What happens inside a kitchen extractor fan during cooking? The journey of air from steam to purification

When you start preparing your favorite meal, you may notice steam and aromas rising from the cooking pots, but have you ever thought about the journey these steams take afterward?

For many, a kitchen extractor fan's sole purpose is to remove odors, but the truth is that what happens inside is far more complex than it seems. Every time you press the switch, the extractor fan begins a series of processes to keep the kitchen air cleaner and more comfortable.

Let's take you on a short journey inside a kitchen extractor fan, to discover what happens from the moment the steam rises until the air comes out again.

The journey begins… with the first steam

Once the stove is switched on and cooking begins, vapors, odors, and traces of fat start to rise to the top due to the heat.

At this moment, the extractor fan begins to draw in the air surrounding the cooking area before it spreads throughout the kitchen.

For this reason, it is always advisable to turn on the extractor fan at the beginning of cooking, and not after the place is filled with smells.

First stop… metal filters

The first thing the air inside the extractor fan encounters is the metal filters.

Its primary function is not to remove odors, but to purify the air of fine fat and oil particles resulting from frying and cooking.

If these filters were not in place, grease would accumulate inside the extractor fan and on the fan, and would quickly spread onto the walls, cabinets, and ceilings.

Therefore, metal filters are the first line of defense inside the extractor fan, and they can be cleaned periodically to maintain efficient performance.

What happens after fat removal?

After the air passes through the metal filters, the journey varies depending on how the extractor fan is installed.

Here there are two main systems:

First: The external centrifuge system

In this system, after the air is purified of grease, it is expelled through the extractor fan chimney to outside the house.

This option is suitable for those who have the possibility of installing an external air outlet, as it helps to get rid of odors, steam and heat directly.

Second: Air Recirculation System

If there is no external outlet, the extractor fan can operate with an air recirculation system.

In this case, the air passes after the metal filters to an activated carbon filter.

The carbon filter works by absorbing cooking odors before returning the air to the kitchen in a cleaner and more comfortable condition.

Because the carbon filter loses its efficiency with use, it needs to be replaced periodically according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

What if there was no extractor fan?

Imagine frying food for a whole week without using a extractor fan.

What will happen?

• The smells will spread throughout the house.
• The humidity level inside the kitchen will increase.
• Grease will accumulate on the closets, walls, and ceilings.
• Cleaning the kitchen will become more difficult over time.
• The temperature around the cooking area will rise, making standing in the kitchen less comfortable.

Although these changes may not be noticeable from day one, their effect becomes apparent with repeated use.

More than just removing odors

Many people believe that the function of a range hood is limited to eliminating odors, but its true role also includes:

• Improving air quality inside the kitchen.
• Reduce the accumulation of grease on surfaces.
• Helps reduce moisture produced during cooking.
• Providing a more comfortable environment while preparing food.
• Keeping the kitchen clean for a longer period.

How do you maintain the efficiency of the extractor fan?

To ensure your extractor fan performs optimally, make sure to:

• Clean the metal filters regularly.
• Replace the carbon filter when using the recycling system.
• Turn on the extractor fan a few minutes before you start cooking.
• Leave it running for a few minutes after cooking is finished to ensure that any remaining fumes are eliminated.

Every time you start cooking, your kitchen extractor fan works silently, performing a task we may not notice, but which significantly impacts kitchen comfort and cleanliness. From capturing fumes and grease to purifying the air or expelling it outside, the extractor fan plays a vital role in maintaining a more comfortable and healthy cooking environment.

When we understand how the extractor fan works from the inside, we realize that taking care of its filters and choosing the right operating system are not just details, but an important part of maintaining the efficiency of the device and the quality of the air inside the kitchen.