Cooker hood installation in London typically costs £80 to £350, depending on the type of hood, whether you need ducting, and if any electrical or gas work is involved. A simple recirculating hood swap can be done for as little as £80–£120, while a ducted chimney or island hood with new wiring and external venting can run £250–£450 or more.
This guide breaks down exactly what drives the price, what a fair quote looks like in London, and how to find a qualified installer near you.
Average Cooker Hood Installation Cost in London
| Job Type | Average Cost (London) | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Recirculating hood (like-for-like swap) | £80 – £150 | 1 – 1.5 hours |
| Ducted hood (existing ducting in place) | £120 – £220 | 1.5 – 2.5 hours |
| Ducted hood (new ducting/vent needed) | £220 – £400 | 3 – 5 hours |
| Integrated/canopy hood | £100 – £200 | 1.5 – 2.5 hours |
| Island cooker hood | £250 – £450 | 3 – 6 hours |
| Chimney/breast hood | £150 – £300 | 2 – 4 hours |
| Electrical connection only (new circuit) | £60 – £150 | 1 – 2 hours |
Prices reflect labour plus small materials (brackets, screws, sealant). They exclude the cost of the hood itself and any bespoke ducting kits, which are quoted separately below.
Costs in central London (Zones 1–2) tend to sit at the higher end of these ranges compared with outer boroughs, largely due to parking, call-out logistics, and higher tradesperson day rates.
What Affects Cooker Hood Installation Cost
Several factors combine to determine your final price. A fitter will usually confirm the exact cost after a short assessment, but these are the main variables.
1. Type of Cooker Hood
- Recirculating hoods filter air through a carbon filter and recycle it back into the kitchen. No ducting means lower labour and material costs.
- Ducted hoods vent air outside through ductwork, which requires cutting or using an existing wall or ceiling vent. This adds time and materials.
- Integrated hoods sit inside a cabinet, so cabinetry adjustments may be needed.
- Chimney hoods mount on a wall and often need bracket reinforcement.
- Island hoods hang from the ceiling above a central hob, which usually means longer ducting runs and additional support work — hence the higher price.
2. Ducting and Ventilation Requirements
If ducting is included in the installation price, it’s usually because a route to an external wall or existing vent already exists. New ducting installation cost typically adds £50–£150 depending on the length of run, number of bends, and whether the fitter has to core-drill through a wall for an external vent.
3. Electrical Work
Most cooker hoods plug into a standard socket, but hoods wired directly into the mains, or installations needing a new spur, call for a qualified electrician. Electrician cooker hood installation cost for a new circuit or fused spur generally sits between £60 and £150, on top of the fitting labour.
4. Gas Safe Requirements
If your cooker hood is being fitted above or near a gas hob, and any gas pipework needs to be moved, disconnected, or reconnected, the work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Gas Safe cooker hood installation London services typically charge a call-out fee plus an hourly rate, and this is non-negotiable for safety and legal compliance.
5. Property Type
- Flats: often simpler recirculating jobs since many purpose-built flats lack external ducting routes, though older conversions may already have shared ducting.
- Houses: more likely to support ducted installation through an external wall, but older Victorian and Edwardian properties in London sometimes need extra work around solid walls or chimney breasts.
6. Removal of Old Hood
Replacing an old cooker hood cost usually includes removing and disposing of the existing unit. Most installers fold this into the quote, but confirm it upfront, especially if the old hood is integrated or wired directly into the mains.
Cooker Hood Installation Cost by Type
Ducted Cooker Hood Installation Cost
Ducted systems vent steam, grease, and odours outside through ducting to an external wall or roof vent. Expect to pay £120–£400 depending on whether ducting already exists. This is the most effective option for removing cooking smells and moisture, which matters in London’s often smaller, poorly ventilated kitchens.
Recirculating Cooker Hood Installation Cost
Recirculating hoods filter air and release it back into the room. They’re the cheapest and quickest to fit — usually £80–£150 — because there’s no ducting or external vent involved. The trade-off is they need carbon filter replacements every 3–6 months to stay effective.
Integrated Cooker Hood Installation Cost
Integrated (or built-in) hoods hide behind a cabinet front and cost £100–£200 to fit in London. Pricing can rise if the existing cabinetry needs adjusting to fit a new hood’s dimensions.
Chimney Cooker Hood Installation Cost
Chimney-style hoods mount to the wall above the hob and are a popular choice in London kitchen renovations. Installation runs £150–£300, with cost driven by wall type (solid brick vs. plasterboard) and duct routing.
Island Cooker Hood Installation Cost
Island hoods are the most expensive to fit, at £250–£450, because they hang from the ceiling and need secure mounting plus a longer ducting run, often through the ceiling void and roof.
Labour Cost to Install a Cooker Hood
The labour cost to install a cooker hood in London generally falls between £60 and £250, separate from materials like ducting kits or electrical parts. Most independent fitters and multi-trade handymen charge:
- Hourly rate: £40 – £70 per hour in London
- Fixed job rate: £80 – £250 for a standard installation, call-out included
- Minimum call-out charge: £50 – £90, common for smaller firms
Electricians and Gas Safe engineers typically charge at the higher end of this range, or a separate call-out fee, because of their certification and insurance requirements.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During Installation
- Site assessment – The installer checks your kitchen layout, existing wiring, and whether ducting is already in place.
- Old hood removal – The existing unit is disconnected and taken down (electrically isolated first).
- Mounting the new hood – Brackets are fitted to the wall, ceiling, or cabinet, matched to the hood’s weight and size.
- Ducting or filter setup – For ducted hoods, ductwork is connected to the existing or new vent. For recirculating hoods, carbon filters are fitted.
- Electrical connection – The hood is wired to a socket or fused spur, following current wiring regulations.
- Testing – The installer checks extraction, lighting, and controls before finishing.
- Sign-off – For gas-adjacent work, a Gas Safe certificate is issued; for electrical work, a minor works certificate may be provided.
A straightforward swap takes about an hour to 90 minutes. Jobs needing new ducting or electrical work can take three to five hours.
Can I Install a Cooker Hood Myself?
You can install a basic recirculating cooker hood yourself if you’re comfortable with DIY, the hood plugs into an existing socket, and no ducting or gas work is needed. However:
- Any hood wired directly into the mains (hardwired, no plug) legally requires a qualified electrician under Part P of the UK Building Regulations.
- Any work involving disconnecting or moving gas pipework near a hob must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer — this is a legal requirement, not a recommendation.
- Cutting external vents or working at height (especially for island hoods) is safer left to a professional with the right tools and insurance.
For most London homes, professional cooker hood installation costs relatively little compared with the risk of incorrect wiring, poor ducting seals, or invalidating your hood’s warranty.
Do I Need an Electrician to Install a Cooker Hood?
You need an electrician if the cooker hood is hardwired rather than plugged in, or if a new socket or spur is required. If you’re simply replacing a like-for-like plug-in hood using the existing socket, a general kitchen fitter or handyman can usually handle it. When in doubt, ask your installer whether the job falls under notifiable electrical work — a reputable cooker hood installer London will tell you upfront.
How to Book a Reliable Cooker Hood Installer in London
- Check credentials – Look for Gas Safe registration (if gas work is involved) and NICEIC or similar electrical certification.
- Get itemised quotes – Ask what’s included: removal of old unit, ducting, filters, electrical work, and VAT.
- Compare same-day availability – Same day cooker hood installation London services exist for urgent replacements, though they may carry a premium call-out fee.
- Read recent reviews – Prioritise installers with recent, verified customer feedback over star ratings alone.
- Confirm warranty coverage – Some hood manufacturers require professional installation to keep the warranty valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cooker hood installation cost in London?
Most installations cost between £80 and £350 in London, depending on the hood type, whether ducting is needed, and any electrical or gas work involved.
Can I install a cooker hood myself?
Yes, if it’s a plug-in recirculating hood with no ducting or gas work needed. Hardwired hoods and any gas-adjacent work legally require a certified electrician or Gas Safe engineer.
Do I need an electrician to install a cooker hood?
Only if the hood is hardwired or a new electrical circuit is needed. A simple plug-in replacement doesn’t require an electrician.
How long does cooker hood installation take?
A straightforward swap takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Installations requiring new ducting, electrical work, or ceiling mounting for island hoods can take 3 to 5 hours.
What affects cooker hood installation cost?
The main factors are hood type (ducted vs. recirculating), whether new ducting or wiring is needed, property type, and whether gas pipework must be moved.
Is ducting included in the installation price?
Sometimes. If existing ducting can be reused, it’s usually included. New ducting or an external vent typically adds £50–£150 to the quote.
Which type of cooker hood is cheapest to install?
Recirculating hoods are the cheapest to fit, usually £80–£150, since they don’t need ducting or an external vent.
How much does it cost to replace an existing cooker hood?
Replacing an old hood with a similar type in the same spot typically costs £80–£220, since existing ducting, wiring, and mounting points can often be reused.
Final Thoughts
Cooker hood installation cost in London depends mostly on hood type, ducting needs, and any electrical or gas work involved, with most jobs landing between £80 and £350. A simple recirculating swap is the most budget-friendly option, while ducted, chimney, and island hoods cost more due to extra labour and materials.
Before booking, get an itemised quote, confirm Gas Safe or electrical certification where relevant, and check whether ducting and old hood removal are included in the price. If you’re ready to move forward, book a Gas Safe registered cooker hood installer in London to get an accurate quote for your kitchen.