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effective operation that the airflow back
into the kitchen has no obstacles in the
way of cupboard units etc. Also, cupboard
units either side of the hood should not
be too close, as this can create turbulence
under the hood, stopping effective
operation.

Your budget – As in all things, you get
what you pay for with an extractor. The
bigger the motor capacity, the quieter
the motor, and the more aesthetically
pleasing the extractor, the more it will
cost. Remember to factor in the cost
of installation. Not many people are
qualified to install an extractor, and it is
recommended to get a list of registered
installers from the manufacturer of the
unit or the company you have purchased
it from. The installation costs of a
recirculated unit are not too bad as the
installation is fairly simple, however, you
will have to factor in the added cost of
the recirculation kit, and the fact that you
will have the ongoing cost of replacing all steam and odour is captured. When ten minutes after cooking to expel
the charcoal filters every few months. The installing your unit should be 65cm leftover odours and grease.
installation of a ducted unit must ONLY above an electric hob or 75cm above a gas
be undertaken by a trained professional, hob. The higher you go the less effective To maintain your unit properly, clean
particularly if it is an island unit or a unit the unit becomes. Many people worry your grease filters every two months.
ducting through the roof. This will be about the noise level of an extractor. Many of these can go in the dishwasher.
more costly as it requires the installer to Most extractors are fairly noisy, but only Failure to clean them can stop the unit
break through walls, ceilings, and in some on a high speed setting, and this should being effective, but also lead to a buildup
cases the roof. only be used for short periods of time. of foul smells and unhygienic grease above
Aesthetical preferences – There are Units that have a very low decibel rating your stove, which can also be a fire hazard.
a huge variety of extractors currently are usually very costly as their motors are If you are recirculating then replace your
available on the market, from the most insulated. charcoal filters approximately every six
basic box unit, to integrated, to stainless Many people do not use their months. When cleaning the body of the
steel canopies, to glass units and most extractors properly. In order to get extractor consider the material it is made
recently, retro styled and coloured units. maximum results, the unit must be well from. If it is stainless steel it is a good idea,
Remember, this unit can be a focal part of maintained and properly used. particularly if you live at the coast, to wipe
the kitchen design. If you like the idea of it down with a silicone-based product to
something more extravagant, then ensure • Turn your unit on five minutes stop spot rust.
your kitchen designer knows what you before cooking to develop the airflow To summerise, if you are an industry
are purchasing so they can make the unit needed to capture and remove the professional, make an informed
a feature in the kitchen. A good-looking grease and odours. specification, and if you are a consumer
extractor can finish off a kitchen perfectly • Close the kitchen door if you can. be an educated shopper. Don’t just look
and add value to the room. • Keep the unit on a low speed while at cost or looks, remember to order your
There are a few other very important cooking, and only turn it up to a extras, and ensure the installation is done
facts to remember when choosing and higher speed if there is excessive by a professional. dw
installing your extractor. Your extractor smoke, grease or steam.
should be wider than your hob to ensure • Finally, leave the unit on for five to www.ksa.co.za

dw • Issue 286 17