Homes without external ventilation
If your kitchen does not have a usable external duct, look for a cooker hood genuinely designed for recirculation, with a compatible and accessible odour filter.
Who is it for?
Open-plan or compact kitchens
In a living area or smaller space, compare odour filtration in recirculation mode, noise levels and how easy the filter is to replace or regenerate.
Tenants and leaseholders considering making an opening
Do not assume that making an opening is permitted: ANIL advises that tenants must obtain their landlord’s written permission before modifying a property. Légifrance also regulates work affecting communal areas or the external appearance of a building in a co-ownership property.
What to check before buying
Recirculating cooker hood
Choose this: when no external duct exists or can be created, after confirming the filter or kit suitable for the exact model.
Bear in mind: filter maintenance affects odour control, noise and the consumables you will need.
Ducted cooker hood
Choose this: only when a dedicated, suitable and authorised external duct is already available or can be installed.
Bear in mind: installation requires technical and administrative checks; UFC-Que Choisir states that connecting to a mechanical ventilation system or chimney is prohibited.
Recirculating venting hob
Consider this: during a renovation or when you want to free up the space above the cooking area.
Check: the cabinet, worktop depth, plinth and recirculation kit must all be suitable for the chosen model.
| Priority | What to check | Your requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Odour filtration | Confirm the recirculation mode, the carbon filter reference and the results applicable to this mode. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests assess odour reduction in recirculation separately. | I want to limit cooking odours without confusing recirculation with external extraction of vapours and moisture. |
| Noise | Compare sound levels using the same measurement basis and at the speeds you are most likely to use. Also look for information about vibration. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to be able to cook without the hood becoming too intrusive, especially at high speed. |
| Filter maintenance | Note the compatible filter reference, its type, maintenance interval and replacement or regeneration method. Also check access to the grease filters. | I would rather plan for cleaning and replacing the filters than compare the appliance alone. |
| Practical installation | Check the manual, installation dimensions, cabinet space and kit compatibility. For a venting hob, also check the worktop and plinth. | I will first choose an installation method that suits my home, then select the hood style. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Choosing based only on style or the advertised extraction rate
Recirculation mode changes the operating conditions. A specification or review relating to ducted extraction cannot be used to assess odour control with a carbon filter.
Look for information explicitly relating to recirculation and confirm the filter or kit’s compatibility in the manual for the exact reference.
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Forgetting to replace or regenerate the carbon filter
Filters are consumables, and their maintenance and service life vary by model. A clogged filter can reduce odour filtration.
Before buying, note the filter reference, availability, maintenance interval and the method specified by the manufacturer.
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Assuming a cooker hood is convertible because the brand sells filters
Not all cooker hoods can be converted between ducted extraction and recirculation. Kits may also be reserved for specific references or configurations.
Check the hood or hob reference, installation manual and official reference for the compatible kit or filter together.
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Creating an external vent without checking the building regulations
ANIL states that tenants must obtain their landlord’s written permission before modifying a property. In a co-ownership property, Légifrance requires authorisation for work affecting communal areas or the external appearance.
If no compliant duct is already available, choose an appliance suitable for recirculation and have any extraction project checked separately by the landlord, property manager and a suitably qualified professional.
Guide to brands and recirculation accessories
Bosch
Bosch offers carbon filters, recirculation kits for cooker hoods and accessories designed for venting hobs.
- Bosch states that its standard DHZ3100 carbon filter has a service life of 6 to 12 months.
- The HEZ9VDKR1 kit is intended for a specific installation and a worktop at least 60 cm wide; check compatibility with your hob.
Elica
Elica offers NikolaTesla cooker hoods and venting hobs with recirculation solutions and odour filters.
- The brand sells regenerable filters, including the CFC0166361 for certain Rules models.
- Elica states that not all of its cooker hoods can necessarily be converted between ducted extraction and recirculation.
NEFF
NEFF offers CleanAir modules and kits for integrated recirculating cooker hood installations.
- According to NEFF, the CleanAir Plus filter in module Z51AXC0N0 is stated to have a service life of at least 12 to 18 months.
- Compatibility depends on the cooker hood’s E-Nr reference, and the module is a separate accessory.
Cooker hoods available on Joybuy
These Joybuy options are 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hoods that indicate recirculation operation with a carbon filter or associated filter set.
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Ciarra CBCS6765B, 60 cm angled cooker hood
This wall-mounted cooker hood supports recirculation with two CBCF055 carbon filters specified for this model.
Advertised extraction rate of up to 580 m³/h, three touch-control speeds, washable grease filter and declared maximum noise level of 64 dB.
Check the installation heights, the space above the hob and that the filters match the supplied variant.
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Ciarra CBCB6201, black 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood
Recirculation mode is specified with two CBCF002X2 carbon filters for kitchens without an external duct.
Advertised extraction rate of up to 367 m³/h, three button-controlled speeds, two washable aluminium filters and a declared noise level of 51 to 63 dB depending on the speed.
For an open-plan kitchen, check the manual for the noise measurement conditions and the carbon filter replacement interval.
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Comfee CH60A17EM400SS-EU, 60 cm cooker hood
This 60 cm cooker hood offers both ducted extraction and recirculation modes, with an active carbon filter included for recirculation.
Advertised extraction rate of 400 m³/h, three speeds and a removable five-layer aluminium grease filter.
Before installing it in an open-plan kitchen, check the noise level, carbon filter reference and maintenance interval.
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Heinrich's HDU 7622 SW, 60 cm angled cooker hood
Recirculation is specified with a carbon filter set included, making it suitable for a kitchen without an external duct.
Advertised extraction rate of 300 m³/h, LED lighting, button controls and a dishwasher-safe washable aluminium grease filter.
Check the dimensions and mounting heights, along with the carbon filter reference and maintenance requirements, before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Is a recirculating cooker hood suitable without an external duct?
Yes, provided the cooker hood is explicitly compatible with this mode and the required carbon filter or kit is installed. It filters odours before returning the air to the room, without venting vapours and moisture outside.
Can you add a carbon filter to any cooker hood?
No. Elica states that not all cooker hoods can be converted from one mode to the other. Consult the manual and official accessories to confirm that the exact reference supports recirculation.
How often should you replace a recirculating cooker hood filter?
The frequency depends on the filter and how it is used. As manufacturer examples, Bosch states 6 to 12 months for the DHZ3100, NEFF gives at least 12 to 18 months for its CleanAir Plus filter, while Elica states approximately 2 years for its regenerable CFC0166361 filter, compatible with certain Rules models.
Can a tenant make a hole in a wall for external extraction?
ANIL states that tenants must obtain their landlord’s written permission before modifying the property or its equipment. Depending on the building, the project may also be subject to co-ownership or local regulations, which should be checked before work begins.
Can you connect a cooker hood to a mechanical ventilation system or chimney?
No: UFC-Que Choisir’s guidance states that connecting to a mechanical ventilation system or chimney is prohibited. External extraction must use a dedicated duct suitable for the project.