The motor is the heart of the kitchen hood, responsible for its extraction power and noise levels. Choosing the right motor ensures a healthier kitchen environment by effectively eliminating odors and vapors. That’s why it’s important to research the type of hood motor before making a purchase.

Not all motors are the same; they differ in performance (power), quality, and energy consumption. In this article, we will analyze the key differences between the two most common types of hood motors: shaded-pole motors and condenser motors. We will highlight their advantages and disadvantages to help you choose the best model for your needs.

How Does a Kitchen Hood Motor Work?

The kitchen hood motor generates airflow to extract odors and fumes, ensuring a healthier kitchen environment. This process occurs thanks to a fan, usually a centrifugal one, which moves air through a set of curved blades rotating around a central axis.

The motor’s function depends on the type of hood:

  • Ducted hood: Expels air outside through a vent system, effectively removing smoke and odors.
  • Recirculating hood: Uses activated carbon filters to trap impurities and grease, recirculating purified air back into the kitchen.

Regardless of the type of hood, the motor usually has multiple adjustable speed settings, allowing you to regulate the extraction power based on your cooking needs.

→ To ensure optimal performance, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance on the motor and fan blades, preventing grease buildup that could reduce suction efficiency.

Example of a motor installed in a kitchen hood

What Are the Different Types of Motors and Their Characteristics?

Kitchen hood motors are mainly divided into two types: shaded-pole motors and condenser motors. These technologies have different characteristics and performance levels. Let’s explore the key features of each type below.

- Shaded-Pole Motor

A shaded-pole motor is a single-phase motor named after its construction. It includes a metal band (the shading coil) that partially surrounds the stator and rotor windings.

Its structure consists of:

  • A fixed stator wrapped in a coil.
  • A rotor, concentrically placed inside the stator, with a series of poles magnetized by the alternating current in the stator coil.

The shading coil creates a magnetic field that opposes the main rotating field generated by the stator. This opposition results in a rotational movement, as the rotor poles try to align with the stator’s magnetic field. However, the shading coil delays this alignment, ensuring a relatively stable rotation.

→ This motor is a simple and cost-effective solution, commonly found in entry-level kitchen hoods.

- Condenser Motor (Brushless)

A condenser motor consists of a stator and a rotor and operates using a capacitor to generate a phase-shifted magnetic field, allowing it to start and run efficiently.

The stator windings are divided into two parts:

  • The main winding, directly connected to the power source, produces a rotating magnetic field when energized.
  • The auxiliary or starting winding, connected via a capacitor, introduces a small phase shift in the magnetic field, generating enough torque to move the rotor.

Condenser motors use more advanced technology and are typically found in mid-to-high-end kitchen hoods.

Comparison Table: Advantages and Disadvantages of Both Motor Types

Motor TypeAdvantagesDisadvantages
Shaded-Pole Motor
  • Lower cost
  • Durable operation
  • Simple, compact structure
Condenser Motor
  • Higher suction power
  • Quieter operation
  • Greater energy efficiency
  • Low maintenance
  • Higher cost compared to shaded-pole motors

Filtro Cappa Helps You Choose the Right Motor for Your Needs

Selecting the right motor for your kitchen hood means evaluating the power (measured in m³/h) and choosing based on your specific needs and comfort preferences.

Whether you require a budget-friendly shaded-pole motor or a more powerful and quieter condenser motor, it’s important to understand the technical features before making a purchase.

Once you have found the right motor, remember to perform regular maintenance on your hood to preserve its performance over time. Cleaning grease filters or replacing activated carbon filters (for recirculating hoods) is essential to prevent motor overload and premature wear.

Is your kitchen hood motor malfunctioning? On Filtro Cappa, you’ll find a wide selection of original and compatible spare parts for all types of hoods, even older models. If you’re unsure which part to choose or need assistance, our team is ready to help you find the best solution for your kitchen.

→ Contact us via email or WhatsApp for expert advice.