A cooker hood is a kitchen appliance used daily while preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An efficient cooker hood purifies the air by removing fumes, smells, and vapours - making it healthier, not just in the kitchen. The most popular finish is stainless steel and, like cooker hoods made from other materials, it must be cleaned regularly. Before we dive into how to keep it looking sleek and shiny for years to come, let’s take a look at how it works.
Stainless steel cooker hood: duct-out or filtering?
Regardless of the material or finish, there are two types of cooker hoods:
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duct-out hoods: extremely quiet, they direct air outside the home
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filteringhoods: capture odours and vapours and recirculate air back into the kitchen, with no need for a duct
Cleaning a stainless steel cooker hood: why it's important
It seems like a banal question, but in reality, the answer is more than just to keep it looking good. A stainless steel cooker hood that is clean inside and out will be:
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splendid on the outside, enhancing your kitchen
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hygienic inside, helping to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria, and microbes
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more efficient, as regular cleaning reduces the risk of malfunctions and breakdowns caused by dirt and grease build-up
Cleaning a stainless steel cooker hood: filters
Proper maintenance of the cooker hood - stainless steel or otherwise - always includes periodic checks of the extraction system filters. There are different types of filters:
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odour filters, which remove cooking fumes, odours, and aromas
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grease filters, which trap grease-laden vapours and particles
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moisture filters, which help maintain healthy air by reducing excess humidity
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washable and regenerable filters, to reduce waste, replacements, and environmental impact
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long life filters, like Elica’s, which can last up to 3, even 5 years
Cleaning a stainless steel cooker hood: when
How often you clean your cooker hood really depends on how often you use it. As a general rule, you should clean the stainless steel exterior at least once a week, especially if you’ve fried food or made food that requires longer cooking times. For example:
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frying produces grease-laden vapours and splatters
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slow-cooked dishes like stews or hearty soups produce a lot of steam
You can clean the interior parts less frequently, but once a month is a good rule of thumb.
Cleaning a stainless steel cooker hood: what to use
Below are a few tips to restore your stainless steel cooker hood to its original shine.
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For dust and everyday grime, dampen a soft cloth (micro-fibre works well) and wipe the surface with a few drops of mild soap
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For greasy residue or build-up, you'll need to degrease the surfaces (a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and water can be an effective solution)
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To tackle tough, dried-on greasy residue, clean with a specialised household stainless steel cleaner (to avoid leaving permanent marks)
Cleaning a stainless steel cooker hood: what not to do
Some cleaning products or habits can permanently damage the look of your stainless steel cooker hood. Whatever you do, never use:
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pure vinegar or acid-based cleaners that could leave marks on the stainless steel finish
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cleaners containing chlorine or other harsh chemicals
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powders or scouring agents that can scratch the stainless steel finish
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metal scouring pads, steel wool, or abrasive cloths
How to clean a stainless steel cooker hood without leaving marks
Unsightly marks are usually caused by moisture left on the stainless steel surface of the cooker hood after cleaning. To prevent marks and streaks, simply rinse the surfaces thoroughly and dry carefully with a soft cloth.
One final tip to keep stainless steel sparkling clean without leaving marks: always wipe in the direction of the grain.
How to clean a stainless steel cooker hood: final thoughts
Routine cleaning and proper maintenance are essential for preserving the beauty and performance of a stainless steel cooker hood. Elica’s collection includes wall-mounted, island, built-in, and chandelier-style models that showcase this material, enhancing the look of any kitchen. They are easy to clean, equipped with long-life filters and high-power, ultra-quiet motors to suit your every need.
