Homes without a confirmed external vent
You cook regularly, but aren’t sure whether an existing duct can be used for a cooker hood or whether a new external vent is an option. Clarify your home’s layout before choosing an installation method.
Who is this choice for?
Anyone renovating a discreet kitchen
You’re considering a built-in cooker hood, an integrated extractor unit or a hob with a built-in extractor. Cabinet dimensions, the cut-out and available space for the equipment are just as important as how it looks.
Anyone mindful of noise and maintenance
If you use your cooker hood often, particularly in an open-plan kitchen, compare its noise levels under similar conditions. Remember to clean the grease filters and maintain the carbon filters when using recirculation.
What should you check before buying?
First establish which installation method is possible, then choose the type of cooker hood and compare how it will work for you day to day. According to UFC-Que Choisir, the installation method affects performance, noise and running costs.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and permissions | Identify a suitable dedicated external vent. Before making any changes to your home, check which permissions and conditions apply with your landlord or property manager, depending on your circumstances. | If I’m not sure whether my home can accommodate an external vent, I want to avoid choosing an appliance that can’t be installed as intended; around 36% of consumers would make this a priority. |
| Odours, grease and steam | Compare specifications for the same operating mode and check which filters are needed for recirculation. A cooker hood does not replace the home’s general ventilation system. | When I cook often, I want to limit cooking emissions spreading through my home, while bearing in mind that recirculation sends filtered air back into the room; managing these emissions would be a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Dimensions and fit | Measure the cabinet and hob, then check the dimensions and installation clearances in the manual. For a hob with a built-in extractor, also check the cut-out and the space beneath the worktop. | If I’m keeping my cabinets or hob, I want the new equipment to fit without discovering a size mismatch too late; around 21% of consumers would put this first. |
| Noise and maintenance | Compare noise levels using the same setting and operating mode. Check which filters are compatible and how to clean, replace or regenerate them. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to use the cooker hood regularly without overlooking noise or filter maintenance; around 14% of consumers would make this everyday comfort their priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Buying a ducted cooker hood before checking your home
An external vent may require changes to the building and prior permission. If you rent or live in a property with shared ownership, check what applies to your situation before choosing this option.
Ask someone to identify the duct and check with your landlord or property manager if the work affects your home, the façade or communal areas. Then choose your cooker hood.
Installing a new duct or adapting an existing one can add work to your kitchen project.
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Assuming a cooker hood works in both modes
Recirculation may require a kit and filters that match the appliance’s exact model number; you can’t tell whether it can switch modes just by looking at its design.
Check which modes are available for the model you’re considering, as well as the model numbers and availability of its accessories.
A recirculation kit and carbon filters may need to be bought separately, with replacements required later.
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Using an MVHR system or chimney as a cooker hood vent
UFC-Que Choisir advises against connecting a ducted cooker hood to an MVHR system or chimney flue, and highlights the risks associated with this type of connection.
Have the purpose of the existing duct checked and install a suitable dedicated vent for the cooker hood.
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Choosing a style without checking the dimensions
A built-in extractor unit needs to fit inside its cabinet. A hob with a built-in extractor also needs a cut-out and space beneath the worktop; you’ll need to choose both the hob and the extraction system.
Check the installation diagram for the exact model, measure the space and confirm the required clearances before ordering.
Brands to compare
Bosch
The range includes built-in extractor units and recirculation accessories. For example, Bosch describes the DLN53AA70 as a 53 cm extractor unit suitable for recirculation or ducted extraction.
- Bosch provides guidance on accessories and filter maintenance.
- Check that the kit and filters are compatible with the exact model number; maintenance advice from one brand does not apply to every cooker hood.
Electrolux
The brand offers wall-mounted, island and built-in cooker hoods, with information on both installation methods.
- Electrolux describes recirculation as less complicated to install than external ducting.
- Electrolux notes that this easier installation can come with less effective extraction. Check the manual for the requirements specific to the model you’re considering.
Elica
Elica’s range includes the NikolaTesla Fit 3Z induction hob with an integrated extractor, available in 60 and 72 cm versions according to the brand.
- This option brings the hob and extractor together in a single kitchen design.
- It isn’t a straightforward replacement for an existing cooker hood: check the cut-out, the space available in the cabinet and the electrical requirements for the model you choose.
Falmec
Falmec’s Gruppo Incasso Plus NRS range is designed to be built into a wall cabinet.
- Falmec specifies washable metal grease filters and offers an optional regenerable combined filter for this model.
- Consider the brand’s claims about quiet operation and filtration alongside the model specifications and installation requirements.
BORA
BORA offers hobs with integrated extraction; its Pure PURU2R is available in a recirculation version.
- This set-up lets you consider the hob and extraction as one piece of equipment when renovating.
- Check the dimensions, power supply and space beneath the worktop before choosing a hob with an extractor instead of a standalone cooker hood.
Cooker hoods to consider on Joybuy
These models are built-in, under-cabinet or wall-mounted cooker hoods listed as suitable for recirculation, with ducted extraction also shown as an option. Choose a design to suit the space available and check which accessories you’ll need for your chosen mode.
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Ciarra CBCB5913A-B, 52 cm built-in cooker hood
Worth considering if a wall cabinet can accommodate a built-in cooker hood and you need recirculation. The product title lists button controls and a B energy rating. For recirculation, check the CBCF005 filter specified for this model, which is sold separately; also compare the cabinet dimensions with the manual. Confirm the extraction rate for the exact model before comparing it with other appliances.
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Ciarra Slimline, 60 cm under-cabinet cooker hood
Consider this for an under-cabinet installation if a width of 60 cm suits your kitchen. The product title lists a stainless-steel housing, button controls and two ventilation options. If you choose recirculation, check the CBCF009 carbon filter and its maintenance instructions; also check the dimensions and installation clearances in the manual.
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Ciarra CBCS6765B, 60 cm angled wall-mounted cooker hood
Worth considering if your cooker hood needs to be wall-mounted rather than built into a cabinet. The product title lists three speeds, touch controls and a white glass front. For recirculation, check the CBCF055 filters and how to maintain them; consult the manual for the dimensions and installation clearances. The stated noise level of 64 dB isn’t enough on its own to judge how comfortable it will be to use at each speed.
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Heinrich's HDU 7631 IX, 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood
Worth looking at if you’re replacing a wall-mounted cooker hood of the same width and want to keep recirculation as an option. The product title lists touch controls, a display and an included carbon filter. Check the manual for the full dimensions, installation clearances and filter replacement instructions.
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Comfee TSHM77SS-60, 60 cm T-shaped wall-mounted cooker hood
Consider this if a T-shaped wall-mounted cooker hood suits your kitchen layout. The product title lists touch and gesture controls, along with recirculation and ducted extraction modes. Before choosing recirculation, confirm the model number of the required carbon filter and check which accessories are compatible; check the installation clearances in the model’s manual.
Frequently asked questions
Can you connect a cooker hood to an MVHR system or chimney?
No. UFC-Que Choisir advises that a ducted cooker hood must use a dedicated duct, not an MVHR system or chimney flue. Have the existing ventilation system identified before considering connecting a cooker hood to it.
What should you check before drilling through a wall in a rented home?
Discuss the project with your landlord before making any changes to the property, and ask them to confirm the applicable conditions in writing. ANIL reminds tenants that they must not alter rented premises or equipment without the landlord’s written consent. If the work also affects the façade or communal areas, check with the property management company about any additional steps.
Do you need permission from the property management company to install an external vent?
If the work affects the façade or communal areas, ask the property management company to clarify what permission you need before ordering the work. Article 25 of French co-ownership law covers permission for work affecting communal areas or the external appearance of the building; the process depends on the project and the building.
When should you replace the carbon filter in a recirculating cooker hood?
Follow the guidance for the filter and model you have installed. Bosch recommends replacing filters every six months for the recirculating cooker hoods covered by its FAQ, but this guidance shouldn’t be applied to filters from other brands or to models with regenerable filters.
Does a cooker hood mean you don’t need to ventilate your home?
No. A cooker hood captures cooking emissions but doesn’t replace general ventilation. Anses recommends switching on the cooker hood while cooking and also ensuring your home is aired and its ventilation system is working properly.