What Is the Difference Between a Cooker Hood and an Extractor Hood?

If you’re shopping for kitchen ventilation, you’ve probably come across the terms cooker hood and extractor hood. Many people assume they are different appliances, but in reality they usually refer to the same thing.

Both are designed to remove steam, smoke, grease, and cooking odours from your kitchen. However, the difference mainly comes down to the way the term is used rather than the technology itself.

Cooker Hood vs Extractor Hood: The Simple Answer

In short, there is no real functional difference. A cooker hood and an extractor hood both perform the same role: improving air quality while you cook.

What Does a Cooker / Extractor Hood Actually Do?

Whether you call it a cooker hood or extractor hood, the appliance works by drawing air through filters using a built-in fan. This removes grease and odours produced while cooking.

• Removes steam created when boiling or steaming food
• Filters grease particles from frying
• Reduces cooking odours
• Helps keep kitchen cabinets and walls cleaner
• Improves air circulation in the kitchen

You can explore a wide range of modern styles on the CATA cooker hoods page, including angled glass, chimney, and integrated models designed for different kitchen layouts.

Extraction vs Recirculation

Although the terms cooker hood and extractor hood mean the same thing, the way the appliance works can differ depending on installation.

Ducted Extraction

In a ducted setup, the hood removes cooking air and vents it outside through a duct. This is usually the most effective way to eliminate moisture and odours.

Recirculating Mode

If external ducting isn’t possible, the hood can filter the air using grease and carbon filters before returning the cleaned air back into the kitchen.

Different Types of Cooker Hoods

While the name might vary, there are several different styles of cooker hood available. Each is designed to suit different kitchen layouts and aesthetics.

• angled glass hoods – modern wall-mounted designs that sit at an angle above the hob
• chimney cooker hoods – traditional vertical designs with a stainless steel chimney
• integrated cooker hoods – hidden inside a kitchen cabinet for a seamless look
• visior hoods – compact and practical for smaller kitchens

If you’re choosing a new appliance, browsing the full range of CATA cooker hoods can help you find a model that matches both your kitchen style and ventilation needs.

Final Thoughts

The difference between a cooker hood and an extractor hood is mostly just terminology. Both refer to the same kitchen appliance designed to remove smoke, steam, grease, and cooking smells.

When choosing one, the important factors are the size, extraction rate, installation type, and design rather than the name used to describe it.