If you want to do away with an overhead cooker hood, a vent hob could be an option, provided your cabinet can accommodate the extraction unit and the extraction mode suits your home. It isn’t always a straightforward replacement. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the system takes up space beneath the hob. Ducted extraction requires a viable route outdoors, while recirculation returns filtered air to the room and means you’ll need to maintain the filters. A separate cooker hood is worth considering if keeping the storage space beneath your worktop is a priority.
You’re replacing a standard hob and need to work around an existing cut-out, drawers or cabinet carcass. UFC-Que Choisir points out that the extraction unit takes up space beneath the hob, so check the dimensions and installation plan for the exact model you’re considering.
You’d like to avoid an overhead cooker hood and are considering recirculation. Check the air return and filter maintenance requirements. ADEME recommends keeping your mechanical ventilation system (VMC) running and leaving the home’s air inlets and outlets unobstructed.
You can explore independent ducting to the outside and compare the duct route, the accessories required and the space taken up beneath the worktop with a separate cooker hood. Article 14 of the Order of 24 March 1982 states that a powered cooker hood must not be connected to a shared ventilation outlet.
Choose this if: an independent duct route is possible in your home and with your chosen model.
Bear in mind: the motor and air duct take up space beneath the worktop, and the grease filter still needs to be maintained.
Choose this if: there’s no usable external outlet and your cabinet can accommodate the system and its air return.
Bear in mind: filtered air is returned to the room. Recirculation doesn’t replace ventilation in your home, and you’ll need to keep on top of filter maintenance.
Choose this if: storage beneath the worktop or replacing an existing hob matters more to you than combining both functions in one appliance.
Bear in mind: you’ll need space for both the hob and the cooker hood, and you’ll still need to decide on the hood’s extraction mode.
| What matters to you | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Fitting and storage | Compare the existing cut-out, available height, drawers and installation diagram for the exact model. The stated width alone isn’t enough to confirm compatibility. | If I’m replacing a hob, I want to keep my worktop and drawers without assuming the measurements will match. Around 31% of consumers prioritise fitting and storage beneath the worktop. |
| Extraction mode | Identify the type of outlet and check which configuration is permitted for your home and appliance. Article 14 of the Order of 24 March 1982 prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device to a shared air outlet system. | If there’s no usable external outlet, I want to know which configuration is suitable for my home. Around 31% of consumers put the feasibility of their chosen extraction mode at the top of their list. |
| Filter maintenance | Check which filter model is compatible, how to access it and the manufacturer’s instructions. For the PUAKF filter used with the Pure ranges specified on its page, BORA recommends replacing it after 150 hours of use or one year. | With recirculation, I want to know what maintenance is needed and how often. Around 19% of consumers prioritise keeping on top of routine maintenance. |
| Noise and comfort | Compare noise levels using the same mode and setting, as well as the layout of the cooking zones and controls. Bosch states a maximum of 69 dB for the PVQ811H26E; this model-specific figure isn’t a comparison between hobs. | In an open-plan kitchen, I want to consider noise and ease of use while cooking. Around 19% of consumers prioritise ease of use. |
The stated width doesn’t confirm that the cut-out, available height or drawers will accommodate the extraction unit on your chosen model.
Before settling on this configuration, compare the measurements and installation plan for the exact model with your existing cabinets.
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.
Ask a professional to identify the duct and check whether independent ducting is possible. If not, consider a recirculating configuration without altering your home’s ventilation.
The parts you need vary depending on the installation mode and model. Bosch notes that additional connectors may be required, depending on the ducting kit and configuration.
Make a list of compatible connectors or filters, along with the maintenance required for your chosen model.
The French-market PVS611B16E and PVQ811H26E show how vent hobs come in different sizes. Compare them with your worktop and cabinets.
Elica presents the NikolaTesla Fit, model PRF0210751, as an option for projects where cabinet width is a key consideration.
BORA specifies the Pure PURU2R for recirculation.
The Quantum Pro Easy is another vent hob configuration, with a filter built into the hood body, according to the manufacturer.
This selection brings together induction hobs with integrated extraction, for projects where you’d like to avoid an overhead cooker hood. Check the cut-out dimensions, the space beneath your worktop and the installation requirements for each model.
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Induction cooking and extraction are combined in one appliance, for projects where you’d like to avoid an overhead cooker hood.
The product details list four cooking zones, two flexible zones and nine power levels.
Specified cut-out: 560 × 490 mm; specified electrical connection: 32 A. The product details state that professional installation is required. CBEHKIT accessories are sold separately.
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This model combines an induction hob with an integrated extractor, bringing cooking and extraction together in one appliance.
The product details list four cooking zones, a Bridge function and a removable, washable combined grease and charcoal filter.
The stated maximum extraction rate is 575 m³/h in Boost mode. The product details specify a 7.6 kW two-phase connection and professional installation.
The stated width alone isn’t enough to tell. Compare the worktop cut-out, available depth and height, drawers and installation diagram for your chosen model. UFC-Que Choisir points out that a 70 to 80 cm model may be easier to plan for in a new installation than as a replacement in some kitchens.
Follow the instructions for your model to maintain the grease and odour filters. Maintenance intervals and regeneration options vary by system. For the BORA PUAKF filter compatible with the ranges specified by the brand, replacement is recommended after 150 hours of use or one year.
No. Recirculation returns filtered air to the room and doesn’t replace ventilation in your home. ADEME recommends keeping air inlets and outlets unobstructed and leaving your mechanical ventilation system (VMC) running.
No, not to a shared air outlet system. Article 14 of the Order of 24 March 1982 prohibits connecting an individual mechanical device, such as a cooker hood with a fan, to one. This doesn’t mean that every form of independent ducting to the outside is permitted.
If the work affects communal areas or the external appearance of the building, Article 25 of the law of 10 July 1965 requires authorisation from the owners’ meeting. Check whether the work is feasible and what permissions apply to your project before choosing this option.