Without an external duct, choose a model that supports recirculation, then check which odour filter and kit you’ll need. A wall-mounted hood lets you keep your hob; an integrated option depends on the dimensions of your wall unit, while a downdraft hob means replacing your hob and making sure there’s enough space beneath the worktop. Whatever you choose, check the measurements and installation clearances against the instructions for your chosen model.
If cooking smells can easily spread into your living space, look at how well the hood filters air in recirculation mode and how its odour filter is maintained. The stated extraction rate for external venting won’t answer this on its own: UFC-Que Choisir assesses the two modes separately in its tests.
An integrated cooker hood or built-in extractor can fit inside a wall unit, provided its internal dimensions, filter access and clearance above the hob match the instructions for your chosen model.
A downdraft hob means you don’t need to install a hood above the hob. It also affects your worktop and base unit, so check the cut-out, available depth and how much space will be left for drawers.
First decide where you want extraction and check that the model is compatible with recirculation. Then look at the filters, noise levels and space needed for installation.
Worth considering: if you’re keeping your hob and have a wall above it.
Bear in mind: the hood will be visible, and filtered air will be returned to the kitchen.
Worth considering: if you have a suitable wall unit that can house the hood without replacing the hob.
Bear in mind: the unit must leave enough room for installation and access to the filters.
Worth considering: if you’re replacing your hob and want to keep the space above the worktop clear.
Bear in mind: the worktop cut-out and space taken up beneath the hob may affect your drawer layout.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Odours in recirculation mode | Check that the hood has a recirculation mode and find out the reference for its odour filter. For a fair comparison, look for tests carried out with this filter in the mode you’ll use. | In an open-plan kitchen where you cook regularly, reducing the spread of cooking smells may matter more than the hood’s appearance. Around 36% of consumers rank odour reduction as their top priority. |
| Fitting with your kitchen units | Measure your unit and hob, then check the instructions for any cut-out requirements, depth and relevant installation clearances. | If you need to keep your wall unit or worktop, the key question is whether the appliance will fit without making installation difficult. This is the main consideration for around 29% of consumers. |
| Filter maintenance | Find out which filter is compatible, how to maintain it and how often it needs attention for your usage. | If you expect to cook often, easy access to the filters and planning for replacements can make a difference to everyday use. Around 21% of consumers prioritise filter maintenance. |
| Noise and available space | Compare noise levels at the speeds you’ll use and check how much space the hood takes up above or below the hob. | In a compact kitchen, noise while cooking or the space left for storage may help you decide which type to choose. This is the top priority for around 14% of consumers. |
Depending on the model, using a hood without a duct may require a carbon filter or a specific kit. The word “convertible” doesn’t necessarily tell you which parts are supplied with the appliance.
Note the hood’s exact model reference, then check its documentation to see which accessories are required and whether they’re compatible.
Compatible kits and filters may mean extra purchases and ongoing maintenance.
Performance with air vented outside won’t necessarily reflect how the hood performs with a carbon filter. UFC-Que Choisir measures extraction rates in both modes in its cooker hood tests.
Where comparable results are available, check the figures for recirculation mode and compare them with noise levels at the speeds you’ll use.
An integrated cooker hood must fit inside the wall unit, while a downdraft hob needs a worktop cut-out and room underneath. The required clearance above the hob varies depending on the appliance and hob type.
Measure the available space and check the installation instructions for the exact model before you order.
If the measurements don’t match, you may need to alter the unit, worktop or drawers.
Planning to vent air outside is a separate decision from choosing a recirculating hood. In a block of flats in France, ANIL explains that work affecting communal areas or the building’s exterior requires approval from the general meeting of co-owners.
If your plans change, check the building’s regulations, your tenancy agreement if you rent, and any other rules that apply to the property before starting work.
Bosch provides information on cooker hoods, recirculation kits and filters that you can look up by model reference.
The Hidden 2.0 and NikolaTesla Fit ranges show two different options: a hood integrated into a wall unit and extraction built into the hob.
Electrolux’s OdourClean Plus filter may appeal if how often you need to maintain a carbon filter is an important factor in your choice.
These three wall-mounted cooker hoods are suited to projects where you’re keeping your hob and plan to use recirculation mode. They vary in width and controls, so check the installation requirements and suitable filters for each model to make sure it’s right for your kitchen.
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A 60 cm wall-mounted hood that lets you keep your existing hob. This model is described as convertible for ductless use. Before installing it in recirculation mode, check the instructions for the required configuration and filters, as well as the clearance needed above your hob.
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If you’re looking for a 60 cm wall-mounted hood with an angled front and touch controls, this model is listed as offering both extraction and recirculation modes. Check the installation clearance required for your hob and the reference of compatible carbon filters for maintenance.
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This 90 cm wall-mounted model is for anyone with enough space above their hob who’d like connected controls. Check the instructions for the required clearances and maintenance of compatible filters. It’s also worth confirming the speed settings and booster mode for this specific model.
In recirculation mode, a grease filter traps grease, while an odour filter, usually made with activated carbon, treats cooking smells before air is returned to the kitchen. Check which filter reference your hood requires: some models also need a recirculation kit.
It depends on the compatible filter and how often you use it. Bosch gives an approximate lifespan of 6 months for some filters and 6 to 12 months for its Clean Air Standard filter; Electrolux gives 2 to 3 years for its washable OdourClean Plus filter. Follow the instructions for the filter and cooker hood that match your model reference.
Follow the clearance specified for your cooker hood and type of hob. As examples for the relevant appliances, Bosch specifies 650 mm above gas and 550 mm above an electric hob, while Elica gives a clearance of 65 cm above gas and 50 cm above a radiant or induction hob for the Hidden 2.0. Don’t apply these measurements to a different model.
Before choosing an appliance, you’ll need to consider the route for the duct and the work involved. In France, ANIL explains that work in a block of flats affecting communal areas or the exterior requires approval from the general meeting of co-owners. Also check the building’s regulations, your tenancy agreement if you rent, and the rules that apply to your property.