REVIEW: Cookology CGL900BK/A Cooker Hood Chimney Kitchen Extractor Fan

For years, cooking in my kitchen often meant battling lingering odours, clouds of steam, and an unwelcome layer of grease that seemed to settle everywhere. It was a constant struggle, not just for cleanliness but also for the overall comfort and air quality of my home. If not addressed, these issues could lead to persistent unpleasant smells, damage to cupboards and walls, and even potential health concerns from airborne particles. I knew I needed a reliable solution, and a robust Cookology CGL900BK/A Cooker Hood would have been a game-changer back then, making daily cooking a far more enjoyable and healthier experience.

Essential Considerations for Your Next Kitchen Extractor Fan

Before diving into a purchase, it’s vital to understand what a quality cooker hood brings to the table and what factors should guide your decision. A good kitchen extractor fan is designed to solve the very problems I just mentioned: eliminating steam, smoke, cooking odours, and grease particles that can otherwise make your kitchen unpleasant and cause long-term damage.

The ideal customer for a high-performance cooker hood is typically someone who cooks frequently, especially if they enjoy frying, stir-frying, or preparing aromatic dishes. It’s also indispensable for open-plan living spaces where cooking fumes can quickly permeate the entire home. Furthermore, if you value a clean, fresh kitchen environment and want to protect your investment in kitchen cabinetry and appliances from grease build-up, this appliance is for you.

Conversely, if you rarely cook, primarily use a microwave, or have a very small, well-ventilated kitchen where strong extraction isn’t a priority, a powerful chimney hood might be overkill. For those with extremely compact kitchens, a different type of extractor, perhaps an integrated or telescopic model, might be more suitable in terms of space. Before making your choice, consider extraction power (measured in m³/h), noise levels (dB), energy efficiency, the ease of installation, whether you need ducted or recirculating ventilation, the design that complements your kitchen, and how simple it is to clean and maintain.

Introducing the Cookology CGL900BK/A

Allow me to introduce you to the Cookology CGL900BK/A Cooker Hood, a 90cm wall-mounted chimney kitchen extractor fan that promises to effortlessly banish cooking smells, smoke, and steam from your culinary space. This appliance arrives with its sleek curved glass canopy, black painted finish, and essential components for operation, though carbon filters for recirculation or a ducting kit for external venting are notable exclusions and need to be purchased separately. While I won’t compare it to specific market leaders, it stands as a highly competitive option, offering features often found in more expensive models and a significant upgrade from many basic entry-level hoods.

This specific Cookology cooker hood is perfectly suited for anyone seeking a stylish yet highly functional extractor for a medium to large-sized kitchen, particularly those with a modern aesthetic. It’s ideal for homeowners who cook regularly and prioritise clean air, energy efficiency, and a quiet operation. However, it might not be the best fit for very small kitchens where its 90cm width could feel imposing, or for those who strictly prefer a hidden or integrated extraction solution.

Here’s a quick rundown of its advantages and a few points to consider:

Pros:
* Powerful 302m³/h extraction ensures effective removal of cooking fumes.
* Excellent Energy Rating A, leading to lower electricity bills.
* Relatively quiet operation at 65dB, not disrupting kitchen conversations.
* Easy and flexible installation with adjustable height and a UK 3-pin plug.
* Stylish curved glass and black finish enhances modern kitchen aesthetics.
* Multi-layered washable aluminium grease filter simplifies maintenance.

Cons:
* Carbon filters (for recirculation) and ducting kits (for external venting) are not included, requiring an additional purchase.
* The 90cm width might be too large for very compact kitchens.
* Button push controls, while reliable, may not appeal to those preferring touch-sensitive interfaces.

Diving Deep into Performance and Practicality

Having extensively used the Cookology CGL900BK/A over time, I can genuinely attest to its capabilities. It’s not just a pretty face; it’s a workhorse that fundamentally changes the kitchen experience.

Robust Extraction Power

The heart of any good cooker hood lies in its ability to effectively clear the air, and the Cookology CGL900BK/A excels here with its impressive 302m³/h strong suction power. This isn’t just a number on a spec sheet; in real-world use, it translates to genuinely effortless removal of smells, smoke, and steam. Whether I’m searing steaks, frying up a full English breakfast, or simmering a pungent curry, the three-speed settings offer ample control. The lower settings are perfect for light cooking, while the highest setting quickly clears even the most persistent fumes. This feature is paramount because it ensures my kitchen, and indeed the rest of my home, remains free from those tell-tale cooking odours. More importantly, it prevents the build-up of grease and grime on my cupboards, walls, and ceiling, saving me countless hours of arduous cleaning and preserving the integrity of my kitchen surfaces. It’s a genuine relief not to have to wipe down surfaces after every major meal, knowing the air is efficiently filtered.

Exceptional Energy Efficiency and Quiet Operation

One of the stand-out benefits of the Cookology CGL900BK/A is its remarkable energy efficiency, boasting an A rating. With an energy consumption rate of just 22kWh/a, it’s incredibly kind to your electricity bill. In an era where energy costs are a constant concern, having an appliance that performs so well without being a power hog is a huge advantage. This efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of performance or, critically, peace and quiet. Rated at a low noise level of only 65dB, this Cookology cooker hood provides superb kitchen extraction without creating an unbearable din. I can hold conversations, listen to music, or simply enjoy a tranquil cooking process without feeling like I’m in an industrial kitchen. This balance of power, efficiency, and quiet operation is something I truly appreciate, as it makes the kitchen a more inviting and less disruptive space.

Hassle-Free Installation

The thought of installing a new kitchen appliance can be daunting, but the Cookology CGL900BK/A makes it surprisingly straightforward. Its height-adjustable stainless steel chimney section is a brilliant design choice, allowing for easy fitting into various kitchen layouts and ceiling heights. For me, this meant less fiddling and more confidence during installation. The inclusion of a standard UK 3-pin plug is also a significant convenience, eliminating the need for hardwiring and potentially saving on electrician costs. This ‘plug and play’ approach, combined with clear instructions, means that for anyone with basic DIY skills, getting this extractor fan up and running is a manageable task. The dimensions (W90 x D48 H45-83 cm) are standard for a 90cm hood, fitting perfectly above most standard hob widths.

Flexible Dual Ventilation Modes

Adaptability is key in modern homes, and the Cookology CGL900BK/A offers exactly that with its dual ventilation modes: internal recirculation or external ducting. This flexibility is incredibly valuable, as not all kitchens are set up for external venting. If you have an external vent, the ducting option efficiently removes all polluted air outside, which is generally considered the most effective method for air purification. However, for those without access to an external vent, the internal recirculation method is a fantastic alternative. This system uses carbon filters (though these need to be purchased separately) to thoroughly clean and purify the air before it’s released back into your kitchen through vents in the cooker hood itself. This means that regardless of your kitchen’s existing ventilation infrastructure, you can benefit from powerful extraction. It’s a thoughtful feature that broadens the product’s appeal and utility.

Elegant Design and Simplified Maintenance

Beyond its technical prowess, the Cookology CGL900BK/A genuinely enhances the aesthetic of a kitchen. Its striking curved glass canopy and black painted finish give it a sleek, modern, and high-end appearance that instantly becomes a focal point above the hob. This isn’t just about looks; the design is also highly practical. The multi-layered aluminium grease filter is easily removable and washable, which is a massive bonus for long-term maintenance. I simply pop it out, clean it with warm soapy water, and it’s good as new. This prevents the filter from becoming clogged and maintains optimal extraction efficiency. Furthermore, the bright LED lighting illuminates the cooking area beautifully, providing clear visibility of your pots and pans, which is both a safety feature and a practical one. The button push controls are straightforward and intuitive, avoiding the sometimes finicky nature of touch controls. This combination of a stylish design with practical, easy-to-maintain features makes the Cookology CGL900BK/A a truly well-rounded appliance for any contemporary kitchen.

Voices from Fellow Users

I’ve scoured the internet and found that my experience with the Cookology CGL900BK/A is widely echoed by other users, with reviews overwhelmingly positive. Many have praised how easy it is to fit, noting its suitability for modern kitchens and its ability to act as a stylish “feature” hood. Users consistently highlight its relatively quiet operation across all three settings and the bright, effective LED light over the cooking area. The general consensus confirms that it filters exceptionally well, handling all types of cooking fumes. Customers frequently express their delight with the product’s stunning appearance and excellent value for money, highly recommending it.

Final Thoughts and Your Next Step

Dealing with persistent cooking odours, grease, and steam in your kitchen isn’t just an inconvenience; it can actively diminish the pleasure of cooking and potentially damage your home over time. Addressing these issues with an effective extractor fan is crucial for maintaining a fresh, clean, and healthy living environment. The Cookology CGL900BK/A Cooker Hood stands out as an exceptional choice to solve these problems. Its powerful extraction ensures a consistently clear kitchen, its energy efficiency and quiet operation provide comfort and savings, and its stylish design enhances any modern decor. This cooker hood offers a winning combination of performance, aesthetics, and user-friendly features, making it a fantastic investment for your home. If you’re ready to transform your kitchen experience, Click here to check out the Cookology CGL900BK/A and discover more about its capabilities.