Are inline extractor fans better?

When it comes to kitchen ventilation, there are two main types of extractor fans to choose from – integrated extractor fans and inline extractor fans. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so which is the better option for your kitchen?

What are the differences between integrated and inline extractor fans?

Integrated extractor fans are the type you commonly see mounted on kitchen walls or ceilings. The motor and fan blades are contained in a housing which sits inside or outside the kitchen. Inline fans on the other hand are remote fans connected to ducting which can be positioned further away in the roof space or outside the property.

Here are the key differences between the two types:

Integrated Extractor Fans	Inline Extractor Fans
Motor and fan inside visible housing unit	Motor and fan located remotely in ducting
Fan mounts on kitchen wall or ceiling	Only ducting visible in kitchen, fan can be positioned further away
Filtered grease gets trapped in easily accessible housing unit	Filtered grease gets trapped along the ducting
Typically lower maximum extraction flow rates	Higher maximum extraction flow rates possible
Can recirculate air back into kitchen	Vented outside, removing humidity and grease from kitchen
Lower noise levels in kitchen	Removes fan noise by positioning it further away

Do inline extractor fans have more extraction power?

One of the biggest advantages of inline extractor fans is they can offer higher maximum extraction rates than integrated models. That’s because removing the motor and fan from the kitchen into the ducting removes physical size limitations.

Housing integrated fans in the kitchen means they need to be compact. Even low profile integrated fans are restricted in terms of fan diameter and power of the motor. However with an inline model, the motor and fan blades can be as large as the ducting will allow.

This means inline models can be extremely powerful. Commercial kitchen extraction systems for instance rely on large remote inline fans to shift air volumes far greater than what integrated models could achieve.

Even in domestic settings, inline fans typically offer max extraction rates between 500 – 1000m3/hr. That compares to only around 400m3/hr for a good quality integrated fan. So if you cook regularly and need maximum fume extraction, inline fans deliver greater airflow.

Are inline fans quieter?

Another major benefit of inline extractor fans is they remove noise from the kitchen. Integrated models have the motor and fan located directly in the ceiling or wall. This means fan noise is emitted into the kitchen.

Inline fans on the other hand can be positioned outside in the roof space, garage, or externally on an outside wall. With the fan physically removed from the kitchen, noise levels are vastly reduced.

This remote positioning also removes vibrations you get from integrated fans. So you benefit from a quieter kitchen environment if noise is an issue.

Do inline fans remove humidity and grease better?

An additional advantage of inline extractor fans is humidity and grease removal from the kitchen. Integrated models typically have the option to recirculate a portion of extracted air back into the kitchen after passing through a filter.

This recirculation helps reduce heat loss and energy costs. But it means humidity and grease particles remain present to some extent. An inline fan however forces all extracted kitchen air entirely outside the property.

This gives superior ventilation by completely removing humidity, steam and grease from the kitchen environment. So if you do a lot of boiling, steaming or frying, an inline model provides better air quality.

Are inline fans easier to clean?

Next let’s compare the cleanability of the two extractor fan types. Inline fans can make cleaning easier. That’s because rather than having to directly access the fan unit to clean filters and remove grease, this happens along the ducting.

Inline models allow the ducting itself to act as the filter medium. Grease adheres to the sides of the metal ducting which can be accessed at different points. So grease build up gets broken up rather than concentrated in one place.

Access panels can be strategically positioned along the ducting route to wipe and collect grease. Some inline fans also have grease collection traps which can be emptied. This distributed cleaning makes maintenance easier compared to cleaning a single integrated fan unit.

Are inline extractor fans more expensive?

Of course with additional benefits there is often additional cost, so inline extractor fans typically have a higher price tag than integrated models. There are a few reasons for this price difference:

• More powerful motor and larger fan capable of higher extraction rate
• Additional ducting and parts required
• Professional installation cost as more complex than integrated models
• Possibility of external weatherproofing and accessories

Expect to pay anywhere from 50-100% more for an inline fan. However this investment may be justified if you need maximum fume extraction or a super quiet fan.

Do inline fans require professional installation?

Another consideration is that inline fans usually require professional installation, whereas integrated models can be fitted DIY. The benefit of an inline fan is flexibility in positioning the motor, fan and ducting.

But this means installation is more complex than an integrated fan. Specialist knowledge is required to calculate optimal ducting routes, seal connections, position access panels, weatherproof external sections etc.

Our recommendation would be to get multiple installer quotes to find a competitive price. Going DIY and getting it wrong could negatively impact fan performance and be a safety issue.

Which type of extractor fan is best for kitchens?

So in summary, which kitchen extractor fan comes out on top? Here is a quick comparison of the pros and cons:

Integrated Extractor Fans	Inline Extractor Fans
More affordable cost	Higher maximum extraction rate
DIY installation	Quieter operation
Compact size	Removes humidity and grease particles from kitchen
Grease filter located in fan unit	Easier cleaning along ducting route
Suitable for recirculation	Professional installation recommended
Lower noise levels in kitchen	Higher purchase cost

For most home kitchens, an integrated extractor fan will be the most practical and cost-effective choice. Models with extraction rates up to 400m3/hr will cope with all but the most excessive cooking vapors and fumes.

They can be purchased for under $100 and fitted yourself over 1-2 hours. Maintenance involves easily accessing the filters and grease tray every few months for cleaning.

However for commercial kitchens, open plan spaces requiring very high extraction rates, or if you want exceptionally quiet operation, inline models are worth the extra investment. Speak to a kitchen specialist to confirm if an inline fan is required for your particular cooking setup.

Conclusion

Inline extractor fans provide greater maximum extraction power, quieter operation, and improved removal of humidity and grease when compared to integrated models. However integrated fans are more affordable, easier to install, and convenient for typical home kitchen requirements. Assess your specific cooking needs, budget and noise requirements when choosing between the two fan designs.