2023.03.22

Hobs with integrated extractor hoods are changing kitchens 

The latest trend in cooktops is models where the hood is integrated into the cooktop, and the biggest advantage of this is of course that you don't have to install a hood above the cooktop - an aesthetic achievement, especially if the cooktop is placed on a kitchen island. 

Approximately 150,000 built-in hobs are sold each year in Sweden, and the major trend in recent years is that induction hobs have increasingly replaced ceramic hobs. Induction hobs account for approximately 85 percent of sales, and approximately one in a hundred built-in hobs sold is a gas hob – within this category, sales are increasing in the larger sizes (wider than 60 cm) while sales of smaller gas hobs are decreasing. 

The latest in hobs are models with a built-in fan, and in a few years these combination products have grown from zero to selling about twice as much as gas hobs. Although Sweden is at the forefront of choosing the new technology compared to the rest of the Nordic region, we are far behind the leaders Germany. There, almost every third induction hob sold is a model with a built-in fan. 

Bertazzoni recently launched two new induction hobs with integrated fan, and as they have a built-in motor and are only 21 cm deep, there is plenty of space for drawers under the hob. The new induction hobs with integrated fan from Bertazzoni have been awarded the Archiproducts Design Awards 2022, an award that celebrates design excellence worldwide. 

– We have noticed an increased interest in this type of product, mainly for aesthetic reasons. In particular, those who choose to build a kitchen island have a lot to gain from not having to install a large extractor hood above the hob. With this new generation of two-in-one products, we are taking a big step forward in that they are significantly more compact than before, which allows for greater flexibility during installation, says Peter Ericsson, General Manager Bertazzoni Scandinavia. 

Plus 60 percent

Hobs with integrated extractor hoods continue to gain popularity in Swedish households. According to figures from Electrolux, sales increased by a full 60 percent in 2022 (GfK sales data, sales value Sweden 2022 compared to 2021). 

In March, Electrolux launches its new hob with built-in fan 600 Bridge, which the company believes is distinguished by its standard dimensions, lower price range and that it is class-leading for its ease of installation. 

The traditional kitchen hood is often perceived as bulky and restrictive. Electrolux predicts that sales of products where the hood is integrated into the hob will continue to increase as it provides more opportunities for a more open and social space in the kitchen. 

– The kitchen has a central place for meals and socializing and design freedom is something that is in demand. The 600 Bridge has all the features a hood should have and also several extra features such as automatically adjusting the power and the filter being easy to wash in the dishwasher. These features make a difference in consumers' everyday lives and we are proud that the 600 Bridge comes in the standard size of 80 cm so that more people can replace their existing hob in a convenient way. The 600 Bridge is also "Best in Class" for its ease of installation, says Lale Johansson, Nordic Category Marketing Manager, Electrolux. 

This is how we want it in our kitchens

A survey from Yougov commissioned by Elon shows that Swedes prefer marble, countertop lighting and large work surfaces in their kitchens. Almost one in three Swedes, 32 percent, spend more than 10 hours in the kitchen each week, and one in ten spend more than 20 hours. 

– The survey also shows that the group that spends the most time in the kitchen is those over 60, with a full 14 percent spending more than 20 hours in their kitchens each week, compared to only 5 percent of 30-39-year-olds, says Camilla Waldmark, PR & Communications Manager at Elon. 

Despite the tough economic environment, many of us continue to dream of a little more luxurious equipment in the kitchen. What is at the top of the wish list among the more luxurious products are intelligent advanced appliances (21 percent), wine coolers (15 percent), pizza ovens (15 percent), meat grinders (5 percent), teppanyaki hobs (3 percent) and hanging tenderizers (3 percent). 

– It is primarily the younger Swedes, aged 18-29, who would most like to equip their homes with slightly more advanced kitchen equipment, says Camilla Waldmark. 

More color and smart solutions

The kitchen brand Epoq, which is sold exclusively at Elgiganten, has recently launched a new collection consisting of muted pastels in pink, green and blue tones. At the same time, dark kitchens remain popular and Epoq has therefore expanded the collection with an intense burgundy color. The collection also launches Edge Natural Oak, a light, smooth oak front to meet the trendy interior style Japandi – which combines the best of Scandinavian design with Japanese minimalism. 

– We have continued to work with the colors from the previous launch in 2022. In Sweden, we are fond of muted colors, which is reflected in this year's palette. This year, we have worked a lot on how our colors and wood types work together to find the right harmony. Burgundy, for example, works well on its own, but can also be combined in many different ways, says Ingvill Hermansen, senior interior design and design expert at Epoq. 

Epoq's Trend series now offers 26 colors, including this year's new products for 2023. 

– The trend we see in 2023 is that the kitchen can merge with the living room even more – and then a lot is scaled down at the same time. For example, the kitchen hood can be folded down into the hob and more and more people are choosing to remove upper cabinets to make room for interior design such as paintings and shelves for the finest coffee cups, says Ingvill Hermansen. 

Text: Ola Larsson