Cooker hoods, also known as extractor hoods, are a good idea if you’re looking to maintain a clean kitchen environment. Cooker hoods work by effectively removing cooking fumes such as steam, and grease from the air in your kitchen. However, like most appliances, cooker hoods tend to develop issues over time. Identifying and resolving these problems quickly and effectively is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and extending the lifespan of the appliance.
Blocked airflow
A blocked airflow is a common issue that can arise from various causes, including clogged filters, a damaged or worn fan motor, and obstructed pipes. When airflow is insufficient, cooking fumes and grease continue to circulate in the kitchen, leading to unpleasant odours and unsightly grease buildup. You may also notice grease accumulating on kitchen surfaces, or your cooker hood making unusual noises.
This is often caused by clogged filters as a result of grease and food particles that have built up on filters within the oven hood. A damaged or worn fan motor can struggle to circulate air effectively. If the motor is damaged, it may need to be replaced by an engineer. Obstructed pipes can get blocked with grease buildup, or loose connections. This again restricts airflow and hinder the cooker hood’s ability to remove cooking fumes.
The solution can be to clean the grease filters regularly, check any piping for blockages, or to listen out for an irregular sound coming from your oven hood. Regular cleaning of filters helps to maintain optimal airflow. After each cooking session, remove and wash the grease filters thoroughly with warm, soapy water. If the filters are heavily soiled, soak them in a degreaser solution before washing.
Lights out
One hidden benefit of a cooker hood are the lights illuminate the cooking area. This provides the cook a better view of the colours and textures of their dish, especially during nighttime cooking. If the lights malfunction, it can be an inconvenience.
Symptoms can be the hood lights remaining off when switched on, or they come on dimly or flicker. Over time, bulbs can burn out and need to be replaced. Ensure you use the correct wattage and type of bulb for your cooker hood. Damaged or frayed wiring can cause electrical issues that affect the lights. Inspect the wiring for any damage and ensure proper connections. Loose connections can disrupt the flow of electricity to the lights, causing them to malfunction. Tighten any loose connections.
To solve the issue, the solution could be a simple as using the appropriate wattage and type of bulb for your cooker hood. A flick through the user manual/guide, or a quick Google search, should reveal the wattage of your cooker hood’s lightbulbs.
A slightly more complicated issue could be an issue with the internal wiring. Check the wiring for any damage or frayed sections to ensure there are proper connections. Inspect the connections between the light fixtures, control panel, and the main power source. If the wiring is damaged, don’t hesitate to contact one of our helpful, qualified engineers here at Capital Repairs.
Persistent Odours
Cooking fumes and grease can accumulate within the cooker hood and cause unpleasant odours. If the hood is not properly maintained, these odours can linger around your kitchen.
Greasy filters can trap cooking odours, causing them to persist in the kitchen. Regular cleaning of filters is crucial to eliminate odours. Food particles can collect within the hood, contributing to unpleasant odours. Some cooker hoods have a grease collection system that separates and stores grease. If this system is malfunctioning, it can lead to grease buildup and persistent odours.
After each cooking session, remove and wash the grease filters thoroughly with warm, soapy water. If the filters are heavily soiled, soak them in a degreaser solution before washing. Remove and wash the hood’s interior components, including the fan blades and lamp housing. Use a degreaser solution to effectively remove food particles and odours. If your cooker hood has a grease collection system, inspect it for any leaks, clogs, or malfunction.
If you experience any of these issues – or any other problems with your cooker hood, and you live in London or the surrounding counties, give Capital Repairs a call on 0208 429 3727 or 0800 056 3738 and we’ll dash out to fix the problem.
We operate across all London boroughs and home counties including East London, Essex, Hertfordshire, North London, North West London, South East London, South London, South West London, Surrey, and West London. Our repair services include all household appliances including washing machines, tumble dryers, electric cookers, gas cookers, fridge freezers, microwaves and vacuums. Get in touch with us at Capital Repairs by calling us on 02084 293727 or sending us a message via our Contact Us page.
