Ergonomics and convenience rank top on Miele cooker hoods

Cooking was never simple for a 6-foot giant – until of course Miele launched the world's first 'headroom' hood in 2001. The inclined canopy on this model makes for greater space above the hob. Now Miele is adding fresh impetus to this category of cooker hoods with the introduction of new models.

The DA 6096 W Black Wing and DA 6096 White Wing wall hoods are characterised by the excellent value for money they offer. The name of these models says it all: Technically speaking, the only difference between the two is the colour of the canopy. This is manufactured from single-ply safety glass in obsidian black or brilliant white respectively. Both have a canopy width of 90 cm but get by without the need for the usual chimney section thanks to the compact fan unit.

Black Wing and White Wing each feature two energy-efficient and long-life LED downlights and can be operated either as vented or recirculation units. Miele also offers a chimney section which is only necessary if vent ducting has to be routed upwards towards the ceiling.

Despite is shape and compact form, there is no need to forfeit the quality features so typical of Miele: The multi-ply metal grease filters can be removed and cleaned in a dishwasher. Both visible layers are made from stainless steel which retains its pristine looks even after many years of use without showing the least signs of discolouration. The area behind the metal grease filter is lined with what Miele refers to as a CleanCover. This provides a smooth internal surface which is easy to clean and prevents exposure to electrical components and the fan.

The DA 6796 Shape follows the same principles. As on the Black Wing and White Wing models, Miele has dispensed with a chimney section, bringing to the fore the elegant contours which give this hood its unmistakable appeal. Key design elements include the five 90 cm wide obsidian black glass panels in the canopy. The top panel includes integrated touch-on-glass controls. This blends in perfectly both visually and functionally with the current Generation 6000 series of built-in appliances. Such an ensemble effuses worth and elegance in particular in combination with CleanSteel stainless steel and obsidian black.

The Shape cooker hood incorporates cutting-edge technology: Three LED downlights and a high-performance DC motor ensure top-class energy efficiency. The hood is equipped ex works with Con@ctivity 2.0 which adjusts suction power pre-emptively to what is happening down on the hob below, guaranteeing a pleasant room micro-climate. Installation is extremely simple: Each Con@ctivity-enabled cooker hood is supplied with an RF transmitter which is simply plugged into the Miele hob unit. Alternatively, the hood can be operated via sensor pads on the glass screen or using a remote control handset (available as an optional extra).

Shape can be operated in either vented or recirculation mode. A version for external operation is also available. Where required, a chimney section is available as an option to conceal vertical vent ducting.

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Company profile: Miele is the world's leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances including cooking, baking and steam-cooking appliances, refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers and laundry and floor care products. This line-up is augmented by dishwashers, washer-extractors and tumble dryers for commercial use as well as washer-disinfectors and sterilisers for use in medical and laboratory applications (Miele Professional). The Miele company, founded in 1899, has 8 production plants in Germany as well as one plant each in Austria, the Czech Republic, China and Romania. 2013/14 turnover amounted to approx. EUR 3.22 bn with sales outside Germany accounting for around 70%. Miele is represented with its own sales subsidiaries and via importers in almost 100 countries. The Miele company, now in the fourth generation of family ownership, employs a workforce of around 17,660, 10,411 thereof in Germany. The company headquarters are located in Gütersloh/Westphalia, Germany.