Start by choosing the option your home can accommodate. A ducted cooker hood needs a usable outlet to the outside, while recirculation requires a compatible model and filters that need maintaining. If you’re replacing your hob too, an extractor hob may suit your kitchen layout, but make sure you check the installation requirements, space in the cupboard and access to the filters. According to UFC-Que Choisir, the installation method affects performance, noise and running costs.
If you’re unsure about the duct or whether you can create an opening, look at cooker hoods that can be used in recirculation mode. For each model, check which kit you need, the filter reference and the maintenance requirements before choosing a style or finish.
A ducted cooker hood may be suitable if the duct leads to an appropriate outlet outside and any necessary work can be carried out. UFC-Que Choisir advises against connecting a cooker hood to a mechanical ventilation system (VMC) or chimney. So, having a duct in the kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean this option is suitable.
If you’re replacing your hob too and would rather not have a cooker hood above the cooking zones, consider an induction hob with an integrated extractor. Your choice will also depend on the base unit, how the air circulates and whether the filters are easy to access.
First, find out which air outlet is actually possible, then compare appliances in the mode you’ll use at home.
Consider it: if there’s a suitable outlet to the outside, or you can confirm one can be created in your home.
Things to consider: check the duct route and whether any building work will be needed before you buy.
Consider it: if ducting to the outside isn’t an option for your project.
Things to consider: the model must support recirculation and you’ll need the right accessories, as well as regular filter maintenance.
Consider it: if your renovation includes a new hob and your kitchen layout makes a hood above the cooking zones unsuitable.
Things to consider: the integrated extractor also takes up space in the base unit, and you’ll need access for maintenance.
| Priority | What to check | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Installation method | Confirm the outlet to the outside and the duct route. For recirculation, check that the model is compatible, which kit is required and which filters it uses. | I want to choose an option that will work in my home, without relying on drilling or a duct that hasn’t yet been confirmed. |
| Extraction and odours | Compare results for the mode you plan to use. UFC-Que Choisir’s test measures airflow with a charcoal filter in recirculation mode and without one in ducted mode. | The stated airflow rate isn’t enough for me. I want to know the conditions in which the hood operates and how to maintain its filters. |
| Noise | Compare noise levels using similar settings and modes. Consider the planned installation rather than focusing only on the headline figure. | Noise matters to me in an open-plan kitchen, but the model must first be compatible with the installation method available. |
| Dimensions | Measure the space, hob and available height. For an extractor hob, also check how much room it needs in the base unit. | I need to make sure the appliance will fit in my renovated kitchen and that I can access its filters afterwards. |
| Maintenance | Find out which filters are compatible and how often the manufacturer recommends replacing them. Check how to clean the grease filter. | If I choose recirculation, I want to plan for replacements and find filters that match the exact model. |
An outlet to the outside that seems possible may not actually be usable. According to ANIL, work affecting the communal areas or structure of a leasehold property requires approval from the owners’ general meeting.
Check the duct route and speak to everyone involved in the work before choosing a ducted cooker hood. In the meantime, compare models that can be set up for recirculation.
Elica states that not all of its cooker hoods can be converted from one mode to another. Bosch says that a specific kit is needed to install some of its models for recirculation.
Check the instructions for the exact model, the accessories and compatible filter required, and what’s included with the appliance.
If you need to buy a kit or filters separately, there are extra steps to take before you can use the hood.
In recirculation mode, maintenance depends on the filter you choose. Bosch recommends different replacement intervals for its standard filters and CleanAir module. Elica recommends replacing its CFC0141563 filter every three to four months; it’s only compatible with certain models.
Check which filter is compatible and follow its instructions to plan replacements. Don’t assume your cooker hood needs the same replacement interval as a different filter.
A measurement taken in ducted mode won’t necessarily reflect performance in recirculation mode. UFC-Que Choisir’s test protocol, for example, uses different airflow measurements depending on whether a charcoal filter is fitted.
Compare data for the installation method you’ll use, then check the dimensions, access to the filters and, for ducted extraction, the route of the duct.
These brands provide information about different configurations. Compare the instructions and accessories for the exact model rather than assuming a feature applies to the whole range.
Bosch offers cooker hoods for a range of kitchen layouts and explains how to set them up for ducted extraction or recirculation.
Elica offers cooker hoods and integrated extraction solutions, with information on operating modes and accessories.
Novy offers cooker hoods with and without ducted extraction for a range of kitchen layouts.
These wall-mounted and built-in models are listed with recirculation mode for kitchens where ducting to the outside is uncertain. Some can also be used for ducted extraction, but only if your home allows it. This selection doesn’t include extractor hobs.
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Designed for wall mounting, this model is listed with recirculation and ducted extraction modes. The product description mentions two included CBCF055 charcoal filters, three speeds and a removable grease filter that’s described as dishwasher-safe. Check the space above your hob and the filter replacement requirements. Only consider ducted extraction once you’ve confirmed there’s a suitable outlet to the outside.
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This under-cabinet design may be worth considering when headroom is limited; its listed profile is 85 mm. The product description includes recirculation and ducted extraction modes and identifies the charcoal filter as CBCF009. Measure the cabinet and check which filter is compatible, along with its replacement requirements.
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This black wall-mounted cooker hood is listed with an adjustable height and recirculation and ducted extraction modes. The CBCF002X2 charcoal filter is named for recirculation: check whether it’s included, then check how often it needs replacing. Also make sure there’s enough room above your hob and confirm the outlet to the outside before using it for ducted extraction.
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This built-in cooker hood is listed for recirculation or ducted extraction, with dimensions of 520 × 280 × 130 mm. The CBCF005 charcoal filter is listed as sold separately, so check its availability and replacement interval. Make sure it fits your cabinet and confirm the airflow figures for this variant before using them to compare models.
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This T-shaped wall-mounted model is listed with recirculation and ducted extraction modes, gesture and touch controls, and a washable metal filter. For recirculation, confirm the reference of the filter or kit required and check what’s included with the hood. Measure the space and only connect it to a duct once you’ve confirmed where the duct leads.
No. UFC-Que Choisir advises against these connections because of the risks associated with the duct. If there’s already a duct in place, make sure it’s intended for cooker hood extraction before choosing this option.
Check which parts of the building will be affected by the work and speak to the property manager before ordering a ducted cooker hood. According to ANIL, approval from the owners’ general meeting is required if the work affects communal areas or the structure of the building. The specific project must therefore be assessed in line with the building’s leasehold arrangements.
Follow the instructions for the filter compatible with your cooker hood: there’s no single replacement interval for all models. Bosch recommends replacing its standard filters every six months and its CleanAir module every twelve months; Elica recommends every three to four months for the CFC0141563. These guidelines don’t automatically apply to other filter references.
Not necessarily. Check the instructions, the kit required, the charcoal filter reference and what’s included with your chosen model. Bosch says a specific kit is needed for some recirculation installations, while Elica states that not all of its cooker hoods can be converted.
Discuss the project with your landlord and check your tenancy agreement and the nature of the work before choosing an outlet to the outside. Until you’ve confirmed that this is possible and checked the duct route, compare options that support recirculation rather than assuming you’ll be able to drill through a wall.