Are BORA Cooktops Worth the Investment? A Designer’s View

October 30, 2025
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In luxury kitchens where design matters as much as performance, clutter is the enemy. Big stainless hoods, ductwork, clunky extractor fans – they all break the line. That’s why we recommend BORA to so many of our clients.

BORA has long been a staple in kitchens where style and substance share the same space. Step into any considered home and chances are, it’s already part of the story — quietly doing its job without stealing the spotlight.

German-engineered, surgically precise, and very deliberate in its design. The BORA system combines an induction hob with an integrated downdraft extractor – right there, in the surface. No overhead unit. No steam fogging up your glasses. No conversation lost to the hum of a ceiling fan.

It’s not a gimmick. This is form and function tied in a knot.

The Clean-Line Solution

The idea is simple enough. You cook. The steam goes down. Not up. The extractor is built into the centre of the hob, pulling air away before it ever drifts off the pan.

That design gives you something that’s hard to quantify until you see it in action: space.

Open-plan kitchens benefit the most. There’s no bulky hood breaking up the view across an island. You can cook while facing the room. Talk to your guests. Watch the kids. Pour a glass of wine without ducking under ducting.

We’ve seen it change the way people use their kitchens. Less interruption. More connection.

Bora Professional cooktop in white

What Clients Love

Our showroom visitors usually pause when they see a BORA installation in one of our projects. The flush finish, the matte black surface, the way it all disappears into the worktop – it’s hard not to touch it.

Performance-wise, it’s no slouch. The Professional 3.0 is a standout. Modular layout, app control, oversized cooking zones that bridge together when you need the space. It’s sharp. Quiet too – which matters more than you think when the kitchen shares space with the living room.

Filters are easy to remove and replace. No climbing on worktops. No mess.

And it doesn’t just look good. It works. We’ve seen steam pulled down from a boiling pan of pasta faster than most overhead systems can manage.

Not for Every Home – But That’s the Point

Let’s get something out of the way: it’s not cheap.

BORA starts at a premium price point and goes up from there. Installation isn’t plug-and-play either. You’ll need a proper kitchen company that understands how to house the unit, run the ducting, and build cabinetry that complements the spec.

There are also size requirements. Some models need wider base units than standard. If you’re retrofitting into a compact space, it might not be the right fit.

But for the right layout – and the right project – it’s a perfect match.

One of Our Recent Projects

In a recent install, the BORA Professional sat at the heart of a handleless island framed in dark oak. It was almost invisible until it came to life. The client had requested an unobstructed view from their kitchen out to the garden – and a space they could cook in while entertaining friends.

BORA ticked both boxes. When they hosted their first dinner party, they told us later: “No one even realised the extractor was on.”

That’s the goal.

Bora S Pure, Bora's most compact downdraft extracting cooktop ever. Perfect for small spaces and compact kitchens. Sold by Krieder UK

So – Is It Worth It?

If you’re building a high-spec kitchen, and you want performance without visual compromise, yes.

If you’ve got the space, and the cooking habits to justify it, absolutely.

BORA isn’t trying to be for everyone. It’s trying to solve a specific problem – and it does that elegantly.

See It in Action

We’ve got BORA cooktops on display in our Krieder showroom. You can see how they integrate into different kitchen styles, how quiet they are, and why so many of our clients ask for them once they’ve had a demo.

Want to try one for yourself?

Book an appointment with our design team and see what a BORA can do for your space.


Frequently Asked Questions about BORA Cooktops

How do BORA cooktops work?

BORA cooktops combine an induction or surface cooking area with a built-in extractor that pulls steam and odours directly down through the centre of the unit. Instead of rising into the room, the air is drawn away immediately at the source.

Do BORA cooktops need to be ducted outside?

They can be either ducted or used in recirculation mode with filters. The choice depends on your kitchen layout and preferences. Recirculating models use activated charcoal filters that need replacing roughly once a year.

Are BORA cooktops louder than traditional extractors?

No – in fact, they’re often quieter. Because the extractor is closer to the pan, it doesn’t need to work as hard. Many users find it significantly less intrusive than a standard overhead fan, especially in open-plan homes.

What models does BORA offer?

BORA has several ranges:

How often do the filters need changing?

For recirculating models, activated charcoal filters typically need replacing once per year. They’re easy to access from the top and designed for fuss-free maintenance.

Can BORA cooktops be used in small kitchens?

Some of the more compact models (like the S Pure) are suitable for smaller spaces, but installation still requires a minimum cabinet width and proper airflow planning. Our design team can advise based on your layout.

How much do BORA cooktops cost?

Prices vary depending on the model and configuration. Entry-level systems start around £3,500–£4,000, while top-tier models with modular setups and advanced controls can exceed £7,000. Installation costs are additional.

Why choose BORA over a standard hob and hood?

BORA is about integration, aesthetics, and experience. It offers cleaner lines, quieter operation, and a seamless cooking environment – particularly valuable in open-plan kitchens where the extractor needs to blend into the space.

Where can I see a BORA cooktop in person?

You can view BORA systems in action at our Krieder showroom. We offer private demos and can walk you through the options, from layout planning to installation.

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