How to install a cooker hood

An essential part of any kitchen, a cooker hood helps to keep the air free of cooking odours, steam and smoke. Cooker hoods are designed to be installed above the hob can be ducted or recirculating. To keep the cooker hood operating efficiently, it's important to keep the filters clean.

Steps

1. Prepare and/or remove the old cooker hood

2. Wire the cooker hood

3. Assemble the cooker hood components

4. Test run the cooker hood

Removing an old cooker hood

• Isolate the electricity supply to your cooker hood.

• Remove the filters followed by the interior panel to access the electrical wiring. Disconnect the wires and remove the cable clamp if there is one.

• Access the fixing screws and unscrew each of them while holding the cooker hood in position.

• Remove the old cooker hood.

Preparing the new cooker hood

Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations to find out how to prepare your cooker hood.

Most cooker hoods require a few preparatory steps including:

• removing the filters and the interior panel which hides the motor and fans;

• removing the impeller fans to access the fixing screws;

• identifying the opening used to feed through the electrical wires and breaking through the wiring knockout;

• install the cable clamp;

• turn the cooker hood over and remove the knockout for the duct connection (if you have a ducted cooker hood);

• fit the duct cap (this part is usually designed to be screwed directly to the cooker hood but it is also recommended to seal the cap using caulk).

Fitting the cooker hood

• Check that the duct cap fits firmly in position in the space for the duct.

• Feed the electrical wires through the cable clamp.

• Choose the right wall plugs for your surface and secure the cooker hood using screws.

• Check that your installation is strong and stable.

Wiring the cooker hood

• Cooker hoods can be connected to the electrics in a couple of ways.

• Some cooker hoods come with plugs to be connected to a socket like any other kind of appliance.

• However, more often than not, the cooker hood will be connected to a double pole fused connection unit leading to either a junction box or directly to the cooker hood. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to wire up the hood but only do so if you are 100% sure that you know what you're doing and remember to double check that the circuit is isolated properly before you start work.

• If you have any doubts whatsoever you must hire a qualified electrician as improper wiring can be extremely dangerous.

Replace the parts that you removed for the preparation stage in the reverse order.

• Fit the light bulbs if your cooker hood has lighting.

• Fit the grease filters.

• Turn the electrical circuit back on.

• Test all the different features of the cooker hood including the light, the various power settings and so on.

If everything is working as expected, it's time to get your apron on and get cooking!

Required skills

In order to install your own cooker hood, you'll have to be able to read the installation instructions carefully, understand a wiring diagram, understand how to wire in the hood and use tools like wire strippers, screwdrivers and spanners. Depending on the set-up in your kitchen, you will probably have to use a drill and be able to choose the right type of wall plugs. If you have a ducted cooker hood, it's important to understand how to connect and seal your ducting.

Time required

Approx. 1 hour 30 mins.

Number of people required

1 or 2 people

Tools and equipment

• Cooker hood with an installation kit.

• Duct cap (if you are installing a ducted cooker hood)

• Duct brackets and tape

• Screwdriver

• VDE screwdriver

• Water pump pliers

• Box spanner (depending on model)

• Cutting pliers

• Wire strippers

Safety and workwear

• Work clothes

• Safety goggles

• Protective gloves

• Hearing protection

Please note: this is a non-exhaustive list; be sure to match your personal protective equipment to the job at hand.

• Cooker hood buying guide