People without a usable outlet to the outside
If there’s no dedicated duct leading outside, look at cooker hoods that support recirculation. Check which accessories you’ll need for your chosen model and how its filters should be maintained.
Who is this choice for?
Homeowners or leaseholders with an existing duct
A visible duct isn’t necessarily intended for a cooker hood. Find out what it’s for and, if the work affects the building’s exterior or communal areas, check which permissions you need before choosing a ducted installation.
Tenants replacing a cooker hood
Start by comparing models that suit the existing installation. For drilling or any other alteration to rented premises or equipment, ANIL says you need the landlord’s written permission.
What should you check before buying?
First, work out where the extracted air will go. The hood’s shape, dimensions and controls come next.
Ducted extraction
Consider this: if a dedicated, usable duct can carry cooking air outside.
You’ll need: a suitable installation, including a route for the ducting and the make-up air inlet specified by Electrolux.
Recirculation
Consider this: when there’s no usable outlet to the outside and the cooker hood supports this mode.
You’ll need: air is returned to the kitchen after filtration, so the charcoal filter and its maintenance must be suitable for your model.
| Consideration | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation mode | Find out where the existing duct leads. Check that the cooker hood’s exact model supports your chosen mode and, for recirculation, which accessories are compatible. | I want to replace my cooker hood without choosing an installation mode that my kitchen can’t support. |
| Cooking air | Ducted extraction sends air outside; recirculation filters it and returns it to the room. When comparing test results, make sure they use the same mode and measurement method. | If I want cooking fumes to be expelled outside, I need a usable dedicated duct. Without one, I need to check the filtration provided for recirculation. |
| Filters and maintenance | Identify the grease filter and, for recirculation, the compatible charcoal filter. Check the manual to find out how each one should be cleaned, replaced or regenerated. | I’d rather know what maintenance is involved before choosing between two cooker hoods that suit my kitchen. |
| Installation and your home | Check the dimensions, fixings and installation height in the manual. Before modifying a duct or the building’s exterior, check what the existing installations are for and which permissions apply. | If I rent or live in a leasehold property, I want to know whether I need permission for the planned installation before starting any work. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
-
Assuming a convertible cooker hood is ready for recirculation
Switching to recirculation may require a kit and filters specific to your chosen model.
Note down the cooker hood’s full model number, then check the manual to see which parts are compatible and which are actually included with the appliance.
Installation may require separate accessories. Charcoal filters will also need replacing or maintaining, depending on their type.
-
Mistaking a shared air outlet for a cooker hood duct
In France, Article 14 of the Order of 24 March 1982, published on Légifrance, prohibits connecting a motorised cooker hood to a shared air outlet system. UFC-Que Choisir also advises against connecting it to a mechanical ventilation system (VMC) or a flue.
Have the purpose of the duct confirmed before arranging a ducted installation. If it’s still unclear, consider a recirculating installation rather than connecting the cooker hood to the existing system.
-
Choosing the style before checking the installation
An integrated cooker hood must fit inside its housing, while a wall-mounted model needs a suitable position and fixing. Its appearance doesn’t determine how it works.
First check whether ducted extraction or recirculation is possible, then check the dimensions, installation height and, where relevant, the duct route in the model’s manual.
-
Forgetting to maintain the filters
Grease filters become clogged with use. With recirculation, odour removal also depends on the condition of the charcoal filter that’s compatible with your cooker hood.
Follow the cleaning, replacement or regeneration instructions for the exact cooker hood and filter models, rather than using a schedule intended for another model.
Which brands should you look at?
Manufacturers’ documentation can help you check the accessories and installation requirements for a specific model. The brand name alone doesn’t confirm compatibility.
Bosch
A brand worth looking at if you want to check which filters are needed to use a Bosch cooker hood in recirculation mode.
- Bosch says that a recirculating installation uses a metal filter and an activated charcoal filter.
- Check that the filters are compatible and follow the maintenance instructions for your chosen filter; they don’t apply to the entire range.
Electrolux
Electrolux Support directs you to the manual for each cooker hood to check its installation requirements.
- Its information also distinguishes between the charcoal filters used for recirculation.
- You’ll still need to check the installation and maintenance requirements for the specific model and filter type.
Siemens
Siemens offers cooker hoods and accessories for both ducted extraction and recirculation.
- Some models have a separately identified recirculation kit.
- The kit and filter model numbers must be compatible with your chosen cooker hood; don’t assume they’re interchangeable.
Franke
Franke offers, among other products, a charcoal filter designed to be maintained rather than replaced after each period of use.
- Franke’s product information for model 112.0373.738 describes this filter as washable and regenerable.
- These features apply to this filter model. Check that it’s compatible with the cooker hood you’re considering and follow its specific instructions.
Cooker hoods to explore on Joybuy
These wall-mounted cooker hoods are shown as supporting recirculation or as convertible between the two modes. For each one, check the manual against your kitchen and confirm which accessories you’ll need for the mode you plan to use.
Image unavailable
Ciarra CBCS6765B, 60 cm angled wall-mounted cooker hood, white glass
This model is designed for wall mounting and is shown as supporting both ducted extraction and recirculation. Its product description lists three speeds, touch controls and an advertised extraction rate of 580 m³/h. Check the manual for the installation height and the accessories required for your chosen mode.
Image unavailable
Ciarra, 60 cm black wall-mounted cooker hood with push-button controls
This cooker hood is described as convertible between ducted extraction and recirculation, with push-button controls. Check the installation dimensions, along with the filters and accessories actually supplied for your chosen mode.
Image unavailable
Ciarra, 90 cm wall-mounted cooker hood with Wi-Fi, four speeds
For a kitchen designed for a 90 cm wall-mounted cooker hood, the product description lists touch and app controls, as well as an advertised extraction rate of 650 m³/h. Check the manual for installation details and confirm which accessories are included before choosing recirculation or ducted extraction.
Image unavailable
Ciarra, 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood with Wi-Fi, four speeds
This 60 cm model is shown as supporting either recirculation or ducted extraction, with touch and app controls. Its advertised extraction rate is 650 m³/h. Check the installation clearances and the accessories supplied for your planned installation.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HDU 7631 IX, 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood
This model is designed for wall mounting, with touch controls and both ducted extraction and recirculation modes. Before choosing recirculation, check the documentation for the charcoal filter model number, its compatibility and the parts supplied. Also check the installation clearances.
Frequently asked questions
Can you connect a motorised cooker hood to a shared air outlet?
No. In France, Article 14 of the Order of 24 March 1982, published on Légifrance, prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device, such as a cooker hood with a fan, to a shared air outlet system. Have the duct identified before considering ducted extraction to the outside.
Can a tenant drill through a wall to create an outlet?
As ANIL points out, you need the landlord’s written permission to make alterations to rented premises or equipment. Before buying a cooker hood that requires a new duct, have the plans clarified and ask for permission; other permissions may also depend on the building.
What should you check before installing an outlet to the outside in a leasehold property?
Before starting work, check whether the project affects communal areas or the building’s exterior. Article 25 of the Law of 10 July 1965, published on Légifrance, requires authorisation for leaseholders’ work that affects these elements. Check the leasehold regulations and put your plans to the property manager to find out what steps apply.
Can a recirculating cooker hood replace your home’s ventilation?
No. A recirculating cooker hood filters cooking air and returns it to the room, as UFC-Que Choisir explains. Home ventilation is separate: ADEME describes its role in continuously removing moisture and pollutants.
Which filters should you check for a recirculating cooker hood?
Check the grease filter, the compatible charcoal filter and any kit required for the cooker hood’s exact model. Bosch distinguishes between the metal filter and the activated charcoal filter in recirculation mode. Instructions for cleaning, replacement or regeneration then depend on the filter you choose.