People with a dedicated external outlet
If your project allows you to confirm a suitable extraction route, you can consider this option for venting cooking air outside. Have the existing system checked before choosing your cooker hood.
Who is this choice for?
People without a suitable external outlet
If your kitchen can’t use a suitable external outlet, recirculation is an option worth considering. Your choice will also depend on the filters and accessories specified for the model you select.
People planning an open-plan or fitted kitchen
Whether your hob is fitted into a unit, against a wall or on an island, check the installation dimensions and airflow against your layout. In an open-plan living space, also consider the quoted noise level at the speed you expect to use.
Which criteria should you check first?
First, confirm which operating mode is suitable for your home. Then choose a style and features to suit your kitchen.
Extraction
Consider this if: a dedicated external outlet is available and the necessary work is permitted. UFC-Que Choisir considers extraction generally more effective than recirculation for removing odours and grease.
Bear in mind: before you buy, confirm the duct route and check that it’s compatible with your home’s ventilation system.
Recirculation
Consider this if: there’s no suitable external outlet available for your project.
Bear in mind: filtered air is returned to the kitchen, so steam isn’t vented outside. Depending on the model, charcoal filters will also need maintenance.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation and installation | Identify the air outlet and check the manual to see which operating mode is compatible. In France, Article 13 of the Order of 24 March 1982 prohibits connecting a motorised cooker hood to a shared air outlet system. | If the existing ventilation system affects your project, choose a mode that can be installed before focusing on the hood’s style. Around 29% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Odours, grease and steam | Compare extraction performance figures for the same operating mode. In recirculation mode, check which charcoal filter is compatible. UFC-Que Choisir considers extraction generally more effective than recirculation for odours and grease. | If you cook food that produces strong smells or lots of grease, limiting their spread may be your first priority once you’ve established which mode is suitable. Around 23% of consumers put this ahead of other criteria. |
| Noise in an open-plan kitchen | Check the model’s noise level in the mode you’ve chosen and at the speed you expect to use, rather than looking only at its maximum or minimum figure. | In a kitchen that opens onto your living space, noise while cooking may matter more than the appliance’s appearance. Around 18% of consumers put quiet operation first. |
| Fitting with your kitchen units | Measure the unit or space available, then check the cut-out dimensions, width and installation clearances against the manual. | If a recess, wall unit or fixed island limits your installation options, the hood’s size becomes crucial. For around 18% of consumers, how it fits into the kitchen is the main priority. |
| Maintenance in recirculation mode | Check whether a kit is required, which filter model is suitable and what replacement instructions apply to your cooker hood. | If filter and accessory maintenance is a key factor in your choice, make sure you’ll be able to look after the hood over time. Around 12% of consumers prioritise this. |
Which mistakes should you avoid?
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Choosing extraction before identifying the air outlet
A shared outlet can’t be used for a motorised cooker hood. This is the restriction set out in Article 13 of the Order of 24 March 1982 in France. So, seeing a duct route on a plan isn’t enough to establish that extraction is suitable.
Before choosing an extraction model, have the existing outlet and the route available checked.
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Assuming a cooker hood is ready for recirculation
According to Bosch, some configurations require an initial installation kit. An accessory designed for a different model won’t necessarily be suitable for the one you choose.
Check the manual and make sure the kit and charcoal filters are compatible with the cooker hood’s full model reference.
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Choosing a style without checking the dimensions
An integrated cooker hood needs to fit the unit it’s going into. A decorative style alone doesn’t tell you the installation dimensions or how well it will capture cooking fumes.
Once you’ve confirmed the operating mode, check the cut-out dimensions, width and installation clearances against the manual.
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Comparing figures from different configurations
UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol measures airflow in both operating modes. A single airflow or noise figure may not reflect the setting you’ll use.
Compare specifications for equivalent modes and speeds, and check what each quoted figure refers to.
Brands to know
Bosch
Bosch offers wall-mounted, island and integrated cooker hoods, with extraction or recirculation options depending on the model.
- Bosch’s guidance explains the role of charcoal filters in recirculation mode and lists the accessories needed for some configurations.
- Check that the kit and filter are compatible with the E-Nr reference or exact model. These accessories aren’t universal.
Elica
Elica offers a range of cooker hoods, including wall-mounted, integrated, suspended and island models.
- Elica says that most of its cooker hoods can be switched from extraction to recirculation using the appropriate accessories.
- Before choosing an operating mode or kit, confirm this is possible in the manual for the specific model.
Novy
Novy offers built-in extractor units, ceiling cooker hoods and recirculation options.
- For specific models, its product information includes dimensions, installation clearances, airflow and noise figures.
- Check the fit with your kitchen unit and the quoted specifications for the model and operating mode you’re considering.
Cooker hoods to explore on Joybuy
These Ciarra cooker hoods offer wall-mounted, under-cabinet and built-in options for your kitchen project. First choose the operating mode that suits your home, then check the available space and the manual for each model.
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Ciarra 60 cm convertible wall-mounted cooker hood, black
Worth considering for a 60 cm wall-mounted installation if the operating mode suits your home. The product name indicates convertible ventilation and button controls. Check the manual for the available configurations, any accessories required and the installation dimensions.
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Ciarra Slimline 60 cm under-cabinet cooker hood, stainless steel
An under-cabinet installation is worth considering when space above the hob is limited. This 60 cm cooker hood is listed with two ventilation options and button controls. Check your cabinet dimensions and the accessories required for your chosen mode.
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Ciarra CBCS6765B 60 cm angled wall-mounted cooker hood
Its angled design may suit a wall-mounted installation, provided you check the space available. The product title lists an airflow rate of 580 m³/h, three speeds and extraction and recirculation modes, but this doesn’t establish how well it will capture fumes in your kitchen. Before comparing noise levels, ask for details of the noise rating and how it was measured.
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Ciarra 90 cm recirculating wall-mounted cooker hood, Wi-Fi
Consider this if your wall-mounted layout can accommodate a 90 cm cooker hood and recirculation suits your project. The product title lists an airflow rate of 650 m³/h and four speeds with a boost function. Check the space available, the compatible filters and the noise level at the speed you expect to use, rather than assuming a high maximum airflow means quieter operation.
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Ciarra CBCB5913A-B 52 cm built-in cooker hood
Its built-in design is worth considering for a suitable kitchen unit, once you’ve checked the installation dimensions. The product title lists a width of 52 cm and button controls. Ask for confirmation of the airflow rate for this model, along with the operating mode and filters required for your installation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect a motorised cooker hood to a shared air outlet?
No. In France, Article 13 of the Order of 24 March 1982 prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device, such as a cooker hood with a fan, to a shared air outlet system. Have the existing system identified before choosing an extraction hood.
Can a cooker hood replace your home’s general ventilation?
No. A cooker hood captures air above the hob, while the home must still be ventilated generally and continuously under the conditions set out in the French Order of 24 March 1982. Check that your kitchen project preserves the operation of the existing ventilation system.
Do I need a charcoal filter in recirculation mode?
Yes. Charcoal filters treat odours when filtered air is returned to the kitchen, as explained by UFC-Que Choisir and Bosch. Check which filter is specified for your chosen cooker hood and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
Can you switch any cooker hood from extraction to recirculation?
No. Don’t assume you can switch modes without additional accessories. Elica advises checking the manual for the model in question, while Bosch says an initial installation kit may be needed. Check the exact model reference before choosing your configuration.
What should I check before planning a new external outlet?
Before any work begins, confirm the type of air system, the proposed route and the permissions that apply to your home. UFC-Que Choisir notes that permission may be required in some cases. Your occupancy status and the building’s characteristics should be considered for your specific project.