Kitchens with an island, peninsula or window
An extractor hob keeps the space above the cooking zones clear. Before settling on this layout, check that the base unit, airflow route and power supply are suitable for your chosen model.
Which setup is right for you?
Your choice depends as much on the space around your cooking area as on whether you can install an extractor.
Renovations without a separate external duct
Recirculation can save you from having to install an external outlet. However, you’ll need to allow access to the filters and maintain separate ventilation for your home, as Qualitel explains.
Kitchens where the drawers beneath the hob matter
Compare the space needed beneath an extractor hob with that required for a standard hob paired with a cooker hood integrated into a wall unit. The second option leaves the base unit free for storage, but still places an appliance above the cooking area.
What should you check before choosing?
Start by measuring the units and checking the possible airflow route. Then compare maintenance requirements and extraction figures for the mode you plan to use.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting | Compare the worktop cut-out, clearance beneath the worktop and space left for the top drawer with the diagram for the exact model. Elica specifies a 56 × 49 cm cut-out for NikolaTesla Fit; Electrolux specifies 750–780 × 490 mm and a recess height of 225 mm for KCC8344. | I want to keep my drawers or avoid altering the worktop, so the visible dimensions of the hob alone aren’t enough to decide. |
| Airflow route | Check the intended operating mode, duct route and type of existing duct. In France, the decree of 24 March 1982 published by Légifrance prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device to a communal air outlet system. | If I can’t install a separate external outlet, I need to consider recirculation and its filters, while remembering that cooking extraction is not a substitute for ventilation in my home. |
| Noise and airflow | Check the airflow rate and noise level alongside the operating mode and speed. For example, Bosch specifies a maximum extraction rate of 500 m³/h in ducted mode and a maximum noise level of 69 dB for the PVS611B16E; these figures don’t apply to every installation. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to compare figures measured under similar conditions, rather than an airflow rate for one mode with a noise level measured in another. |
| Maintenance | Check access to the grease filter and, in recirculation mode, the instructions for the odour filter. Electrolux says the OdourClean Plus filter for the KCC8344 is washable and reusable. | I’d rather know what maintenance is involved before choosing recirculation, especially if the filters will be difficult to reach in my kitchen layout. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Relying only on the visible width of the hob
Two extractor hobs of a similar width may need different worktop cut-outs and different amounts of space beneath the worktop. The top drawer or a duct could also get in the way.
Before ordering, compare the installation diagram for your chosen model with the dimensions of the unit, worktop and drawers.
Depending on your layout, the project may require you to modify a drawer, alter the unit or add duct connectors.
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Planning to connect to a communal duct
In France, the decree of 24 March 1982 published by Légifrance prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device to a communal air outlet system. A duct in your kitchen can’t necessarily be used for a motorised cooker hood.
Ask a professional to identify the existing system, then consider a separate route or recirculation depending on your home.
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Assuming recirculation requires no maintenance
Cooking air passes through filters that need maintaining according to the specific model. Recirculation also doesn’t remove the need for general ventilation in your home.
Check the instructions to find out how to access the grease filters and clean or replace the compatible odour filter.
You’ll still need to clean the filters and, depending on the model, replace them during use.
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Comparing m³/h or dB figures without checking the mode
A maximum figure for ducted extraction and a figure measured at a different speed or in recirculation mode don’t describe the same operating conditions.
Compare specifications for the same mode and speed, then have the duct route checked if you choose extraction.
A guide to some of the brands
These models illustrate different installation requirements. The dimensions and features mentioned apply to the specific models named, not every product from each brand.
Elica
Elica says its NikolaTesla Fit extractor hob is also suitable for 60 cm units.
- Elica specifies a height of 19.4 cm and a cut-out of 56 × 49 cm for NikolaTesla Fit.
- Check the installation diagram for your chosen version to see how much space will be left for drawers and the airflow route.
Electrolux
Electrolux’s ComboFlex KCC8344 extractor hob can be installed in recirculation or ducted mode.
- Electrolux specifies a cut-out of 750–780 × 490 mm and a recess height of 225 mm.
- Before choosing this model, check these dimensions against your worktop and the available space in the base unit.
Bosch
Bosch offers the PVS611B16E extractor hob and the DUL63CC50 under-cabinet cooker hood, which are two different layouts to consider separately.
- Bosch specifies dimensions of 223 × 592 × 522 mm for the PVS611B16E; the DUL63CC50 can be used in recirculation or ducted mode.
- For ducted extraction, check the connectors required for your chosen model. Bosch notes that its HEZ9VDKE1 kit may need additional components depending on the installation.
Siemens
The Siemens inductionAir ED711HQ26E combines cooking and extraction in a built-in hob.
- Siemens specifies dimensions of 223 × 710 × 522 mm for this model.
- Check the installation diagram to confirm the space required beneath the hob and the connection needed for your chosen operating mode.
A discreet cooker hood option on Joybuy
The telescopic cooker hood below is an option for kitchens where a wall unit above the hob is acceptable and you want to preserve the base unit. It won’t keep the space above the cooking area completely clear while in use.
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Ciarra 60 cm under-cabinet telescopic cooker hood, silver
This under-cabinet cooker hood is worth considering if you’re happy to have an appliance above the hob to keep the storage space beneath the worktop. Check the fitting dimensions for your wall unit and the intended connection method before choosing it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you connect a motorised extractor hob to a communal air outlet in a block of flats?
No, not in a home in France. The decree of 24 March 1982 published by Légifrance prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device to a communal air outlet system, whether mechanical or natural-draught. Have the duct identified before planning a ducted installation.
Does recirculation replace kitchen ventilation?
No. In recirculation mode, cooking air is filtered and returned to the kitchen, as Electrolux explains; home ventilation is a separate system. Qualitel notes that it helps to renew the air and remove moisture.
What should you measure before ordering an extractor hob?
Measure the usable worktop dimensions, space in the base unit, drawer positions and possible airflow route, then compare these with the diagram for the exact model. For example, Elica specifies a cut-out of 56 × 49 cm for NikolaTesla Fit, compared with 750–780 × 490 mm for the Electrolux KCC8344.
Which filters need maintaining on an extractor hob in recirculation mode?
Check the grease filters and odour filter specified for your model, following its instructions. Electrolux says the OdourClean Plus filter for the KCC8344 is washable and reusable; don’t assume the same procedure applies to other models.