Vented hobs combine cooking and extraction in one sleek unit, removing steam, smoke, and odours directly from the surface. Ideal for modern kitchens and open plan spaces, they eliminate the need for a separate cooker hood, offering a minimalist look with efficient ventilation.
How Does a Vented Induction Hob Work?
A vented induction hob combines powerful cooking technology with an integrated extraction system, removing the need for a separate cooker hood. It works by drawing steam, smoke, and odours directly from the cooking surface, ensuring effective ventilation at the source.
Induction technology uses electromagnetic fields to heat cookware directly, providing fast, precise, and energy-efficient cooking. The hob surface itself remains relatively cool, reducing heat loss and making it safer to use. The built-in extractor is positioned at the centre or rear of the hob, with powerful fans pulling in steam and cooking fumes before they spread into the kitchen. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the air fresh.
Vented hobs can operate using either recirculating or ducted extraction. Recirculating models filter the air through grease and charcoal filters before releasing clean air back into the room, while ducted models expel the extracted air outside, removing moisture and odours more effectively.
Are Vented Induction Hobs Worth It?
Vented induction hobs offer a sleek, space-saving, and highly efficient cooking solution by combining powerful induction technology with built-in extraction. Whether they are worth it depends on the kitchen layout, cooking habits, and ventilation requirements.
One of the main advantages is their ability to extract steam, smoke, and odours directly from the cooking surface, removing the need for a separate cooker hood. This makes them particularly well-suited to open-plan kitchens and island installations, where traditional extraction can be more difficult. The integrated design also helps to save space, making them ideal for smaller kitchens or those wanting a more minimalist look.
Induction technology itself is known for its fast and precise heating, energy efficiency, and safety, as the hob surface remains relatively cool. The added benefit of an integrated extractor improves air quality, reduces condensation, and prevents lingering cooking smells.
However, vented hobs can be more expensive than standard induction hobs, both in terms of initial cost and installation, particularly if opting for a ducted extraction system that requires external venting. Recirculating models, which filter and release air back into the room, are easier to install but need regular filter maintenance to ensure performance remains effective.
For those looking for a stylish and practical alternative to a separate hob and extractor, vented induction hobs provide a modern, efficient, and space-conscious solution that can significantly improve kitchen ventilation. Their value ultimately depends on individual requirements, but for many, the benefits outweigh the higher cost.