Beginning our series on the topic of kitchen ventilation, we’re taking an in-depth look at each of your potential choices. Simple cooker hoods are far from the only option available nowadays, and one of the alternatives that modern technology has given us is the downdraft extractor. They’re amongst the pinnacles of modern kitchen innovation, and an increasingly popular option for our customers across the North West.
To be honest, it’s exactly what it sounds like! It’s an alternative to the traditional cooker hood. Heat, fumes, steam and smoke produced from cooking are all drawn in, down and out of your kitchen, giving you the breathing room you need to work. But here’s the clever bit, and the thing that makes downdraft extractors so popular. Instead of being a permanently visible feature in your kitchen, it slots itself away into your kitchen worktop or island. Which one you install it in largely depends on your preference, but most people prefer their downdraft extractors in their kitchen islands.
Here’s how it works. Whenever you start cooking, all it takes is the simple brush of a touch-control button. A panel will fold back, and your downdraft extractor will glide up from the work surface. It draws in all the cooking fumes and other disturbances, funnelling it into the hidden ductwork that leads out of your kitchen. Then when you’re done, at the flick of a switch your extractor retracts smoothly back into your island, allowing you clear line of sight across your kitchen.
Downdraft extractors combine practicality and convenience with stunning aesthetics, and are finding their place amongst more and more of our kitchens.
We’ll start with the practicality aspects first. Downdraft extractors are beautifully suited to many contemporary kitchens, with their sleek design complementing the multi-functions of modern kitchen islands. Being installed close to the hobs means that the downdraft extractor works at maximum effectiveness and efficiency, by catching the steam and fumes before they have a chance to spread round your kitchen.
Most kitchen islands nowadays are used as both a food preparation area and a dining space, and a downdraft extractor allows you to seamlessly transition between the two. It also supports the function of the kitchen as not just a room for preparing food, but as a social and family-centric space. You don’t have to break off your conversation or move to a different room when you start cooking; just the touch of a button allows you to transform your island instantly into cooking mode. Even at their full height, downdraft extractors are designed to still allow you a clear line of sight around your kitchen, letting you continue chatting as you start to get into action!
Of course, we’ve only hinted at another major appeal of downdraft extractors – the wow factor! It’s great for those who love their gadgets; a hi-tech showstopper and a stunning statement piece, fantastic for impressing visitors and dinner party guests. And the aesthetics go beyond that, too – as we touched on earlier, the nature of a downdraft extractor means that the ductwork and ventilation is hidden from view, which especially complements a clean, minimalist look.
If you want beauty and utility in a single, seamless package, then you might want to consider a downdraft extractor for your kitchen ventilation. They’re far from your only option though – we’ll be expanding more on some of your other options in our next instalment, and the unique features they have to offer your kitchen. Stay tuned for then!
In the meantime, you can pop into any of our designer kitchen showrooms for inspiration. We have designer kitchen showrooms located across the North West in Blackburn, Manchester and Colne, and our designers are always on hand to discuss your ideas. Come in and have a chat – we’d love to see you!
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New display coming soon to our Failsworth showroom!
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The kitchen is the heart of the home — where meals are made, memories are shared, and beauty meets function. Designed to inspire by Kitchen Design Centre. #HeartOfTheHome #KitchenDesign #KitchenDesignCentre #kitchen #kitchengoals #kitchenremodel #kitcheninspiration
A KITCHEN AND LIVING SPACE REIMAGINED FOR A RIBBLE VALLEY HOME
Paulo and Debbie first discovered Kitchen Design Centre back in 2013 when they created their dream kitchen—and they loved it so much that, years later, they returned once more.
This time, it was for a brand-new kitchen, utility room, games room and garage storage area as part of a major renovation to their family home.
Inspired by a stunning display in the Barrowford showroom, Paulo and Debbie teamed up with Barrowford Showroom Manager, Simon Thomas. With over 25 years of experience, Simon was the perfect person to take on their new brief—one that pushed boundaries and called for creativity in a limited space.
Debbie, inspired by Pinterest, envisioned a kitchen with rich walnut tones. Simon brought this to life with a sophisticated, contemporary design that cleverly created the feeling of a large island in a narrow room, proving that great design isn’t about space—it’s about smart solutions. He did this by linking the island to one wall to create the perfect cooking centre with all the focus in to the room.
“Simon was incredible. We loved the kitchen so much that we asked him to turn his attention to the majority of our downstairs. The whole area now has real wow factor—and it’s incredibly practical too. We couldn’t be happier with the result.”
Head to our website to read the full story.
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A SLEEK, HIGH-END CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN FOR A MANCHESTER HOME
When renovating their Worsley home, Kim and Paul knew exactly who to trust with their dream kitchen — Kitchen Design Centre.
A Sleek, High-End Contemporary Kitchen for a Manchester Home
Having worked with them four years ago in their previous home, they were so thrilled with the result that choosing them again was an easy decision.
Visiting the Urmston showroom, they were immediately inspired by the stunning displays and enlisted designer Rowan Chick to create a sleek yet functional space. They envisioned a monochrome palette to complement the ultra-modern aesthetic of their new home — a striking contrast to their previous more traditional navy and taupe kitchen.
Head to our website for the full story.
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FANCY THE CHANCE OF WINNING £4000? PLUS A FREE QUOOKER TAP & AN EXTRA £400 OFF YOUR KITCHEN!
For a limited time only, the first 40 customers to place an order after 4th April will be entered into our prize draw to win £4,000 cashback on their dream kitchen! And that’s not all – you’ll also receive an extra £400 off your kitchen as a thank you for your support over the last 40 years.
Plus, you’ll get a free chrome Quooker Flex Tap Pro3 – worth £1,250 to add the perfect finishing touch to your new kitchen.
And there’s more – you can still grab unbeatable discounts on our final ex-display kitchens and enjoy up to 50% off our premium stock appliances.
So, what are you waiting for? Book A Free Design Appointment today and let our expert team help you create the kitchen of your dreams. Hurry – this anniversary celebration ends once we’ve reached 40 kitchens!
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