Over the past year or two, we’ve had more and more customers asking us about venting hobs – and whether they’re worth it. As with anything in kitchens, the answer depends on your space, your cooking habits, and your overall design priorities.
But we’re big fans of these clever bits of kit – and in the right kitchen, they can be a game-changer. So in this post, we’ll walk you through what they are, how they work, who they suit, and what to look out for.
What is a venting hob?
A venting hob is a two-in-one appliance: it’s a hob (usually induction) with a built-in extractor fan. Instead of having a separate cooker hood above, the extractor is integrated into the surface of the hob itself, right where the steam and smells are coming from.
There are a few different designs, but most either draw air down through a central vent between the cooking zones, or via a strip along the back or middle of the hob. The extracted air is then either ducted outside or passed through filters and recirculated back into the room.
What are the benefits?
1. No need for a bulky extractor
This is the big one. If you want a minimalist, open-plan kitchen – maybe with an island, or a hob in front of a window – a traditional cooker hood can really get in the way. Venting hobs let you keep things open and uncluttered, without sacrificing performance.
2. Great for islands and open plans
We fit a lot of kitchens where the customer wants the hob on the island – so they can face out into the room, not the wall. A venting hob is ideal here: no overhead canopy, no need to run ducting up and across the ceiling, and no visual obstruction in the space.
3. Surprisingly effective
The best models extract steam and smells every bit as effectively as a good overhead hood – sometimes better, because they catch it at source. As always, you get what you pay for, so it’s worth sticking with reputable brands.
Any downsides?
1. Installation needs thought
Venting hobs are a little more complex to fit than a standard hob, especially if you’re opting for ducting to the outside. We always take this into account when designing your kitchen – and our fitters are second to none when it comes to making the whole thing look effortless.
2. Less cupboard space below
Because the fan and ducting (or filters) live underneath the hob, you will lose some cupboard space directly underneath. That’s rarely a dealbreaker, but it’s something we always factor in when planning storage.
3. They’re not cheap
Most venting hobs sit in the mid to high end of the price range. If you’re looking for budget appliances, they may not be for you – but for many of our customers, the design freedom and sleek finish are well worth the investment.
Which brands should you look at?
We supply and fit venting hobs from a range of top-quality manufacturers. Some of the most popular among our customers include:
- Bora – one of the original innovators in venting hob tech, with premium models and striking minimalist design.
- NEFF – reliable, stylish, and well engineered, with a strong range of mid-price models.
- Siemens – sleek German quality with excellent extraction power and quiet operation.
- AEG – great value for money, and a strong option if you want performance without blowing the budget.
- Miele – at the higher end, but built like tanks and extremely effective.
We’ll always recommend a model based on your budget, layout and the way you use your kitchen.
So – do you want one?
If you’re having a new kitchen and love the idea of a clean, open look – especially if you’re planning a hob on the island – then yes, we’d say definitely consider one.
Venting hobs aren’t for everyone, and they’re not essential. But if you like smart design and tidy solutions, they’re well worth a look.
And if you want to see one in action, we’ve got working models in our Whitefield showroom. Pop in and have a look – we’re always happy to chat you through it over a cuppa.