Kitchen experts recommend activating extractor hoods before cooking

Experts recommend activating extractor hoods several minutes before starting to cook to establish an effective airflow. Technical architect and interior designer Miriam Gómez suggests that turning the device on early allows a current to be established in the cooking area, making it easier to capture vapors and grease particles as they rise.

Waiting until odors or smoke are visible often means particles have already dispersed throughout the room, which is particularly problematic in open-plan kitchens where smells can settle into fabrics like curtains and sofas. The appliance manufacturer Electrolux also advises activating the hood approximately 15 minutes before cooking to optimize suction performance and potentially reduce the need for maximum speed settings.