People without a usable external outlet
If you’re installing or replacing a cooker hood without a usable duct, check that the model, its charcoal filter and any required kit are suitable for recirculation.
Who is this option for?
People fitting out a kitchen with a wall unit
To fit the hood into a unit, start with the unit’s internal dimensions and the space needed for recirculation accessories, rather than relying on the visible width alone.
People concerned about odours and noise
If you cook often, particularly in an open-plan kitchen, check how the filters need to be maintained and compare the noise figures for the installation setup you’re considering.
What should you check?
If you don’t have a usable external duct, first confirm that the hood has a recirculation mode. Then check the filters, available space and noise levels for your kitchen.
| Criterion | What to check | Relevant to |
|---|---|---|
| Recirculation compatibility | Confirm this mode in the manual and check the part numbers for the charcoal filter and any kit required. | Without an external outlet, I want a hood I can use without installing a duct; around 36% of consumers would make this compatibility their priority. |
| Odours and maintenance | Check the type of charcoal filter, its maintenance instructions and whether compatible replacements are available. | If I cook often, I want to keep odours down and know how to maintain the filters; this would be the main concern for around 29% of consumers. |
| Fitting the unit | Compare the unit’s internal dimensions with the fitting dimensions of the hood and the space needed for the kit. | To keep my wall unit, I need to be able to fit the hood and its accessories inside; around 21% of consumers would prioritise this. |
| Noise in an open-plan kitchen | Compare noise figures at equivalent speeds and, if possible, in recirculation mode. | When the kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to cook without excessive noise; around 14% of consumers would consider this a priority. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Assuming everything you need for recirculation is included
Depending on the model, you may need a charcoal filter or a compatible kit to use this mode.
Make a note of the hood’s full model number and check the manual for the required accessories before ordering.
You may need to order the kit and filters separately. Also check the replacement instructions for your chosen filter.
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Choosing an integrated hood based on width alone
The front may look like a good fit, but the hood body or recirculation components might not fit inside the unit.
Measure the inside of the unit and compare the measurements with the full fitting dimensions.
If it doesn’t fit, you may need to modify the unit or choose another model.
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Putting off filter maintenance
Grease filters and charcoal filters do different jobs and may have different maintenance instructions.
Follow the instructions for the hood and compatible filter. Some charcoal filters need replacing, while others can be maintained according to their model number.
Allow for the cost of replacements or the time needed to maintain the type of filter you choose.
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Planning an extraction duct without checking what’s allowed
Installing an external duct may affect the building or communal areas. Choosing a ducted hood does not, by itself, mean you’re allowed to carry out the work. ANIL explains that, in a block of flats, work affecting the building’s structure or communal areas requires approval from the general meeting.
Before considering this option, get confirmation that the duct can be installed and check what permissions apply to your home. Otherwise, choose a recirculating setup.
Brands to consider for recirculation
Bosch
Bosch offers Clean Air accessories for some cooker hoods set up for recirculation.
- Use the appliance’s E-Nr number to find the corresponding accessories.
- Kit contents vary, so check which parts your hood needs.
Siemens
Siemens offers filters and recirculation kits for different cooker hood setups.
- There are several ranges of accessories to suit different hoods.
- Check that the filter and kit are compatible with your exact model before choosing them.
Elica
Elica offers replacement or regenerable charcoal filters for some of its cooker hoods.
- The manufacturer provides maintenance instructions specific to each filter model.
- Not all of its filters have the same lifespan or can be regenerated.
Electrolux
Electrolux offers charcoal filters for some cooker hoods used in recirculation mode.
- Its guidance distinguishes between filters that need replacing and those that can be cleaned.
- Check compatibility using the PNC number and follow the instructions for your chosen filter.
Wall-mounted recirculating cooker hoods on Joybuy
These wall-mounted models are featured for recirculation in a kitchen without a usable external duct. For each one, check which accessories are required and whether the dimensions suit your space.
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Ciarra 60 cm black wall-mounted cooker hood
For a wall-mounted installation without an external outlet, check its recirculation setup, the compatible charcoal filter and its maintenance instructions. The product name indicates a width of 60 cm, button controls and a convertible setup.
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Ciarra CBCS6765B 60 cm white angled cooker hood
For a kitchen without a duct, check which accessories are needed to use this hood in recirculation mode. This angled wall-mounted hood is listed with three speeds, touch controls and an airflow rate of 580 m³/h. That figure alone isn’t enough to assess how well it will deal with odours or how noisy it will be in your home.
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Ciarra 90 cm wall-mounted cooker hood with Wi-Fi
If you have a suitable wall space for a 90 cm cooker hood, check the full dimensions and the filters needed for recirculation. The product is listed with app-based touch controls, four speeds including a boost function, and an airflow rate of 650 m³/h. If you have an open-plan kitchen, also compare the noise figures for the setup you’re considering.
Frequently asked questions
Does a recirculating cooker hood expel steam outside?
No. The filtered air is returned to the kitchen rather than being vented outside. In its cooker hood testing protocol, UFC-Que Choisir also assesses odour removal in recirculation mode separately from steam extraction in ducted mode.
Which filters need maintaining in recirculation mode?
Check the instructions for your model to find out how to maintain the grease filter and the charcoal filter that deals with odours. According to Electrolux, charcoal filters may need replacing or cleaning depending on their type. The filter model number and instructions will tell you what maintenance is required.
Can you install an external extraction duct in a block of flats?
You’ll need to check the plans before carrying out any work. In France, ANIL states that work affecting the building’s structure or communal areas requires approval from the general meeting. Before choosing a ducted hood, also confirm any other conditions that apply to the duct and your home.