The 486 Gelyney Extractor Hood is a compact kitchen ventilation system with 300-600 m³/h airflow capacity, stainless steel construction, and dual operation modes. It features LED lighting, dishwasher-safe filters, and quiet performance at 50-60 decibels, making it suitable for small to medium kitchens.
Your kitchen deserves better air quality. Studies show that indoor air can be up to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air, and cooking is one of the biggest contributors. The 486 Gelyney Extractor Hood addresses this problem with a combination of strong performance, quiet operation, and practical design.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about this extractor hood. You’ll learn about its features, installation requirements, maintenance needs, and whether it fits your kitchen and cooking style.
What Makes the 486 Gelyney Extractor Hood Stand Out
The 486 Gelyney differs from standard extractor hoods in three key areas: compact size, flexible installation, and balanced performance.
The “486” refers to its approximate width of 48.6 cm (around 19 inches). This makes it ideal for smaller kitchens, apartments, or spaces where you don’t want an oversized hood dominating the cooking area.
The hood delivers 300-600 cubic meters per hour of airflow, depending on the specific model variant. This capacity suits most home cooking situations, from daily meal prep to occasional heavy frying or grilling.
Built from brushed stainless steel, the hood resists heat, moisture, and grease buildup. The material is also fingerprint-resistant and easy to wipe clean, which saves you time during routine maintenance.
You can install it in two configurations:
- Ducted mode: Vents cooking fumes outside through external ducting
- Recirculation mode: Filters air and returns it to the kitchen using carbon filters
This flexibility matters when you’re working with existing kitchen layouts or rental properties where ducting isn’t possible.
Performance Features That Protect Your Health
Indoor air pollution from cooking releases nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other potentially harmful compounds into your air. A quality extractor hood removes these pollutants before they spread through your home.
The 486 Gelyney operates at three speed settings:
- Low speed: For light simmering or boiling
- Medium speed: For regular stovetop cooking
- High speed: For frying, grilling, or cooking with strong spices
Using a range hood exhaust fan when cooking can reduce the levels of cooking-related pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water vapor. Running your hood on high during intensive cooking sessions provides the best protection.
The noise level stays between 50-60 decibels even at maximum speed. This is roughly equivalent to normal conversation volume, so you can talk with family or listen to music while cooking.
Built-in LED lights illuminate your cooking surface with bright, energy-efficient lighting. These bulbs last significantly longer than traditional halogen lights and use up to 80% less energy.
Installation Requirements and Setup
You can install the 486 Gelyney Extractor Hood yourself if you’re comfortable with basic DIY tasks, or hire a professional installer for guaranteed results.
Mounting options include:
- Wall-mounted installation above a freestanding range
- Under-cabinet installation beneath existing kitchen cupboards
For safe and effective operation, maintain these clearance heights:
- 65-75 cm above electric cooktops
- 75-80 cm above gas cooktops
The hood requires a standard 220-240V electrical outlet. Make sure your wiring meets local electrical codes before installation.
If you’re using ducted mode, keep your ductwork as straight and short as possible. Each bend in the ducting reduces airflow efficiency by approximately 10-15%. Use rigid ducting rather than flexible tubing when possible.
For recirculation mode, you’ll need to install carbon filters (often sold separately). These filters trap odors that the aluminum grease filters can’t capture.
Most installations take 1-3 hours, depending on your kitchen setup and whether you need to install new ducting.
Cleaning and Maintenance Schedule
Regular maintenance keeps your 486 Gelyney running at peak performance and extends its lifespan.
Grease filters: Remove and clean every 2-4 weeks, or more often if you cook frequently. The aluminum mesh filters are dishwasher-safe. You can also wash them by hand in warm, soapy water.
Carbon filters: Replace every 3-6 months in recirculation mode. Heavy cooking requires more frequent replacement. These filters cannot be cleaned or reused.
Exterior surface: Wipe down the stainless steel weekly with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough sponges that scratch the finish.
LED bulbs: These typically last several years. When replacement is needed, use the exact wattage and type specified in your manual.
Motor inspection: Check for grease buildup inside the motor housing every 6-12 months. This may require professional servicing.
Clean filters improve extraction efficiency and reduce fire risk from accumulated grease. A five-minute cleaning routine every few weeks prevents major problems later.
Choosing the Right Model for Your Kitchen
Consider these factors when deciding if the 486 Gelyney fits your needs:
Kitchen size matters. The global range hood market reached $16.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $25.6 billion by 2033, growing at 4.7% annually, driven partly by increased awareness of indoor air quality. Calculate your kitchen’s volume in cubic meters, then multiply by 10-12 to find the minimum airflow you need. For example, a 20 cubic meter kitchen needs 200-240 m³/h of extraction power.
Cooking habits shape requirements. If you frequently cook with high heat, lots of oil, or strong spices, choose a model toward the higher end of the airflow range. Light cooking needs less power.
Noise tolerance varies. Open-plan kitchens benefit from the quieter operation this hood provides. If your kitchen is separate from living spaces, noise is less critical.
Budget considerations. The 486 Gelyney sits in the mid-range price category. It costs less than premium designer brands but more than basic models. The price reflects its stainless steel construction and dual-mode capability.
Installation flexibility. If you can’t install ducting, the recirculation option keeps you from expensive renovation work. Just factor in the ongoing cost of replacement carbon filters.
Most manufacturers offer 2-5 year warranties on parts and labor. Check warranty terms before purchasing, and keep your receipt for warranty claims.
Common Problems and Solutions
Hood doesn’t start: Check the electrical connection and circuit breaker. Make sure the control panel isn’t locked if your model has a child lock feature.
Weak suction: Clean or replace filters. Check for blockages in the ducting. Make sure the hood is at the correct height above your cooktop.
Excessive noise: Tighten any loose screws or mounting brackets. Clean the filters, as accumulated grease can cause vibration. Verify that ducting is properly secured.
Lights not working: Replace the LED bulb following the manual instructions. Check that the bulb is seated correctly in its socket.
Grease dripping: This indicates overdue filter cleaning. Remove and clean the grease filters immediately.
Energy Efficiency and Operating Costs
The 486 Gelyney uses minimal electricity compared to major kitchen appliances. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the demand for energy-efficient appliances, including range hoods, has increased by 15% over the past year.
LED lighting consumes approximately 3-5 watts compared to 20-50 watts for traditional halogen bulbs. Over a year of regular use, this saves you several dollars on your electricity bill.
The motor draws 120-150 watts at maximum speed, roughly equivalent to two standard light bulbs. Most cooking sessions only require medium or low speed, which uses even less power.
Carbon filter replacement costs $15-30 per set, depending on the brand. If you cook daily in recirculation mode, budget for 2-4 filter sets per year.
Running costs stay low. Even with daily use, expect annual operating costs under $50, including electricity and replacement filters.
Comparing Installation Methods
Ducted installation pros:
- More effective odor and moisture removal
- No need to buy replacement carbon filters
- Better for heavy, frequent cooking
Ducted installation cons:
- Requires external venting access
- More complex installation
- Not suitable for all rental properties
Recirculation installation pros:
- Works in any kitchen layout
- Simpler installation process
- No external wall modifications needed
Recirculation installation cons:
- Requires regular carbon filter replacement
- Less effective for very strong odors
- Returns heat and some moisture to the kitchen
Your choice depends on your property setup and how you cook. Ducted mode works better if you have the option, but recirculation provides adequate performance for most home cooks.
Final Thoughts
The 486 Gelyney Extractor Hood delivers reliable performance in a compact package. Its stainless steel construction, flexible installation options, and reasonable price point make it a practical choice for most kitchens.
You get effective ventilation without excessive noise or complicated controls. The dishwasher-safe filters and easy-clean surface reduce maintenance effort. LED lighting adds functionality while keeping energy costs low.
This hood works best for small to medium kitchens, light to moderate cooking, and situations where you want a low-profile ventilation solution. It won’t handle commercial-level cooking loads, but it handles typical home cooking with ease.
Consider the 486 Gelyney if you want a straightforward, functional extractor hood that does its job without unnecessary features or premium pricing. It improves your kitchen’s air quality while fitting naturally into your space.
FAQs
How do I know if the 486 Gelyney has enough power for my kitchen?
Measure your kitchen in cubic meters (length × width × height). Multiply this number by 10 to find the minimum airflow you need. The 486 Gelyney’s 300-600 m³/h capacity works for kitchens up to 30-60 cubic meters, which covers most standard home kitchens.
Can I install this hood myself, or do I need a professional?
Basic DIY skills allow you to handle wall-mounted installation in ducted mode. You’ll need a drill, screws, measuring tape, and a level. For recirculation mode or if you’re uncomfortable with electrical work, hire a professional. Complex ducting work also benefits from professional installation.
What’s the difference between ducted and recirculation mode?
Ducted mode vents cooking fumes outside through ducting, providing better odor and moisture removal. Recirculation mode filters air through carbon filters and returns it to your kitchen. Ducted mode is more effective but requires access to external venting.
How often should I replace the carbon filters?
Replace carbon filters every 3-6 months in recirculation mode. Heavy daily cooking requires replacement closer to every 3 months. Light, occasional cooking can extend this to 6 months. Carbon filters cannot be cleaned or washed.
Is the 486 Gelyney loud during operation?
The hood operates at 50-60 decibels at maximum speed, similar to normal conversation volume. This is quieter than many competitors. You can easily talk, watch TV, or listen to music while the hood runs.
