How to choose an extractor fan for a large kitchen? (Kitchen | Appliances & Fixtures)

A well-chosen extractor fan is essential in any kitchen, but it becomes particularly critical in large kitchens where cooking smells, smoke, and humidity can quickly accumulate. For Sydney homeowners renovating spacious family kitchens, open-plan apartments, or luxury terraces, selecting the right extractor fan improves air quality, enhances comfort, and preserves the beauty of your kitchen. The choice of fan affects ventilation efficiency, noise levels, and energy consumption, all of which impact daily life.

This guide will help Sydney residents understand how to choose an extractor fan for a large kitchen, considering airflow requirements, installation type, noise, design, and lifestyle factors.

1. Understand your kitchen’s ventilation needs

The first step in choosing an extractor fan is understanding the specific ventilation requirements of your large Sydney kitchen:

• Size of the kitchen: Larger kitchens require fans with higher extraction rates, usually measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h).

• Cooking habits: Homes that frequently prepare fried foods, sauces, or use multiple burners simultaneously generate more smoke, steam, and odours.

• Layout: Open-plan kitchens in Sydney, especially in suburbs like Mosman, Paddington, or Balmain, require fans that can handle air circulation for both the kitchen and adjoining living spaces.

For a large kitchen, an extractor fan should effectively remove airborne grease, moisture, and odours, maintaining a fresh environment while protecting cabinetry, benchtops, and walls.

2. Choose the right type of extractor fan

Different types of extractor fans suit various kitchen layouts and ceiling heights:

Wall-mounted range hoods:

• Mounted above the cooktop against the wall.

• Provide strong extraction for large kitchens.

• Ideal for traditional and contemporary kitchen designs.

Island range hoods:

• Suspended above island cooktops.

• Offer high airflow capacity and visually striking design.

• Perfect for open-plan Sydney kitchens where the cooktop is on a central island.

Under-cabinet hoods:

• Installed beneath wall cabinets.

• Suitable for kitchens with cabinetry above the cooktop.

• Compact and discreet but may have lower extraction compared to wall-mounted or island models.

Downdraft extractors:

• Integrated into the benchtop or cooktop.

• Pop-up units that disappear when not in use.

• Effective for open-plan kitchens but may require ducting considerations and typically have lower extraction than wall-mounted units.

Choosing the type depends on ceiling height, cooktop location, kitchen design, and aesthetic preferences.

3. Calculate the required extraction rate

The extractor fan must be powerful enough to ventilate the entire kitchen. Use the following formula as a guideline:

Required extraction rate (m³/h) = kitchen volume (length × width × height) × 10–15

• For example, a 6m × 4m × 2.7m kitchen has a volume of 64.8 m³. Multiply by 12 (average factor) = ~780 m³/h.

• Larger kitchens or those with high cooking frequency may require fans rated 900–1,500 m³/h or more.

Sydney kitchens in family homes often benefit from higher extraction fans to manage smoke and odours efficiently, especially in open-plan layouts.

4. Consider ducted vs. recirculating systems

Extractor fans can either vent air outside or filter and recirculate it:

Ducted fans:

• Vent cooking fumes directly outside.

• More effective at removing heat, smoke, odours, and moisture.

• Require ducting through walls or ceilings, which may involve planning in older Sydney homes or apartments.

Recirculating fans:

• Filter air through carbon or charcoal filters and return it to the kitchen.

• Ideal for apartments or homes where external ducting isn’t possible.

• Less efficient for large kitchens due to limited airflow capacity.

Where possible, ducted systems are recommended for large Sydney kitchens to maintain clean and healthy air quality.

5. Noise considerations

Noise is an important factor, especially in open-plan kitchens:

• Noise rating (dB): Look for fans rated under 65 dB for quiet operation during daily cooking.

• Multiple fan speeds: Adjustable speeds allow quiet simmering and high-speed extraction when needed.

• Duct design: Smooth, straight ducts reduce turbulence and noise.

• Isolated motor units: Some premium fans have motors located outside or in the ceiling, further reducing noise.

Sydney homeowners frequently choose quieter fans for open-plan living spaces in apartments and luxury homes, where a loud fan can disrupt conversation and living areas.

6. Design and aesthetics

Extractor fans are both functional and visual focal points in large kitchens:

• Material and finish: Stainless steel is common for durability and modern aesthetics. Glass, matte black, or custom finishes complement contemporary Sydney kitchens.

• Size and scale: Large kitchens require appropriately sized fans, usually wider than the cooktop, to ensure complete coverage.

• Lighting integration: LED lighting improves visibility over the cooktop and enhances the kitchen ambiance.

• Minimalist design: Sleek, unobtrusive fans suit modern interiors, while statement designs work as focal points above kitchen islands.

Selecting a fan that blends with your kitchen ensures both function and visual appeal in Sydney homes.

7. Maintenance and cleaning

Regular maintenance keeps your extractor fan efficient and hygienic:

• Removable filters: Dishwasher-safe mesh or baffle filters simplify cleaning.

• Carbon filters: For recirculating fans, replace filters every 6–12 months.

• Smooth surfaces: Stainless steel or glass panels are easier to wipe down.

• Accessible parts: Fans with easy-to-remove components encourage regular cleaning, essential in busy Sydney kitchens.

A fan that is easy to maintain ensures optimal performance and a healthier kitchen environment.

8. Energy efficiency

Modern extractor fans consume less energy while maintaining high performance:

• ECM motors: Electronically commutated motors are efficient and quiet.

• Variable speed controls: Adjust airflow for low- and high-intensity cooking.

• LED lighting: Energy-efficient lights integrated into the hood reduce electricity consumption.

Energy-efficient fans save money and align with Sydney homeowners’ focus on sustainable, environmentally friendly kitchens.

9. Lifestyle and usage considerations

The right fan aligns with how your kitchen is used:

• Frequent cooking and entertaining: Large ducted fans with multiple speeds manage smoke, steam, and odours effectively.

• Open-plan homes: Fans with high extraction rates ensure air quality extends beyond the kitchen into living and dining areas.

• Family kitchens: Easy-to-clean filters and quiet operation are essential for busy households.

• Apartment living: Recirculating or discreet wall-mounted fans may be required due to building constraints.

Understanding your daily kitchen use ensures the fan supports your lifestyle while maintaining a clean and comfortable environment.

10. Budget considerations

Extractor fan pricing depends on size, type, and functionality:

• Entry-level: $250–$600 for basic under-cabinet or wall-mounted fans.

• Mid-range: $600–$1,500 for higher-capacity, ducted, or island models.

• Premium: $1,500–$3,500+ for designer fans, integrated lighting, quiet motors, and high airflow performance.

Investing in a quality fan ensures durability, effective ventilation, and comfort in large Sydney kitchens.

11. Sydney kitchen insight

Large kitchens are common in Sydney homes in suburbs such as Mosman, North Shore, Northern Beaches, and luxury apartments in Darlinghurst or Pyrmont. A high-performance extractor fan ensures:

• Comfortable cooking without lingering odours.

• Protection of cabinetry, benchtops, and furniture from smoke and grease.

• Reduced humidity and condensation that can damage kitchen materials.

• Quiet operation for open-plan layouts where living spaces adjoin the kitchen.

Choosing the right fan balances power, aesthetics, and lifestyle needs, making your kitchen both functional and visually appealing.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.