For years, I endured the daily struggle of a kitchen filled with lingering cooking odours, persistent steam, and the subtle, yet undeniable, build-up of grease on surfaces. It wasn’t just unpleasant; it felt unhealthy, and it certainly took the joy out of cooking and entertaining. This pervasive issue demanded a solution to maintain a fresh, clean home environment, and I often wished for something that could truly tackle the problem head-on. If I had known about the SIA 60cm Stainless Steel Touch Control LED Edge Lit Curved Glass Cooker Hood Fan earlier, it would have undoubtedly saved me a great deal of frustration and effort in my daily routine.
Considerations Before Acquiring a Cooker Hood
A good cooker hood is more than just a kitchen appliance; it’s an essential tool for maintaining air quality and cleanliness in your home. It effectively removes airborne grease, combustion products, smoke, heat, and steam from the cooking area, preventing them from spreading throughout your living space. Anyone who cooks regularly, especially those with open-plan kitchens or a penchant for strong-smelling dishes, will greatly benefit from a reliable extractor. The ideal customer values both high performance and aesthetic appeal, wanting a seamless blend of functionality and modern design. This category of appliance is not for those who rarely cook or who might prefer a more minimalist, hidden ventilation solution, as a cooker hood often becomes a focal point in the kitchen. For such individuals, a simple recirculating fan or a less prominent integrated unit might be more suitable. Before making a purchase, prospective buyers should thoroughly consider factors like the extraction rate needed for their kitchen size and cooking habits, the noise level at various fan speeds, the type of filters used (ducted or recirculating), the ease of cleaning and maintenance, the overall design and how it complements their kitchen décor, and, crucially, the complexity of installation and the warranty offered.
Unveiling the SIA 60cm Stainless Steel Touch Control LED Edge Lit Curved Glass Cooker Hood Fan
The SIA 60cm Stainless Steel Touch Control LED Edge Lit Curved Glass Cooker Hood Fan is a striking addition to any modern kitchen, promising superior air purification with a touch of contemporary elegance. This appliance presents itself as a sleek, curved glass and stainless steel finish extractor, featuring intuitive touch controls and an impressive perimeter mood lighting system. Upon purchase, it typically includes the main unit, a dishwasher-safe aluminium grease filter, and is backed by a 2-year parts and labour guarantee. Compared to more basic market offerings, or even earlier, less sophisticated models, this cooker hood distinguishes itself with its advanced touch interface and the unique, vibrant LED lighting, moving beyond mere utility to become a design statement. This specific cooker hood is perfectly suited for individuals who appreciate stylish, modern appliances that seamlessly integrate into a contemporary kitchen aesthetic while delivering robust performance. It might not be the best fit for those strictly adhering to a very tight budget or those who prefer a completely minimalist, understated design with no visual flair.
Pros:
* Striking curved glass and stainless steel design, adding elegance.
* High extraction rate effectively removes cooking odours and steam.
* Intuitive and responsive touch control panel.
* Unique perimeter mood lighting (red, green, blue) enhances kitchen ambiance.
* Dishwasher-safe aluminium grease filter for easy cleaning.
* Solid warranty (2 years parts & labour, with some users reporting 5 years parts).
Cons:
* Carbon filters are not included and must be purchased separately.
* Installation can be a bit fiddly, particularly with the telescopic chimney.
* Some users report it being noisy, though others find it acceptable.
* Does not come supplied with a plug, requiring separate wiring or a plug attachment.
* The instruction manual is vague regarding carbon filter installation/replacement.
Key Attributes & Practical Advantages
Having lived with the SIA 60cm Stainless Steel Touch Control LED Edge Lit Curved Glass Cooker Hood Fan for a considerable period, I can confidently delve into the features that truly make it stand out and explain the tangible benefits they bring to daily kitchen life.
Sleek Design and Build Quality
From the moment it was installed, the SIA 60cm Cooker Hood transformed the focal point above my hob. Its curved glass canopy paired with the brushed stainless steel finish gives it an undeniably premium and modern look. This isn’t just a functional appliance; it’s a piece of art that genuinely enhances the overall aesthetic of the kitchen. The construction feels remarkably solid and “heavy duty,” instilling confidence in its durability and longevity. There’s a substantial feel to it, indicating quality materials and thoughtful engineering. This robust build means it stands up well to the rigours of daily kitchen use, resisting fingerprints and maintaining its sleek appearance with minimal effort. The elegance it adds is more than just visual; it creates an impression of sophistication, making the kitchen a more inviting and visually appealing space, which in turn elevates the entire cooking experience. No longer do I just have a functional extractor; I have a statement piece that draws compliments and adds real value to my home.
Advanced Touch Control Interface
One of the most impressive practical aspects of this SIA cooker hood is its intuitive touch control panel. Operating it is remarkably simple; a light touch is all it takes for the controls to respond with a subtle chime, confirming your selection. This responsiveness makes adjusting fan speeds or activating the lights utterly effortless. Beyond basic on/off functions, the ability to easily set the time on the screen and, even more cleverly, set a timer for automatic shut-off after a certain period, is incredibly practical. This auto-stop feature is a game-changer for me. When I’ve finished cooking, I can simply set the timer for 10 or 15 minutes, walk away, and know that the hood will continue to clear the air before turning itself off. This not only saves energy but also ensures the kitchen air is thoroughly purged of any lingering odours without me having to remember to switch it off later. It’s a testament to the thoughtful design, prioritising user convenience and efficiency, making it a genuinely beneficial addition to a busy household.
Vibrant LED Edge Lighting
The mood lighting on the SIA 60cm Cooker Hood is arguably its most captivating feature. It boasts perimeter LED edge lighting that cycles through red, green, and blue, or can be set to a single colour. What’s particularly brilliant is that these lights can be operated independently of the extractor fan itself, as well as separate from the main LED hob lights. This means you can have the fan off, yet still enjoy the subtle glow, creating a truly unique and “magnificent elegant view” in the kitchen. At night, when the main kitchen lights are dimmed or off, these LED lights create an amazing ambient atmosphere. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want to relax, perhaps enjoy a cup of tea, or even, as one user poetically suggested, “start writing verses of poetry or start singing admiring the beauty of this extractor fan with its LED lights on in the dark.” The lights are bright enough to be effective without being overpowering, and their ability to contrast well with the brushed steel and glass adds another layer of sophistication to the appliance. This feature truly amazes me with its contribution to the kitchen’s appearance and overall feel.
High Extraction Efficiency
Despite some subjective feedback on noise levels (which I personally find acceptable, especially when ducted), the SIA 60cm Stainless Steel Touch Control LED Edge Lit Curved Glass Cooker Hood Fan excels in its primary function: extraction. It boasts a high extraction rate that effectively pulls out steam, smoke, and cooking odours, preventing them from spreading throughout the house. Even on lower settings, when properly ducted, I’ve found it to be incredibly efficient at clearing the air quickly. This powerful performance is crucial for maintaining a fresh and clean kitchen environment, ensuring that last night’s stir-fry doesn’t linger into the next morning. It significantly reduces the build-up of grease on surrounding surfaces, which means less time spent scrubbing and more time enjoying a spotless kitchen. For anyone who cooks often, the benefit of having such powerful ventilation cannot be overstated; it truly enhances the comfort and hygiene of the cooking space.
Ease of Maintenance: Dishwasher-Safe Filter
Maintaining the SIA 60cm Cooker Hood is refreshingly straightforward, largely thanks to its dishwasher safe aluminium grease filter. Unlike some older models where cleaning filters was a messy chore, this one can be easily removed and simply popped into the dishwasher. This not only saves time and effort but also ensures the filter is thoroughly cleaned, maintaining the hood’s optimal extraction efficiency. A clean grease filter is vital for the cooker hood to perform at its best, preventing clogged airflow and maintaining air quality. The convenience of this feature makes regular maintenance a non-issue, contributing significantly to the overall user experience and long-term performance of the appliance.
Installation Considerations and Warranty
While the general consensus is that this SIA cooker hood is “easy to install,” it’s worth noting a few points. SIA provides a very helpful template for drilling holes, which precisely guides the mounting process and takes the guesswork out of measuring. This template ensures that the holes line up perfectly, making the initial setup much smoother. However, some users, including myself, found the telescopic chimney section a “bit fiddly” to fit into place. It requires a bit of patience to slide the two sections together and then extend the upper part to connect to the ceiling or wall ducting. Despite this minor hurdle, the provided fittings are adequate for a solid wall installation. A key consideration, and a minor annoyance, is that the hood does not come with a plug, meaning it needs to be wired directly or have a plug attached separately.
Crucially, the SIA 60cm Cooker Hood comes with a robust 2-year parts and labour guarantee, with some users even mentioning a 5-year parts warranty, which is fantastic for peace of mind. However, a significant point of confusion and a recurring disadvantage for many, including myself, was the issue with the carbon circulation filters. They are *not* supplied with the unit, and this isn’t clearly stated in the product description. Discovering they needed to be purchased separately, and then figuring out how to install them (given the manual’s vagueness and the fact they don’t appear to be “fitted” initially), was unnecessarily complicated. Once purchased and located, installing them proved to be “easy as 1, 2, 3,” but the initial lack of clarity caused significant frustration. This is definitely an area SIA could improve upon for future customers.
What Users Are Saying: Testimonials & Feedback
Having scoured the internet and spoken to others who own this appliance, it’s clear that the SIA 60cm Stainless Steel Touch Control LED Edge Lit Curved Glass Cooker Hood Fan is largely well-received. Many users praise its stunning appearance and how the LED mood lighting transforms their kitchen, especially in the evenings, adding a “magnificent elegant view.” The touch controls are consistently described as intuitive and responsive, making operation a breeze, with the auto-timer feature being a highlight for its practicality. While a few noted it could be a bit noisy, most found the noise level acceptable given its powerful extraction capabilities, even on lower settings when properly ducted. The installation, though occasionally described as “fiddly” by some, was made easier by the accurate drilling template provided, with holes lining up perfectly. A recurring point of initial confusion, however, was the separately purchased carbon filters, which wasn’t always clear from the product listing and caused some users a headache until they realised they weren’t included. Despite this, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many highly recommending this hood for its quality, effectiveness, and elegant design.
Concluding Thoughts
The persistent problems of cooking odours, grease accumulation, and steam in the kitchen demand an effective solution to ensure a healthy, pleasant, and clean home environment. Failing to address these issues can lead to unpleasant smells lingering for days, damage to kitchen surfaces, and a less enjoyable cooking experience overall. The SIA 60cm Stainless Steel Touch Control LED Edge Lit Curved Glass Cooker Hood Fan stands out as an excellent choice to solve these very problems. Its high extraction rate ensures efficient removal of airborne contaminants, the intuitive touch controls provide ease of use, and the stunning design with unique LED mood lighting elevates your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal, making it a focal point rather than just a functional necessity. Coupled with its robust build and practical maintenance features, this cooker hood offers a compelling package for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen ventilation. For a cleaner, fresher, and more stylish cooking space, you truly won’t regret this investment. To find out more and to get yours, Click here to check the product out.