You have an outlet to the outside
For an extractor hood, check the duct route and diameter, the installation dimensions and the model’s compatibility. Bosch says the cooker hood duct must not be connected to the mechanical ventilation system.
Which setup is right for you?
You can’t use an outlet to the outside
A cooker hood designed for recirculation filters the air before returning it to the kitchen. Check the manual for compatible accessories and filters for the model you’ve chosen, as well as maintenance requirements.
You’re planning to make changes to your home
Before installing an extraction outlet, check which permissions you’ll need. ANIL points out that tenants need their landlord’s written consent to make alterations, and that work affecting shared areas or the structure of a building in a co-owned property requires approval from the general meeting of co-owners.
What should you check before choosing?
Extraction to the outside
Consider this: if there’s a usable outlet to the outside and the cooker hood manual allows this type of installation.
Bear in mind: the duct route matters. Bosch says its length, bends or a reduced diameter can lower efficiency and increase noise.
Recirculation
Consider this: if there’s no usable outlet to the outside and your model supports this mode.
Bear in mind: filtered air is returned to the kitchen, and charcoal filters need maintenance or replacing as specified in the manual.
Whether you choose a built-in hood or a visible model, check the available space and the specifications of the exact model.
| Priority | What to check | How it suits my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Capturing fumes while cooking | Compare the hood’s width and capture area with your hob. Check the stated extraction rate in m³/h in the context of your kitchen layout, without assuming that a quoted figure guarantees the same result in your home. | I cook often and want to limit the spread of steam, grease and odours around the hob. |
| Installation | Check the model’s dimensions and manual. For extraction, check the outlet, duct route, diameter and bends; for recirculation, check which kit and filters are compatible. | The cooker hood needs to fit the space available and work with the air outlet in my kitchen. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the stated noise levels at the speeds you expect to use and how easy it is to access the grease filters. For recirculation, check how often the charcoal filter for the exact model needs maintenance. | For regular cooking, I want to be able to use the hood and access the filters easily to maintain them. |
| Home ventilation | Keep your home’s general ventilation separate from the cooker hood. ADEME recommends not switching off the mechanical ventilation system or blocking its air inlets or vents. | If damp persists or a ventilation vent doesn’t seem to be working properly, I should get it checked separately from my choice of cooker hood. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming an existing duct will work with any cooker hood
Bosch says a long, narrow duct or one with bends can reduce extraction efficiency and increase noise. The brand also says not to connect a cooker hood duct to the mechanical ventilation system.
Find the actual outlet and check the duct route and dimensions against the manual for the model you’re considering. Get the installation checked if anything is unclear.
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Choosing recirculation without checking the accessories
Elica says that not all cooker hoods can switch between extraction and recirculation. A compatible model may need accessories specific to that model.
Before buying, note down the cooker hood’s model number and check which kit and filter it needs, along with the maintenance instructions.
Charcoal filters need regular maintenance. Depending on the type of filter, this may involve replacing or periodically regenerating it.
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Relying on the cooker hood to replace your home’s ventilation
In France, the decree of 24 March 1982 on ventilation in homes requires general, continuous ventilation, including an air outlet in the kitchen. A cooker hood performs a separate function by capturing cooking fumes.
If damp persists or the kitchen ventilation vent seems faulty, get the existing ventilation checked. Don’t block it or redirect it through the cooker hood.
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Planning to drill through a wall without checking what permission you need
Installing an extraction outlet may involve altering the property or affecting a shared part of the building, even if the cooker hood itself is technically suitable.
ANIL says tenants need their landlord’s written consent to make alterations; in a co-owned property, work affecting shared areas or the building’s structure requires approval from the general meeting of co-owners. Check what your project involves before starting work.
A guide to some of the brands
Bosch
Bosch’s advice can help you understand the difference between extraction and recirculation, and assess the route of a duct.
- Bosch says extraction vents the air outside and specifies that a cooker hood duct must not be connected to the mechanical ventilation system.
- Check the information about the duct against the manual and the installation requirements of the model you choose.
Elica
Elica’s guidance is useful for checking whether a particular model supports recirculation and which filters are compatible.
- Elica says that not all of its cooker hoods can be switched from one mode to the other.
- The stated lifespan of up to 5 years for its KIT0147861A ceramic filter applies to compatible models and assumes regeneration every 2 to 3 months. It doesn’t apply to filters in general.
Electrolux
Electrolux advises checking the installation space, stated extraction rate and installation mode in the manual for each cooker hood.
- These details can help you compare the installation requirements of specific models.
- Electrolux states that its ECFB01ST charcoal filter lasts 4 to 6 months. This applies to this accessory, not to all the brand’s filters.
Cooker hoods to explore on Joybuy
This selection includes wall-mounted, under-cabinet and built-in cooker hoods. If you cook often, compare each model’s format with your hob and check the manual to confirm which installation modes are possible before choosing.
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Comfee TSHM77SS-60, 60 cm T-shaped cooker hood
Consider this format if a 60 cm T-shaped cooker hood will fit the space above your hob. The product name states an extraction rate of 650 m³/h and lists extraction and recirculation modes. Check the manual for connection requirements or any accessories needed for recirculation.
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Ciarra, 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood with black glass front
Consider this wall-mounted model if its 60 cm width and overall dimensions suit your kitchen. Its name lists two air circulation modes. Before choosing extraction or recirculation, check the manual for the setup and any accessories required.
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Ciarra Slimline, 60 cm under-cabinet cooker hood
An under-cabinet installation is worth considering if you want to keep this layout in a kitchen you use regularly. The product name specifies a width of 60 cm and two ventilation options. Measure the installation space and check the manual for the required connection or compatible filter.
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Ciarra CBCB5913A-B, 52 cm built-in cooker hood
This 52 cm built-in cooker hood is suited to a kitchen with a cabinet that can accommodate it while still allowing access to the filters. Conflicting extraction rate information is listed for this model. Check the figure in the manual for the exact model, along with the installation dimensions and accessories needed for your chosen mode.
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COMFEE' KWH-SLIF17B-60, 60 cm visor cooker hood
Consider this under-cabinet or wall-mounted format if it suits the space in your kitchen. The product name specifies a width of 600 mm and a top outlet. Check the recommended installation height and, if you plan to use recirculation, which filter is compatible with this model.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cooker hood replace your home’s mechanical ventilation system?
No. In France, the decree of 24 March 1982 on ventilation in homes requires general, continuous ventilation, including an air outlet in the kitchen. ADEME recommends not switching off the mechanical ventilation system or blocking air inlets or vents. A cooker hood serves a different purpose while you’re cooking.
Can you connect an extractor hood to the mechanical ventilation system?
No. Bosch’s installation instructions say that an extractor hood duct must not be connected to the mechanical ventilation system. If you’re unsure where an existing duct leads, get the installation checked before buying a cooker hood.
When should you choose a recirculating cooker hood?
Recirculation is an option when there’s no usable outlet to the outside. Elica says that not all cooker hoods can be converted, so check that the model you choose supports this mode, then find out which kit and filters it needs and how to maintain them.
Can a tenant install an extraction outlet without the landlord’s consent?
If the work involves altering the property or its fixtures, the landlord’s written consent is required, as ANIL points out. Ask for consent before planning any drilling or permanent changes to the connection.
What should you check before modifying an extraction duct in a co-owned property?
Check which parts of the building would be affected and consult the co-ownership rules. ANIL says work affecting shared areas or the building’s structure requires approval from the general meeting of co-owners. Don’t assume that drilling or using a shared duct is permitted.