Rethinking exhaust air systems: Q&A on hob ventilators in architectural kitchen design

It's hard to imagine modern, stylish kitchens without hob ventilators. These innovative appliances offer numerous benefits, but require careful planning to ensure their full functionality and aesthetics. What should planners and end customers pay particular attention to? LEICHT has summarised the key aspects and most frequently asked questions relating to the integration of hob ventilators in order to provide you with a sound decision-making aid.

• What is the significance of a troughed ventilator in terms of architectural design?

A hob extractor offers numerous advantages for both planners and end customers, particularly with regard to architectural design. Hopper ventilators are the perfect choice for kitchen design enthusiasts who want a less technical and more open impression of their kitchen. They allow a flexible design of living and kitchen spaces: cooking under sloping ceilings or in front of windows is possible, more space is created for cosy cupboard systems and kitchen islands can do without technical bonnets.

The visually reduced cooktop extractor makes personalised kitchen planning possible, setting no limits to individual wishes. In combination with the high-quality cabinet solutions and extensive LEICHT architectural kitchen programmes, this opens up completely new design possibilities. A major advantage of downdraft extractors is the invisible technology. Unlike traditional range hoods, which are often large and conspicuous, downdraft extractors discreetly integrate all the technology into the kitchen countertop. This ensures a tidy and modern appearance, without intrusive devices that detract from the aesthetics of your kitchen.

In the past, large and visible extractor bonnets dominated the room and strongly characterised its atmosphere. Today, high-quality hob extractors from brands such as AEG, Bosch, Bora, elica, Electrolux, Gaggenau, Miele, Neff, Novy, VZUG and Siemens can be integrated unobtrusively into the worktop. This means that extractor systems can be designed to be almost invisible, giving the kitchen a tidy and harmonious appearance.

• What needs to be taken into account when planning a downdraft fan?

When planning a trough fan, it is important to differentiate between ducted and unducted exhaust air. The most efficient variant is ducted exhaust air with external motors, in which the air is channelled away in a targeted and defined manner via a duct. The ducts should be planned with small radii and sufficiently large cross-sections in order to minimise air and flow resistance as well as noise development.

With unguided recirculated air, the intake and cleaned air is channelled behind the rear wall and optionally guided into the plinth area with an extension, where it can then exit again. Care must be taken to ensure that the air volume behind and below the cabinets is sufficiently large to allow the air masses to circulate. As a rule, however, this should be no problem.

• Are there any overriding aspects that should be taken into account?

The information provided by the appliance manufacturer must be taken into account - particularly with regard to the operation and performance of the extraction technology and the duct routing. This information can often be found on the manufacturer's website. If you opt for thin worktops in natural stone or ceramic, the planner must ensure that the worktop in which the hob and extraction technology are installed has sufficient static support, especially along the front and rear support surfaces. Depending on the appliance type and installation situation, LEICHT offers the option of an additional metal traverse or so-called upright traverses made of carcase material.

Base Cabinet with Thin Worktop - Illustration of the Steel Traverse

For more information and expert support with the detailed planning of your kitchen, contact your nearest dealer now!