Vented vs Recirculating Cooker Hoods | Pros, Cons & Advice

Summary

In this video, Michael from Kitchen Cider compares vented and recirculating cooker hoods, explaining their pros and cons. Vented extraction removes air and moisture from the kitchen by venting it outside, offering higher flow rates and better energy efficiency but requiring external wall access. Recirculating extraction, on the other hand, filters and returns air to the kitchen, offering easier installation but potentially causing damp issues and requiring regular filter replacements. Michael also answers common questions about filter maintenance and provides tips for effective cooker hood use, ultimately recommending vented extraction when possible for superior air quality.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vented cooker hoods expel air outside your home, while recirculating ones bring the air back into the kitchen after filtering it.
• 😀 Vented extraction requires a duct to carry the air outside, which can involve additional installation work and costs.
• 😀 Recirculating extraction offers more design freedom since it doesn’t require access to an outside wall, making it easier to install in various kitchen layouts.
• 😀 Vented extraction typically has better airflow, providing higher extraction rates, which can be more energy-efficient and quieter at lower power settings.
• 😀 One of the main advantages of vented extraction is that it removes moisture and smells from the kitchen, which can help with issues like damp or mold.
• 😀 Recirculating extraction uses charcoal or carbon filters to clean the air, but these filters need to be replaced periodically (usually every 6–12 months).
• 😀 Recirculating cooker hoods can cause moisture to remain in the kitchen, which may lead to damp or mold problems, requiring additional ventilation or smaller extractors.
• 😀 Installing vented extraction properly is crucial—poor ducting design, leaks, or too many turns can reduce its effectiveness.
• 😀 Vented systems do not require charcoal filters, saving you money in the long run, while recirculating hoods need them for odor removal.
• 😀 The choice between vented and recirculating hoods largely depends on whether you can access an outside wall and whether you're willing to invest in additional installation work.

Q & A

What are the two main types of cooker hoods?

The two main types of cooker hoods are vented (or ducted) extraction and recirculating (or ductless) extraction.

How does a vented cooker hood work?

A vented cooker hood connects to a duct that runs through an outside wall, expelling the air and odors directly outside the house.

What are the main advantages of vented extraction?

Vented extraction offers higher airflow, removes moisture from the air, helps with damp or mold issues, and generally operates more quietly. Additionally, it doesn't require carbon or charcoal filters.

What are some of the disadvantages of vented extraction?

Vented extraction requires access to an external wall for installation, can cause heat loss during winter, and requires extra work and cost to install ducting.

How does recirculating extraction work?

Recirculating extraction draws air through a filter (usually carbon or charcoal) to remove odors and particles before releasing the air back into the kitchen.

What are the benefits of recirculating extraction?

Recirculating extraction is easier to install, does not require access to an external wall, offers design flexibility, and doesn’t cause heat loss in winter.

What are the drawbacks of recirculating extraction?

The moisture is not removed from the air, which can lead to damp or mold issues. The filters need to be replaced regularly, and recirculating hoods tend to be louder with lower airflow efficiency.

How often should you clean the grease filters in your cooker hood?

Grease filters should be cleaned every three to six months, but if you cook frequently or fry food, you may need to clean them every one to three months.

Do you need carbon filters for a recirculating cooker hood?

Yes, if you're using recirculating extraction, carbon or charcoal filters are necessary to remove odors. These filters should be replaced every six to twelve months.

Which is better: vented or recirculating extraction?

Vented extraction is generally considered better because it physically removes odors and grease from the kitchen. However, if you can't install ducting or don’t have an external wall, recirculating extraction is a viable option.