An extractor hood works in a simple way: a motor pulls in the air and grease particles from your kitchen, then either sends them outside or filters them so the air stays clean. Like any appliance, it can sometimes stop working properly. Here is a guide to the most common hood problems and how to fix them. Before you start, it helps to know what type of extractor hood you have. This will make it easier to find the right solution.
What types of extractor hoods are there?
There are two main hood types, depending on how they work:
- Extraction hoods pull the air out of the kitchen and send it outside through a pipe or duct.
- Recirculation hoods filter the air and return it clean to the kitchen.
Both types can have similar common hood problems, but their maintenance is quite different, so it is good to know which one you have.
Regular maintenance to prevent common hood problems
Clean your extractor hood regularly and check the electrical connections from time to time. Make sure that areas where grease builds up are always clean. This is especially important with integrated hoods, where some parts of the motor or filter can be harder to reach. Good maintenance helps prevent blockages and overheating.
Bulbs and fuses
One of the most common hood problems is a bulb or fuse that stops working. Most extractor hoods have a light that turns on when it is running. Sometimes the bulb stops working, but the motor keeps going. Other times, a blown fuse will stop the whole hood from working.
The fix is the same in both cases: turn off the power at the fuse box, find the broken part and replace it with an identical one. If you match the specifications, this is a simple job. Sometimes finding the broken cable can be tricky: if you are not sure, please contact a professional.
Oil in the motor
As the hood works, it pulls in grease particles from cooking. Over time, this grease builds up and can get into the motor. If your hood is making more noise than usual, check whether there is grease inside the motor. If there is, try removing the motor and cleaning it carefully. If you are not confident doing this yourself, it is always a good idea to call a technician for advice.
If the hood still does not work properly after cleaning, you may need to replace the motor. Make sure the new motor has exactly the same size and specifications as the old one. It is also worth thinking about whether a repair makes financial sense or whether it might be time to buy a new hood altogether.
Burnt-out motor
This is one of the more serious common hood problems. The extractor hood works at high power, so it is best to turn it on a few minutes before you start cooking and leave it on for a few minutes after you finish. If the hood runs for too long, too often, the parts inside can wear out, and the hood may stop extracting air properly.
Sometimes it is just one part that is worn, not the whole motor. If you are confident, you can try to replace just that part. If not, it is better to replace the whole motor and, in either case, we recommend asking a professional to have a look first.
The circuit breaker keeps tripping
If the circuit breaker trips every time you turn on the hood, it could be because some steam has got inside and is causing a short circuit. If this only happens occasionally, try leaving the hood to dry out completely and see if the problem goes away.
If the problem continues, the cause could be faulty wiring, a damaged plug socket or worn motor coils. Turn off the power and check carefully to find where the fault is. Once you find it, the only solution is to replace that part. You can replace the wiring or plug socket yourself, but replacing motor coils is a job for a qualified engineer.
How to look after your extractor hood
Regular cleaning and maintenance are the best way to avoid common hood problems, so here are a few tips to keep it in the best condition:
- Try to clean your hood after every use. When you turn it off, wipe the filters and the outside with a damp cloth to remove grease and dirt before it builds up. You can wash most of the filters in the dishwasher as well.
- Turn the hood on a few minutes before you start cooking and leave it running for a few minutes after you finish. This helps keep the air clean throughout.
- Try not to use too much oil and avoid burning food, as both create more particles in the air and cause grease to build up faster in the filters and motor.
- If you have a recirculation hood, replace the filters when the manufacturer recommends. Old filters become less effective, and dirt can end up in the wrong places.
Looking after your extractor hood will save you money on repairs, keep the air in your kitchen clean and stop your clothes from smelling of cooking. It is well worth the effort.