First, consider whether there’s a suitable, independent route to the outside for your cooker hood. If there is, a ducted hood expels air outdoors. If not, a recirculating hood filters the air before returning it to the kitchen, and its filters need regular maintenance. An induction hob with an integrated extractor can replace a hood above your cooking area, provided your base unit and the necessary accessories are suitable for the model you choose.
If you’re renovating without adding a duct and already have an independent outlet to the outside, a ducted hood can expel extracted air outdoors. Before choosing this option, ask someone to identify the duct route: a shared ventilation outlet isn’t suitable for a motorised cooker hood.
If your kitchen doesn’t have a suitable route to the outside, a hood designed for recirculation can filter the air and return it to the room. Check which kit is required for your chosen model, which filters are compatible and how to maintain them.
If you’re replacing your worktop and want to keep the space above the cooking area clear, an induction hob with an integrated extractor is worth considering. Installation depends on factors including the space under the worktop, the air route and, depending on the model, the plinth and accessories.
First, decide where the air can go: outside through an independent outlet or back into the kitchen after filtration. Then consider whether you want the extraction unit above the cooking area or built into an induction hob.
| Criterion | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Existing external outlet | Ask someone to identify the duct and confirm it’s compatible with the hood you’re considering. For homes covered by the Order of 24 March 1982, Légifrance specifies that an individual motorised cooker hood must not be connected to a shared air-extraction system. | I want to send cooking fumes outside using an existing outlet, without mistaking the type of duct. This would be the top priority for around 40% of consumers. |
| Recirculation maintenance | Check the recirculation kit, the odour-filter reference and the maintenance instructions for your chosen model. | I don’t have a usable external outlet, so I’m looking for a hood I can maintain with the right filters. Around 40% of consumers would put this need first. |
| Extractor integrated into the hob | Check the cut-out dimensions, the space under the worktop and the air route, as well as the plinth if required by the instructions. | I’m replacing my worktop and would prefer to keep the space above the cooking area clear, and I’m happy to choose an induction hob. This integrated design would be the first choice for around 20% of consumers. |
A visible vent or duct isn’t necessarily an independent outlet to the outside. In homes covered by the Order of 24 March 1982, connecting an individual motorised cooker hood to a shared air-extraction system is prohibited, according to Légifrance.
Ask someone to identify the duct before choosing a ducted hood, particularly if the outlet appears to be connected to the building’s shared ventilation system.
A hood that can operate in recirculation mode may need a kit and an odour filter suited to its specific model. Don’t assume a filter from another range will fit.
Before ordering, check the instructions for the required kit, filter reference and guidance on replacing or regenerating the filters.
The kit may be sold separately from the hood, and the odour filters will need ongoing maintenance while you use it.
An integrated extractor takes up space under the worktop and needs a suitable air route for the chosen operating mode. Requirements for the unit and plinth vary by system.
Ask for the model’s installation diagram and check the cabinet, plinth, air route and accessories before finalising your kitchen layout.
According to Elica’s maintenance guidance, a clogged filter can reduce airflow and increase operating noise.
Choose filters that are easy to access and follow the cleaning instructions for the model you buy, whatever the installation type.
Depending on the model, Bosch offers cooker hoods that can be configured for ducted extraction or recirculation, as well as induction hobs with integrated extractors.
Elica offers cooker hoods and NikolaTesla extractor hobs, with ducted or recirculating configurations depending on the system.
Novy offers built-in cooker hoods and hobs with integrated extractors, including some models that can operate in recirculation mode.
Siemens offers wall-mounted, built-in and worktop cooker hoods, as well as solutions with integrated extraction.
These wall-mounted cooker hoods are for anyone considering extraction above the cooking area. Depending on the model, they’re listed for recirculation, ducted extraction or both. Before buying, confirm which mode will work in your kitchen and which accessories you’ll need.
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Worth considering if you’re planning to install a wall-mounted cooker hood. Check the installation mode and which filters are suitable for your kitchen.
The product title specifies a width of 90 cm and a stainless steel and glass finish. Check the installation dimensions. If you choose recirculation, find out which compatible charcoal filters you’ll need for ongoing maintenance.
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Its 90 cm wall-mounted design may suit a space of this width, provided the installation dimensions are right for your kitchen.
The title lists touch controls, four speeds with a booster function and a stated maximum airflow of 650 m³/h. For recirculation, check the filter reference and maintenance instructions.
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Consider this for a 60 cm wall-mounted space if you’d like to choose between ducted extraction and recirculation.
The title lists both modes, touch controls and a stated maximum airflow of 580 m³/h. Check the installation dimensions and, for recirculation, the filters suitable for this model.
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This hood is designed for kitchens with space for a 60 cm wall-mounted model. Decide which installation mode suits your kitchen before choosing it.
The title specifies a convertible design and push-button controls. Check the installation dimensions and, for recirculation, the compatible charcoal filters and how to maintain them.
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Worth considering if your renovation plans include a 90 cm angled cooker hood, with the installation mode depending on the available air outlet.
The title lists ducted extraction and recirculation, four speeds, a five-layer aluminium grease filter and a stated airflow of 620 m³/h. Before choosing recirculation, confirm which charcoal filter and kit are compatible with this model.
No. For homes covered by the Order of 24 March 1982, an individual hood fitted with a fan must not be connected to a shared air-extraction system, whether mechanical or natural-draught, according to Légifrance. If you’re unsure what type of duct you have, ask someone to check before choosing ducted extraction.
If the work affects communal areas or building equipment, it may need to be considered at a general meeting. ANIL explains that the proposal must be added to the agenda to be put to a vote. Check the leasehold rules and ask someone to assess the air route and proposed work before you commit.
The grease filter needs maintaining in both modes. Recirculation also requires an odour filter suited to the system. Bosch’s documentation distinguishes between the metal filter and the activated charcoal filter. Follow your model’s instructions for cleaning, replacing or regenerating them.
Yes. Some extractor hobs have a recirculation configuration, including models documented by Elica and Novy. Check that your exact model supports this mode, then check the kit, the space under the worktop and any plinth requirements.