The majority of the cooker hoods we sell can be set to either an extraction or recirculation mode. Extraction should always be your preferred option, but here we look at the pros and cons of both types.
Extraction
Steam and odours are removed from the kitchen via ducting to the outside.
Benefits
- Removes airborne contamination – smoke, odours, etc - to the outside
- No need to replace charcoal filters on a regular basis. Long term running costs are therefore cheaper
- No charcoal filter in front of the motor means airflow rate is higher
Disadvantages
- Some kitchens don’t allow for extraction due to a lack of space or capacity to install the ducting
- Additional initial costs, e.g. for ducting and installation
Recirculation
A filter containing activated charcoal is used to remove odor and smoke from the air, before releasing the ‘scrubbed’ air back into the kitchen.
Benefits
- Can be installed pretty much anywhere – ideal if you can’t reach an outside wall with ducting
- Cheaper intial costs as ducting’s not required
Disadvantages
- Recirculates some heat and moisture back into the kitchen
- The cost of regularly replacing charcoal filter
- Decreased airflow rate due to charcoal filter placement in front of motor
Filters
If the air is recirculated through the cooker hood, this is done through a grease then a charcoal filter.
All cooker hoods will come supplied with a grease filter, but not normally a charcoal one. These can normally be obtained through the manufacturer’s website or their dedicated accessories and spares shop. A recirculation kit may also be required containing additional essential components to ensure that odour-free air is returned into the kitchen.
The charcoal filter needs to be replaced every year or so, depending on how much you use your cooker hood. The grease filter can either be replaced if it’s paper, or washed – usually in the dishwasher - if of the permanent metal variety.