People without a usable external duct
If you want to reduce smells and grease without creating a new extraction outlet, first check that the hood genuinely accepts a recirculation kit and an odour filter suitable for its reference.
Who is this solution suitable for?
Small and open-plan kitchens
Compare the stated noise level at the same operating setting, along with the installation arrangement and filter maintenance, rather than looking at style alone. UFC-Que Choisir reports that the installation method affects performance, noise levels and running costs.
Tenants and homeowners with an existing kitchen
An installation without external ducting avoids work on the façade. For alterations to a rented property, ANIL points out that the landlord’s written consent is required; in a leasehold development, work affecting communal areas or the building’s structure must be authorised.
Criteria to check before buying
Start by checking recirculation compatibility, then compare maintenance, noise and space requirements according to your kitchen.
| Priority | Points to check | My requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Recirculation compatibility | Explicit mention of recirculation mode; kit, deflector and odour filter designed for the exact reference; accessories available. | I want a cooker hood that can be used without external ducting, without having to assume that a filter or kit is included. |
| Odours and grease | Charcoal filter for odours; grease filters to maintain; results from tests carried out in recirculation mode, where available. | I want to reduce cooking smells while keeping the grease filters clean and working effectively. |
| Noise and installation | Stated noise level in recirculation mode and at the same speed; width suited to the hob; available unit or wall dimensions. | In an open-plan room, I want to know the noise level at the setting I will actually use, not just an isolated figure. |
| Filter maintenance | Consumable reference; recommended replacement frequency; regeneration procedure for a washable filter. | I would rather plan for filter replacements or maintenance than compare the hood itself alone. |
| Home ventilation | Existing air inlets and outlets retained; installation to be checked when a combustion appliance is present; installation plan compatible with the property. | I do not want a recirculating cooker hood to replace the permanent ventilation in my home. |
Mistakes to avoid
-
Buying a recirculation-compatible hood without checking the corresponding kit
For some models, the manufacturer requires a kit combining charcoal filters and an air diffuser. Without the compatible accessories, the configuration may be incomplete.
Note the hood’s exact reference, then check the manufacturer’s documentation for the kit, filter and any requirements relating to the unit or internal ducting.
-
Comparing an extraction airflow rate with recirculation use
UFC-Que Choisir measures airflow and odour reduction separately in recirculation mode, using a charcoal filter. An airflow figure published under different conditions therefore does not, on its own, describe performance in your installation.
When choosing between two models intended for recirculation, prioritise tests carried out in this mode or compare the published data under identical conditions.
-
Overlooking the replacement or regeneration of odour filters
The charcoal filter deals with odours in recirculation mode, but its recommended lifespan and maintenance vary according to the reference. A disposable filter and a regenerable filter do not require the same level of care.
Check filter compatibility before buying, and choose a regenerable solution only if you can follow the manufacturer’s maintenance procedure.
-
Confusing a recirculating hood with home ventilation
The hood returns filtered air to the kitchen; it does not replace the property’s general, permanent ventilation. French regulations on ventilation also set specific requirements when combustion appliances are present.
Keep existing air inlets and outlets clear, and do not disable ventilation when installing the hood. Have the project checked if your kitchen contains a combustion appliance.
A guide to the brands
Bosch
Bosch offers built-in hoods, filter units and recirculation accessories, which are useful when you want to pair a hood with its kit within the same range.
- Some references publish an acoustic level for recirculation mode and specify the associated kits.
- Compatibility and odour-reduction performance must be checked model by model.
Elica
Elica offers decorative hoods and odour filters, including regenerable Long Life filters for some compatible appliances.
- Elica presents the Long Life CFC0166361 filter as washable and recommends it for two years with compatible products.
- Compatibility cannot be determined from the brand alone, and the manufacturer’s published specifications do not replace an independent recirculation test.
BORA
BORA offers induction systems with integrated extraction, best considered as part of a renovation that also includes the hob and kitchen unit.
- The S Pure PURSU2 is available in a recirculation configuration with a filter maintenance indicator.
- Its space requirements beneath the worktop, electrical connection and installation requirements must be checked before starting the project.
Joybuy products for a kitchen without ducting
Joybuy cooker hood options advertised for recirculation in a kitchen without external extraction.
Image unavailable
Comfee CH60A17EM400SS-EU, 60 cm cooker hood
This hood advertises extraction and recirculation modes, with an activated charcoal filter included for a kitchen without external ducting.
Stated airflow of 400 m³/h, three speeds and a washable five-layer aluminium filter. Check the noise level in recirculation mode, along with the reference and replacement interval for the charcoal filter.
Image unavailable
Heinrich's HDU 7622 SW, 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood
This wall-mounted hood advertises recirculation operation with a set of charcoal filters included, which may suit a hob positioned against a wall.
60 cm wide, with a stated airflow of 300 m³/h, LED lighting and a washable aluminium grease filter. Check the noise level, replacement filter reference and availability.
Image unavailable
Comfee TSHM77SS-60, 60 cm T-shaped cooker hood
This hood advertises recirculation and extraction modes for installation without external ducting, subject to confirmation of the equipment required.
60 cm wide, with a maximum stated airflow of 650 m³/h, four speeds, gesture and touch controls, and a washable filter. Check the compatible charcoal filter or kit before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Does a recirculating hood replace mechanical ventilation or home ventilation?
No. Filtered air is returned to the room, while the property’s general, permanent ventilation remains separate. French regulations on home ventilation provide for air circulation between main rooms and service rooms: do not block existing air inlets or outlets.
How can you tell whether a hood can genuinely operate in recirculation mode?
Look for an explicit mention of “recirculation” or “recirculation or extraction” in the model’s specifications, then check the reference of the compatible kit and filter. Some manufacturers make the kit compulsory; do not assume it is included simply because the hood can also be used with ducting.
How often should the charcoal filter be replaced?
This depends on the filter and how it is used. Bosch recommends every 6 to 12 months for a specific Clean Air Standard filter; Elica states 3 to 4 months for some disposable filters and around two years for a compatible regenerable Long Life filter. Always follow the instructions for your exact reference.
Can a tenant have a recirculating hood installed?
Before carrying out work that alters the property or its equipment, ask the landlord for written consent. ANIL points out that a tenant must not alter rented premises or equipment without this consent, particularly if the project involves significant drilling, modifying a unit or changing the electrical circuit.
Is freeholder or management company approval required for a recirculating hood?
Work within a private property generally does not require approval from the general meeting. According to ANIL, however, authorisation is essential if the work affects the building’s structure or communal areas. Check the leasehold regulations and the actual installation plan.