Today, the kitchen hood is an indispensable appliance for managing smoke, odours, and vapours produced during food cooking. A device that not only enhances indoor air quality but also protects surfaces from grease build-up, contributing to a clean and healthy environment. However, it hasn't always been this way. Its evolution is a challenging and fascinating journey that has transformed it from a simple service tool into a design element perfectly integrated into contemporary kitchens.
Beginning with the creation of the first modern kitchen hood — conceived by the innovativeness of Faber — this blog post takes a journey through time to discover how this appliance has evolved both technologically and aesthetically over the years, and why the innovations introduced by the Fabriano-based brand have significantly impacted its progress.
The 1950s: The True Revolution
In 1955, Abramo Galassi founded Faber Plast Srl together with three friends — a journey marked by ingenuity and determination that would lead, just three years later in 1958, to the creation of Faber’s first kitchen hood. This was the first motorized kitchen hood in Italy, destined to radically change Italians' domestic habits. The first hoods were made of plastic and functioned as simple extractor chimneys but already promised a genuine revolution in the handling of smoke and odours in kitchens; replacing traditional natural draft ventilation systems, the spread of motorized models marked a turning point significantly improving domestic quality of life.
The 1960s: The Spread of Motorized Hoods
Starting in the 1960s, kitchen hoods began to spread in Italian homes — in this decade, we witnessed the introduction of more efficient electric motors and the use of materials such as steel, which made hoods more durable and modern. Faber continued to innovate, enhancing quality and efficiency: in 1962, Eolo was born, the first domestic electric extractor, which became an essential element for improving air quality and protecting domestic surfaces from grease and persistent odours. Just a year later, Euro was introduced, a compact-sized extractor integrated into the hood: this is how Faber produced its first extractor hood. Its widespread presence in Italian households contributed to creating a healthier and more comfortable environment, transforming kitchens into welcoming and functional spaces.
The 1970s: Expansion and Automation
In the 1970s, Faber remained committed to its mission, automating production and opening branches in various countries. An idea began to take shape that would prove to be successful: to become the specialist in air treatment for the kitchen. This period also saw the introduction of new materials and technologies that made hoods more efficient and quieter; a manufacturing district in Fabriano, Marche, capable of exporting worldwide was established, making Italy a centre of excellence in kitchen hood production. Hoods became increasingly integrated into the design of the spaces they inhabit, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics of domestic environments. With the FL12 and FL15 models in 1976, the first extractable hoods were introduced, characterized by a minimalist aesthetic: destined to change the style of modular kitchens, they marked the beginning of a revolution that would transform these home environments into true social spaces.
The 1980s: Design and Aesthetics
In the second half of the 1980s, kitchen hoods began to become a strong aesthetic element — this period saw the emergence of bold shapes and vibrant colours, marking a clear departure from purely functional designs. These were years in which Faber continued to innovate, introducing decorative hoods that revolutionized kitchen design, demonstrating how these tools could be both functional and aesthetically attractive. In 1984, Formula was invented, the first decorative hood in Italy. The kitchen hood thus became a true design element, capable of defining the space and creating a stylish and personalized mood.
The 1990s and 2000s: Minimalism and Technological Innovations
In the 1990s, minimalism changed lifestyle and home style: kitchen hoods transitioned from standalone objects to devices integrated within cabinetry, further improving aesthetics and functionality. A design that adapts to consumers' needs, following the principle "form follows function”. Faber remained up to date, introducing advanced technologies such as activated carbon filters and LED lighting systems, which improved energy efficiency and the noise level of hoods: in 1999, the commitment to innovation led to the creation of Master, the new-generation hood that opened the doors to the future of air, contributing to creating a healthier and more environmentally friendly atmosphere.
The New Millennium: Sustainability and Organisation
In the 21st century, kitchen hoods have become increasingly sustainable and integrated into kitchen design.The brand develops technologies that optimise energy consumption and improve air quality, helping to reduce environmental impact: a rewarding commitment that in 2003 led to the SGS Quality, Safety, and Environment excellence certification for the Matrix hood.
Ongoing research and the development of new technologies ensure that hoods will continue to evolve, meeting the growing needs of consumers and contributing to improving domestic quality of life. We are witnessing extraordinary innovations like Faber’s Air Hub system, which integrates the hood with an air sanitising module, and Hob Extractors, which combine the hob and cooking extraction system into a single unit. Contemporary hoods not only extract fumes but also provide an efficient light source, a design that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding style, and space-saving and noise-reducing solutions. These are essential elements for a space that can truly be called welcoming, functional, and eco-friendly.
In conclusion, the evolutionary path of kitchen hoods has transformed from being a simple service tool to an increasingly pleasing and efficient design element. Companies like Faber have played a leading role in this process, introducing technological and aesthetic innovations that have improved both performance and visual appeal. Thanks to the efforts and achievements, today kitchen hoods contribute to creating a multifunctional and sustainable environment, transforming kitchens into that hospitable and comfortable refuge we increasingly love to inhabit.
