Who is each option for?

Anyone renovating a kitchen with limited space in the base unit

If you’re replacing a standard hob or want to keep your drawers, compare the cut-out, cabinet depth and the space taken up beneath the worktop by the extractor and its ducting.

Homes without a suitable outlet to the outside

If ducting to the outside isn’t an option, look into recirculation and check how much room it needs, as well as how to maintain the compatible filters. A shared ventilation outlet is not a duct for a motorised cooker hood.

Anyone looking to clear the space above the worktop

An extractor hob and a separate worktop extractor both do away with the need for a ceiling-mounted cooker hood. Compare how much space they take up beneath the worktop and whether you can replace each appliance separately.

What should you check before choosing?

First, check whether the cabinet can accommodate the installation and which ventilation mode is possible in your home. Then you can compare the maintenance involved and the benefits of keeping the two appliances separate.

Factor What to check Consumers concerned
Cabinet and cut-out Compare the model’s installation diagram with the existing cut-out, cabinet depth and drawer positions. If I’m replacing a standard hob without removing my drawers, I need to know whether the extractor unit will actually fit in the cabinet. Around 36% of consumers concerned would put this compatibility at the top of their list.
Ventilation mode Identify the existing air outlet and check whether a separate duct to the outside can be used or installed in your home. Before choosing ducted extraction, I want to be sure the route is feasible without using the shared ventilation outlet. Around 29% of consumers concerned would prioritise this.
Recirculation filters Note the compatible filter reference, its stated service life and the instructions for replacing or regenerating it. Without ducting to the outside, I want to be able to maintain the filters and replace them when needed. Around 21% of consumers concerned would prioritise filter maintenance.
Separate appliances Compare the space needed for a separate cooker hood and whether you can replace the hob and ventilation independently. If my kitchen layout changes, I’d prefer to replace the hob without having to replace the extractor too. Around 14% of consumers concerned would put this flexibility first.

What should you watch out for during a renovation?

  • Judging by the visible width of the hob alone

    The extractor unit takes up space beneath the worktop, and cut-out dimensions vary between models. So a hob that covers the existing opening won’t necessarily fit in the cabinet.

    Before altering the worktop, compare the installation diagram for your chosen model with the cabinet, drawers and planned route for the ducting or recirculation system.

    Depending on the layout, you may need to adapt the cabinet or give up some drawer space.

  • Planning to connect to the shared ventilation outlet

    In France, Article 14 of the Order of 24 March 1982, published on Légifrance, prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device, such as a motorised cooker hood, to a shared air outlet system.

    Have the existing ventilation identified before planning ducted extraction. If there’s no permitted outlet to the outside, look into recirculation and its installation requirements.

  • Choosing recirculation without identifying the filters

    Standard and regenerable filters have different maintenance instructions, and compatibility depends on the appliance. The word ‘regenerable’ alone doesn’t mean a filter is suitable for your chosen hob.

    Find the filter reference specified in the manual, then check its pack size, recommended service life and maintenance method.

  • Assuming an external wall opening is a simple indoor job

    According to ANIL, work affecting the communal areas, structure or external appearance of a building in a co-owned property requires approval from the general meeting of co-owners.

    Check the nature of the work and the co-ownership rules, then contact the property manager before settling on a duct route that requires approval.

    Applying for approval may affect your renovation schedule.

Brands to consider, model by model

Elica

Worth considering if you’re comparing filter maintenance options for a recirculation installation.

  • Elica recommends replacing some standard filters after 3 to 6 months, and gives a two-year service life for regenerable reference CFC0162221.
  • Service life and whether a filter can be regenerated depend on the reference. Check which filter is specified for your chosen hob.

AEG

The TH84CB03FZ lets you explore both installation modes, ducted extraction and recirculation, on an extractor hob listed as 80 cm wide.

  • AEG lists four cooking zones and both installation modes for this model.
  • Whether either mode is suitable depends on your home. Check the installation dimensions and accessories in the model guide too.

Electrolux

The KCC8344 has precise dimensions you can check against your cabinet before making any changes.

  • Electrolux lists a cut-out size of 225 × 750–780 × 490 mm for the KCC8344, with ducted extraction or recirculation installation options.
  • These dimensions apply to this model only. Check the air route and the space left in the cabinet too.

Bosch

Bosch’s guidance can be a useful reference when checking maintenance requirements for a charcoal filter compatible with your chosen appliance.

  • Bosch generally recommends replacing its charcoal filter once or twice a year, depending on use.
  • This guidance doesn’t set the maintenance frequency for other brands’ filters. Follow the instructions for your chosen reference.

Related products on Joybuy

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can I connect an extractor hob to the building’s shared ventilation outlet?

No, if the hob has a motorised extractor. In France, Article 14 of the Order of 24 March 1982, published on Légifrance, prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device to a shared air outlet system, whether mechanical or natural-draught. Have the existing system identified before choosing ducted extraction.

Does recirculation replace the home’s general ventilation?

No. An extractor hob in recirculation mode filters cooking air before releasing it back into the room. It doesn’t provide the air renewal function performed by your home’s general ventilation system.

When should I replace the filters in recirculation mode?

It depends on the reference and how often you use it. Bosch generally recommends replacing its charcoal filters once or twice a year, while Elica gives a service life of 3 to 6 months for some standard filters. Check the instructions for your hob and compatible filter.

Do I need co-ownership approval to install ducting to the outside?

Yes, if the work affects the building’s communal areas, structure or external appearance. According to ANIL, it then requires approval from the general meeting of co-owners. This doesn’t automatically apply to work carried out entirely within a privately owned property. Check the proposed route and co-ownership rules before starting the project.