cooker hoods Going over the top


The use of cooker hoods in the domestic market has been on the rise for some time now, and with the continued growth of open plan kitchens, this looks set to continue. In our second feature this month, we look at this kitchen staple and speak to the manufacturers to find out where the market is heading.


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ccording to Geoff Baker, chairman of AIRUNO designer cooker hoods: “The cooker hoods market


is performing well at the moment and has remained consistent throughout 2019, despite the obvious uncertainty caused by Brexit, and I put this down to the incredible variety of hoods that have come to market recently. Effectiveness will always be the key driver in the cooker hoods market but there is now an incredible range of design options and ‘smart’ extractors available.” Sara Bazely, Brand Manager at Indesit, makes the point that the market has some specific characteristics which set it apart. “The cooker hood market is significantly different to other kitchen appliance markets. Consumers are less likely to replace a hood than they are to replace an oven, hob or microwave, meaning that sales are generally slower than most other categories. “Despite this, the volume sales of cooker hoods are increasing steadily, with the category witnessing a household penetration of just over 40 per cent in 2018. Furthermore, according to a Houzz report, 75 percent of homeowners who update their kitchen appliances during a kitchen renovation now opt to replace or add


a cooker hood. With recent developments in the market ensuring that technological advancements do not compromise on aesthetics, the category is witnessing continued growth as consumers opt for appliances that are both stylish and powerful.” She continues: “The design of the hood has come a long way in the last decade, and this appliance category is no longer simply about functionality. Hoods can now be used to create a striking design piece that also co-ordinates beautifully with the overall kitchen. With the rise of open plan living, and with kitchen spaces increasingly amalgamating with living and entertaining spaces, manufacturers are responding by designing highly functional and stylish hoods, that are quieter and more effective than what has previously been seen within the category.” The continued consumer demand for open plan living is a theme which recurs. For Max McCormick, product manager for kitchens at Miele GB, “The trend for open plan living remains popular and so design is a very important factor. In addition, noise is also important for consumers, especially when it comes to extraction. Quiet but powerful


extraction is vital for open plan kitchens to ensure that cooking vapours are removed from the room leaving the living space pleasantly free from grease and odours.” Geoff Baker agrees. “There are currently two


key trends driving the cooker hood market – the ongoing popularity of open-plan kitchens and the increase in smart technology. “Open-plan kitchens require discreet


extractors that deliver powerful extraction rates and that blend in with the kitchen design. As a result, downdraft extractors have increased in popularity, as they retract completely when not in use and don’t detract from the overall design of the kitchen. “Quiet extractors are also popular in open- plan kitchens because they allow consumers to relax or entertain guests without having to shout to be heard over the sound of their cooker hood. Extractors that feature remote motors which can be positioned externally, producing almost no noise whatsoever, are selling particularly well.” Of course, it wouldn’t be a kitchen appliance in 2019 if technology wasn’t involved somewhere, and the cooker hood is no exception. Geoff Baker continues: “With regards


22 | www.innovativeelectricalretailing.co.uk


May / June 2019


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