Ideas Library · Kitchen
Kitchen Ventilation Planning
An early planning approach to removing cooking steam, grease and odours effectively, weighing extraction versus recirculation and duct routing, suited to any owner reworking a layout where the cooking position may move.
Spaces:Standard kitchenOpen-plan kitchen-dinerApartment kitchenNew build or extension
Style:contemporarytransitionalindustrialminimalist
Where this idea works
Where this idea works
Contexts this direction tends to suit — and, honestly, where it may not.
- Renovations where the hob or cooker position is being decided
- Open-plan kitchens where cooking smells travel into living space
- Homes weighing ducted extraction against recirculating options
- Layouts where duct routing must be planned before finishes go in
Where it may not fit
Where it may not fit
- Situations treated as an afterthought once cabinetry is already fixed
- Owners unwilling to consider duct routes or external terminations
- Decisions made without professional input on airflow and any regulations
Planning
Planning considerations
- Decide between ducted extraction to outside and recirculation early, as it affects layout
- Map the shortest sensible duct route with minimal bends for effective airflow
- Consider extraction capacity relative to the hob type and room volume
- Think about make-up air in tightly sealed homes so extraction can work properly
Layout
Layout considerations
- An island hob needs a ceiling or downdraft solution and a route through the floor or ceiling
- Duct runs to an external wall are usually more effective than long, twisting paths
- Recirculation avoids ducting but relies on filters and does not remove heat or moisture outside
- Noise levels matter in open-plan rooms, so consider fan placement and speed options
Materials & finishes
Materials and finishes to discuss
Named generically as starting points to discuss with professionals — not specifications, and not priced.
Consider:rigid ductinggrease filtersexternal wall or roof terminalrecirculation charcoal filterscanopy or downdraft housing
- Grease and charcoal filters degrade and need periodic replacement or cleaning
- External terminals and ducting should resist weather and backdraught over time
Maintenance & durability
Maintenance and durability questions
- Plan easy access to clean or swap grease filters regularly
- Recirculation charcoal filters need scheduled replacement to keep working
Professional review
What to ask a qualified professional
Bring these questions to a designer, contractor or the relevant qualified professional or authority.
- Would ducted extraction or recirculation suit this layout and building better?
- What extraction capacity is appropriate for my hob type and room size?
- Can a duct be routed to outside with minimal bends, and where would it terminate?
- Does this home need make-up air provision for extraction to work effectively?
- Are there building or safety regulations that apply to this ventilation setup?
- How accessible will the filters be for cleaning and replacement?
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