I have a downdraft in my peninsula and don't feel that it spoils it. The only thing it spoils is the space under the hob. Less space for pans. But I did not want anything hanging above the peninsula, it's under a 4.5 meter high pitched roof. But you don't see it at all. And it works fine. Depends on whether you'll be having a gas hob or an induction, but if you have an induction, the downdraft doesn't have to come up above the island when in use. If you're cooking on gas, you'd have to have one that comes up. But even then, when not in use, you will hardly see it's there. Mine looks similar to this and yes, you can really see the damp from cooking going down like that. Having said that, I do like the model you picked out, haven't looked at the specifications though. It's worth comparing noise levels and 'suction power' of different models. Good luck.

Hello Heather, I think you are right in having these discussions with your builder right now, has the project already started? Unfortunately, I left my serious/ detailed discussion on ducting to the last minute because the builder said all along, he can duct out easily but we didn't discuss the exact details, now I can't duct out where I want and it's causing me a real headache ( as it might lead to more boxing in, in addition to my existing boxing in - you replied to my post earlier on 'Ugly boxing in of steels' ). My hob is on a wall and the plan was to duct out through the joist and out of extension roof but my pipe is 2.6m until we get to the extension. We had to have 2 extra joists put in for support of the above floor which now means we can't have a 6inch duct pipe because the joists are in the way, so we are thinking of alternatives but I have a feeling that I might have to duct under the ceiling and box box box and then get around the steel beam.....argh! My only advice is that whatever ducting you plan to have, make sure the builder can definitely deliver what he says he can, go through with him the exact details of how he will do it, otherwise when the time comes, he might turn around and say, sorry we can't do it now. Or even have a plan B. My kitchen company also recommended that you switch the hood on for a bit before you cook and for a while after as well.

I want to reduce the noise from a kitchen extractor. Due to lintels and joists we may have to use a less preferred route to the external wall through another room. We need to reduce the extractor noise as much as possible. This route allows for wide ducting as well which is good. I have found acoustically insulated/low noise ducting, but it does not appear commonly in reference to kitchen extraction. Can anyone advise and recommend brands and suppliers in the UK?

Well we went for it and ducted it out under the floor. We've only been back in our house a few weeks but so far so good. It had really good suction and isn't too noisy! I'm glad we took the plunge. I'd far rather the smells go outside than recirculating.