If you can’t use an external vent, choose an appliance that’s explicitly compatible with recirculation and check which kit and filters are required for its exact model. A conventional cooker hood lets you keep your hob, while a venting hob is mainly worth considering if you’re replacing the hob too and can adapt the unit beneath it. In either case, compare the noise levels and specifications given for recirculation mode, and don’t assume that steam will be vented outside.
If your kitchen doesn’t have a usable outlet, first check that the appliance is compatible with recirculation and that suitable filters are available. The presence of a duct alone doesn’t mean you can use it to vent air outside.
To help control odours and grease, check the filters and specifications for the installation you’ll actually be using. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes between test results for recirculation with a carbon filter and those for extraction.
Replacing your hob gives you the option of integrated extraction. Before choosing a model, check the space available in the unit, the plinth and the airflow route required for recirculation.
If there’s no usable external outlet, start by comparing the options available for recirculation. Extraction is only an option if a dedicated duct, its intended use and any necessary permissions have all been confirmed for your home. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the installation method affects performance and noise levels.
Consider this if: you’re keeping your hob and have a suitable space for your chosen cooker hood.
Bear in mind: filtered air is returned to the kitchen, and the filters need regular maintenance.
Consider this if: you’re replacing your hob and want to keep the space above the cooking area clear.
Bear in mind: the extractor and its airflow system need to fit inside the unit and plinth.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is this for? |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility without a duct | Recirculation mode is approved for the exact model; check which compatible kit and filters are included or need to be bought separately. | If there’s no usable external outlet, I want to be able to install the appliance in my existing kitchen without relying on an uncertain connection. Around 36% of consumers prioritise this compatibility. |
| Odours and grease | Check that the appliance has the required grease and odour filters, and look for specifications published for recirculation mode. | When I cook often, my main concern is controlling odours and grease, without mistaking recirculation for venting air outside. This is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Filter maintenance | Check replacement filter model numbers and the cleaning or regeneration instructions for your chosen appliance. | I prefer to know at the time of purchase what maintenance the filters will need over time. Around 21% of consumers prioritise filter maintenance. |
| Fitting into your renovation plans | Check the venting hob’s installation plan, the dimensions of the unit and how air will flow through the plinth. | If I’m renovating my cooking area, I can prioritise integrated extraction, provided the unit can accommodate it. For around 14% of consumers, this is their main requirement. |
Airflow and noise levels can vary depending on the installation mode. UFC-Que Choisir, for example, measures airflow in recirculation mode with the carbon filter fitted.
Look for figures that apply to recirculation mode and the set-up you plan to install.
A cooker hood designed for several modes may need a kit and filters that are compatible with its exact model. For its recirculating cooker hoods, Bosch specifies a combination of a metal filter and an activated carbon filter.
Before ordering, check the compatible model numbers and what’s actually included with the appliance.
Depending on the system, the odour filter will need replacing or maintaining in line with the instructions.
Integrated extraction takes up space beneath the cooking area. Elica specifies a minimum plinth height of 6 cm for the recirculation configurations it describes; this measurement doesn’t apply to every venting hob.
Check the installation plan for your chosen model and have the unit, plinth, electrical supply and airflow route checked.
You may need to modify the unit to accommodate your chosen set-up.
Drilling or installing a connection could affect your home, communal areas or the building’s external appearance. The requirements depend on the project and the property concerned.
Check what permissions you need before considering any work. ANIL explains that a tenant needs the landlord’s written consent to alter the property or its fittings. Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965, published by Légifrance, covers co-ownership work affecting communal areas or the building’s external appearance.
A range of cooker hoods and accessories to consider if you’re keeping a conventional hood and need compatible filters.
A brand to consider for a venting hob or cooker hood that’s designed for recirculation from the outset of your kitchen installation.
An option to look into if you’re replacing your hob and considering integrated extraction.
These cooker hoods are worth considering if you’re keeping your hob and looking at recirculation. For each one, check the dimensions against your kitchen and ask for the recirculation-mode specifications before comparing the stated airflow or noise levels.
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Worth considering if you’re keeping your hob and have space for a 90 cm cooker hood. The product name lists recirculation and extraction modes, a five-layer aluminium filter and a stated airflow of 620 m³/h; don’t assume this figure applies to recirculation mode. Check which kit and filters are suitable for this model, along with the installation dimensions.
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Worth considering for a 60 cm wall-mounted installation if you’re not replacing your hob. The product name mentions recirculation, an included carbon filter and a stated airflow of 611 m³/h, but doesn’t confirm that this figure applies to recirculation mode alone. Check the installation dimensions and the model number of replacement filters.
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Worth considering if a 60 cm angled wall-mounted cooker hood suits your space. The product name lists recirculation, an included carbon filter and a stated airflow of 300 m³/h; check which figure applies to recirculation mode before comparing. Also check the fitting dimensions and compatible replacement filters.
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Worth looking into if your kitchen can accommodate a 90 cm wall-mounted cooker hood and you’re interested in app controls. The product name lists recirculation and an airflow of 650 m³/h, but doesn’t specify the figure for this mode. Check which filters are compatible, how they should be maintained and the fitting dimensions.
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Worth considering for a wall space that can accommodate a 60 cm cooker hood, without changing your hob. The product name lists recirculation, app controls and an airflow of 650 m³/h; check the specifications for recirculation mode. Also check which filters are compatible and the installation dimensions.
No. In recirculation mode, filtered air is returned to the kitchen. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this from extraction, which vents air outside. So if steam is your main concern, don’t assume the two modes do the same job.
Use the filters specified for your chosen model. Bosch specifies a metal grease filter and an activated carbon filter for its recirculating cooker hoods. Check which model numbers are compatible and whether the necessary filters are included with the appliance.
Follow the instructions for the filter and appliance: the method and frequency depend on the system and how it’s used. Some odour filters need replacing, while Elica describes a regenerable Long Life ceramic filter for compatible products.
Don’t start drilling before checking which permissions you need. ANIL says that tenants need their landlord’s written consent to alter the property or its fittings. Depending on the building and applicable rules, you may also need to make other checks.
Not without reviewing the project and checking the permissions required. Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965, published by Légifrance, requires general meeting authorisation for work affecting communal areas or the building’s external appearance. Check whether your planned work falls under these rules before starting.