Kitchen without a dedicated outlet
You want to reduce cooking smells without altering the ductwork, and are looking for a hood suitable for recirculation with compatible filters.
Who is this advice for?
Kitchen with an external outlet
You have a dedicated vent and are looking for a hood that can connect to it. UFC-Que Choisir advises that a mechanical ventilation outlet or chimney should not be treated as a dedicated outlet for a cooker hood.
Keeping your wall cabinet
You’re replacing a hood or fitting one into an existing cabinet. Both the installation dimensions and ventilation mode need to be suitable. Check the instructions for the exact model against the space you have available.
What to check before you buy
First, find out whether a dedicated external vent can be used. Then check the hood’s operating mode and whether it will fit your cabinet. If you choose recirculation, remember to factor in filter maintenance too.
| What matters to you | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Using the hood without an external outlet | Confirm that the model supports recirculation and check which kit and compatible filters are needed. | Without a dedicated outlet, I want to avoid relying on a duct and make sure recirculation will suit my kitchen. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this option. |
| Using an existing vent | Check that the outlet is dedicated and compare its connection with the instructions in the manual. | If there’s already a dedicated external outlet, I want to know whether it’s suitable for my chosen hood before opting for ducted extraction. Around 29% of consumers put using this outlet at the top of their list of criteria. |
| Keeping the wall cabinet | Compare the dimensions, template, cut-out and clearances for the exact model with the space available. | If I’m keeping my wall cabinet, I want to check that the hood will actually fit rather than rely on its advertised width. Around 21% of consumers make this their priority. |
| Planning for filter maintenance | Note the compatible filter’s model number and check its care or replacement instructions. | To make an informed choice about maintenance, I want to know which filters fit the hood and what care instructions to follow. Around 14% of consumers prioritise this. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing a ventilation outlet with a dedicated vent
Ducted extraction requires a suitable outlet. UFC-Que Choisir advises against connecting a cooker hood to a mechanical ventilation system or chimney.
Check the purpose of the existing outlet before choosing an operating mode. If you can’t use a dedicated vent, compare models designed for recirculation.
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Choosing a built-in hood based only on the ‘60 cm’ label
The advertised width alone doesn’t tell you the cut-out dimensions, depth or clearances needed for installation.
Measure your cabinet and compare the measurements with the template and installation instructions for the exact model.
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Forgetting the filters needed for recirculation
Recirculating hoods may need a compatible charcoal filter, as well as regular grease-filter maintenance. Filter model numbers and care instructions vary by appliance.
Before you choose, check what’s included, the model number of the right filter and its care instructions. Bosch says a kit may be needed when installing a hood for recirculation for the first time.
Recirculation can mean replacing filters periodically; how often depends on the filter and how it’s used.
Brands to consider for built-in cooker hoods
Bosch
The range includes built-in telescopic cooker hoods, such as the DFM064W55, which Bosch says can be used for ducted extraction or recirculation.
- Bosch provides filter care information and offers a compatibility search by appliance model number.
- A stated width of 60 cm doesn’t confirm that a hood will fit a particular cabinet. Check the measurements and installation instructions.
Electrolux
The LFP326S pull-out hood is a 60 cm model to consider if you want to keep your wall cabinet.
- Electrolux provides information for this model and recommends checking the available space, installation mode and template.
- You’ll still need to check your cabinet dimensions and installation requirements against the instructions for the version you choose.
Elica
The built-in range includes Era C. The 60 cm white version has the model number PRF0142716.
- Elica’s product page identifies the version and gives details including a 120 mm extraction outlet.
- Check which filter fits the Era C: a filter listed for a different range isn’t necessarily compatible.
Whirlpool
The AKR 749/1 IX built-in hood is worth considering if its size suits the space you have available.
- Whirlpool lists the external dimensions as 59,9 cm wide, 18 cm high and 30 cm deep.
- These external dimensions aren’t an installation template. Check the installation method and the filter for your version in its instructions.
Cooker hoods on Joybuy
Compare these cooker hoods based on the operating mode listed for each model and the space available in your kitchen. Before choosing, check that the hood is compatible with your existing outlet and that you have the filters it needs.
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Comfee' CH90J64ET4A2B2-EU, 90 cm angled cooker hood
Worth comparing if you’re looking for an angled cooker hood and want to choose between the operating modes listed for your installation.
The title lists a width of 90 cm, an advertised extraction rate of 620 m³/h, four speeds, touch controls and a five-layer aluminium filter. Recirculation and ducted extraction modes are listed; black finish.
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Heinrich's HDU 7622 SW, 60 cm angled wall-mounted cooker hood
Worth considering if you’re looking for a wall-mounted model and want to check that its operating modes suit your kitchen layout.
The title lists a width of 60 cm, an extraction rate of 300 m³/h and an included charcoal filter. Ducted extraction and recirculation modes are listed, along with LED lighting.
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Ciarra CBCB6201-B, 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood. Check that its operating mode and accessories are right for your installation.
The title lists an advertised extraction rate of 370 m³/h and a black finish.
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Comfee TSHM77SS-60, 60 cm T-shaped cooker hood
Worth comparing if you’re looking for a T-shaped cooker hood and the listed operating mode suits your available outlet or planned recirculation setup.
The title lists an advertised extraction rate of 650 m³/h, touch and gesture controls, LED lighting and a five-layer filter. Recirculation and ducted extraction modes are listed; stainless steel finish.
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Ciarra CBCS6765B, 60 cm angled cooker hood, white glass
Worth comparing if you’re looking for an angled wall-mounted cooker hood. Check which filters are compatible and which operating mode suits your kitchen.
The title lists an extraction rate of 580 m³/h, three speeds, LED lighting, and ducted extraction and recirculation modes.
Frequently asked questions
Can a shared ventilation outlet be used for a cooker hood?
Don’t treat it as a dedicated vent. UFC-Que Choisir warns against connecting a cooker hood to a mechanical ventilation system or chimney. Check what the outlet is for before choosing a ducted hood.
How can I tell if a built-in cooker hood will fit my cabinet?
Measure the space available and compare it with the template and installation instructions for the exact version, taking into account the clearances needed above the hob. An advertised width of 60 cm doesn’t necessarily match the cut-out required.
How often should recirculation filters be replaced?
Follow the instructions for a filter that’s compatible with your cooker hood. Bosch recommends replacing the DWZ0IM0A0 filter roughly every six months, depending on the type and frequency of use. Elica recommends replacing its CFC0038668 filter every three to four months, according to the product instructions. These recommendations apply to the filters named and not to all cooker hoods; the grease filter also needs regular maintenance.
Do you need permission to create or alter an outlet in a block of flats?
Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965 provides for approval at a general meeting for relevant work that affects the shared parts or external appearance of the building. This rule alone doesn’t determine which planning requirements apply to a particular project: check the requirements for your project and local authority area before starting work.