The best cooker hood for an open-plan kitchen is a ducted one that vents outside, with a maximum extraction rate of at least 600 m³/h, at least as wide as the hob and as quiet as possible at the settings you use every day. The type of hood is decided by where the hob sits: against a wall you fit a decorative wall-mounted hood, while above an island you need an island hood. Below we explain how to work out the extraction rate, what the noise figures on the label mean and which models are worth considering.
In an open-plan space, the kitchen, the living room and sometimes the dining area all share the same air. The right hood keeps that air clean and stops cooking smells from drifting through the whole home, but it also needs to be discreet: a noisy appliance can be heard from the sofa, and one with the wrong design is visible from every corner of the house.
How to choose a cooker hood for an open-plan kitchen
1. Extraction rate (m³/h)
The rule of thumb used by retailers and consumer organisations is that a hood should be able to change the air in the kitchen roughly 10–12 times an hour. For an enclosed kitchen, multiply the room's length × width × height by 10. In an open-plan space the volume calculation no longer works, because the air flows on into the living room, so the usual recommendation is a maximum extraction rate of at least 500–600 m³/h. Bear in mind that every bend in the ducting reduces the real extraction rate, so the route to the outside should be as short and straight as possible. You'll find the step-by-step calculation in our guide on how to size your cooker hood.
2. Ducted or recirculating
A ducted hood takes steam and smells out of the house and is the most effective option. A recirculating hood, with charcoal filters, is the solution when there is no way to vent outside. Charcoal filters trap smells but not moisture, and they need to be replaced or regenerated regularly, as instructed by the manufacturer.
3. Noise
On the European energy label, the noise level is shown in dB for the highest normal-use setting (without Booster). Compare this figure across models: a few decibels less makes a clear difference in an open-plan space. The Booster (intensive) function is louder, but it is only used for a few minutes when you are cooking intensively.
4. Width and installation
The hood should be at least as wide as the hob, and in an open-plan space it is better if it is even wider. The minimum distance between the hob and the hood is the one given in the manufacturer's installation manual and varies with the type of hob (gas or electric/induction).
Types of cooker hood compared
| Type of hood | When it suits | Advantages | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative wall-mounted (chimney) | Hob against a wall | High extraction rate, wide choice, becomes a design feature | The chimney stays on show |
| Island hood | Hob on an island or peninsula | Extracts directly above the cooking zone, strong decorative effect | Ceiling-mounted, higher price and more complex installation |
| Built-in / telescopic | Hood hidden in a wall cabinet | Discreet, doesn't weigh down the open-plan space visually | Extraction rate usually lower than decorative hoods |
You'll find all available models, filtered by width and type, in our cooker hoods category.
Cooker hood models suited to open-plan kitchens
Haier I-Link decorative hood (HADG6CBS4BWIFI)
A 60 cm wall-mounted hood with a black finish, well suited to modern kitchens. According to Haier's technical sheet, it reaches 974 m³/h in intensive mode, has an A++ energy rating, several speed settings plus a Booster function, touch controls and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, so it can be controlled from your phone (via the hOn app). It is one of the most powerful hoods in our range, which makes it a good option for anyone looking for "the most powerful kitchen hood".
Haier I-Clean Series 4 hoods
The I-Clean 4 series includes wall-mounted hoods with touch controls, LED lighting and a sophisticated design in a black finish. For the models in the series, Haier specifies 4 speed settings and an A+ energy rating (for example on the HATS6CBS4B). They are recommended for open-plan spaces thanks to their good extraction capacity and premium look. Wi-Fi versions are also available.
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Falmec Polar Black island hood
For hobs set into an island, the Falmec Polar Black is a cylindrical hood, 35 cm in diameter, with a black finish and an extraction rate of up to 800 m³/h. It has electronic controls with 4 speed settings, integrated LED lighting and a circular metal filter. Its shape turns it into a decorative feature, much like a pendant light hanging above the island.
Other frequently compared models
There are also well-known models on the market that can serve as a point of comparison. The figures below are those published by the manufacturers or in the European energy label database.
Electrolux LFT769X
A 90 cm decorative wall-mounted hood from the Electrolux 800 Breeze series. The manufacturer quotes a maximum extraction rate of 720 m³/h and noise of between 53 and 68 dB. It has the Hob2Hood function, which automatically syncs the hood with a compatible Electrolux hob, and the Breeze function, which keeps the ventilation running on the lowest setting after you finish cooking.
Beko HCB93744BX
A 90 cm decorative wall-mounted hood in stainless steel, with touch controls, LED lighting and a cassette-type metal filter. Beko quotes an extraction rate of 610 m³/h and noise of between 48 and 71 dB(A), depending on the speed setting.
Whirlpool WHVP 62F LT
A 60 cm vertical decorative hood with a minimalist design and a touch control panel. According to the European product sheet for the WHVP 62F LT SD version, the extraction rate reaches 495 m³/h at maximum normal speed and 650 m³/h in intensive mode, with a noise level of 65 dB at maximum normal speed. It is a compact choice for medium-sized open-plan kitchens.
Quick comparison of the models featured
| Model | Type | Width | Maximum extraction rate | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haier I-Link HADG6CBS4BWIFI | Decorative wall-mounted | 60 cm | 974 m³/h (intensive) | A++, Booster, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth |
| Falmec Polar Black | Island | Ø 35 cm | 800 m³/h | 4 speeds, LED, circular metal filter |
| Electrolux LFT769X | Decorative wall-mounted | 90 cm | 720 m³/h | Hob2Hood, Breeze |
| Beko HCB93744BX | Decorative wall-mounted | 90 cm | 610 m³/h | Touch controls, LED |
| Whirlpool WHVP 62F LT | Vertical decorative | 60 cm | 650 m³/h (intensive) | Touch controls |
Cooker hoods for smaller kitchens or a standard hob
If the open-plan space is small or the hood needs to be hidden in the units, a built-in hood or a 60 cm decorative hood with an extraction rate above 600 m³/h may well be enough. Choose it together with the hob, because the hood has to cover the full width of the hob: check the dimensions in our built-in hobs category. For a cohesive look, you can stick with the same manufacturer for all your appliances, for example from the Haier range.
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Frequently asked questions
What extraction rate does a hood need for an open-plan kitchen?
The usual recommendation is a maximum extraction rate of at least 500–600 m³/h. For an enclosed kitchen, calculate the room's volume × 10.
What is the most powerful kitchen hood?
Extraction power is compared by the maximum extraction rate (m³/h), usually the figure for intensive mode. Of the models featured here, the Haier HADG6CBS4BWIFI reaches 974 m³/h.
How do I find the quietest cooker hood?
Compare the dB figure on the energy label, which corresponds to the maximum normal-use speed. If the manufacturer publishes it in the technical sheet, also check the noise level at the lowest setting, which is the one you'll use most often.
Ducted or recirculating hood for an open-plan kitchen?
Ducted extraction is more effective, because it takes steam out of the house as well as smells. A recirculating hood with charcoal filters remains the solution when there is no way to vent outside.
Island hood or wall-mounted hood?
The hood goes above the hob: if the hob is on an island, you need an island hood; if it is against a wall, a decorative wall-mounted hood is simpler to install.
Choosing a cooker hood for an open-plan space comes down to its extraction rate, its noise level and a design that fits in with the style of your home. A well-chosen hood makes a real difference to both the comfort and the look of your home.
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