By Claire Reilly

For many, the rangehood is an afterthought in kitchen design — purchased after the major cooking appliances and whitegoods and often chosen as an understated match to the other products.

But for others, rather than being a last minute addition, the rangehood is the centrepiece of the kitchen. While these appliances need to be functional and efficient (nobody wants a smoky or smelly kitchen), they can also be a statement of personal taste and superior appliance design.

For the trend-setters out there, here is our wrap up of the 10 best designer rangehoods for designer kitchens.

Qasair Seneca Rangehood in Java Black (SEN400L)

Designed to be installed in either single or double configurations, the Seneca rangehood can also be installed in heights ranging from 55 centimetres to 110 centimetres. It's also available in 50-centimetre and 40-centimetre diameter models (40-centimetre model pictured). (Photo credit: Enigma Interiors).

RRP $4,300 each

Bora Basic

A unique option that combines cooktop and rangehood in one, the Bora Basic features a four-zone glass induction cooktop with touch controls and pan-size recognition, as well as an in-built extraction unit in the centre of the cooktop. Both an exhaust model (BIA) and a recirculated model (BIU) are available.

RRP $4,399

Gaggenau 120-centimetre Recessed Table Ventilation (AL 400-120)

Also designed to sit fully-flush with the cooktop, this stainless steel ventilation system rises out of the kitchen bench top and features three power modes (plus an intensive mode) to extract air from directly above the cooktop. Also available in a 90-centimetre model (AL 400-190, RRP $13,798).

RRP $15,298

Miele Aura Island Rangehood (DA 7000 D)

Designed for island benches with a black glass and white powder coated finish, the Aura rangehood hangs in mid air over the cooktop and uses grease filters and charcoal filters to clean air before recirculating it around the room.

RRP $5,999

Blanco Canopy Rangehood (BWC9BX)

Made from stainless steel and black glass with halogen lighting and touch controls, this canopy features a central glass panel that opens out to extract cooking vapours. It can be ducted to the wall or using a flue, and air can also be recirculated.

RRP $2,549

Samsung Motion Controlled Rangehood (NEO NK86NOV9MSR)

With a minimalist modern design, this rangehood angles down over the cooktop and pulls cooking vapours up behind the single sheet of steel in the centre. Messy cooks will also appreciate that the controls can be used hands-free by gesturing over the control panel along the top.

RRP $2,699

De Dietrich 120-centimetre Downdraft Hood (DHD1102X)

Another extraction system that sits flush with the bench top, this Downdraft Hood features a twin fan motor, four power levels and backlit white LED lighting. Also available in a 90-centimetre model (RRP $5,599) and a 52-centimetre model (RRP $4,799).

RRP $5,699

Smeg Vanilla Ceiling Mount Rangehood

Comprising an outer cylinder made of white tempered glass, etched with a sand dune design, and an inner stainless steel cylinder, this rangehood looks like a light fitting when not in use. But when it’s needed, the stainless steel inner cylinder can be lowered over the cooktop with the press of a remote control for powerful extraction.

RRP $4,990

De’Longhi Black Glass Thalassa Rangehood (DETHALASSA90B)

Available in both a 60-centimetre model (DETHALASSA60B, RRP $1,399) and 90-centimetre model (pictured), the Thalassa rangehood is perfect for minimalist moody kitchens. The 90-centimetre model is also available in white glass (DETHALASSA90W, RRP $1,599).

RRP $1,599

Qasair Lamont Rangehood in Persian Blue (LAM900L)

From the Sapphire collection of rangehoods, this statement appliance is finished with Qasair’s intricate Persian Blue finish — an ornate pattern designed to capture attention in the kitchen. (Photo credit: Complete Kitchens Melbourne).

From RRP $4,700