First, choose the ventilation option that your home can actually accommodate: a ducted cooker hood needs a dedicated outlet to the outside, while recirculation is suitable when this isn’t possible, provided you allow for a charcoal filter and, depending on the model, a compatible kit. UFC-Que Choisir says ducted extraction generally deals better with vapour and odours, but may require building work. Once you’ve settled on the right setup, you can choose the hood’s style, noise level and maintenance requirements.
If there’s already a dedicated duct leading outside, or one could be installed after checking what work is involved, a ducted cooker hood is worth considering first. UFC-Que Choisir advises against connecting it to a mechanical ventilation system (VMC) or a chimney.
If it’s not possible to install a dedicated outlet, choose a model that can be used in recirculation mode. Check the charcoal filter reference, whether a kit is needed, and that the filters are easy to access for maintenance.
If your cabinets, island or the space above the hob dictate the style of hood, check the built-in dimensions and the airflow route before choosing a cooker hood or an extractor hob. The style alone doesn’t determine whether the appliance can operate in ducted or recirculation mode.
First, establish whether an outlet to the outside is possible. Then compare cooker hoods based on the installation mode you’ll actually use.
Choose this if: a dedicated duct can lead outside and any necessary building work is possible.
Bear in mind: the route the duct will take and any checks specific to your home. Air laden with vapour is expelled outside rather than returned to the kitchen.
Choose this if: it’s not possible to install a dedicated outlet to the outside.
Bear in mind: you’ll need a compatible charcoal filter, and sometimes a model-specific kit, as well as the recommended maintenance. Filtered air is returned to the room.
| Factor | What to check before buying | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Installation feasibility | Check whether there’s a dedicated duct to the outside and where it runs, or whether the model is compatible with recirculation. Before drilling, check any restrictions that apply to your home. | When replacing a cooker hood, I need to be able to install it without assuming an outlet already exists or that building work is possible. Around 36% of consumers put installation feasibility first. |
| Vapour, odours and grease | Compare the figures for the mode you’ve chosen. In recirculation mode, identify the compatible charcoal filter and check its maintenance requirements. | If I often cook food that creates steam and odours, I want to know what will be expelled outside or filtered before the air is returned. Around 29% of consumers put controlling emissions first. |
| Noise in an open-plan kitchen | Compare noise levels in the same installation mode and at a similar speed. For ducted extraction, also check the planned route of the duct. | When my kitchen opens onto the living area, I want to cook without the hood getting in the way of other activities. Noise is the top priority for around 21% of consumers. |
| Filter maintenance | Check the charcoal filter reference and maintenance instructions for recirculation mode, as well as how easy it is to access the grease filter in either mode. | If I want to keep ongoing maintenance to a minimum, I need to know which filters to clean or replace, and how often, according to the instructions. Around 14% of consumers prioritise maintenance above all else. |
A ducted cooker hood won’t solve the problem if there’s no dedicated duct. UFC-Que Choisir advises against connecting one to a VMC system or chimney because of the associated risks.
Check the entire route the duct would take and confirm whether building work is possible with the relevant people before choosing your appliance.
Installing an outlet may also involve drilling, fitting a duct and completing preliminary checks or paperwork.
Odour removal requires a charcoal filter. Bosch says some of its cooker hoods also need a specific recirculation kit. Don’t assume an accessory designed for another model will be compatible.
Note down the exact cooker hood reference and confirm which filter and kit are required, and whether they’re included in the configuration you’ve chosen.
The kit and compatible filters may need to be bought separately, and filters will need replacing as set out in the instructions.
A noise level measured in ducted mode won’t necessarily reflect how the same cooker hood performs in recirculation mode. The speed and installation also make a difference.
Compare figures for the same mode and a similar speed. If you’re planning ducted extraction, check the route the duct will take too.
A built-in cooker hood needs to fit the cabinet it’s designed for. For a hob with an integrated extractor, UFC-Que Choisir points out that the cabinet and worktop cut-out need to be suitable.
Measure the available space, plan the airflow route and check the installation clearances specified for your chosen model.
If the layout isn’t suitable, you may need to modify the cabinet or worktop.
Bosch cooker hoods and accessories are worth considering when compatibility between an E-Nr reference and a recirculation kit is important.
Elica’s styles and installation options may suit projects where a wall-mounted, built-in or island model is the deciding factor.
Novy’s built-in and ceiling-mounted cooker hoods, as well as its extractor hobs, are worth considering when your cabinetry or the space around the hob calls for a particular style.
These wall-mounted cooker hoods are worth considering if your kitchen layout can accommodate this style. The models listed offer recirculation as well as ducted extraction. Choose your preferred mode only after checking the available outlet, compatible accessories and installation dimensions.
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Worth considering for a 60 cm wall-mounted installation, with the installation mode to be confirmed for your kitchen. The model name indicates a convertible configuration with push-button controls. If you choose recirculation, check which charcoal filter is compatible and how to maintain it.
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Consider this if you’re looking for an angled wall-mounted cooker hood that can be used in ducted or recirculation mode. The title lists an extraction rate of 580 m³/h and three speeds. Compare noise figures only for a mode and speed that match your installation.
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This 90 cm width suits projects with enough wall space, subject to the installation dimensions. The title lists recirculation, four speeds with a booster and an extraction rate of 650 m³/h. Check which filters are needed for your chosen mode.
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Worth comparing if your wall space can accommodate a 60 cm model. The title lists recirculation, four speeds with a booster and an extraction rate of 650 m³/h. Check the filter setup and noise figures for the mode you plan to use.
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Worth considering for a 90 cm angled wall-mounted installation, in ducted or recirculation mode depending on what’s possible in your kitchen. The title lists 620 m³/h, four speeds and a five-layer aluminium filter. For recirculation, confirm the reference and inclusion of the compatible charcoal filter.
No. UFC-Que Choisir says a ducted cooker hood must have its own dedicated duct and advises against these connections because of the risks involved. Before choosing this mode, get advice on whether a separate route to the outside is possible.
Choose a cooker hood that’s compatible with recirculation and check which charcoal filter is designed for its exact reference. Some models may also need an installation kit. Rather than being expelled outside, the filtered air is returned to the kitchen.
First, ask your landlord for permission to have the proposed hole drilled and check any restrictions that apply to the building. UFC-Que Choisir recommends getting approval in advance. Don’t base your choice of a ducted cooker hood on an outlet that still needs to be installed.
Check the building’s rules, discuss the specific project with the property manager and contact your local council’s planning department before starting work. The requirements depend, among other things, on the façade and the type of work involved. Having access to an exterior wall doesn’t necessarily mean drilling is permitted.
No. It still needs an airflow route suited to ducted or recirculation mode. As UFC-Que Choisir points out, it also requires a suitable cabinet and a specific worktop cut-out. Check which components are needed for recirculation with your chosen model.