesthetic appeal and powerful functionality you could ask for. Energy Efficiency-rated B and up, ducted hoods boast extraction rates of up to 991.5m³/hr, providing high-powered air removal to even the largest of kitchens.
Ducted ceiling cooker hoods require more space than recirculating cooker hoods, which can incur additional costs. So it is essential to consider how much room you have to spare!
- Pros: Better moisture control, designed for longevity and manufactured for heavy cooking.
- Cons: The duct needs maintenance, limited placement options and complex installation.
External Motor Ceiling Cooker Hoods
External Motor ceiling cooker hood models have the motor installed externally (typically on an outside wall or roof), so noise and vibration are kept outside the home. Air is ducted from the hood directly to the external motor before being expelled outdoors.
- Best for: Installations where quiet operation is key.
- Pros: Extremely quiet, strong extraction, suitable for long duct runs.
- Cons: Higher installation cost and requires an exterior mounting point for the motor.
Inline Motor Ceiling Cooker Hoods
Inline motor systems have the fan motor positioned away from the hood. Somewhere along the ducting run inside the property, often in a ceiling void or loft, is ideal. This separation significantly reduces noise in the kitchen while maintaining strong extraction performance.
- Best for: Homes that want quieter operation but do not have the option to mount the motor outside.
- Pros: Quieter running, improved suction, flexible duct routing.
- Cons: Requires space along the duct route and ceiling access for maintenance.
Recirculation Ceiling Cooker Hoods
Recirculating ceiling cooker hoods filter air through grease and carbon filters before returning it to the room. Some models are dedicated recirculating units (plug-and-play with no ducting), while others are convertible ducted models fitted with optional carbon filters for recirculation.
- Best for: Apartments, solid ceilings, or rooms without ducting options.
- Pros: Quick installation, flexible placement, no wall or roof vent needed.
Cons: Carbon filters need replacing periodically; they are not as effective at removing humidity or heat.
Ceiling Cooker Hoods Which Fit Between Joists
Joist-fit ceiling cooker hoods are designed to solve one of the most common installation challenges: limited ceiling depth. With a slimline body and compact motor housing, these models can fit neatly between standard ceiling joists (usually spaced 300–400 mm apart) without the need to lower or rebuild the ceiling.
The Aira Ceiling Hood and Miro Compact models, for example, have a small enough footprint to install between standard 8″ joists running inline with the hob, allowing the ceiling line to remain completely intact.
Pros of Joist-Fit Ceiling Cooker Hoods
- No Bulkhead Needed: The slim housing fits directly between most ceiling joists.
- Lower Installation Costs: Avoids major construction or ceiling alterations.
- Preserves Ceiling Height: Ideal for lower ceilings or retrofit projects.
- Flexible Operation: Many models can be configured for either ducted or recirculating use.
Cons of Joist-Fit Ceiling Cooker Hoods
- Dependent on Joist Layout: Won’t fit flush if joists run parallel to the hood (unless using a hybrid surface-mounted design).
- Slightly Lower Extraction Rates: Compact design limits motor size.
- Airflow Limitations: Narrow ducting may reduce maximum airflow on long runs.
- Tighter Filter Access: Servicing and filter changes can be less convenient.
What if My Joists Run the Wrong Way or I Need More Power?
If your ceiling joists run in the wrong direction or you would prefer a more powerful hood that will not fit between them, the simplest solution is to create a bulkhead. A bulkhead is a boxed section that drops slightly from the ceiling to house the unit.
A bulkhead is a boxed section that drops slightly from the ceiling to house the unit. It allows you to install larger, higher-powered hoods and gives you extra flexibility for ducting or recirculation. Converting to a recirculating setup becomes straightforward — a discreet vent can be added directly into the bulkhead, keeping the finish neat and functional.
When positioned above a kitchen island, a bulkhead rarely disrupts the room’s flow, since it sits outside the main walking area. In many designs, it can actually enhance the space, acting as a feature element that can incorporate recessed or pendant lighting.
Most bulkheads only drop around 20 cm from the existing ceiling line, so they do not obstruct sightlines or make the room feel smaller. With careful planning, they can look completely intentional — a clean, architectural frame for your ceiling hood rather than an afterthought.
Purchase Ceiling Cooker Hoods From Modern Living Direct
At Modern Living Direct, we stock one of the UK’s most comprehensive ranges of ceiling cooker hoods — from slimline and between-joist designs to high-powered external-motor systems. Every kitchen is different, so our range includes models to suit all layouts, ceiling types and budgets.
Visit our Bradford showroom to view working displays and get expert, no-pressure advice from our team. As a family business with over 40 years of experience, we understand the practical details that make installation smoother and performance better. Whether you’re planning a new kitchen or upgrading your current extractor, we’ll help you find the right model for your space.
We offer nationwide delivery, including 24-hour options, or you can collect directly from our showroom.
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