If you don’t have a usable external duct, choose a cooker hood whose instructions confirm recirculation mode and identify the charcoal filter or compatible kit for its exact model. Then check that the hood and its accessories will fit the available space, that you’ll be able to access the filters and that the noise level suits you. Filtered air is returned to the room, so the hood does not replace your home’s general ventilation.
If there’s no external outlet, first check that the hood can operate in recirculation mode before comparing styles or advertised features. The available space and filter maintenance requirements will then help you choose.
Your kitchen doesn’t have a usable duct. You’ll need a hood that can be set up for recirculation, with the charcoal filter or kit specified for its exact model. UFC-Que Choisir points out that, in this mode, filtered air is returned to the room.
You want to fit the hood into an existing cupboard or beneath an overhead unit. Measure the installation space, then check how much room any kit will take up and whether you’ll be able to access the filters once the hood is installed.
If you cook often or have an open-plan kitchen, check the noise level in the mode you’ll use and find out how the filters are cleaned or replaced. Maintenance intervals depend on the model you choose.
First, confirm that the hood supports recirculation and check which accessories it needs. Then make sure its installation dimensions, noise level and maintenance requirements suit your kitchen. A compatible hood insert can fit inside an overhead cupboard; a decorative hood may suit a wall-mounted position. Either way, you’ll still need to check which filter is required.
| Criterion | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Odour filtration | Check the instructions for recirculation mode and the reference number of the charcoal filter or kit. To assess odour reduction, prioritise tests carried out in recirculation mode using the same testing method. | If cooking smells linger in my kitchen, I want to know which filter will actually fit the hood I’m considering. Around 36% of consumers would prioritise this level of filtration. |
| Space requirements | Compare the installation dimensions with your cupboard or wall, and allow room for any kit as well as access to the filters. | With an overhead cupboard already in place, I want to fit the hood and its accessories without making maintenance difficult. Around 29% of consumers would put this type of installation first. |
| Noise | Compare noise levels at equivalent speeds and in the same operating mode, where this information is available. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to use the hood without its noise getting in the way of conversation. Around 21% of consumers would make noise levels their top criterion. |
| Filter maintenance | Check the reference numbers of replacement filters, their availability and the instructions for cleaning, replacing or regenerating them. | If I cook regularly, I want to know what maintenance is involved and be able to find the right filter when it needs replacing. Around 14% of consumers would put maintenance requirements ahead of other criteria. |
Compatibility depends on the cooker hood’s model reference. On some models, a filter alone isn’t enough: Bosch, for example, specifies configurations that require a complete recirculation kit.
Note down the hood’s exact model reference and use the manufacturer’s documentation to find the matching filter or kit.
Depending on the model, the required filter or kit may need to be purchased separately.
Extraction rate, odour reduction and noise levels tell you different things. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the installation method affects performance, noise levels and maintenance.
If your kitchen has no external outlet, compare information or test results for recirculation mode. Don’t assume results for ducted extraction will apply.
A recirculation kit may include a flexible duct, a diffuser or other parts that need to fit inside the cupboard or cooker hood chimney.
Compare the dimensioned drawings for the hood and kit with the space available, making sure you can still access the filters for maintenance.
If there isn’t enough room, you may need to adapt the cupboard before installation.
The hood returns filtered air to the room. General ventilation serves a different purpose: it renews the air in your home, particularly when moisture and pollutants are present, as France Rénov’ explains.
Keep your home’s general ventilation working properly, and deal with any ventilation problems separately from buying a cooker hood.
These brands illustrate different filter and kit systems; their hoods are not all compatible with the same accessories. The exact appliance reference is still crucial.
Worth considering if the hood you’re looking at needs a dedicated recirculation kit, particularly for a wall-mounted or integrated installation.
Worth considering if you want to compare care instructions for standard and long-life filters for a particular hood.
Worth considering if your model is compatible with a regenerable Long Life charcoal filter.
These hoods include a built-in model and wall-mounted models described as suitable for recirculation. Start by choosing the right type for your space, then check the instructions for the accessories required and the installation dimensions.
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Worth considering for an overhead cupboard that can accommodate a built-in cooker hood in recirculation mode.
The product description specifies that recirculation requires a CBCF005 charcoal filter, sold separately, and describes a washable aluminium grease filter. Before choosing this model, check the installation space as well as the availability and care instructions for the charcoal filter.
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Worth considering if you have a suitable wall space for a 90 cm cooker hood and want to use recirculation mode.
The title lists an extraction rate of 564 m³/h and a set of charcoal filters included; the product description also mentions a dishwasher-safe aluminium grease filter. Check the installation dimensions and the replacement filter reference in the instructions.
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Worth considering for a wall-mounted installation when you have room for a 60 cm cooker hood.
The title specifies recirculation, lists an extraction rate of 611 m³/h and states that a set of charcoal filters is included. The product description mentions a dishwasher-safe aluminium grease filter. Check the installation dimensions and the instructions for replacing the charcoal filter.
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Worth considering for a chimney-style installation if you need recirculation mode and want to check whether the chimney height can be adjusted.
The title lists an extraction rate of 400 m³/h, three speeds and an included charcoal filter. The product description mentions a removable grease filter for cleaning. Check the instructions for the installation dimensions, then find the compatible charcoal filter for future maintenance.
Yes, if the model is designed or configured for recirculation with its compatible charcoal filter or kit. Air passes through the filters before returning to the room; it isn’t vented outside.
It depends on the model reference: the filter may be included, sold separately or supplied as part of a recirculation kit required for installation. Check what’s included and which filter is compatible in the instructions before placing your order.
Follow the schedule for the filter compatible with your cooker hood, as there’s no universal replacement interval. Electrolux recommends replacing the EFF75 every 3 to 4 months, while Bosch gives an interval of 6 to 12 months for its Clean Air Standard filter. Instructions also vary depending on usage.
No. The hood filters the air drawn in while you cook, while general ventilation renews the air in your home. Keep your ventilation systems working properly, regardless of which cooker hood you choose.
If the installation changes the property or its fixtures, ANIL states that you need your landlord’s written consent. Before fitting the hood or modifying a cupboard, explain the work you plan to carry out and check the terms of your tenancy agreement.