Cooker Hoods: Recirculation Hoods vs Extraction Hoods

There are two types of venting that come with cooker hoods and these are recirculation and extraction. Choosing the right cooker hood can be a challenging task. There are benefits and drawbacks to each type but they’re both very effective. We’re going to explain the difference between the two and their respective pros and cons.

Extraction cooker hoods

Extraction cooker hoods are the most effective option for effectively removing odours, steam, and pollutants from your kitchen. These hoods are designed to extract the air through ducting that vents outside your home, ensuring that all cooking smells, moisture, and contaminants are directed outside, never to be seen or smelled again in your kitchen.

Benefits of extractor cooker hoods:

Highly effective at using ducting to remove steam, humidity, and odours from the kitchen, with minimal change in performance even when the filters are older or dirty.
Extractor hoods also remove moisture and heat from your kitchen, making it a better experience to cook and entertain.
There is no need to replace carbon filters, which reduces long-term maintenance costs.

Drawbacks of extractor cooker hoods:

Certain kitchen designs—like those with a cooker hood on a kitchen island that isn't able to vent outside—cannot fit extractor hoods.
Because extractor hoods are so effective at removing moisture and heat, they can actually result in more heat loss in the winter.
External ducting and trained professionals are needed for extractor hood installation, which might be costly.

Recirculation cooker hoods

If you don't have access to an outside wall or prefer a more customisable installation, recirculation cooker hoods are an great alternative. These hoods suck in the air, filter it through specialised carbon filters, purify it, and then recirculate the cleaned air back into the kitchen.

Benefits of recirculation cooker hoods:

Recirculation cooker hoods can be fitted into any kitchen design and are not restricted by extraction methods.
Since they don't require ducting, they can be installed more easily and have more flexibility in their location.
Recirculation hoods help keep heat in the kitchen all through the winter, leading to energy savings.

Drawbacks of recirculation cooker hoods:

Carbon filters must be replaced on a regular basis, which can add cost over time.
Recirculation hoods can increase humidity in the kitchen, needing other ventilation, such as opening windows.
They are typically louder than ducted hoods because they work harder to filter the air.

How often should I replace filters?

Cooker hoods come with two different types of filters; grease filters, which can be found on both recirculating hoods and extraction hoods; and carbon filters found only on recirculating filters.

Grease filters

Grease filters are designed to pull in grease particles from the air and trap them in a fine mesh grate that is found on the underside of both types of hood.

If the filters are regularly cleaned every few months, they won't require frequent replacement. For frequent home cooks, cleaning every 1-3 months is advisable, while less frequent kitchen users can opt for cleaning every 3-6 months.

To do this, simply unclip them from the bottom of the hood and either soak them in soap and water or run them through the dishwasher.

Carbon filters

Carbon filters are only found in recirculation hoods and are a key part of this type of hood. This is because they remove pollutants and odours from your kitchen (something that an extraction filter does by design).

These filters have a strenuous function, so in order to make sure they are working at their best, they should be changed every 6 to 9 months. However, the frequency may vary depending on how often you cook; for infrequent use, replacing the charcoal filter every 9-12 months is sufficient.

Making the right choice for your kitchen

Deciding which cooker hood is right for you depends on a few factors.

What extraction rate do I need?

The speed of the fan, called the extraction rate, is really important for making sure your kitchen stays well-ventilated. To figure out how powerful your extractor fan needs to be, just multiply the length, width, and height of your kitchen together, then multiply that by 10.

For example, if your kitchen is 4 meters wide, 6 meters long, and 3 meters high, you’d work it out like this: (4 x 6 x 3) x 10 = 720 m³/h When you’re shopping for a cooker hood or extractor fan, make sure its extraction rate is at least as high as this number, or even better, higher!

Kitchen layout and design

Think about where you want your cooker to be in the kitchen. Recirculation hoods give more freedom for kitchen island layouts or kitchens without connection to an outside wall, whereas extraction hoods work best when located next to an outside wall for ducting.

Cost and maintenance

While recirculation cooker hoods typically have a lower upfront cost, they require regular replacement of carbon filters, which can add up over time. Extraction hoods may have higher installation costs but generally require less maintenance.

Tip: Cleaning your cooker hoods will ensure they last long and stay efficient. Recirculating hoods tend to need more maintenance than extracting hoods. This is because of the charcoal filter will need to be replaced every so often. Both an extraction hood and recirculation hoods will need to have their grease filter cleaned every 3-9 months.

Noise level

Both extraction and recirculation hoods can produce noise during operation. Think about the noise level and choose a model to suit your needs and kitchen design.

Ready to make your choice?

Explore our extensive range of cooker hoods, filled with stylish and sleek designs with options to suit any budget and interior. With accompanying sections of recirculation filters and ducting kits, we’ve got everything you need to get your cooker hood up and running and well maintained.