Kitchens without a usable external outlet
If there’s no dedicated external duct you can use, look for a cooker hood that’s explicitly designed for recirculation. Also check the charcoal filter reference and how it needs to be maintained.
Who are these options for?
Plans to install an external outlet
Before planning a duct or an outlet through an external wall, identify the duct and check the building’s requirements. In a block of flats, Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965, published by Légifrance, requires approval from the general meeting when work affects communal areas or the building’s external appearance.
Small kitchens and existing wall cabinets
An integrated cooker hood or built-in extractor can fit into a wall cabinet if its dimensions, cut-out measurements and required clearance above the hob are suitable. Measure the available space before choosing a model.
What should you check before choosing?
External extraction
Consider this if: a dedicated external outlet can be installed and is permitted, with an air supply suitable for your home.
What to bear in mind: check the duct, outlet and whether there’s a combustion appliance before installation. Electrolux warns that extraction without a compensating air inlet can affect how a wood-burning stove works.
Recirculation
Consider this if: a dedicated external outlet isn’t available and the cooker hood supports this mode.
What to bear in mind: the air is filtered for odours before being returned to the room. The charcoal filter needs to be maintained or replaced as specified in the instructions, as Elica points out.
Once you’ve established which mode is possible, compare the model’s specifications with your kitchen dimensions and the way you cook.
| Priority | What to check | My needs |
|---|---|---|
| Mode and duct | Confirm that the cooker hood supports the mode you plan to use. For extraction, identify a dedicated external outlet and air supply; for recirculation, check that the charcoal filter is compatible. The order of 24 March 1982 published by Légifrance prohibits connecting a mechanical cooker hood to a shared air outlet. | I need to know whether my kitchen can actually support extraction before choosing between the two modes. |
| Filtration and maintenance | Check the extraction rate for the mode you’ll use, and distinguish between maintenance for the grease filter and the charcoal filter. Electrolux recommends replacing its OdourClean Standard filter every 4 to 6 months; always follow the instructions for the filter you choose. | If the air is returned to the kitchen, I want to be able to maintain the filters that fit my cooker hood. |
| Noise while cooking | Compare noise levels at equivalent speeds and in equivalent modes. Electrolux publishes separate figures for extraction and recirculation for the LFG615X, so one figure won’t describe every configuration. | In an open-plan or shared kitchen, noise at the speed I’ll actually use matters more than a figure in isolation. |
| Space and installation | Measure the hob width, cabinet, available height and, if necessary, the duct route. Bosch recommends choosing a cooker hood at least as wide as the hob; use the minimum installation clearances stated in the instructions for your chosen model. | I’m looking for a cooker hood that fits in my cabinet or above my hob without compromising the required installation clearance. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Mistaking a shared air outlet for a cooker hood duct
In France, the order of 24 March 1982 published by Légifrance prohibits connecting a mechanical cooker hood to a shared air-extraction system, whether mechanical or natural-draught.
Have the existing duct identified before choosing an installation method. If there’s no suitable dedicated external outlet, consider models that support recirculation.
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Planning an outlet through an external wall without checking the building requirements
In a block of flats, work affecting communal areas or the building’s external appearance requires approval under Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965, published by Légifrance. Electrolux also warns that extraction without a compensating air inlet can affect how a wood-burning stove works.
Check the building’s regulations and any relevant permissions. If there’s a combustion appliance, have the air supply assessed.
Depending on the layout of your home, the project may require ducting, drilling and making good afterwards.
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Comparing extraction rates or noise levels without checking the mode
For the Electrolux LFG615X built-in extractor, the brand publishes different figures for extraction and recirculation.
Compare figures for the mode you’ve chosen, at similar speeds, on the specifications for the exact model variant.
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Ordering an integrated cooker hood before measuring
The width, cut-out measurements and minimum clearance above the hob determine whether a model will fit the cabinet you’ve planned for it. The instructions for the Electrolux LFG615X and Elica Elite 35 models, for example, give clearances that vary depending on the type of hob.
Measure the cabinet and hob, then compare your measurements with the template and instructions for the model you’ve chosen.
An unsuitable cabinet or duct route may need to be modified before installation.
Which branded models are useful benchmarks?
These models illustrate features worth comparing; their specifications don’t apply to every cooker hood from the same brand.
Bosch
The DBB65CC65 integrated model is a useful example of a 60 cm cooker hood that supports both extraction and recirculation.
- Bosch gives this model a maximum extraction rate of 582 m³/h in extraction mode.
- This figure doesn’t describe recirculation. For the clearance above the hob, follow the instructions for your chosen model rather than relying on a general brand guideline.
Electrolux
The 52 cm LFG615X built-in extractor is an example of an integrated cooker hood that supports both modes.
- Electrolux publishes separate extraction rate and noise figures for the LFG615X in extraction and recirculation modes.
- The 4 to 6-month replacement interval specified by Electrolux applies to its OdourClean Standard filter, not to all charcoal filters.
Elica
The integrated Elite 35 GRIX/A/90 PRF0139069 variant is a useful point of comparison for a 90 cm space.
- Elica gives this variant an extraction rate of 250 to 640 m³/h and a noise level of 46 to 63 dB(A).
- The Elite 35 page lists several variants. Keep the PRF0139069 code to ensure you’re comparing the right dimensions, instructions and specifications.
Cooker hoods available from Joybuy
This range includes wall-mounted, under-cabinet and telescopic designs for different kitchen layouts. Each supports extraction and recirculation; check the installation requirements and specifications for the mode you plan to use.
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Comfee TSHM77SS-60, 60 cm T-shaped cooker hood
Designed for a hob against a wall, this T-shaped cooker hood supports extraction and recirculation. Its product title gives an extraction rate of 650 m³/h but doesn’t specify the mode. Compare the figures for your chosen mode and check the installation clearances and compatible charcoal filter.
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Ciarra Slimline, 60 cm under-cabinet cooker hood
This design is intended for installation beneath a cabinet and supports both extraction and recirculation. Check the space available in your cabinet, the clearance above the hob and the noise figures for your chosen mode.
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Ciarra, 60 cm black glass wall-mounted cooker hood
Worth considering for a hob against a wall when you want the cooker hood to remain on show: the product title lists both operating modes. Check the available space, installation clearance, and extraction rate and noise figures for your chosen mode.
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Ciarra, 60 cm telescopic under-cabinet cooker hood
This telescopic design is suitable for an integrated under-cabinet installation, provided the measurements are right. It supports extraction and recirculation; the product title gives an extraction rate of 370 m³/h without specifying the mode. Check the instructions for cut-out dimensions and clearance above the hob.
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Comfee CH90J64ET4A2B2-EU, 90 cm angled cooker hood
At 90 cm wide, this model needs enough space above the hob, so check your measurements before choosing it. The product title lists extraction and recirculation, as well as 620 m³/h and 59 dB, without specifying the modes. Check the installation dimensions, figures for your set-up and compatible charcoal filter.
Frequently asked questions
Can you connect a cooker hood to the building’s shared mechanical ventilation system?
No. In France, the order of 24 March 1982 published by Légifrance prohibits connecting an individual mechanical cooker hood to a shared air-extraction system, whether mechanical or natural-draught. Have the duct identified before installation.
Do you need permission from the co-owners to install a cooker hood outlet through an external wall?
Yes, if the work affects communal areas or the building’s external appearance. Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965, published by Légifrance, requires approval from the general meeting in these cases. Also check the building’s regulations and ask your local town hall about any requirements for your project.
How much clearance should you leave between the cooker hood and hob?
Follow the instructions for your chosen cooker hood: the minimum clearance depends on the model and type of hob. Bosch gives general guidelines of 650 mm for gas and 550 mm for electric hobs, while Electrolux specifies 65 cm and 50 cm respectively for the LFG615X.
What do you need to maintain a recirculating cooker hood?
Check the reference of the compatible charcoal filter and follow its maintenance or replacement instructions. Electrolux recommends replacing its OdourClean Standard filter every 4 to 6 months, depending on use; this schedule doesn’t automatically apply to other filters.
Can you use an extraction cooker hood near a wood-burning stove?
If the stove relies on air from the room, have the installation assessed: an adequate air supply is essential. Electrolux warns that an extraction cooker hood without a compensating air inlet can affect how a wood-burning stove works.