Extractors are essential for removing the unwanted side effects of cooking, such as lingering food smells, grease and steam that could cause condensation and grime to develop and, over time, ruin your decoration. The extractor fan will draw in all the ‘dirty’ air and pass it through a grease filter, usually constructed from metal meshing for easy cleaning. Then, depending on whether it is mounted on an outside or inside wall, it will duct straight outside, or be recirculated via internal ducting through a vent back into your kitchen.

The type of extractor and cooker hood you have will be reliant on the layout of kitchen. There are six main types, each with different benefits and drawbacks…

The Chimney Hood

If you’re looking for a cooker hood that is both functional and attractive, a chimney hood is ideal! They make a dramatic and stylish statement in your kitchen whilst having the power to clear all the unwanted side effects of cooking. Usually they are wall mounted, so you must check that you have enough height to accommodate the chimney breast section, although many styles are easily adjustable and certain styles have been designed especially for island cookers. We advise that you always get an extractor that is at least the same width as your oven hob, but if you have space restrictions you can have one smaller than your hob - it will just be less effective.

Integrated Cooker Hood

An integrated cooker hood is wall mounted, built into the units above the hob, and won’t spoil the aesthetics of your kitchen as it looks like just another cupboard - until you pull it out to use it. Integrated hoods are one of the most popular types and can be fitted into almost any kitchen, although they are usually about 60cm wide, so best to check the width of your cupboards before ordering one.

Conventional Cooker Hood

Conventional cooker hoods used to be one of the most popular types, and are still installed in many kitchens today. They fit neatly to the wall under your cupboard units, but are usually wider than conventional cupboards so will protrude slightly. Although conventional hoods are usually the cheaper option, they unfortunately aren’t as efficient or powerful, and are not as attractive as some of the newer designs available.

Canopy Cooker Hoods

Canopy cooker hoods, or motor units, are designed to fit neatly inside a canopy or chimney breast style cupboard unit above your hob. They must be wall mounted, but are discreet and fit flawlessly into any kitchen design. But because they are only available in set sizes which are usually bigger than normal kitchen units, and the range is fairly limited, it’s essential that you check the size of your unit first.

Telescopic Cooker Hoods

Telescopic cooker hoods are increasing in popularity thanks in large part to their versatility. Not only that, but they are one of the most discreet styles and simply fit into the unit above your hob, and slide out when they’re needed.

Whenever you have a wall mounted extractor fan, it’s likely that you’re going to lose valuable cupboard space. But when fitted as part of a new kitchen, we can install great space saving and storage solutions to compensate. Whatever your requirements, we can help you find the perfect cooker hood and extractor to keep your kitchen clean, fresh and free from stale smells.

Types and Sizes

Before choosing which range cooker to buy there are few things you need to decide on, the first being the size of your range cooker. With a huge variety of quality manufacturers to choose from, including Belling, Rangemaster, AGA, Britannia and Stoves, you can be sure that there’s a range cooker somewhere that will fit in the space in your kitchen.

Most types range from 80cm to 150cm, but you must also consider getting it into your kitchen and manoeuvring it into position, as well as the amount of space you need to keep around it to avoid potential hazards. And don’t forget to check which way and how far the doors open, so you don’t end up with an oven you can’t get into!

Accessories

One of the biggest benefits of having a range cooker is the wide array of cooking options you can choose from. Larger range cookers usually comprise of at least two ovens and six hob burners, as well as a grill, but depending on the make and model there are usually a whole range of extras you can choose from, such as:

• Slow cooker
• Storage drawer
• Fan oven
• Wok burner
• Fish burner
• Rotisseries
• Hot plates
• Griddle

Fuel types

There are many aesthetic styles to choose from, from sleek, stainless steel contemporary range cookers to traditional, cream, farmhouse style range cookers. Another important consideration is the type of fuel you choose for your range cooker. Usually range cookers are dual fuel so you get the best of both worlds with easily controlled electrical and fan ovens and a gas hob for consistent, high temperatures.

There is also the option for fully gas fueled cookers and full electrical cookers with hot plate hobs, so even if you don’t have a gas supply in your kitchen, you can still have a beautiful and functional range cooker.

Installation

Installing a range cooker can be a little more complex than a standard cooker. Not only are there different fuel connections to consider, but also the specific spacing requirements to avoid overheating and fire hazards. As such, we always recommend that you have your range cooker professionally installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Still not sure which type of range cooker would be best for you? The Long Eaton Appliance Company has a huge variety, including Ceramic, Induction, Gas and Dual Fuel cookers, and a knowledgeable team who will be happy to offer you impartial advice to help you find your ideal range cooker, from a quality and trusted manufacturer.

Before investing in a built-in dishwasher there are certain practical considerations to consider, such as:

• If you have pipe work running along the back of your units, your dishwasher will not sit flush. You may wish to consider re-thinking the placement of your dishwasher, or you could contemplate deeper worktops.
• No dishwasher runs silently, but a lower decibel rating does ensure quieter operation.
• Built-in dishwashers must be attached to a furniture door otherwise the appliance door will not stay open; they are sprung to allow for the weight of a cupboard door or fascia.
• If you are considering a high-capacity dishwasher you must bear in mind that they are taller and so will not fit into all kitchens.
• Dishwashers usually only need a cold water feed.

By avoiding common ordering and installation errors, you can ensure that you end up with the right appliance for you and your home. Different types of built-in dishwashers have various benefits, so your individual specifications will determine what style you require.

The 5 kinds of built-in dishwasher are as follows:

Fully Integrated

The most popular type of dishwasher, once installed this model can be completely concealed and is virtually undetectable. A full height furniture door is fitted to the front of the appliance, with the control panel sitting on the top edge of the dishwasher door. The main advantage of this style of dishwasher is that it can be hidden away behind a matching fascia for a uniform look to your kitchen. There are various heights, models and capacities of integrated dishwasher available, depending on your individual specifications.

Semi-Integrated

Semi-integrated models are only partially concealed and feature a visible control panel, which is very similar in size to a standard drawer front. The appliance door is then fitted below this panel, so various heights of door can be accommodated for. The main benefit of a semi-integrated dishwasher is how readily accessible the control panel is, ensuring easy and swift operation. Depending on the manufacturer, there are a variety of control panel finishes including steel, white, black and aluminium – so you can choose something which perfectly reflects the style of your kitchen.

In-Column

Unlike traditional dishwashers, in-column styles do not stand on the floor. Instead, they are designed to be mounted higher up than integrated floor standing models and are housed in a tall unit, such as a cupboard. Standing at roughly the same level as chest height, the most beneficial property of this style is that they can be easily loaded and unloaded without the user having to bend down. Although slightly narrower than a standard machine, they usually operate with a similar capacity and performance and, like an integrated dishwasher, they are completely covered by a matching fascia.

Dishdrawer

The innovative dishdrawer essentially works like a filing cabinet; the dishwasher is fitted inside a drawer and it is operated by pulling it open. This style is the perfect space-saving solution for smaller houses and flats with fewer occupants, or it can be used in conjunction with another dishdrawer to create an advanced dishwashing system for the whole family. They are easy to use, making them both practical and highly functional, and their flexibility makes them ideal for a host of applications.

Compact

Compact dishwashers are ideal for smaller households, or when an additional overflow dishwasher is required. Only just bigger than a standard microwave, this style of dishwasher is small, neat and efficient and can be placed on a worktop or built into a cupboard unit. There are various styles and designs, ensuring that there is something that meets your individual requirements as well as reflects the style of your kitchen.

With the vast range of styles, designs and brands available, deciding what you want can be a difficult task. As professionals in kitchen appliances, we can provide you with expert advice and assistance so you can choose the right dishwasher for your application.

Thanks to our years of experience supplying high quality appliances to our customers, we can offer you the benefits of our wide and varied expertise. You can expect us to bring you a diverse range of articles and trusted advice about the huge range of new products flooding the market. We will even discuss potential faults and how best to avoid common issues that your appliances could succumb to without proper care.

From solutions to the potential problems facing you as you search for your perfect, new appliance, to discussions in relation to energy efficiency and information about the latest advances in appliance technology that could ease your daily chores and save you money - we'll keep you ahead of the crowd!