Anyone renovating without a usable outside duct
If there’s no suitable outlet to the outside near your cooking area, consider a hob designed for recirculation. You’ll need to factor in the space required for filtration and filter maintenance.
In a kitchen without an overhead hood, first consider whether you can connect a duct to the outside and how much space is available beneath the worktop, before comparing cooking features. Ducted extraction requires a suitable route for the duct; recirculation avoids the need for one, but you’ll need to allow for filtration and filter maintenance. If an integrated extractor takes up too much cupboard space, also compare a hob with a separate worktop extractor.
If there’s no suitable outlet to the outside near your cooking area, consider a hob designed for recirculation. You’ll need to factor in the space required for filtration and filter maintenance.
An existing outlet means ducted extraction may be an option, provided a compatible duct can connect the hob to the outside. You’ll still need to check the route and how the duct will pass through the cupboard.
In a compact kitchen, measure the cupboard and top drawer before choosing an integrated extractor. Also compare the worktop cut-out and the cooking area of the model you’re considering.
In a kitchen without an overhead hood, start by considering the route the air can take. Then check how much space each option needs in relation to your cupboard and worktop.
Worth considering if: a suitable outside outlet and duct route are available.
Allow for: the duct, its accessories and the space needed to route it through the cupboard.
Worth considering if: your project doesn’t include a usable outside outlet and the model supports this configuration.
Allow for: a place for the air to flow back into the room and maintenance of the odour filters.
Worth comparing if: an integrated extractor takes up too much space beneath the hob, or your project allows for a separate worktop extractor.
Allow for: the space and installation required for the separate extractor.
| Criterion | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Extraction mode | Check whether there’s a usable outside outlet, then confirm which mode and kit are approved for the model you’ve chosen. | If there’s no usable outside outlet, I want a configuration that doesn’t need a duct; around 42% of consumers would prioritise the choice of extraction mode. |
| Dimensions and storage | Compare the cut-out, clearance beneath the worktop and cooking zones with your cupboard and cookware. | If I want to keep my top drawer without reducing the cooking area I need, almost 33% of consumers would prioritise these space considerations. |
| Filters and a separate solution | Look into maintenance of the filter used for recirculation and the space needed for a separate worktop extractor. | I’d rather compare maintenance of an integrated extractor with the installation of a separate one; around 25% of consumers would put this decision first. |
Before ordering, also check the model’s electrical connection requirements. For hobs in France, Promotelec states that a dedicated circuit is required; check the model’s instructions alongside the existing installation.
A hob with ducted extraction must be connected to the outside by a compatible duct. The presence of a window or vent isn’t enough to confirm that the route is feasible.
Before finalising the cupboard, have the duct route, building constraints and accessories required for the model checked.
An integrated extractor takes up space beneath the worktop. The appliance height, cut-out and airflow route can all affect the drawers and cupboard.
Before building or modifying anything, compare the dimensioned drawing in the instructions with the measurements of the cupboard, worktop and top drawer.
With recirculation, filtered air is returned to the room. Depending on the model, the odour filter needs to be cleaned or replaced as instructed.
Find out which filter is compatible and how to maintain it before choosing your hob.
In its testing protocol, Que Choisir distinguishes between measurements taken in recirculation mode with a carbon filter and those taken in ducted mode without one. The results don’t necessarily relate to the same configuration.
When comparing airflow, noise or grease absorption, use figures published for the same installation mode and check the testing conditions.
The NikolaTesla range includes extractor hobs in different formats and configurations, depending on the model.
BORA offers worktop extraction systems for both ducted extraction and recirculation.
Bosch offers hobs with integrated ventilation, as well as dedicated installation accessories.
The inductionAir range includes extractor hobs in different widths.
Electrolux offers, among other models, ComboFlex extractor hobs and models that use carbon filters.
This hob combines induction cooking with an integrated extractor for a kitchen without an overhead hood. Before deciding between ducted extraction and recirculation, check the extraction mode and any accessories you’ll need.
Image unavailable
Worth considering if you’d like to integrate the extractor into the hob rather than install an overhead hood.
The product name indicates four cooking zones, including Flex zones with a Boost function. Compare the cut-out and under-worktop clearance with the dimensions of your cupboard.
The listing states that the CBEHKIT installation kit must be purchased separately. Before buying, check the instructions to confirm the extraction mode, filters and electrical connection suited to your project.
No. Ducted extraction needs a duct leading outside. If this connection isn’t possible, look for a model designed for recirculation and check which kit and filters it requires.
Promotelec states that a hob must be connected to a dedicated circuit. Ask a qualified professional to compare the model’s power requirements and wiring diagram in the instructions with your existing installation, particularly if you’re renovating your kitchen.
Yes. The odour filter in a recirculating configuration needs to be maintained according to the model. Electrolux recommends periodic replacement for the filters concerned; check your hob’s instructions to find out which filter and maintenance method apply.
Not necessarily. The stated width doesn’t confirm the cut-out dimensions or the space needed beneath the worktop. Que Choisir advises checking the dimensions when replacing a hob; compare the model’s dimensioned drawing with the existing cut-out, cupboard and drawers.