If you’re keeping your hob, a cooker hood in recirculation mode — whether a conventional or built-in model — means you won’t need to replace your cooking appliance. A venting hob can free up space above the worktop, but it takes up room underneath and means replacing the hob. In either case, check the filters, dimensions and noise levels in recirculation mode: the air is returned to the kitchen, and the appliance does not replace your home’s ventilation, as ADEME points out.
If you’re keeping your hob, compare cooker hoods that can operate in recirculation mode and check their filters. Don’t confuse odour filtration with air renewal. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the installation method affects performance, noise and how the appliance is used.
You can compare a built-in hood fitted into a wall unit with a venting hob whose extraction unit takes up space beneath the worktop. UFC-Que Choisir outlines these installation considerations for cooker hoods and venting hobs.
Check that the filters are easy to access, note their model number and find out how to maintain them. Also check the noise level for the mode you’ll use. Cleaning or replacement instructions depend on the type of filter.
For a kitchen without an external duct, first make sure the appliance can operate in recirculation mode. Then check the available space, filter maintenance requirements and noise levels in that mode.
| Criteria | What to check before buying | Who should pay attention? |
|---|---|---|
| Odours and grease | Check that recirculation mode is available, that the odour filter is compatible and that the grease filter is accessible. | If you want to reduce odours and grease while cooking, filter compatibility is particularly important; around 26% of consumers prioritise this feature. |
| Humidity and air renewal | Keep existing air inlets and outlets clear; recirculation returns air to the room. | If you also want to manage cooking moisture, bear in mind that a filter hood does not replace your home’s ventilation; around 21% of consumers prioritise this concern. |
| Space and installation | For the exact model, measure the housing or cut-out, the space beneath the worktop and the air-return route. | If you want to keep your storage space or free up the area above the hob, compare the installation requirements of both setups; around 21% of consumers prioritise the space needed and how practical installation will be. |
| Filters and maintenance | Check what’s included in the box, the filter model numbers and whether the filters need replacing, cleaning or regenerating. | If you want to know what to expect day to day, check the filter type and any accessories you’ll need; around 16% of consumers put maintenance at the top of their list. |
| Noise in recirculation mode | Compare noise levels and airflow in recirculation mode, at similar speeds. | If cooking noise affects your choice, check the figures for the mode and setting you’ll use; around 16% of consumers prioritise a quieter kitchen. |
Recirculation mode may require a separate kit or different filters. Bosch says that the hoods concerned need a first-installation kit.
Before you buy, check what’s included and which parts are compatible with the exact model.
A recirculation kit or filters may be sold separately, so factor them into the accessories you’ll need.
Airflow and noise levels can vary depending on the mode. Siemens’ specifications for the LB75566 built-in hood give separate figures for recirculation and ducted extraction.
For the models you’re considering, compare airflow and noise levels in recirculation mode at similar speeds.
The extraction unit sits beneath the hob, and the cut-out must match the version you choose.
Check the cut-out dimensions and the space available beneath the worktop, then check the air-return route and whether the recirculation kit is compatible.
This setup may mean modifying a unit or replacing a hob that is still in working order.
In recirculation mode, filtered air is returned to the kitchen. ADEME points out that your home’s ventilation has a separate role in renewing the air.
When installing the appliance, don’t block any existing air inlets or outlets.
Convertible under-cabinet hoods such as the DUL63CC50, for kitchens where you’re keeping a separate hob.
Built-in hoods such as the LB75566, for a suitable wall unit.
NikolaTesla venting hobs, including the Fit, for projects where you want to replace the hob and free up the space above it.
Convertible wall-mounted hoods such as the WHB92FUTX1, if your kitchen can accommodate a hood above the hob.
These models are for kitchens where you’re keeping your hob and looking for a hood that can operate in recirculation mode; one option is designed to fit beneath a wall unit. In recirculation mode, air is returned to the room, so it doesn’t replace the air renewal provided by your home’s ventilation, as ADEME points out.
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For a kitchen without an external duct, if a 90 cm wall-mounted model suits your installation.
Recirculation mode listed; cotton filter sold separately. The product name lists a 5-layer aluminium filter, four speeds, touch controls, 59 dB and an A++ energy rating.
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For a kitchen where you’re keeping your hob and can install a 60 cm wall-mounted hood.
Recirculation mode listed and charcoal filter included. The product specifications list an airflow rate of 300 m³/h, a power rating of 69 W, LED lighting and a B energy rating; the aluminium grease filter is described as dishwasher-safe.
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For a kitchen where you’re keeping your hob and have room for a 90 cm hood.
Charcoal filters listed as included. The product specifications list an airflow rate of 578 m³/h, four speeds, a 1 to 9-minute delay shut-off and 58 dB.
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For a kitchen where you’re keeping your hob and looking for a 60 cm hood.
Charcoal filters listed as included. The product specifications list an airflow rate of 578 m³/h, four speeds, a 1 to 9-minute delay shut-off and 58 dB; the aluminium grease filters are described as dishwasher-safe.
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For a kitchen where you’re keeping your hob and want an under-cabinet or wall-mounted hood, depending on your planned installation.
Recirculation mode and charcoal filter listed. The product specifications give an airflow rate of 250 m³/h, three power levels, 2 W LED lighting and 60 dB; the aluminium grease filter is described as dishwasher-safe.
No. In recirculation mode, filtered air is returned to the room. Keep your home’s ventilation working; ADEME points out that it renews the air and continuously removes moisture.
No, not if the outlet is part of a shared system: Article 14 of the Order of 24 March 1982 prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device, such as a cooker hood with a fan, to it. This rule alone doesn’t tell you which type of system is installed in your home.
If the work changes the rented property or its fittings, ANIL says you need the landlord’s written consent. A straightforward installation doesn’t automatically count as an alteration, so explain the work you’re planning before seeking the necessary permission.
Follow the instructions and check the filter model: grease filters need cleaning, while some charcoal filters need replacing and others can be regenerated. Electrolux gives a general recommendation to maintain charcoal filters after 160 hours, while noting that the frequency depends on the filter. This isn’t a universal guideline.
Check whether the recirculation kit and compatible filters are included or need to be bought separately. In France, the statutory guarantee of conformity covers qualifying faults for goods sold by a business to a consumer; the Ministry of the Economy distinguishes it from an optional commercial guarantee.