For a kitchen without external ducting, choose a cooker hood designed for recirculation and check which charcoal filter or kit is compatible with its exact model number. The choice between an under-cabinet hood, a built-in hood and an integrated extractor unit will depend on the space available. Before ordering, also compare the noise level in recirculation mode and how the filters need to be maintained.
Recirculation is suitable for kitchens where there’s no usable external ducting in the plans, but you’ll still need to choose a hood style that fits the space.
If you can’t install ducting as part of your project, look for a hood designed for recirculation and check which charcoal filter it needs. The filtered air is returned to the kitchen rather than being vented outside, as explained by UFC-Que Choisir.
An integrated extractor unit or built-in hood may fit inside your cabinet, provided its cut-out dimensions, depth and clearances match the installation plan for the exact model.
In a small or open-plan kitchen, compare noise figures measured in recirculation mode. Also identify the compatible replacement filter and check the maintenance instructions for the model you choose.
Start with the space available and the recirculation mode, then compare compatible models for noise and maintenance.
| Priority | What to check | To suit my needs |
|---|---|---|
| Recirculation | Check that the model supports recirculation. Find out which charcoal filter and any required kit it needs, then check that they’re compatible and included in the box. | Without external ducting, I’m looking for a hood that filters the air before returning it to the kitchen. Bosch says some of its appliances require a specific recirculation kit, so a listing that says ‘recirculation or extraction’ doesn’t confirm what’s included in the box. |
| Installation | Compare the mounting type, width, depth, cut-out plan and clearances stated in the instructions. The external width alone won’t tell you the built-in dimensions. | I want to keep my wall cabinet: an under-cabinet hood and a built-in extractor unit need different alterations. I’ll measure the space before choosing a style. |
| Noise | Look for a figure stated for recirculation mode and compare measurements recorded in the same way and at the same power setting. A figure for extraction mode may not reflect use without ducting. | In my open-plan kitchen, noise at the settings I’ll use matters more than a single maximum figure. UFC-Que Choisir notes that the installation method affects noise levels. |
| Filters | Note the model number of the compatible charcoal filter, its replacement or maintenance instructions, and how to clean the grease filter. Don’t assume the stated lifespan of one filter applies to another. | I cook regularly and want to know how to maintain the hood over time. For example, Electrolux gives different lifespans for its ECFB01ST and MCFE11PL filters: what matters is which one is compatible with my hood. |
Depending on the model, recirculation may require a charcoal filter or a separate kit. Bosch, for example, says that some of its appliances need a specific kit.
Make a note of the hood’s full model number and check its instructions for compatible accessories and what’s included in the box.
Having to source a kit separately adds another step to installation and future maintenance.
Two hoods with the same external width may need different cut-outs or clearances in a wall cabinet.
Measure your cabinet and compare the dimensions with the cut-out plan for the exact model. Don’t infer the built-in dimensions from the advertised width alone.
A noise or performance figure for extraction mode won’t necessarily reflect recirculation. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the two modes in its cooker hood testing procedure.
For use without ducting, compare figures specified for recirculation and, for noise, measured at the same power setting.
The filter used to trap odours needs to be maintained or replaced according to the instructions for its model; the stated lifespans aren’t the same for all filters.
Find the compatible model number before you buy and check whether the filter is replaceable, washable or reactivatable, as specified by the manufacturer.
If the filter needs regular replacement, you’ll need to plan ahead to keep a supply on hand.
These manufacturers’ models can help you compare styles and filters; always check compatibility for the exact model.
In France, Bosch offers under-cabinet and built-in hoods, as well as integrated extractor units. Some models support recirculation.
Electrolux offers OdourClean charcoal filters for recirculating installations, in standard and long-life versions.
Falmec offers several Gruppo Incasso built-in extractor units, with filter configurations that vary by model.
These five wall-mounted cooker hoods are designed for wall installation and are listed as supporting recirculation. They’re not a substitute for a selection of integrated extractor units to fit inside a cabinet. For each model, check the mounting method, clearances and filter to suit your kitchen.
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Worth considering for a 60 cm wall space without external ducting: the product description specifies recirculation and says a charcoal filter is included. Check the instructions for clearances and mounting details, then find out which replacement filter is compatible. To compare noise, look for a figure specific to recirculation mode.
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This angled wall-mounted style is listed for recirculation and comes with two CBCF055 charcoal filters. The product name gives an airflow rate of 580 m³/h and three-speed touch controls, but the airflow rate alone doesn’t tell you how well it performs in recirculation mode. Check the clearances, replacement filters and noise figure for this mode.
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Consider this model if a 90 cm hood suits your hob and wall space. The product description lists two CBCF003 charcoal filters; the product name mentions four speeds with a booster function and an airflow rate of 650 m³/h. Check the installation dimensions, replacement filter model number and noise level in recirculation mode rather than trying to infer the latter from the airflow rate.
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This wall-mounted hood is listed with a recirculation mode and an included charcoal filter. The product name specifies touch controls and an airflow rate of 611 m³/h. Before choosing it, compare the instructions with your available mounting points and clearances, then check the replacement filter and noise level in recirculation mode.
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For a 60 cm wall space, this angled model is listed with a recirculation mode and an included charcoal filter. The product name gives an airflow rate of 300 m³/h; don’t use this figure alone to compare odour removal with other hoods. Check the mounting dimensions, replacement filter model number and stated noise level in recirculation mode.
Yes. It passes the air through a charcoal filter designed to trap odours before returning it to the kitchen. Results depend on factors including the model and the condition of the filter. UFC-Que Choisir tests odour removal in recirculation mode with the filter fitted, separately from extraction mode.
It depends on the hood you choose. Bosch says some of its appliances need a complete kit for recirculation, so check the instructions for the exact model to find out which kit or filter is compatible and what’s included.
Follow the lifespan and maintenance instructions for the filter that’s compatible with your hood. Electrolux states that its standard ECFB01ST filter lasts 4 to 6 months and its MCFE11PL lasts 2 to 3 years and is dishwasher-safe for cleaning. These lifespans apply to these specific models, not all charcoal filters.