Renovating a kitchen island or open-plan kitchen
You want to avoid having a hood suspended above the hob, and you can still adapt the worktop and base unit. Check the dimensions for fitting and plan the airflow route before finalising the layout.
Who is this solution for?
Wanting to clear the space above your hob isn’t the only thing to consider: the space beneath the worktop and the airflow route matter too.
Making the most of a small base unit
Drawers, the cabinet back or the plinth may limit the available space. To see what will still be usable, compare the model’s installation plan with the actual dimensions of the unit, not just the visible width of the hob.
Homes without a usable external outlet
Recirculation can avoid the need to install an external duct while doing away with an overhead hood. You’ll still need to check which kit is designed for your model, how air exits the unit and how to maintain the filters.
What should you decide before ordering?
First decide where the extraction will take place and how the air will circulate. Then check that the model and its accessories will fit in the unit and suit your electrical installation.
Hob with integrated extractor in ducted mode
Consider this if: a duct can lead outdoors without connecting to the home’s shared ventilation system.
Consideration: the duct and its accessories need to be factored into the base-unit layout.
Hob with integrated extractor in recirculation mode
Consider this if: an external outlet isn’t usable and the model accepts a suitable recirculation kit.
Consideration: filtered air returns to the room, and the filters need regular maintenance.
Separate hob and overhead hood
Consider this if: the base unit can’t accommodate an integrated extractor and you’re happy to have a hood above the hob.
Consideration: this setup won’t clear the space above the hob.
Separate worktop extractor and hob
Consider this if: you want to avoid an overhead hood while choosing your hob and extractor separately.
Consideration: an extractor behind the hob still needs space, a cut-out and an airflow route.
| Priority | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Space beneath the worktop | Compare the cut-out, fitting height and position of the air outlet with the drawers, cabinet and plinth. Use the measurements for the exact model you’ve chosen. | I want to keep my storage space and avoid a hob that fits the width but blocks the drawers once installed. |
| Airflow route | Confirm which mode the model supports, the duct route or recirculated air outlet, and which accessories are compatible. UFC-Que Choisir’s tests show that results vary depending on the installation mode. | If there’s no usable external outlet, I’ll need to plan for recirculation. If an external outlet is an option, I want to know the actual duct route before choosing. |
| Filters | Check the filter and kit references, then consult the manual for maintenance instructions. For its Basic system, BORA recommends replacing the activated-carbon filter after around 150 hours of use or one year. | If I choose recirculation, I want to be able to maintain the filters specified for my appliance. |
| Noise and extraction | Compare figures measured in the same installation mode and at a similar setting. Airflow rate or noise level on its own doesn’t tell you how well the extractor will perform day to day. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen, but I don’t want to compare a ducted-mode figure with one for recirculation. |
| Electrical connection | Check the model’s power requirements and wiring diagram against your existing installation. Promotelec states that a hob must be connected to a dedicated circuit. | Before finalising the unit, I want to have the planned power supply checked to make sure it’s suitable for the hob I’ve chosen. |
What should you watch out for?
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Looking only at the visible width
The part beneath the worktop may clash with drawers or obstruct airflow. For this particular model, for example, AEG specifies a fitting height of 225 mm for the TT64CB00CB.
Ask for the cut-out plan and full installation diagram before approving the cabinet layout.
Depending on the layout, you may need to modify the unit or give up some drawers.
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Assuming recirculation means no maintenance
Recirculation uses odour filters and may require a kit specific to the model. Bosch states that its kits for first-time recirculation installations aren’t universal.
Before buying, check the kit reference and the instructions for replacing or cleaning the filters.
Allow for the recirculation accessories and replacement filters specified for your chosen system.
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Planning to connect to a shared ventilation system
In France, the Order of 24 March 1982 on the ventilation of homes prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device, such as a cooker hood fitted with a fan, to a shared air outlet system, whether mechanical or relying on natural draught.
Have a separate duct route assessed before settling on this setup. If you live in a shared-ownership property, check the building regulations too to find out whether the planned work requires approval, as ANIL advises.
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Comparing figures measured in different modes
UFC-Que Choisir tests ducted and recirculation modes separately where both installations are possible: grease absorption can vary significantly between the two.
When comparing appliances, start with the mode you’ll actually use in your kitchen and check the conditions behind the noise and extraction figures.
Which brands should you consider?
These examples highlight points to check for specific ranges or models; they don’t apply to every appliance from each brand.
AEG
The TT64CB00CB is an example of a 60 cm hob with an integrated extractor that AEG specifies for ducted or recirculation installation.
- For this model, AEG gives fitting dimensions of 225 × 560 × 490 mm.
- Check its fitting height, quoted intensive-mode noise level of 69 dB and maximum stated power of 7 350 W against your unit and electrical installation.
BORA
BORA distinguishes between installations that vent air outdoors and those that filter it before returning it to the room.
- This distinction helps you plan the airflow route when designing your kitchen.
- For its Basic system, BORA recommends replacing the activated-carbon filter after around 150 hours of operation or one year.
Bosch
Bosch offers installation accessories whose compatibility should be checked against your appliance’s model reference.
- The brand describes, for example, a ducting kit for certain extractor hobs in kitchens where the worktop is at least 60 cm deep.
- Bosch states that its kits for first-time recirculation installations aren’t universal; a ducted setup may also require additional duct components.
Elica
For the NikolaTesla Evo collection, Elica offers configurations that extract air outdoors or filter it, either through ducting or directly.
- These configurations let you consider different possible airflow routes.
- The kit, dimensions and instructions must match the exact model and installation mode you choose.
Siemens
The ED711HQ26E is an example of a hob with an integrated extractor for which Siemens publishes dimensions and model-specific performance figures.
- For this model, Siemens gives dimensions of 223 × 710 × 522 mm and a maximum ducted airflow rate of 500 m³/h.
- Its stated maximum noise level of 69 dB shouldn’t be compared with other figures without checking the mode and measurement conditions.
Hobs with integrated extractors available on Joybuy
These two hobs combine induction cooking with an integrated extractor for a kitchen without an overhead hood. Before choosing one, check its instructions for the installation mode, accessories and space needed beneath the worktop.
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Ciarra ONE CBBEH594BBFF, 59 cm, Plasma⁺
This induction hob with an integrated extractor is designed for kitchens without an overhead hood. Its product name specifies a 59 cm hob with four Boost Flex cooking zones. Check the extraction mode, airflow route and clearance beneath the worktop in the manual. Also check the purpose of the CBEHKIT installation kit for your planned setup and make sure the electrical connection is suitable.
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AEG CCE84543CB, 80 cm hob with integrated extractor
This model combines an 80 cm induction hob with an integrated extractor, so you can cook without an overhead hood. Before planning the unit, check its fitting dimensions, the space required beneath the worktop and the extraction modes allowed in the manual. Also have the planned electrical connection checked for this model.
Frequently asked questions
Can a hob with an integrated extractor be connected to a block’s shared ventilation system?
No, not if this would connect an individual mechanical device to the shared air outlet system. In France, the Order of 24 March 1982 on the ventilation of homes prohibits this connection, whether the shared outlet is mechanical or relies on natural draught. Have an alternative route checked before choosing ducted extraction.
Does recirculation require a kit or special filters?
Yes, the required components depend on the model. UFC-Que Choisir notes that recirculation requires an odour filter or a specific kit, and Bosch states that its first-time installation kits aren’t universal. Check the manual and the list of accessories compatible with your chosen hob.
When should an activated-carbon filter be replaced?
Follow the replacement interval specified for your system. For its Basic system, BORA recommends replacing the filter after around 150 hours of operation or one year; this interval doesn’t automatically apply to other models.
What should you check when connecting a hob with an integrated extractor?
Check the wiring diagram and power requirements for your chosen model against the existing circuit. For a hob, Promotelec specifies a dedicated circuit with a connection box, a 32 A socket for single-phase or a 20 A socket for three-phase; have the right setup for your installation checked.