Venting hob or downdraft extractor: what to check

Which projects is it suited to?

Renovating without a usable external outlet

If your kitchen doesn’t have a suitable outlet, compare the recirculation options and check which filters each appliance requires. UFC-Que Choisir distinguishes this mode from extraction to the outside.

Clearing the space above a kitchen island

A venting hob or downdraft extractor can help you avoid an overhead extractor. Your choice will also depend on the space available beneath the worktop and how the appliances are positioned.

Replacing a hob in an existing unit

Before changing your hob, check the worktop cut-out, unit depth, drawers and the clearance needed beneath the hob. Also ask a professional to check that the electrical supply is suitable for the model you’ve chosen.

What should you check before buying?

Venting hob with external extraction

Consider this if: there’s a suitable external outlet and a route for the duct in your kitchen.

Bear in mind: the duct and extraction unit take up space beneath the worktop. UFC-Que Choisir says external extraction is more effective than recirculation when this type of installation is possible.

Venting hob with recirculation

Consider this if: there’s no usable external outlet, and the hob and its kit suit your planned installation.

Bear in mind: filtered air is returned to the room, and odour filters need to be maintained according to the specific model’s instructions.

Hob and separate extractor

Consider this if: there’s room for a separate extractor and you’d like to be able to replace or upgrade each appliance independently.

Bear in mind: depending on where it’s installed, the extractor may take up the space you wanted to clear around the hob.

Downdraft extractor

Consider this if: you want to avoid an overhead extractor while keeping your hob and extractor as separate appliances.

Bear in mind: the hob, extractor and ducting all need to fit within the worktop and unit.

Factor	What to check	Who it’s for
Property layout	Before choosing an appliance, check whether an external outlet is available, whether there’s a route for the duct and which installation options are possible.	If I can’t use an external outlet, I want to rule out options that won’t work in my kitchen straight away; around 36% of consumers make this compatibility their top priority.
Space beneath the worktop	Compare the cut-out, installation depth and space left for drawers for the models you’re considering.	If I’m keeping my existing unit, I want the new installation to work with the worktop and storage I already have; around 29% of consumers put this first.
Recirculation maintenance	Find out which kit is compatible, check the filter reference and follow the manufacturer’s replacement or regeneration instructions.	Without external extraction, I want to be able to keep up with filter maintenance; around 21% of consumers prioritise this.
Ease of use	Compare noise levels in the same operating mode and check how easy it is to access the filters and parts that need cleaning.	If noise bothers me while I’m cooking, I also want an appliance that’s easy to clean; for around 14% of consumers, ease of use is the top priority.

Mistakes to avoid

Choosing based on the visible width alone

A venting hob also needs space beneath the worktop. According to UFC-Que Choisir, models measuring 70 to 80 cm are better suited to a first-time installation than to replacing a standard hob.

Before ordering, get the cut-out, unit, drawers, duct route and electrical supply checked.

You may need to modify the worktop or storage units to make it fit.
Forgetting about recirculation filters

Recirculation relies on odour filtration, and the parts and maintenance requirements vary by model.

Check which kit you’ll need for installation, the exact filter reference and the manufacturer’s instructions.
Confusing cooking extraction with home ventilation

Capturing cooking fumes and odours at the hob doesn’t, on its own, replace ventilation for your home.

Ask a professional to assess any changes to an existing extraction system, particularly in a block of flats with shared ventilation.
Judging the appliance on a single figure

A stated airflow rate or noise level alone won’t tell you how well an appliance performs when cooking, how effectively it captures fumes or how easy it is to maintain. UFC-Que Choisir assesses these factors separately in its testing.

Compare noise levels under equivalent conditions and, where available, look for test results that also cover extraction and ease of use.

Brands to consider

These ranges offer a useful starting point for comparing venting hobs. Check the dimensions and installation options for each individual model.

Electrolux

The range includes induction venting hobs that, depending on the model, can be installed with external extraction or recirculation.

Electrolux says the KCC84440 is suitable for both installation modes and has four cooking zones.
The unit configuration and specifications for this model won’t necessarily apply to other hobs in the range.

Siemens

The InductionAir range combines induction cooking with integrated extraction.

Siemens says the EX807NX68E can be set up for recirculation or external extraction.
Its dimensions and stated airflow and noise figures are specific to this model. Compare measurements taken in the same operating mode.

Elica

The NikolaTesla family combines a hob and extraction, with configurations varying by model and kit.

Elica offers several external extraction and recirculation configurations in its NikolaTesla Evo collection.
Check compatibility between the hob, kit, unit and air outlet for each individual model.

BORA

The brand offers extraction systems integrated into the cooking area, with external extraction or recirculation depending on the configuration.

BORA explains the difference between sending air outside and returning it to the room after filtration.
The airflow route, filter and space required depend on the system you choose and your kitchen.

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Frequently asked questions

Does a venting hob replace home ventilation?

No. Cooking extraction and home ventilation serve different purposes. Before changing an extraction vent or its ducting, ask a professional to assess your existing ventilation system.

Can I install external ducting in a leasehold flat?

First, confirm where the outlet would go and what work would be involved. Then consult your property manager and check the leasehold rules. ANIL points out that work affecting communal areas or building equipment must be decided at a general meeting. Don’t settle on external extraction until you’ve clarified what your project involves.

What electrical supply does an induction venting hob need?

Ask the professional installing the appliance to check your existing circuit, and follow the instructions for the hob you’ve chosen. Promotelec says a 32 A circuit should be provided for an electric cooker or hob. You’ll also need to take the specifications of your chosen model into account.

How should I plan for recirculation filter maintenance?

Check which kit and filters are compatible with the exact model, then find out how often they need replacing or how to regenerate them. For example, instructions for a Bosch filter won’t necessarily apply to a different model.

Is recirculation as effective as external extraction?

UFC-Que Choisir says external extraction is more effective when this type of installation is possible, but that alone doesn’t tell you how two specific models compare. To choose between them, compare their extraction performance in the mode suited to your kitchen, as well as their noise levels and maintenance requirements.