People with an open-plan kitchen and no external duct
If you cook near your living area, check that the hood can run in recirculation mode with the required filters. Noise levels matter too when the living space is in use while you’re cooking.
Who is this option for?
People keeping their fitted kitchen
If you want to keep an existing wall unit or cupboard front, consider a built-in or pull-out extractor hood. Its width, the space inside the cabinet and the clearances specified in the instructions all need to suit your existing installation.
Households mindful of noise in the living area
Compare noise levels at the speeds you expect to use, looking for figures given specifically for recirculation mode. Figures for extraction mode don’t necessarily reflect how the hood performs in recirculation mode.
What should you check before buying?
Start with the position of your hob and your existing ventilation, then compare appliances in the mode you’ll actually use.
| What to consider | What to check | What I need |
|---|---|---|
| Recirculation and filters | Confirm that the exact model reference supports recirculation; find out which kit and compatible carbon filter it needs, whether they’re included and how to maintain them. Bosch states that some of its extractor hoods require an initial installation kit. | With no external duct, I want a setup that works with the accessories designed for it. |
| Extraction rate and noise | Compare figures given for recirculation at similar speeds, rather than figures for extraction mode alone. For this model specifically, Electrolux states that the LFP539X reaches up to 415 m³/h and 73 dB in recirculation mode at maximum speed. | When the living area is in use, noise at my usual setting matters as much as the stated extraction rate. |
| Installation position | Check the position of your hob, the available width and the clearances in the instructions. A built-in hood needs to fit inside the cabinet; Elica says a false ceiling is almost always needed to house part of an island hood system. | I want to keep my wall unit, or install a hood above a wall-mounted or island hob, depending on my kitchen layout. |
| Home ventilation | Check your existing ventilation separately from the extractor hood. According to Qualitel, a recirculating hood releases filtered air back into the room; ADEME recommends that you don’t switch off your mechanical ventilation system. | I want to reduce cooking fumes without relying on the hood to refresh the air throughout my home. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Comparing figures for extraction mode only
These figures don’t necessarily reflect how the hood performs without a duct. Electrolux, for example, publishes figures specifically for the LFP539X in recirculation mode.
On the product page for the model you’re considering, check the extraction rate and noise level stated specifically for recirculation at the speeds you’ll need in your kitchen.
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Assuming all kits and filters are compatible
An accessory that isn’t suitable for your hood’s model reference may prevent it from working as intended. Bosch says that some of its models require an initial installation kit.
Before ordering, check the hood’s full model reference, which accessories are compatible and how to replace the filters.
You may need to buy the initial kit or replacement filters separately.
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Confusing air filtration with general ventilation
A recirculating extractor hood releases filtered air back into the kitchen; on its own, it doesn’t refresh the air throughout your home.
Keep your mechanical ventilation system and its extract vents running. ADEME recommends that you don’t switch off your ventilation system.
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Choosing an island hood without checking the ceiling
According to Elica, an island hood almost always needs a false ceiling to house part of the system.
Before choosing a model, check its installation plan against the position of your hob, the ceiling and the available clearances.
Which brands should you consider?
Bosch
Bosch offers accessories that allow some of its extractor hoods to be set up for recirculation.
- The brand lists initial installation kits for recirculation.
- Check which kit is compatible with the exact hood model; don’t assume it’s included.
Electrolux
The product page for the LFP539X pull-out extractor hood lists its performance figures for recirculation mode separately.
- For the LFP539X, Electrolux states a maximum extraction rate of 415 m³/h and a noise level of 73 dB in recirculation mode at maximum speed.
- Only compare these figures with data for the same mode and under comparable conditions.
Elica
Elica offers extractor hoods designed for hobs installed in an island layout, among other options.
- Its installation information highlights the technical space needed in the ceiling.
- Elica says a false ceiling is almost always needed for an island hood; check the model’s installation plan before choosing.
Wall-mounted extractor hoods to consider on Joybuy
These wall-mounted models are designed for a hob positioned against a wall. For an open-plan kitchen with no external vent, check that they can be installed in recirculation mode, which filters they need and the noise figures for this mode. They don’t cover built-in or island configurations.
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Heinrich's HDU 7632 IX, 90 cm wall-mounted extractor hood
Designed for a hob positioned against a wall, this extractor hood is listed as suitable for recirculation, with a carbon filter included and a washable grease filter. Check that its 90 cm width and the clearances specified in the instructions suit your kitchen. Compare the extraction rate and noise level specifically for recirculation, and check which replacement filters you’ll need.
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Heinrich's HDU 7631 IX, 60 cm wall-mounted extractor hood
This 60 cm wall-mounted extractor hood is listed as suitable for recirculation, with a carbon filter included and a washable grease filter. Check its dimensions and the required clearances in the instructions, then confirm its extraction rate and noise level in recirculation mode, along with the reference for replacement filters.
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Heinrich's HDU 7622 SW, 60 cm angled wall-mounted extractor hood
This angled wall-mounted model is listed as compatible with recirculation, with a carbon filter included and a washable grease filter. Check that you have enough space for its 60 cm width, review the extraction rate and noise figures for recirculation mode, and find out which replacement filter you need.
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Ciarra, 60 cm black wall-mounted extractor hood with buttons
This 60 cm wall-mounted extractor hood is listed as suitable for recirculation and comes with washable grease filters. Check which carbon filter is compatible and what’s included in the box, then confirm the clearances, extraction rate and noise level for recirculation mode.
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Ciarra CBCS6765B, 60 cm angled wall-mounted extractor hood
This 60 cm wall-mounted model is listed as compatible with recirculation and comes with two carbon filters and a washable grease filter. Check the installation dimensions, replacement filters and the extraction rate and noise figures for recirculation mode.
Frequently asked questions
Does a recirculating extractor hood replace a mechanical ventilation system?
No. Qualitel describes an extractor hood that filters the air and releases it back into the room, so it doesn’t replace your home’s general ventilation. ADEME recommends that you don’t switch off your mechanical ventilation system.
What should you check if you have a gas hob?
Don’t rely on a recirculating extractor hood to vent cooking air outside: according to Qualitel, it releases filtered air back into the room. Check that your general ventilation is working before choosing this setup.
When should you maintain the carbon filter?
Follow the instructions for the filter compatible with your hood; how often it needs attention depends on its reference and how you use it. Electrolux gives a general recommendation to clean or replace its carbon filters after 160 hours of use. Check the guidance for the model you choose.