First, choose an installation mode that works for your home. Extraction requires a dedicated, authorised outlet to the outside, while recirculation lets you consider an installation without an external duct, using filters and, depending on the model, a kit that needs maintenance. Then check that the size suits your hob and cupboard, and that the filters will be accessible. In either case, a cooker hood does not replace your home’s ventilation.
If you often cook meals that produce steam, grease or odours, extraction is worth considering if you can confirm that a dedicated duct exists or can be installed with the necessary permission. Then compare the available space and the stated noise level with the requirements for fitting the model.
If your home’s restrictions rule out an external outlet, recirculation means you won’t need to rely on installing a new duct. Check that the model supports this mode, which accessories it requires and how to maintain its charcoal filter.
An under-cabinet or built-in cooker hood may be a good fit if you want to preserve the layout around your hob. Measure the cupboard and installation space, then make sure the filters will remain accessible. The hood’s design alone does not determine how it can be installed.
Decide on the installation mode before choosing the hood’s design. For everyday cooking, Anses recommends covering pans or switching on the hood while cooking. This does not remove the need to maintain your home’s ventilation.
Consider this: if there is a dedicated duct to the outside, or one can be installed with the necessary permission.
Bear in mind: installation depends on the route for the duct and, if work is needed, on any permissions required for your home.
Consider this: if there is no suitable external outlet and the cooker hood you choose supports this mode.
Bear in mind: filtered air is returned to the kitchen, and the charcoal filter needs maintaining or replacing in line with the instructions.
| Factor | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation and permissions | Check whether there is a dedicated external duct and which modes the instructions allow. Before any work, check what permissions you need for your circumstances. | If installation depends on drilling or an existing duct, I want to know which option can actually be fitted before choosing a hood design. Around 33% of consumers put this compatibility first. |
| Everyday cooking | Compare how extraction and recirculation treat the air, along with the stated airflow rate and noise levels at the speeds you expect to use. | When I cook often, I want to manage steam and odours while preparing meals, without relying on the hood to replace ventilation. Around 27% of consumers put this first. |
| Space and size | Measure the hob, cupboard and available height. Check the installation clearances and filter access in the instructions. | In a compact kitchen, I want to keep my storage space and use the hob without anything getting in the way. Available space is the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
| Filter maintenance | For recirculation, check which charcoal filter is compatible, whether a kit is required and what maintenance the model’s instructions specify. | If I choose recirculation, I want to be able to reach the filters and keep up with maintenance over time. Around 20% of consumers make this their top priority. |
In France, 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, whether mechanical or natural-draught.
Have the duct identified before you buy. If it belongs to a shared system, don’t use it for the hood. Ask a professional about the options for a dedicated duct or recirculation.
Creating an external outlet may alter a rented property or affect shared areas or the exterior appearance of a block of flats. These restrictions may prevent the work you have in mind.
Before choosing the appliance and its duct, check your tenancy agreement and obtain any necessary written permission if you rent. If you own a flat, check the leasehold rules and any requirements that apply to the building.
According to Elica, not all cooker hoods can be converted between extraction and recirculation. Some models also need a specific kit for recirculation.
Check the instructions for the exact model and identify the accessories compatible with your chosen mode before ordering.
A cooker hood operates while you cook. General ventilation also helps to renew the air in your home, as France Rénov’ explains.
Continue to ventilate your home and don’t block air inlets. If your existing ventilation isn’t working properly, have it checked separately rather than relying on your choice of cooker hood to solve the problem.
These ranges give you a starting point for comparing modes and designs. The instructions for your chosen model are still the deciding factor for installation and accessories.
Bosch’s range includes cooker hoods and accessories for extraction or recirculation.
Elica offers wall-mounted, built-in, island and ceiling designs, with extraction or recirculation depending on the model.
Franke offers built-in extractor units and cooker hoods designed for kitchens with an island.
These Joybuy models include wall-mounted, under-cabinet and built-in options. Compare their design with your kitchen, then check the instructions for the installation mode and accessories required for your chosen model.
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Worth considering if a 60 cm wall-mounted hood suits the space above your hob.
The product name specifies a black glass panel and LED lighting. For recirculation, check which kit and filter are compatible with this model. For extraction, use only an authorised dedicated duct.
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Its under-cabinet design is worth considering if space above the hob is limited.
The product description specifies push-button controls and two ventilation options. Check your cupboard dimensions, filter access and the accessories required for your chosen mode.
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This under-cabinet design is for kitchens where the hood needs to sit above a hob against a wall.
The product description specifies a width of 600 mm, a stainless steel finish and LED lighting. If you choose recirculation, you’ll need the filter listed as sold separately. Ask the retailer to confirm which filter is compatible.
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Consider this T-shaped hood if your hob and the space above it can accommodate this type of wall-mounted installation.
The product title states an airflow rate of 650 m³/h, as well as touch and gesture controls. The airflow rate alone isn’t enough to assess how it will perform in your kitchen. Check the installation requirements and, for recirculation, which accessories are compatible with this model.
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This built-in design may suit you if your wall unit and hob width allow for a 52 cm installation.
The product description specifies a black body and bronze-coloured push buttons. If you’re considering recirculation, check that the separately sold CBCF005 filter is compatible. Also ask the retailer to confirm the airflow rate for this model before comparing it with other cooker hoods.
No. In France, the order of 24 March 1982 prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device, including a cooker hood with a fan, to a shared air outlet system, whether mechanical or natural-draught. Identify the duct before choosing extraction. If there is no authorised dedicated outlet, look for a model that supports recirculation.
If drilling would alter the rented property or its fittings, get your landlord’s written permission before work begins, in line with the tenant’s obligations under the law of 6 July 1989. Also check the building’s rules and any restrictions that apply to the façade.
If the work affects shared areas or the building’s exterior appearance, Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965 requires authorisation from the co-owners’ meeting. Before buying an extraction hood, discuss your plans with the building manager and check the co-ownership rules, as well as any other requirements that apply to the proposed work.
No. A recirculating cooker hood returns filtered air to the kitchen; it does not replace your home’s general ventilation. Anses recommends switching on the hood or covering pans while cooking, while continuing to ventilate the home and keeping the ventilation system running.
Clean the grease filter and maintain or replace the charcoal filter in line with your model’s instructions. Elica points out that requirements vary by model. Bosch recommends replacing the charcoal filters in its recirculating hoods every six months, but this interval may not apply to other appliances.