It's fair to say that designer hoods are mainly niche market, as they are premium products, at a significantly higher price, and so are often inaccessible to the mass market. The genuine, aesthetic charm of these statement pieces does however give this sector the potential to grow. 

The niche market status of designer hoods is down to a combination of the size constraints of kitchens in the UK and the actual size of the appliances in question. When you picture a designer hood you automatically envisage distinctive pieces hung like an illuminated 'crown' above the kitchen island that perhaps don't even look like a hood. The fact is that while most people aspire to own a kitchen big enough to house this kind of hood, in reality they just don't have the space.

Every consumer is an individual and therefore demands different factors from a cooker hood. Aside from aesthetic appeal, consumers are looking for a hood that will carry out a function so of course the end decision will depend upon technological aspects such as extraction rates, noise levels as well as price point. 

In terms of aesthetics, most consumers tend to look for alignment and integration of the hood with the existing products and designs in their kitchen. 

However, when it comes to choosing a designer hood, one that is to create more of a statement, they will be looking for something that will become the main feature of the kitchen. Consumers will be looking for a shape, material or colour that will make it stand out instead of becoming integrated with the other products. 

Designer hoods grab the attention of consumers so they are an extremely powerful tool for retailers. 

These aspirational appliances also appeal to consumers even if they are out of their reach in terms of price. They use them to plan their dream kitchen of the future, which they hope could become a reality one day.