Induction cooking? Watch out for the hood.

Induction cooktops have revolutionized the way we cook in many ways, offering fast, precise, and efficient cooking . However, to fully utilize their potential, it's important to pair them with a suitable extractor hood. In this article, we'll provide a practical guide on how to use a cooker hood with an induction cooktop for the best cooking experience.

Why is an extractor hood important with an induction hob?

Although induction hobs don't produce flames or gas, they still generate steam, odors, and volatile grease during cooking . An efficient extractor hood is essential for:

• Eliminate steam and odors: Prevent the kitchen from filling with steam and food odors, especially when cooking spicy dishes or fish.
• Remove volatile grease: Protect kitchen surfaces, furniture and walls from sticky grease deposits.
• Ensure good air quality: Keep the air in your kitchen clean and healthy, especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma.

Choosing the right extractor hood

Not all cooker hoods are suitable for induction hobs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a hood:

• Airflow: The airflow rate indicates the amount of air the hood can extract in an hour. For an induction hob, it's advisable to choose a hood with a flow rate of at least 700 cubic meters per hour (m³/h), or better yet, more.
• Installation type: There are wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and hob-integrated extractor hoods. The best solution is an extractor with an external outlet . Hob-integrated extractor hoods are also particularly suitable for modern kitchens and offer a minimalist design, but attention must be paid to their power, which must be even higher because they must counteract the inertia of the vapors rising upward. It is also important to periodically clean the filters located under the hob.
• Suction Levels: Most range hoods have multiple suction levels to suit different cooking needs.
• Noise: Choose a hood with an acceptable noise level, especially if you cook frequently.
• Energy efficiency: Choose extractor hoods with a high energy rating to save on consumption.