If you can’t use an external duct, choose a cooker hood that’s explicitly compatible with recirculation, then check the charcoal filter, whether a separate kit is required, the installation dimensions and the noise level in this mode. Recirculation can help reduce odours and trap grease, but the filters need maintaining, and it doesn’t replace your home’s ventilation for removing moisture.
If the air can’t be vented outside, check that the cooker hood works in recirculation mode with a charcoal filter and, if required by the manufacturer, the corresponding kit. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this mode from external extraction.
If you want to fit an integrated cooker hood into a wall unit, compare its cut-out dimensions and instructions with the space available. Make sure there’s also enough access to remove the filters once it’s installed.
If cooking smells, noise or maintenance are particularly important to you, look for information specifically about recirculation mode. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the charcoal filter affects odour reduction and that noise levels may be higher in this mode.
First choose a type of cooker hood that suits your existing kitchen, then check its recirculation setup and the maintenance it requires.
Consider this if: you want to keep a wall unit that can accommodate the hood.
What to bear in mind: the cut-out and internal space in the unit must match the model’s instructions.
Consider this if: no wall unit is suitable for a built-in hood, or you’d prefer a visible cooker hood.
What to bear in mind: the position and installation height must follow the instructions, even if no built-in cut-out is needed.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility and filters | Recirculation mode explicitly stated; charcoal filter reference and any kit required for the cooker hood. | If I can’t vent the air outside, I want to be able to install the hood and find the right filter when I need one. Around 33% of consumers rank this compatibility as their top priority. |
| Dimensions and installation | Dimensions in the instructions, any cut-out required and enough space to access the filters. | To keep my existing kitchen, I need a cooker hood that genuinely fits the space available; around 27% of consumers prioritise this kind of fit. |
| Odours and grease | Results for recirculation mode, where available, and a filter suited to the model. | If I often cook food with strong smells, I mainly want to reduce odours and grease build-up. This is the main concern for around 20% of consumers. |
| Noise and maintenance | Noise level at the setting and speed you’re considering; filter maintenance instructions. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to use the cooker hood without overlooking noise or filter maintenance; around 20% of consumers prioritise this ease of use. |
A charcoal filter may not be enough: Bosch states that a kit is required for some of its appliances. Siemens also advises checking that its kits are compatible with the exact cooker hood model.
Before ordering, note down the model reference and the reference for the compatible filter or kit, and keep these details for future replacements.
The kit may be sold separately from the cooker hood.
Airflow or noise figures measured in extraction mode don’t necessarily reflect performance in recirculation mode. UFC-Que Choisir tests this mode separately as part of its testing process.
Compare figures or test results that specifically state they’re for recirculation mode, at a similar speed.
A listed width of 52 cm or 53 cm doesn’t tell you the cut-out dimensions or how much depth you’ll need inside your wall unit.
Measure the unit and any obstructions inside it, then compare these measurements with the model’s installation diagram and instructions.
Filtered air is returned to the room, so a recirculating cooker hood doesn’t vent steam outside. France Rénov’ points out that ventilation refreshes the air in your home.
Keep existing ventilation systems working properly. Before carrying out any work that could affect them, check the requirements for your home and building.
These examples of product ranges and accessories can help you make your checks; compatibility always depends on the exact model reference.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a built-in cooker hood and the corresponding recirculation accessories in the Bosch catalogue.
Worth considering if you’re looking for built-in cooker hoods and accessories whose compatibility can be checked against the appliance reference.
Worth considering if you’re looking for a compact built-in cooker hood and want to check its installation requirements against the manufacturer’s guidance.
These wall-mounted cooker hoods are listed with a recirculation mode for kitchens without a usable duct. Compare their width with the space available, then check the instructions for the accessories and dimensions required for installation.
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Worth considering if a 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood suits your kitchen without a duct: the product description mentions both recirculation and extraction. Check the instructions for installation details and the charcoal filter reference you’ll need, then look for a noise measurement for recirculation mode.
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This wall-mounted cooker hood is designed for kitchens where a width of 90 cm will fit. The product description mentions recirculation and an included charcoal filter; before choosing, check the replacement filter references, installation dimensions and noise level in this mode.
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Worth considering if you have a suitable space for a 60 cm wall-mounted cooker hood. The product description mentions recirculation and an included charcoal filter; check the installation dimensions, noise level in recirculation mode and the reference to use when replacing the filter.
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This angled wall-mounted cooker hood is worth considering if its 60 cm size suits the space above your hob. The product description mentions recirculation and an included charcoal filter; check the installation dimensions, noise level in this mode and the replacement filter reference.
No. In recirculation mode, filtered air is returned to the kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this from external extraction in its testing process, so keep your home’s general ventilation working properly to refresh the air.
Not necessarily: some models also need a recirculation kit. Bosch and Siemens say you should check that accessories are compatible with the exact appliance reference; check the instructions and what’s included before ordering.
Follow the instructions for each filter rather than sticking to one general schedule. Electrolux gives its OdourClean Standard filter a lifespan of 4 to 6 months; Siemens specifies regeneration every 4 months for a particular regenerable kit. Clean the grease filter too, following your cooker hood’s instructions.