Kitchen without an outside outlet
Check that the model can be used in recirculation mode and find out which filters it needs. Filtered air and steam are returned to the room.
Who is this choice for?
Kitchen where extraction may be possible
You’d like to vent cooking air outside, but before any work begins, you’ll need to check the duct, the route for the ducting and any permissions required for your home.
Kitchen with limited installation options
The position of the hob, wall unit or island may determine which hood shape will work. Then check the dimensions, fitting height and access to the filters.
Which factors matter most?
UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between extraction, which vents air outside, and recirculation, which returns it to the kitchen. Your choice depends first on your home’s layout, then on the installation options and the maintenance you can manage.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who it matters most to |
|---|---|---|
| Available extraction mode | Check whether a dedicated outlet can be used, or whether the model you’ve chosen is designed for recirculation and has compatible filters. | If there’s no established outside outlet, I want to know whether the model is genuinely designed for recirculation. This is a priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Managing cooking emissions | Compare the specifications for the mode you’ll be using and check which filters are required. In recirculation mode, air and steam are returned to the room. | When I’m cooking, I want to choose a mode that suits how odours, grease and steam are handled. This comes ahead of other factors for around 29% of consumers. |
| Dimensions and installation | Measure the hob and cabinet, then follow the dimensions in the instructions. For the Bosch DWB97IM50, Bosch Électroménager France specifies a minimum distance of 550 mm above an electric hob and 650 mm above a gas hob; these measurements apply to this model. | If my hob is beneath a cabinet or on an island, I want a shape and size that will fit the space. Installation is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Noise and maintenance | Compare noise levels in the same mode and at a similar speed. Check how to clean the grease filter and maintain the odour filter for the model. | In an open-plan kitchen or when cooking frequently, I want to take noise and filter maintenance into account. These factors come first for around 14% of consumers. |
Pitfalls to avoid when choosing
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Mistaking a mechanical ventilation system or chimney flue for a dedicated outlet
An unsuitable duct is not a solution for venting a cooker hood. In its advice published on 19 February 2019, UFC-Que Choisir advises against connecting a hood to a mechanical ventilation system (VMC) or chimney flue.
Check what the duct is intended for and whether you have permission to carry out the work before choosing extraction mode.
Creating an outlet may involve building work or mean that you need to rethink your installation plans.
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Comparing airflow rates and noise without checking the mode
A figure given for extraction does not necessarily reflect performance in recirculation mode. A model’s specifications may vary depending on the mode.
Compare figures for the mode you intend to use and, for noise, at a similar speed.
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Forgetting the filters and recirculation kit
Your chosen mode may require specific accessories, and odour filters need to be maintained in line with the model’s requirements.
Before buying, note down the reference numbers for any accessories you need and check the maintenance instructions in the manual.
Depending on the model, you may need to buy compatible accessories and maintain the odour filters over time.
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Choosing the shape before measuring the space
An integrated hood needs to fit the cabinet, and the minimum height varies depending on the model and the type of hob.
Measure the hob, cabinet and vertical clearance, then compare these measurements with the model’s instructions.
If the measurements don’t work, you may need to modify the cabinetry or choose a different appliance.
Brands and models to consider
The examples below relate to specific models and their installation requirements; they don’t represent every range from these brands.
Bosch
Wall-mounted cooker hoods with guidance on extraction and recirculation, as well as installation and filter searches by model.
- For the DWB97IM50, Bosch Électroménager France gives separate figures for each mode and specifies fitting distances based on the type of hob.
- Check which recirculation kit or filter matches the model you’re buying. The specifications mentioned here apply to the DWB97IM50.
Electrolux
The 90 cm LFT829X wall-mounted hood is an example of a model designed for a hob positioned against a wall.
- Electrolux says the LFT829X can be used in extraction or recirculation mode.
- Charcoal filters are listed as optional. The published specifications relate to this model and its conditions of use.
Elica
The Stripe wall-mounted range is worth considering when appearance and installation dimensions are important to your project.
- Elica’s product information distinguishes the size, finish, fitting distance and accessories for the configuration shown.
- Check the specifications for the exact version you’re considering: those for one version don’t automatically apply to others.
BORA
Consider an extractor hob if your project allows you to choose the hob and extraction system together.
- The PURU2R combines an induction hob with recirculating extraction.
- Its dimensions, power supply and filter are specific to this model. It isn’t a standalone cooker hood to fit above an existing hob.
Joybuy products for these installations
This selection includes 60 or 90 cm wall-mounted cooker hoods, a 60 cm built-in hood and an induction hob with an integrated extractor. Check the extraction mode, dimensions and installation options to make sure they suit your kitchen.
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Comfee' CH90J64ET4A2B2-EU, 90 cm angled cooker hood
Worth considering if a 90 cm angled hood suits the space above your hob.
The product information lists extraction and recirculation modes, a stated airflow rate of 620 m³/h, four speeds and a stated noise level of 59 dB. It also mentions a five-layer aluminium filter.
Before venting air outside, check that you have a dedicated duct and any necessary permissions. Do not connect the hood to a mechanical ventilation system (VMC) or chimney flue.
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Heinrich's HDU 7631 IX, 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood
Consider this model if a 60 cm wall-mounted hood will fit above your cooking area.
The product information lists extraction and recirculation modes, a stated airflow rate of 611 m³/h and an included charcoal filter. It also mentions a dishwasher-safe aluminium grease filter.
Check that you have a dedicated duct and any necessary permissions before connecting the hood to an outside outlet or drilling through a wall. Do not connect it to a mechanical ventilation system (VMC) or chimney flue.
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IsEasy, 60 cm cooker hood
Worth considering if a 60 cm hood and its available modes suit your kitchen layout.
The product information lists recirculation and extraction modes, a stated airflow rate of 578 m³/h, four speeds and a noise level of 58 dB. The description mentions included charcoal filters and a dishwasher-safe aluminium grease filter.
For extraction, check that you have a dedicated duct and any necessary permissions before connecting the hood or drilling through a wall.
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60 cm built-in cooker hood, 250 m³/h
Consider this model if your cabinet can accommodate a 60 cm built-in cooker hood.
The product information lists recirculation and extraction modes, three power levels and an activated carbon filter.
Measure the cabinet and check access to the filters, as well as the fitting dimensions in the instructions, before choosing this style.
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AEG CCE84543CB, 80 cm induction hob with integrated extractor
Worth considering if your project also involves replacing your hob.
The description lists four zones, a Bridge function and a stated maximum extraction rate of 575 m³/h. The product information specifies a 7.6 kW two-phase power supply and professional installation.
Check the power supply and required dimensions before choosing this integrated solution.
Frequently asked questions
Does a recirculating cooker hood vent moisture outside?
No. It filters the air and returns it to the kitchen, including the steam, so it doesn’t replace ventilation in your home. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this from outside extraction.
Can you connect a cooker hood to a mechanical ventilation system or chimney flue?
Don’t connect the hood to either type of duct. In its advice published on 19 February 2019, UFC-Que Choisir advises against doing so. Check what the duct is intended for before planning extraction.
How much clearance should you allow above a gas or electric hob?
Follow the instructions for your chosen model and check the type of hob. For the Bosch DWB97IM50, Bosch specifies a minimum distance of 650 mm above a gas hob and 550 mm above an electric hob; these measurements apply to this model only.
What needs cleaning or replacing in recirculation mode?
Check how to maintain the grease filter and find the reference number for the odour filter. How often it needs replacing depends on the filter and how you use it. Bosch says its metal filters can be cleaned in a dishwasher; check the instructions for each model.
Do you need permission to create an outlet to the outside?
It depends on your home and the work involved. Service Public states that tenants may need their landlord’s permission to carry out work (information sheet dated 28 May 2025). In a block of flats, ANIL specifies that work on shared areas or building equipment requires a decision by the general meeting. Service Public also states that changes to the external appearance of a building may require prior planning permission (information sheet dated 22 October 2026). Have your specific plans assessed before drilling.
Does recirculation mode mean you don’t need to buy accessories separately?
Not necessarily: accessories depend on the model and the mode you choose. For the UTDRAG model, the charcoal filter is sold separately; the duct is also sold separately for extraction. Check which accessories are compatible with your installation.