If you have an existing kitchen with no new external duct, choose a cooker hood whose model and accessories are explicitly compatible with recirculation, then check that its style will fit the available space. An integrated hood is designed to fit inside a wall unit, while a decorative hood remains visible on the wall. A hob with an integrated extractor requires more checks to make sure it will fit and that the recirculation kit is suitable. In every case, factor in the charcoal filter, its maintenance and the noise levels at the speeds you’ll use.
You want to filter out grease and odours without creating or modifying a duct. Recirculation sends filtered air back into the kitchen, so check that the cooker hood and its accessories are designed for this operating mode.
If the cooker hood needs to fit inside an existing wall unit, its built-in dimensions and access to the filters matter just as much as its external measurements.
If you want to keep odours under control over time, plan to clean the grease filter and replace or maintain the charcoal filter compatible with your appliance.
Start by checking the space available, as this will determine the style of cooker hood to look for. Then check that the exact model supports recirculation rather than relying on the word “convertible” alone.
Choose this if: the hood will remain visible on the wall, with no wall unit for it to fit into.
Bear in mind: check the installation space and compatible recirculation kit. A convertible hood may not come ready to use in this mode.
Choose this if: you want to fit the hood inside an existing wall unit.
Bear in mind: the cut-out, space for accessories and access to the filters must all match the instructions for the model.
Consider this if: you’re also planning to replace your hob and can confirm that recirculation will work with your existing setup.
Bear in mind: check the dimensions beneath the worktop, the kit required and future access to the filters before choosing this option.
| Consideration | What to check | Consumers concerned |
|---|---|---|
| Duct-free compatibility | Look for “recirculation” for the exact model, then check the part numbers for the required kit and filter. | I want to use my kitchen without installing an external air outlet and know which accessories I’ll need. Around 33 % of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Odours and grease | Check the information for recirculation mode, the type of charcoal filter and access to the grease filter. | If you cook often or prepare food with strong smells, your main concern may be keeping odours and grease deposits to a minimum. This is a priority for around 27 % of consumers. |
| Dimensions and fitting | Check the available width, installation or built-in dimensions, and whether the filters can be removed. | My unit or available space is already set: I need the appliance to fit while keeping the filters accessible. Around 20 % of consumers would put this first. |
| Noise and maintenance | Check the stated noise levels at comparable speeds and the maintenance instructions for the charcoal filter. | I plan to use the cooker hood regularly and want to know what to expect in terms of noise and filter maintenance. This would be the main concern for around 20 % of consumers. |
Bosch and Siemens say that some of their models require a specific kit or filter-and-kit set. So, support for two installation modes does not necessarily mean that all the necessary parts are included.
Before ordering, compare the hood’s model number with the kit and filter part numbers in its instructions, then check what is included.
In its test protocol, UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between the extraction rate with a charcoal filter and odour reduction in recirculation mode. A figure measured in a different mode does not, on its own, tell you how the hood will perform without a duct.
When comparing appliances, look for data measured in the same operating mode and take account of the filter specified for each model.
According to Electrolux, a clogged grease filter can reduce extraction and increase noise. The charcoal filter also needs to be maintained or replaced, depending on its type.
Check the instructions for the maintenance procedure and schedule for the filters in the cooker hood you choose.
In France, Article 14 of the Order of 24 March 1982 prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device, such as a cooker hood with a fan, to a shared air-outlet system.
For this project, stick to a self-contained recirculating solution. If you ultimately plan to modify a duct, façade or communal area, check the rules that apply to your home before starting work.
These ranges give you a useful guide to accessories and maintenance. Always check compatibility with the specific cooker hood model you’re considering.
Bosch offers convertible cooker hoods, as well as recirculation kits and filters for selected models.
Electrolux offers OdourClean filters for some recirculating installations.
Elica offers standard charcoal filters and Long Life filters for compatible models.
Siemens offers integrated cooker hoods and recirculation accessories for selected models.
These wall-mounted models are featured for recirculating use in kitchens without a new external duct. Before choosing, compare their width with the space available and confirm the accessories required and maintenance instructions for the model you select.
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Worth considering if you have a suitable wall space for a 90 cm cooker hood. The title lists four speeds and a booster function. Check the noise levels at the speeds you’ll use and the filter maintenance instructions for this model.
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Worth considering for a wall space that can accommodate a 60 cm cooker hood. It has push-button controls. Before planning to use it in recirculation mode, confirm that the required charcoal filter is compatible and included in the box.
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Worth considering if you’re looking for a 60 cm angled wall-mounted cooker hood to fit an existing space. The title lists three speeds, touch controls and a recirculation mode. Check which filters are included and the installation dimensions for this model.
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Worth considering for a 60 cm wall-mounted installation without an external outlet. The title lists recirculating operation and an included charcoal filter. Check the installation dimensions and the part number of the replacement filter you’ll need.
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Worth considering if your space can accommodate a 60 cm cooker hood for recirculating use. The title lists three speeds and an included activated charcoal filter. Check the instructions for the installation dimensions and filter maintenance.
No. A recirculating cooker hood filters the air it draws in and then returns it to the kitchen; it does not replace the air exchange provided by your home’s ventilation system. Keep your existing ventilation running.
No. In France, Article 14 of the Order of 24 March 1982 prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device, such as a cooker hood with a fan, to a shared air-outlet system. The solution covered here uses self-contained recirculation and does not require this connection.
Follow the instructions for your cooker hood and compatible filter: how often maintenance is needed depends on the model and how it’s used. As examples for their own filters, Electrolux gives 4 to 6 months for the OdourClean Standard ECFB01ST, Bosch 6 to 12 months for the standard 00353121 set, and Elica generally 3 to 6 months for its standard filters.
No. A long-life filter must be compatible with the exact cooker hood model. Elica lists the models compatible with its Long Life CFC0166361 filter. Check the appliance and filter codes, along with the maintenance instructions, before choosing it.
Measure the available unit, then compare its dimensions with the built-in measurements and clearances listed in the model’s instructions. Also check that there’s enough room for the recirculation kit and that you can remove the filters for maintenance.