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. It can sound like they’re 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. The difference is mainly in the wording rather than how the appliance works.
Cooker Hood vs Extractor Hood: The Simple Answer
| Term | What It Means | Where It’s Used |
|---|---|---|
| Cooker Hood | A ventilation appliance installed above your hob that removes smoke, steam, grease, and odours. | Common term used by appliance brands and retailers. |
| Extractor Hood | Another name for the same appliance that extracts air from the kitchen. | Often used in general conversation or by installers. |
In short, there is no real functional difference. Both names describe the same type of kitchen appliance.
What Does a Cooker / Extractor Hood Actually Do?
Regardless of what you call it, the appliance works by drawing air through filters using a built-in fan. This removes grease, moisture and odours produced during cooking.
- Removes steam from boiling and cooking
- Filters grease particles from frying
- Reduces lingering cooking smells
- Helps keep cabinets and walls cleaner
- Improves overall kitchen air quality
Explore modern styles on the CATA cooker hoods page, including angled, chimney and integrated designs.
Extraction vs Recirculation
While the name doesn’t change the function, how the hood operates depends on how it is installed.
Ducted Extraction
This setup vents air outside through a duct, removing moisture and odours completely. It is generally the most effective option.
Recirculating Mode
In this setup, the hood filters the air using grease and carbon filters before returning it back into the kitchen.
Different Types of Cooker Hoods
There are several styles available, each suited to different kitchen layouts and designs.
- Angled glass hoods – modern wall-mounted designs with easy access
- Chimney cooker hoods – traditional vertical designs
- Integrated cooker hoods – hidden inside cabinets for a seamless look
- Visor hoods – compact and practical for smaller kitchens
Browse the full range of CATA cooker hoods to find the right fit for your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
The difference between a cooker hood and an extractor hood comes down to terminology. Both refer to the same appliance designed to improve air quality while you cook.
When choosing one, focus on the size, extraction rate, installation type and design rather than the name used.
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