Kitchen without a suitable outlet
You’ll need to consider recirculation and check which filters are required. This mode returns air to the room instead of venting steam outside.
Who is this choice for?
Kitchen where extraction may be possible
You’d like to vent air outdoors, subject to confirming that a separate duct is feasible, suitable for your home and permitted for your project.
Kitchen to fit out or renovate
You’re comparing built-in, wall-mounted and island cooker hoods. The dimensions, hob position and airflow route will all influence your choice.
What should you look for?
Ducted extraction
Consider this if: a separate outlet to the outside can be installed and any necessary permissions for the project are in place.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a suitable duct and air supply; a motorised cooker hood must not be connected to a shared outlet.
Recirculation with filters
Consider this if: a suitable outdoor outlet cannot be installed or isn’t an option, and you can maintain the compatible filters.
Bear in mind: filtered air is returned to the kitchen, so this mode does not vent steam outside. It may also require suitable filters or a compatible kit.
| What matters | What to check | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Mode suited to your home | Find out where any existing outlet leads; check whether a separate duct is feasible and what permissions apply to your project. | If I’m not sure whether the duct is separate, I first check what can actually be connected; around 29% of consumers put the feasibility of the operating mode first. |
| Odours, grease and steam | Compare the specifications for the mode you plan to use; check the grease filters and, for recirculation, the compatible charcoal filter. | When I cook, I want to reduce odours and grease without confusing filtration with venting steam; around 23% of consumers prioritise capturing cooking fumes. |
| Dimensions and positioning | Measure the cooker hood, cabinet, hob and available space; check the dimensions and installation clearances in the manual for the exact model. | If the cooker hood needs to fit inside a cabinet or be installed on a wall or over an island, I first check that it will suit my kitchen; around 18% of consumers prioritise how it fits into their space. |
| Noise during use | Compare noise levels in dB(A) for the same mode and a similar speed; don’t compare a figure from one mode with another. | To choose a cooker hood I can use every day, I check the noise level for the mode and speed I plan to use; around 18% of consumers prioritise quiet operation. |
| Filters and running costs | Check what’s included, which replacement filters are compatible, when they need replacing and how much consumables cost. | If I want to plan ahead for maintenance, I check that filters are available and factor in ongoing costs; around 12% of consumers put these considerations first. |
Pitfalls to avoid
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Mistaking a shared air vent for a cooker hood outlet
The order of 24 March 1982 on the ventilation of homes prohibits connecting a hood fitted with a fan to a shared mechanical or natural-draught air outlet system.
Have the duct identified before choosing extraction. Consider recirculation if no suitable separate outlet can be installed.
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Comparing noise or airflow without checking the mode and speed
A figure given for extraction won’t necessarily apply to recirculation, and an intensive setting isn’t the same as the standard maximum setting. The Bosch DWB66BC50 cooker hood, which the manufacturer used to illustrate differences between modes, is no longer available.
Compare figures for the same mode and similar speeds, then check the operating conditions in the specifications for the model you’re considering.
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Forgetting the starter kit and replacement filters
Recirculation may require an initial kit and charcoal filters compatible with your model. These can add to your regular maintenance costs.
Check what’s included, which parts are compatible and the manufacturer’s replacement guidance. Bosch states that a compatible starter kit is required to install its cooker hoods for recirculation.
Depending on the model, the kit and replacement filters may need to be purchased separately.
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Choosing a built-in cooker hood based on width alone
The cabinet opening, airflow route and clearance above the hob must all be suitable for the exact model.
Before cutting into a cabinet or placing an order, compare your kitchen measurements with the model’s plan and manual.
If the measurements don’t match, you may need to adapt the cabinet or choose another model.
Brands and models to know
These examples show the configurations and specifications of specific models; they are not recommendations for every product from a particular brand.
Bosch
The DWB66BC50 is an example of a wall-mounted cooker hood documented for several operating modes.
- Bosch states that a compatible starter kit is required to install its cooker hoods for recirculation.
- Bosch says the DWB66BC50 is no longer available, so its specifications don’t relate to a current purchase.
Elica
The built-in Era C PRF0142716 variant is worth considering if your wall cabinet is suitable for installation.
- Elica France lists a width of 60 cm and an outlet of 120 mm for this variant.
- Elica specifies minimum clearances of 45 cm above an induction or radiant hob and 65 cm above a gas hob. Check the manual and installation plan for this model; these clearances don’t apply to every cooker hood.
Electrolux
The 60 cm LFP326S slide-out cooker hood is worth considering for a built-in installation with a pull-out section.
- Electrolux’s French product page lists a washable filter, a maximum airflow of 410 m³/h and maximum and minimum noise levels of 69 and 48 dB.
- The product page doesn’t specify which mode these figures apply to. Electrolux refers to the model manual for dimensions and installation heights.
Siemens
The LC66BHM50 wall-mounted cooker hood is listed as suitable for ducted extraction or recirculation.
- Siemens’ French product page lists airflow in extraction mode of 368 m³/h at the standard maximum setting and 605 m³/h on the intensive setting.
- These figures relate to different settings; on their own, they don’t tell you the airflow or noise level in recirculation in a particular installation.
CIARRA
CIARRA lists the under-cabinet or wall-mounted CBCS6926A-OW as offering a choice of extraction or recirculation.
- CIARRA states that recirculation with this model uses the CBCF003 filter.
- The airflow of 650 m³/h and maximum noise level of 63 dB are figures provided by the manufacturer. Check its documentation to confirm they apply to your planned installation.
Cooker hoods available on Joybuy
This selection includes wall-mounted, angled and under-cabinet cooker hoods, with operating modes varying by model. Check the mode you plan to use, the dimensions and compatible filters before choosing.
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Comfee' CH90J64ET4A2B2-EU, 90 cm angled cooker hood
Worth considering if you’re looking for an angled cooker hood and have room for a 90 cm-wide model.
The product page lists an airflow of 620 m³/h and a noise level of 59 dB; check which operating mode these figures relate to.
Extraction and recirculation are both listed as options. The product page also mentions four speeds and a five-layer aluminium filter.
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Heinrich's HDU 7622 SW, 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood
Worth considering if you’re looking for a 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood and one of its two listed operating modes suits your home.
The listed airflow is 300 m³/h. The product page says it includes a charcoal filter and a washable aluminium grease filter.
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IsEasy, 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood
Worth considering if a 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood and the choice of extraction or recirculation suit your installation.
The title lists an airflow of 578 m³/h, four speeds and a noise level of 58 dB; check which mode and speed these figures relate to.
The description mentions charcoal filters for recirculation and a dishwasher-safe aluminium grease filter.
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60 cm built-in cooker hood, 250 m³/h
Worth considering if your cabinet can accommodate a 60 cm built-in cooker hood and the listed operating modes suit your home.
The title lists an airflow of 250 m³/h, three power levels and a noise level of 60 dB; check the operating conditions for the stated noise level.
The description lists a charcoal filter for recirculation and a dishwasher-safe aluminium grease filter.
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COMFEE' KWH-SLIF17B-60, 60 cm under-cabinet cooker hood
Worth considering if a 60 cm under-cabinet cooker hood suits the space and its extraction or recirculation mode meets your home’s requirements.
The description lists an airflow of 200 m³/h and three speeds, along with a removable aluminium grease filter.
The filter required for recirculation is listed as sold separately; check it’s compatible with this model.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect a motorised cooker hood to my building’s shared air outlet?
No. The order of 24 March 1982 on the ventilation of homes prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device, including a cooker hood fitted with a fan, to a shared mechanical or natural-draught air outlet system. Have the duct identified before choosing extraction mode.
Do I need permission to install a new outlet through an external wall?
You may need to follow certain procedures, depending on the project. ANIL states that prior planning permission may be required if the work changes the external appearance of the building. In a block of flats, work affecting communal areas or the external appearance requires a decision by the general meeting. Check the rules that apply to your home and the proposed opening before starting work.
How do I check whether a built-in cooker hood will fit or how much clearance it needs above a hob?
Measure the space and consult the manual for the exact model. For the Elica Era C PRF0142716 variant, Elica specifies 45 cm above an induction or radiant hob and 65 cm above a gas hob; these clearances shouldn’t be applied to another model.
Does a charcoal filter also remove moisture from cooking?
No. In recirculation mode, filtered air is returned to the room rather than venting steam outside. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between reducing odours in recirculation mode and venting steam in extraction mode.
What should I check for maintenance after buying?
Check whether the recirculation kit and filters are included, note the compatible part numbers and consult the manufacturer’s replacement guidance. Bosch states that a compatible starter kit for recirculation must be bought separately for its cooker hoods. Also check the price of consumables and which parts are available for the model you choose.