For years, my kitchen suffered from a persistent problem: lingering cooking smells, steam, and a greasy film settling on surfaces, no matter how much I tried to ventilate. It felt like every meal prepared left an unwelcome, lasting impression. This wasn’t just an aesthetic issue; the build-up was tough to clean, and the air quality often felt compromised. I knew I needed a powerful, efficient solution, and that’s when I began my search for a reliable FIREGAS 60cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood to truly transform my cooking space.
Essential Considerations for Your Cooker Hood Purchase
Before diving into specific products, it’s crucial to understand why a cooker hood is an indispensable appliance in most modern kitchens. These units are designed to extract smoke, steam, grease, and cooking odours, preventing them from spreading throughout your home and depositing on your furniture, walls, and ceilings. Without one, your kitchen can quickly become an unpleasant, unhealthy environment, leading to accelerated wear and tear on your décor.
The ideal customer for a cooker hood is anyone who regularly cooks, especially those with open-plan living spaces where fumes can easily migrate. If you frequently fry, grill, or prepare aromatic dishes, a good hood is a must-have. However, if you rarely cook, or primarily use a microwave, a full-sized cooker hood might be overkill. For very small kitchens with minimal cooking, a simple extractor fan might suffice, or even just opening a window, though these are far less effective at grease and odour removal.
When considering a purchase, several factors demand attention. Firstly, extraction rate (measured in cubic metres per hour, m³/h) is paramount – ensure it matches your kitchen size. Noise level is another critical aspect; a hood that sounds like a jet engine will quickly become tiresome. Aesthetics matter too; the hood should complement your kitchen’s design. Energy efficiency, filter type (and ease of cleaning), and installation type (ducted or recirculation) are also key considerations that will impact long-term cost and performance.
Unveiling the FIREGAS 60cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood
The FIREGAS 60cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood arrived promising to deliver a quiet, efficient, and stylish solution for kitchen ventilation. It’s a sleek, wall-mounted unit featuring an inclined black glass design that immediately struck me as incredibly modern and well-suited for contemporary kitchens. Out of the box, you get the main hood unit, two chimney sections, two carbon filters (for recirculation), a damper, a duct pipe (for extraction), an aluminium grease filter, mounting kits, an instruction manual, and even a paper template for easy installation.
This particular model is designed for small to medium-sized kitchens where aesthetics and energy efficiency are priorities. It’s a significant upgrade from older, boxier models, both in looks and technology, particularly with its brushless motor and A++ energy rating, which often surpass standard models on the market. It might not be for a very large, commercial-style kitchen that requires extremely high extraction rates, but for most home cooks, it’s exceptionally well-suited.
Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Exceptional A++ energy efficiency due to its brushless motor.
* Modern, sleek angled design that saves head-room and enhances kitchen aesthetics.
* Quiet operation at 47dB, making kitchen activities more enjoyable.
* Intuitive and easy-to-clean touch control panel.
* Versatile for both ducted extraction and recirculation setups.
Cons:
* Some users report the glass panel doesn’t have a truly rigid opening mechanism, feeling a bit loose.
* While generally quiet, some find the higher speed settings can be quite loud.
* The touch controls can occasionally be overly sensitive, leading to unintended beeps or activations.
* Extraction might not be powerful enough for very heavy, consistent cooking in larger spaces.
In-Depth Look: Features and Their Advantages
Having used the FIREGAS 60cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood for a considerable period, I can confidently delve into its features and the tangible benefits they offer. This appliance truly stands out in several key areas, directly addressing those initial kitchen concerns I had.
The Power of the Brushless Motor and Unparalleled Energy Efficiency
One of the headline features of this cooker hood is its brushless motor. In performance, this translates to incredibly smooth and consistent operation. Unlike traditional motors that rely on carbon brushes which wear down over time, a brushless motor offers higher efficiency, a significantly longer service life, and notably lower energy consumption. From a user’s perspective, this means a quieter experience from the get-go, and it maintains that quiet performance over years of use.
Why is this important? Firstly, energy consumption. With an impressive A++ energy rating and an average energy consumption of just 9 kWh/year, this hood is an environmental champion and a money-saver. My electricity bills have certainly appreciated its efficiency. Secondly, longevity. Knowing the motor is built to last gives peace of mind, reducing the likelihood of needing a replacement anytime soon. Lastly, noise. A quiet kitchen is a pleasant kitchen. Even during intense cooking sessions, the hood hums discreetly in the background, allowing for conversation, music, or simply a more peaceful atmosphere. This directly solves the problem of a noisy, disruptive appliance detracting from the cooking experience.
Sleek, Modern Angled Design
The aesthetic appeal of the angled chimney cooker hood is undeniable. Its sleek, inclined black glass front is a far cry from the bulky, obtrusive hoods of the past. It seamlessly integrates into contemporary kitchens, truly elevating the space. From a practical standpoint, the angled design offers a distinct advantage: head-room. I can stand closer to my hob without constantly worrying about bumping my head, which was a common frustration with my previous, flat-bottomed hood. This seemingly small detail makes a significant difference in daily usability, enhancing comfort and safety while cooking.
The 60cm bottom width provides a generous extraction area, effectively capturing steam and odours rising from pans across the hob. This modern design isn’t just about looks; it’s about thoughtful engineering that improves the cooking workflow and visual harmony of the kitchen.
Intuitive Touch Control and Bright LED Lighting
Operating the FIREGAS 60cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood is a breeze thanks to its glossy touch control buttons integrated into the flat surface. With a simple swipe or tap, I can quickly select between the three speed settings or adjust the LED lighting. This seamless interaction makes for a very user-friendly experience. No more fumbling with clunky buttons or dials; the touch panel is responsive and easy to keep clean.
The two integrated LED lights are another fantastic feature. They provide ample illumination directly onto the hob, making it easy to see what you’re cooking, monitor browning, or ensure everything is perfectly simmered. They can be operated independently of the fan, meaning they double as a subtle, ambient light source for the kitchen, which is a nice touch for evening entertaining or simply keeping the kitchen dimly lit. This not only enhances visibility for cooking but also adds to the overall ambiance and practicality of the space.
Effective Airflow Capacity and Low Noise Operation
The hood boasts a maximum airflow capacity of 332 m³/h, which for my medium-sized kitchen, has proven to be perfectly adequate for efficient purification. It effectively handles steam from boiling pots and the smells from frying, preventing them from permeating the rest of the house. This extraction power is crucial for maintaining a fresh and clean kitchen environment, directly solving the problem of stagnant air and lingering odours.
Crucially, this hood operates at a remarkably low noise level of 47dB. To put that into perspective, it’s quieter than many dishwashers. This low noise profile is a game-changer. I can cook while having a conversation, listen to music, or even watch TV in an open-plan living area without the hood being a distracting roar. While some users have noted that the higher speed settings can become more noticeable, for everyday cooking on lower settings, the peace and quiet are truly appreciated. This contributes significantly to a more enjoyable and less stressful cooking experience.
Versatile Ducted Extraction and Recirculation Options
Flexibility in installation is a major benefit. The FIREGAS 60cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood supports both ducted extraction and recirculation. For my setup, I opted for ducted extraction, which is generally considered the most efficient method as it vents cooking fumes directly outside via the included hose. This provides maximum odour and moisture removal, ensuring the freshest air.
However, the inclusion of two carbon filters means it can easily be set up for recirculation if you don’t have access to an external wall or prefer a simpler installation without ducting. In this mode, the hood filters and purifies the air before returning it to the kitchen. This versatility ensures that the hood can be installed in almost any kitchen layout, adapting to your specific needs and constraints.
High-Quality Grease Filter for Easy Maintenance
Maintenance is often overlooked, but it’s vital for a cooker hood’s performance. The FIREGAS 60cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood comes with a 5-layer aluminium mesh grease filter. This robust filter effectively traps and collects grease particles, preventing them from clogging the motor or spreading through the ductwork.
Cleaning is straightforward; the filter can be easily removed and washed, either by hand or in a dishwasher. The manufacturer recommends cleaning the grease filters every 1-3 months, or when visibly clogged. This ease of maintenance is a huge plus, as a clean filter ensures optimal extraction performance and prolongs the life of the appliance. It directly combats the issue of grease build-up, keeping the kitchen air cleaner and the hood working efficiently.
What Other Users Are Saying
Having scoured the internet for other experiences, it’s clear that many users share my positive sentiment, alongside a few common observations. Several individuals have praised its straightforward installation, noting that it was surprisingly easy to set up, requiring minimal effort. The sleek, modern design is frequently highlighted, with many finding it adds a touch of sophistication to their kitchen. While some appreciate its generally quiet operation, others, particularly those from international markets, noted that at higher settings, the noise level can become quite apparent. The value for money is also a recurring theme, with many feeling they received a high-quality product for a reasonable price. Some have expressed a desire for a more robust mechanism for the glass panel, wishing it felt less ‘loose’ when opened, and a few mentioned that the touch controls can occasionally be overly sensitive, leading to unintended beeps. Despite these minor points, the overall consensus leans heavily towards satisfaction, with the hood often commended for its looks, energy efficiency, and functional lighting.
Final Thoughts
The problem of lingering cooking odours, steam, and grease film in the kitchen is more than just an inconvenience; it can create an unpleasant living environment and lead to long-term damage to your home’s interior. Solving this issue is crucial for a fresh, clean, and healthy home. The FIREGAS 60cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood is an excellent solution, offering a compelling blend of features that directly address these concerns. Its exceptional A++ energy efficiency and quiet brushless motor make it a cost-effective and peaceful addition, while its modern angled design not only enhances aesthetics but also improves practicality. For anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen ventilation with a stylish, efficient, and user-friendly appliance, this cooker hood is a fantastic fit.
Click here to check out the FIREGAS 60cm Angled Chimney Cooker Hood .