If you don’t have a usable external air outlet, first choose an appliance whose exact model number supports recirculation, along with the right kit and filters. A wall-mounted or built-in cooker hood lets you keep your existing hob. A venting hob is better suited to replacing the hob at the same time, provided you check the cabinet, plinth and available storage space.
You’re keeping your hob and need to filter the air before returning it to the kitchen. First, check that the exact model you’re considering supports recirculation and that the required accessories are compatible. Elica notes that not all cooker hoods can be converted.
You want to fit the extractor into an existing or planned cabinet. The installation dimensions, available width and access to the filters matter more than the cooker hood’s outward appearance.
You’re considering a venting hob as part of a kitchen renovation. Before choosing this style, check the cabinet dimensions, drawer space, plinth and the recirculation kit specified for the model.
The format determines what you’ll need to install: a wall-mounted cooker hood sits visibly above the hob, a built-in extractor fits into a wall cabinet, while a venting hob also replaces your cooking hob. In every case, check that the exact model supports recirculation and find out how to maintain its filters.
Consider this if: you’re keeping your hob and have a suitable wall space above it.
Bear in mind: the cooker hood will remain visible, and filtered air will be returned to the kitchen.
Consider this if: you’re keeping your hob and want to fit the appliance into a wall cabinet.
Bear in mind: your choice will depend on the cabinet’s internal dimensions and the access needed to maintain the filters.
Consider this if: you’re also planning to replace your hob as part of the renovation.
Bear in mind: installation may take up space beneath the worktop and affect storage.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is this important for? |
|---|---|---|
| Recirculation compatibility | The manual for the exact model, the required kit and the codes for compatible filters. | I need to install the appliance without an external duct and want to avoid finding out after purchase that it requires a different set-up. Around 36% of consumers rank this compatibility as their top priority. |
| Filter maintenance | The recommended maintenance or replacement frequency, and the filter code. Check whether the filter is disposable or regenerable. | If I cook often, I want to know what maintenance I’ll need to carry out over time. This is a priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Noise and extraction | The noise levels and extraction rate given for filtration mode, comparing like-for-like speeds. | If I cook regularly, I want to know how noisy the appliance is and how well it extracts in the set-up I’ll actually use. Around 21% of consumers say this is their main concern. |
| How it fits into your kitchen | The installation dimensions, space beneath the worktop and access to the filters once the appliance is fitted. | I want to preserve my cabinet layout or clear the space above the hob without making maintenance difficult. Around 14% of consumers prioritise how the appliance fits into their kitchen. |
For a venting hob, don’t assume the dimensions for one system will apply to another. For the recirculation set-ups covered in its installation guide, Elica specifies a plinth of at least 6 cm. This measurement does not apply to every venting hob.
A cooker hood that suits your kitchen isn’t necessarily suitable for recirculation, or supplied with the accessories it needs. Elica notes that some cooker hoods can’t be converted from one installation mode to another.
Before ordering, check the manual for the exact model to confirm its operating mode, the required kit and the installation dimensions.
A deflector, flexible duct or cabinet modification may also be part of the installation specified for your chosen model.
A filter that isn’t compatible with your cooker hood’s model number won’t meet the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Bosch recommends checking that certain accessories are compatible using the E-Nr number or the manual.
Keep a note of your appliance’s model number and choose a filter or kit that’s explicitly listed as compatible with it.
Recommended lifespans vary by filter. Elica recommends replacing its CFC0141529A after 3 to 4 months, and its regenerable CFC0166361 every 2 years. Always follow the instructions for the specific filter.
Find the code for the compatible filter and follow its instructions for cleaning, regenerating if applicable, or replacing it.
The recirculation kit and airflow depend on the set-up beneath the hob. Depending on the system, the plinth and drawers may limit your installation options.
Check the installation diagram for your chosen model, then measure the cabinet, worktop, plinth and space available for drawers.
Installation may require changes to the cabinet or reduce the storage space beneath the hob.
These brands offer examples of formats and accessories to compare for a recirculating installation. Compatibility depends on the specific model.
Worth considering if you want to check a kit or filter against your cooker hood’s E-Nr model number.
A brand to explore if you’re comparing a conventional cooker hood with a NikolaTesla venting hob set up for recirculation.
Worth considering if you’d rather fit a built-in extractor into a wall cabinet than install a visible cooker hood.
This selection features a wall-mounted cooker hood listed as supporting recirculation. Consider it if you’re keeping your hob. Check which accessories you’ll need before choosing your installation set-up.
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Worth considering for wall-mounted installation above an existing hob: this model is listed as having a recirculation mode. Its title states an extraction rate of 650 m³/h, but doesn’t specify the rate in this mode. Before buying, check the installation dimensions, and confirm the code and availability of the charcoal filter or kit required for recirculation.
Yes, if the specific model is designed for recirculation or can be converted using compatible accessories. In this set-up, filtered air is returned to the kitchen. Elica notes that not all cooker hoods can be converted, so it’s important to check the manual for your chosen model.
Follow the recommended schedule for the filter that’s compatible with your appliance, as there’s no universal interval. Elica recommends replacing the CFC0141529A after 3 to 4 months, and its regenerable CFC0166361 every 2 years. Maintenance instructions differ between these filters.
No: grease filters and charcoal filters have different cleaning instructions. Some charcoal filters can be regenerated, while others need to be replaced. Check the manual before washing a filter.
No, installation depends on the hob’s dimensions, the kit and the route for the filtered air. Elica says the NikolaTesla Fit is suitable for 60 cm cabinets, but you’ll also need to check its installation diagram and the space beneath the worktop. Plinth requirements vary by set-up.