Purchasing a fume cupboard is a minefield. With so many options to consider, selecting a product type or manufacturer can take days. One of the common issues our clients encounter is cost. Let's face it, budgets contribute to the success or failure of a project. Forecasting these budgets is a fundamental priority for project managers and estimators alike, without the painstaking process of obtaining quotes, surveys, and meetings. The article below is designed to address these challenges and provide you with a somewhat accurate figure of what you can expect to pay. So, relax, buckle in and make a coffee.
The cost of a fume cupboard can vary depending on the model, size and control system of the unit. With this in mind, it's helpful to understand how these models influence the overall price. So, our product managers have created a simple guide based on our most popular ranges:
Let's take a walk-in fume cupboard as an example. The variation in cost (£10,000 - £20,000) demonstrates the sizes and modifications a walk-in fume cupboard is capable of accommodating. You could purchase a standard 900mm walk-in fume cupboard with two electrical sockets for £10,000. Alternatively, you could buy a two-meter-wide walk-in fume hood with gas taps, red-light alarms and horizontal sliding doors for £16,000.
There are also material types to consider. Standard benchtop fume cupboards are typically manufactured from mild steel. While considered to be more cost-effective, it lacks the corrosion-resistant properties of polypropylene. It's up to you, the customer, to explore these options in greater detail and select what you deem most suitable.
As referenced above, the modifications make a huge difference to the final price, so prioritise the science first! This is arguably the most important step in the entire process. Understanding your scientific applications in detail will inform your purchasing decisions and remove unnecessary costs. So, let's start with the carcass materials first.
Carcass materials are the largest contributor to the cost, not only from a raw material perspective but also from a manufacturing perspective. Referenced below is a list of materials typically used to construct fume cabinets with valid considerations on their strengths and weaknesses.
Ye old faithful, otherwise known as mild steel, has been the material of choice for the last 4 decades. This is thanks to its low material costs, ease of production and stock availability. Having said that, we have some serious concerns. Mild steel is prone to rust and is extremely difficult to clean, so it's typically specified as a cheaper, budget-friendly product.
Pros:
Cons:
On the other hand, stainless steel is expensive. It's also more challenging to work with, due to its malleability and strength. A stainless steel fume cupboard is usually reserved for specialist applications where high durability, heavy lining materials, or frequent wash-downs are required. Radioactive testing in the nuclear industry would be a prime example.
Pros:
Cons:
Que controversial statement, "Polypropylene is the singular, most effective fume cupboard carcass material based on three principles: Longevity, corrosion-resistance and sustainability." It contains less embodied carbon per kilogram of manufactured material when compared with mild steel. It's also corrosion-proof when exposed to concentrated acids and cleaning agents. But, much like a Volvo XC70, the reliability benefits don't end there. Polypropylene is also simple to fabricate, allowing manufacturers to produce robust, custom designs with minimal complexity. However, there is a downside. The material is slightly more expensive (also like a Volvo) than mild steel.
Pros:
Cons:
Not all fume cupboards are created equal, and the lining materials play a pivotal role in this statement. Now, it's important to note that not every fume cupboard requires a workspace lining material. It's usually retrofitted to legacy products to increase their corrosion-resistance, thus prolonging the life of the cabinet. Some of these lining materials include:
HPL, or Trespa as it's widely known, is the most common lining material specified on fume cupboards. Why? Well, Trespa offers a greater resistance to corrosive substances. It's also cheap, but requires a sealant to join it, which can break down over time, exposing vulnerable components and creating problems during cleaning.
When people think of lining materials for fume cupboards, they rarely think of glass. Whilst the chemical resistance is good, it is, by its very nature, fragile. This can lead to etching, staining and prevent the use of heavy equipment inside the workspace. The only benefit is the price. Much like HPL, glass is a cheap, readily available resource.
Again, polypropylene, like glass or HPL, is used to increase the corrosion resistance of the cabinet. While polypropylene is the most effective material at performing this role, it still suffers from the same issues regarding the sealant. Trying to seal a polypropylene worksurface to mild steel is a challenging task which only works for a limited time. It's also expensive.
Want our advice? When it comes to choosing between a lining material and purchasing an authentic corrosion-proof fume cupboard, choose the latter. HPL, glass and polypropylene are used to protect mild-steel cabinets. You're essentially building a car from cheese, then retrofitting sheet steel to protect it from the elements. It has limited effectiveness and only lasts for a short time. Instead, purchase a product that is built entirely from stainless steel or polypropylene. They're inherently corrosion-proof and increase the longevity of your unit.
When it comes to budgeting for a fume cupboard, the control system is usually overlooked. Yet, it's one of the few components that can influence not just the cost, but also the day-to-day usability of the cabinet. The simplest control panels cover the basics, such as airflow alarms, monitoring, and power management.
On the other hand, you'll find advanced control systems with VAV (Variable Air Volume) functionality, service timers, multi-stage alarms, calibration settings, and touchscreen interfaces. It’s a bit like choosing between a flip phone and the latest smartphone. Yes, they both make calls, but one opens up a whole new level of functionality.
As you’d expect, the more sophisticated the system, the higher the price tag. Typically, you'll spend between £500 and £2,000, depending on the level of control required. That may feel like a substantial cost, but the right control system can save you money over time through improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance callouts. It’s not just about ticking a compliance box; it’s about making your lab more efficient.
Another important consideration is usability. A fume cupboard will be operated by a team of people. Lab technicians, facilities teams, and even external contractors will interact with these controls. Choosing a system that’s intuitive and user-friendly can avoid costly mistakes and reduce training requirements. Remember, an accessible control system doesn’t just benefit the operator; it streamlines the entire lab environment.
So, we’ve covered the fume cupboard itself; now let’s discuss the installation. Unfortunately, things get complicated. Unlike the unit price, installation costs are heavily influenced by external factors. Think fan positioning, the location of the lab, duct runs and shared extract systems. In short, no two installations are the same, and the price can vary significantly.
That said, these general assumptions can help:
The complexity of a multi-cabinet installation will increase the estimations considerably, which is why our calculations only include one cabinet. If unsure, take the price of a standard ducted fume cupboard and add a 75% installation fee. From there, a professional survey will clarify the details and provide you with an accurate figure.
Our Expert Opinion: Understanding the cost of a fume cupboard and the installation fees comes down to experience. Many subtle factors can influence the final price and may not be spotted during the planning phase. Start with a basic product or specification, and build the cost out to understand what's driving the price. If you're having difficulty, contact our solution design team. We have experience working on multi-site fume cupboard installation projects and standalone product siting and final connections. Our specialist team is happy to help and bring your projects to life.
Read our Privacy Policy for more information on how we collect and process data.
No thank you
Read our Privacy Policy for more information on how we collect and process data.
