Visor Hoods

When selecting a visor hood, you're choosing a compact and affordable ventilation solution designed to fit neatly under a cabinet or against a wall above your hob. Visor hoods are ideal for smaller kitchens or those with limited space, offering effective extraction without taking up too much room. They feature a slim, unobtrusive design with a visor panel extending over the cooktop, providing a practical way to keep your kitchen fresh from smoke, steam, and cooking odours.

Size is an important consideration when choosing a visor hood. These hoods typically come in widths ranging from 60 cm to 90 cm to match the size of your hob or cooker. For optimal performance, ensure that the hood matches or slightly exceeds the width of your cooking surface to capture all the smoke and fumes effectively.

Extraction power is key to the visor hood’s effectiveness, measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/h). Although visor hoods tend to have lower extraction rates compared to larger models, they still offer sufficient ventilation for smaller kitchens or less intense cooking. Most models come with adjustable fan speeds, allowing you to control the extraction power based on your cooking requirements.

Visor hoods can work as extraction hoods, venting air outside through ducting, which is the most effective way to remove steam and odours from your kitchen. If external venting isn’t possible, visor hoods can also operate in recirculation mode, filtering the air through charcoal filters before recirculating it back into the kitchen. Regular filter changes are necessary to keep the recirculation function performing well.

Key features of visor hoods include:

• Built-in lighting: Since visor hoods sit directly above the cooking area, integrated lighting is essential to brighten your hob. Most models come with LED or halogen lights, providing energy-efficient illumination while you cook.
• Quiet operation: Noise levels (measured in decibels) should be considered, especially for smaller or open-plan kitchens. Many visor hoods are designed to operate quietly, so you can enjoy a peaceful cooking environment without excessive noise.
• Grease filters: Visor hoods come equipped with metal or fabric grease filters to capture oil and grease particles from cooking fumes. These filters are typically washable, either by hand or in the dishwasher, for easy maintenance.