First and foremost, the primary function of the exhaust hood (as some people call it) is to get rid of any excess odors, smoke, steam, gasses and heat that are produced during cooking. Depending on the specific model you own, your extractor fan might also have the added functionality of being able to capture and omit cooking grease that’s become airborne.

Now, you might think that’s an already impressive list of benefits for one single kitchen appliance, but it doesn’t stop there. By the very nature of their design, range hoods are also helpful in keeping your kitchen cabinets clean and slowing down their deterioration over time.

But that’s not all. Manufacturers and their design teams have really gone the extra mile with this appliance in their efforts to make it a truly modern and stylish addition to your home.

So much so that today’s kitchen hoods are just as popular among consumers for the aesthetic value they add when used as an additional light source. Not only do they offer the added benefit of making it easier to see what’s happening on your stove and inside your oven range while you’re cooking, but believe it or not, they also add value to your property.

Given the extra effort manufacturers have put into the design of the vent hood, it’ll come as no surprise to learn that there’s a huge list of available options out there to buy on today’s consumer market. Here are just a few of them:

• Ceiling
• Downdraft
• Ducted
• Island
• Under-cabinet
• Ventless
• Ventilator Power Pack
• Wall-mounted.
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When it comes to how long your extractor hood should last, depending on the specific make and model you own you can expect it to last anywhere between fifteen and twenty years on average. Help keep yours in mint condition for as long as possible by carrying out a few simple maintenance chores:

Clean the outside of the hood every time you use it

Check and clean the air filters on a monthly basis

If you own a vented oven hood, check the vent every month to make sure it’s unblocked and has a clear air flow

Swap out old light bulbs for energy saving bulbs – they’ll last longer, they’ll help save on your electricity bills and they’re better for the environment.

Setting yourself a regular maintenance schedule will go a long way in making sure you get the best performance out of your appliance for as long as possible. What it can’t do, unfortunately, is give you that guarantee that you’ll never face any problems or breakdowns.