This document is an installation and user manual for an electriQ cooker hood, available in various models and finishes including stainless steel, black, and white, and in both 60cm and 90cm widths. The manual provides comprehensive instructions for the safe operation, installation, and maintenance of the appliance, ensuring users can effectively utilize its features and prolong its lifespan.
Function Description
The electriQ cooker hood is designed for domestic use to extract fumes, steam, and odors generated during cooking, thereby improving air quality in the kitchen. It can be configured for two primary ventilation methods: external venting or recirculation.
In external venting mode, the cooker hood draws in air from the cooking area and expels it outside the building through a flexible exhaust pipe. This method effectively removes cooking by-products from the kitchen environment. The hood is supplied with a flexible exhaust pipe, and an adaptor is included to connect to pre-existing 120mm diameter ducting, offering flexibility in installation. For optimal performance in this mode, the manual advises against reducing the pipe diameter or restricting airflow.
In recirculation mode, the cooker hood filters the air and then re-releases it back into the kitchen. This is achieved by passing the air through grease filters and optional carbon filters. The carbon filters are crucial in this mode as they remove odors from the air before it is expelled through vents on the side of the chimney. This configuration is suitable for homes without an external venting option.
The cooker hood features a simple control panel with three main functions: Power Off (Stop), Fan Speed (Low, Mid, High), and Illumination (Light). These controls allow users to adjust the extraction power according to their cooking needs and to illuminate the cooking surface.
Usage Features
The cooker hood is designed for straightforward operation. The control panel, located on the front of the hood, provides intuitive buttons for managing its functions:
- Stop Button (①): This button ceases the operation of the currently selected fan speed.
- Low Speed Button (✇): Activates the fan at a low speed, suitable for light cooking or simmering.
- Mid Speed Button (✽): Engages the fan at a medium speed, ideal for moderate cooking activities.
- High Speed Button (✻): Sets the fan to its highest speed, recommended for intense cooking that produces a lot of smoke or steam.
- Light Button (☀): Toggles the integrated LED lights on and off, providing illumination for the cooking area.
For optimal performance, the manual recommends placing the cooker hood at a distance of 65-75cm above the cooking plane. This positioning ensures efficient capture of cooking fumes and steam.
Maintenance Features
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure the cooker hood operates effectively and safely. The manual outlines several key maintenance procedures:
General Cleaning:
- The hood's exterior surface should be cleaned frequently using a mild detergent on a warm, damp sponge or cloth.
- Users are advised to avoid harsh alkalis, abrasives, scouring powders, or dishwasher compounds, as these can damage the surfaces.
- It is crucial to keep cleaning water away from the motor, control switch, and all electrical components to prevent damage and ensure safety.
- Before any maintenance or cleaning, the hood must be disconnected from the power supply.
Grease Filters:
- The metallic grease filters are designed to trap grease particles from cooking fumes.
- It is recommended to clean these filters every two to three months.
- To clean, remove the grease filter from the cooker hood and soak it in a solution of warm water and neutral liquid detergent.
- After soaking, rinse the filters thoroughly with warm water and allow them to dry completely before refitting.
- The manual notes that the metallic filter may change color after several washes, which is normal and does not affect its functionality.
- Failure to clean the grease filters regularly poses a fire risk. Replacement grease filters are available under specific stock codes (eiQM60CGFILTER for both 60cm and 90cm hoods).
Carbon Filters (Optional for Recirculation Mode):
- If the hood is used in recirculation mode, optional carbon filters are required to remove odors.
- These filters are located at either end of the motor. To fit, locate the filter on the peg on the side of the motor and rotate it clockwise onto the motor housing. To remove, rotate anti-clockwise until unscrewed.
- Important: Carbon filters cannot be washed or recycled. They must be replaced approximately every 2-3 months, depending on the frequency of use.
- The manual warns that when activated carbon filters are attached, the suction power of the hood may be reduced.
- Optional carbon filters are available from the supplier/manufacturer under the stock code eiQMIDCARBON.
Replacing the Bulb:
- The hood is fitted with an LED light unit, which typically lasts for the lifetime of the hood. However, if it fails, replacement units are available.
- Before replacing the bulb, ensure the hood is turned off and the power supply is disconnected. Allow the bulb to cool down completely before handling.
- The process involves removing the glass canopy, locating the light fitting, squeezing spring clips to push it out, disconnecting the power connector, and then fitting the new unit.
- Always switch off the electricity supply before carrying out any operations on the appliance.
Glass Canopy Removal and Refitting:
- For maintenance tasks like bulb replacement, the glass canopy may need to be removed.
- Caution: Components within the appliance may have sharp edges, so gloves should be worn to avoid scratches and cuts.
- The glass canopy is secured by four screws, spacers, and decorative washers. These should be carefully removed while supporting the canopy. Two people are recommended to lift the canopy off the hood.
- Refitting is the reverse process, ensuring the decorative trim is correctly located.
The manual also includes a troubleshooting section to help users diagnose and resolve common issues, such as the fan not working, excessive vibration, or poor suction performance. It emphasizes that repairs involving internal components should only be carried out by qualified service personnel.
Overall, the electriQ cooker hood is designed to be a functional and user-friendly appliance, with clear instructions provided to ensure safe installation, efficient operation, and proper maintenance.