Quietest Cooker Hoods for Open-Plan Kitchens

Home / Cooker Hoods / Cooker Hoods Guides & Advice

Quietest Cooker Hoods for Open-Plan Kitchens

Open-plan living has become a hallmark of modern home design, blending kitchen, dining, and living areas into one connected space. While this creates a sociable and stylish environment, it also presents a challenge: noise control. Cooking smells and steam can spread quickly, but a loud extractor fan can ruin conversations, TV time, or even a relaxed dinner.

That’s why choosing the quietest cooker hood for your open-plan kitchen is essential. By reducing unwanted noise while still maintaining powerful extraction, you can keep your home both fresh and peaceful.

In this guide, we’ll explore:

  • Why noise levels matter more in open-plan kitchens
  • How cooker hood decibel ratings work
  • The quietest types of cooker hoods
  • Key features and tips to help you choose the right extractor

Whether you’re entertaining guests, enjoying family time, or winding down after a long day, the right hood ensures your kitchen stays comfortable, quiet, and free from lingering odours.

Why Noise Matters in Open-Plan Kitchens

In a traditional kitchen, noise from appliances is easier to contain. But in an open-plan kitchen, sound travels freely into your dining and living areas. This makes the choice of a quiet cooker hood even more important.

Imagine preparing dinner while friends gather around the table or the family watches TV in the same space. A hood that hums at 70 decibels – about the same as a vacuum cleaner – can quickly become disruptive. By contrast, a hood under 60 decibels blends into the background, allowing conversation and entertainment to flow naturally.

Everyday comparisons of noise levels:

  • 30 dB – A quiet whisper
  • 50 dB – Normal conversation
  • 60 dB – Ideal noise level for a quiet cooker hood
  • 70+ dB – Too loud for comfortable open-plan living

A low-noise extractor doesn’t just make cooking more enjoyable; it helps maintain the calm, seamless atmosphere that makes open-plan living so appealing. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a peaceful night in, keeping noise levels down ensures your kitchen feels like part of the home, not a separate workspace.

Understanding Noise Levels in Cooker Hoods

When shopping for the quietest cooker hoods, you’ll often see noise measured in decibels (dB). But what does this mean in practice? The decibel scale is logarithmic, which means a small increase in numbers can make a big difference to what you hear.

Most cooker hoods range from around 40 dB on their lowest setting to 70 dB or more on maximum. For open-plan kitchens, staying below 60 dB is ideal if you want to maintain a calm, social environment.

Noise Level (dB) Comparable Sound Suitability for Open-Plan Kitchens
40–50 dB Library or quiet office Excellent – virtually silent
50–60 dB Normal conversation Ideal balance of performance and quiet
60–70 dB Busy street or background music Acceptable, but may disrupt conversation
70+ dB Vacuum cleaner level Too noisy for open-plan living

Another factor to consider is fan speed. Higher speeds provide stronger extraction but usually at the cost of more noise. For most homes, using medium settings is enough to clear steam and odours while keeping noise levels comfortable.

Types of Cooker Hoods and Their Noise Performance

The type of hood you choose has a big impact on how quiet your open-plan kitchen feels. Some designs are naturally better at reducing sound, while others may trade quietness for style or power. Below we explore the most common cooker hood types and their typical noise performance.

Chimney Hoods

Popular for their stylish design, chimney cooker hoods are mounted against a wall. While effective, they can sometimes be noisier because of their size and airflow capacity. Best for homeowners who want a statement feature but don’t mind a little background hum.

Canopy Hoods

Designed to fit discreetly into overhead cabinets, canopy hoods are often quieter due to their compact design. They blend into the kitchen seamlessly, making them a good choice for open-plan spaces that prioritise a minimalist look.

Ceiling Hoods

Ideal for kitchen islands, ceiling extractors sit above the cooking area. They can be powerful but may generate more noise if the motor is located within the unit. However, some models feature remote motors placed outside the kitchen for quieter operation.

Integrated & Visor Hoods

These compact designs are fitted into cabinets or underneath cupboards. While affordable and space-saving, visor and integrated hoods may produce moderate noise levels, especially on higher speeds.

Downdraft Hoods

A premium option, downdraft extractors rise up from the worktop when in use and retract when not needed. They’re often quieter than overhead hoods because they extract steam closer to the source. The trade-off is cost and installation complexity.

Type of Cooker Hood Typical Noise Level Best For
Chimney Hood Moderate to High Statement design, wall-mounted kitchens
Canopy Hood Low to Moderate Discreet, minimalist open-plan layouts
Ceiling Hood Moderate (quieter with remote motor) Kitchen islands and modern designs
Integrated/Visor Hood Moderate Compact spaces, budget-friendly kitchens
Downdraft Hood Low Premium open-plan kitchens, islands

Each type offers a different balance of style, power, and quietness. The best choice depends on your kitchen layout, cooking habits, and how much importance you place on noise reduction.

Downdraft Cooker Hood Extractor Recirculating Air

Key Features That Help Reduce Noise

Not all cooker hoods are created equal when it comes to sound. By looking out for specific low-noise features, you can make sure your open-plan kitchen stays peaceful without sacrificing performance.

  • Brushless Motors – Modern brushless motors run more efficiently, producing less vibration and therefore less noise.
  • Variable Fan Speeds – More speed settings allow you to use lower, quieter modes for everyday cooking, saving the higher speeds for when you really need them.
  • Integrated Silencers – Some hoods include sound-absorbing materials or silencers to reduce motor and airflow noise.
  • Wide Ducting – A larger duct size helps air flow more smoothly, cutting down turbulence that causes extra noise.
  • Ducted Extraction – Venting air outside is generally quieter than recirculation because it avoids the additional noise of charcoal filters.
  • Remote Motors – Some ceiling and island hoods allow you to place the motor in a different location, such as a loft or outside wall, to keep noise away from the kitchen.

Tip: If your cooker hood will be used daily in an open-plan living space, prioritise features like brushless motors and ducted extraction for the best combination of quiet performance and effective ventilation.

Choosing a hood with these features ensures you don’t have to compromise between powerful extraction and a quiet kitchen environment.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Quiet Cooker Hood

Finding the quietest cooker hood isn’t just about picking the lowest decibel rating. The way you install and use your extractor also plays a big role in how much noise you experience. Here are some practical tips to help you make the right choice.

  • ✅ Match the extraction rate to your kitchen size – Oversized hoods are often noisier than you need. Use the formula: kitchen volume × 10 to calculate the ideal extraction rate in m³/h.
  • ✅ Choose ducted over recirculating where possible – Ducted hoods tend to be quieter and more effective than recirculating models, as they don’t rely on charcoal filters.
  • ✅ Opt for wider, shorter ducting – Smooth, straight ducting minimises airflow resistance, cutting down on unnecessary noise.
  • ✅ Install the hood at the right height – Too high and it needs more power (and noise) to work effectively; too low and it feels intrusive. Check manufacturer guidelines for the sweet spot.
  • ✅ Look for “quiet mode” settings – Many hoods now include eco or silent modes for everyday cooking, reducing noise to a gentle background hum.
  • ✅ Consider remote motor placement – Moving the motor into a loft space or external wall significantly reduces kitchen noise.

Remember: A cooker hood doesn’t have to be loud to be effective. By combining the right features and installation choices, you can enjoy fresh air in your kitchen without the distraction of constant fan noise.

Cosy open plan kitchen with in a spacious apartment

Other Ways to Keep Your Open-Plan Kitchen Peaceful

Even with the quietest cooker hood, there are extra steps you can take to maintain a calm and welcoming atmosphere in your open-plan kitchen. Combining smart appliance use with thoughtful design makes a big difference.

  • Use lower fan settings – Start on high speed to quickly clear steam, then switch down to a lower, quieter setting to keep background noise under control.
  • Take advantage of timer functions – Many hoods allow you to set an automatic shut-off, so you don’t have to leave the extractor running longer than necessary.
  • Soften the acoustics – Rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture help absorb sound, preventing echo in open-plan areas.
  • Regular maintenance – Clean filters and ducts to keep air flowing smoothly. Blockages force the motor to work harder and create more noise.
  • Smart kitchen design – Positioning your cooking area away from seating or entertainment zones can naturally reduce the impact of extractor noise.

Tip: Pair your hood with other low-noise appliances such as dishwashers or fridge freezers. Creating a consistent quiet kitchen environment makes your open-plan layout even more enjoyable.

Conclusion

A quiet cooker hood is more than just an appliance – it’s the key to making your open-plan kitchen a place where cooking, conversation, and relaxation can happen in harmony.

By understanding noise levels, choosing the right type of hood, and paying attention to features such as brushless motors, ducted extraction, and remote motors, you can dramatically reduce unwanted background noise.

Combine these choices with thoughtful design and smart usage, and your kitchen will stay fresh, stylish, and most importantly – peaceful. Whether you’re entertaining friends, enjoying family meals, or simply unwinding after a long day, a low-noise extractor ensures your kitchen feels like part of your living space, not separate from it.

Ready to create a calm, inviting home? Start by choosing a quiet cooker hood designed for open-plan living – and enjoy fresher air without the noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

A quiet cooker hood usually operates at or below 60 dB – about the volume of normal conversation. This keeps background noise comfortable in open-plan kitchens.
Yes, ducted cooker hoods are often quieter because air is vented directly outside, avoiding the noise created by charcoal filters used in recirculation.
Cleaning filters, upgrading ducting, and using lower fan speeds can all reduce noise. Some hoods also allow motors to be relocated for even quieter operation.
Under 60 dB is ideal for open-plan living. Levels above 65 dB can disrupt conversations, TV, or background music.
Not necessarily. A larger hood on a low setting can be quieter than a smaller hood running at full power. Efficiency and motor design also play a big role.
Island cooker hoods are sometimes noisier because they need more power to extract from open space. Remote motor options can help keep them quieter.
Yes, wider ducting reduces air resistance, which means smoother airflow and less noise. Long or narrow ducts often create extra sound.
Downdraft extractors and hoods with remote motors are usually the quietest options, though they may be more expensive to install.
  • All Posts
  • Cooker Hood Guides & Advice
  • Dishwasher Guides & Advice
  • Hob Guides & Advice
  • Laundry Guides & Advice
  • Microwave Guides & Advice
  • Oven Guides & Advice
  • Wine Cooler Guides & Advice