How to choose the perfect cooker hood

The classic hood, these are typically fitted underneath your top cabinet, and above your hood. If you have a small kitchen, visor hoods can be an ideal choice as they take up less space than the likes of chimney hoods.

If you don't want to make a statement, then this could be the best cooker hood for you. Hidden inside the cabinet over your hob, it won't stand out in your kitchen. To use it, you'll usually just need to press a switch or pull a handle, and you'll be ready to start cooking!

The complete opposite from integrated cooking hoods, they're perfect for making a statement. Sleek and stylish, these are often found in classic stainless steel. They get their name from the fact that they have a wide section at the bottom (where the fan is located), that is connected to a chimney.

Downdraft hoods are more expensive than most other styles, but for good reason: when you're not using it, you can keep it neatly tucked into your kitchen worktop; allowing it to rise into action with just a touch of a button, when you're ready to start cooking.

If your hob is located on your kitchen island, then you'll need an island hood. As they're quite large, they're ideal for keeping bigger kitchens looking - and smelling! - great; and their striking design goes particularly well in modern kitchens.

The majority of cooker hoods will have at least three speeds - sometimes more - which equate to how fast the fan extracts the air from your kitchen. If you're a fan of sizzling stir-fries or sumptuous steaks, you'll want to ensure that your hood can keep up with your cooking!

Cooker hoods will have lighting installed underneath to light up the food whilst you are cooking, but you might want to opt for bright lights if you'll be using it as part of your overall kitchen lighting. Lights can either be LED, incandescent or halogen - with LED lights found in the best cooker hoods, as they last longer than standard halogen bulbs, and more energy efficient.

Some hoods have timers built in, so if you know that the food you'll be cooking might have a lingering smell (hello, curries!), you can specify how much longer you'd like your cooker hood to stay on after you've finished using it - meaning you can enjoy a sit-down meal without having to remember to turn it off yourself.

Some cooker hoods can be extremely noisy, which can get quite distracting over time. If this is something that bothers you - particularly if you live in an apartment that has an open plan living, dining, and kitchen space - then look for cooker hoods that have a quiet setting.

Choosing the best cooker hood doesn't have to be a difficult task, but it certainly shouldn't be one that's overlooked. To discover the various types of hoods we sell - or for a full kitchen make over - book an appointment to visit your nearest Wren showroom today.