Activated Carbon Filter: discover its purpose and maintenance

Blog Guides Diagnostics Maintenance and cleaning News and Technologies In the kitchen

October 1, 2023 - Updated at January 30, 2025
Tiziano B.
Guides
16438 views

Does your kitchen hood use activated carbon filters, and you want to understand what they are, how they work, and when to replace them? You’re in the right place!

In this article, I’ll dive deep into this essential type of filter for recirculating hoods and explain why maintaining these filters is crucial for keeping the air in your kitchen clean.

But let’s start with the basics. ⤵️

What Is an Activated Carbon Filter? (In general)

An activated carbon filter, or activated charcoal filter, is an element used for purifying air in enclosed spaces and filtering potable water. It can be installed in water pipes for purification or in kitchen hoods to clean the air and eliminate odors from the environment.

Activated carbon filters are made from a material called “activated carbon” or “activated charcoal,” which is treated to enhance its ability to absorb and adsorb impurities, odors, gases, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in air or water.

When it comes to kitchen range hoods, the main focus of this article, activated carbon filters are typically installed in recirculating hoods to filter odors and vapors from the cooktop.

How Do Activated Carbon Filters Work?

Activated carbon filters, found in recirculating hoods, work through a process called "adsorption."

This process differs from absorption as it involves the adhesion of pollutant molecules or chemical compounds to the pores or surfaces of the activated carbon, rather than incorporating them into the material itself.

"ADSORPTION = A chemical-physical phenomenon that consists of the accumulation of one or more substances (grease and odors) on a solid substance (activated carbon filter)."

When air passes through the activated carbon filters, carrying pollutants, it is purified of odors, vapors, and grease particles, and re-enters the room odorless and clean.

Due to their intensive and critical function, activated carbon filters are subject to saturation. In the next section, we’ll discuss their lifespan and how to maintain them.

How Long Do Activated Carbon Filters Last?

Maintenance and Replacement

At this point, you might be wondering: "How long does a filter last?"

The lifespan of an activated carbon filter is typically 6 to 8 months but can vary based on several factors (that we will see in the next paragraphs).

Over time, the activated carbon becomes saturated, meaning it has adsorbed the maximum amount of pollutants it can hold. When this happens, the filter not only stops absorbing impurities but may also release previously captured particles.

Therefore, it’s essential to maintain the activated carbon filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure effective continuous purification.

- How to Maintain Activated Carbon Filters for Your Hood?

Before we discuss cleaning activated carbon filters, let’s address an important question: Can activated carbon filters be washed?

The answer is NO for standard disposable activated carbon filters. These cannot be washed and need to be replaced periodically, depending on their wear level and filtering capacity, which is influenced by how often the hood is used and the types of food prepared.

However, LongLife activated carbon filters can be washed and reused.

- How Often Should Activated Carbon Filters Be Replaced?

The average lifespan of a filter is about 6 to 8 months, but this can vary depending on how frequently the hood is used and the type of cooking performed.

Once the activated carbon filter is saturated, it can be easily replaced without technical expertise.

We recommend using high-quality replacement parts and purchasing from professional suppliers who ensure compatibility, safe shipping, and assistance if needed.

- How to Tell When It’s Time to Replace the Filters?

As mentioned earlier, activated carbon filters should be replaced periodically to maintain clean air and avoid unpleasant issues.

Here are some signs that it’s time to replace them:

Persistent odors: If you notice unpleasant smells during cooking, even with the hood on, it might indicate that the filter is saturated and no longer effectively capturing odors.
Reduced suction power: If the kitchen hood doesn’t seem to be drawing air efficiently, it could mean the filter is clogged and needs replacement. This is especially evident if the airflow feels weaker than usual.
Warning light: Some hood models have a blinking or illuminated indicator that signals when it’s time to change the filter.
Visual inspection: In some cases, you can visually inspect the activated carbon filter. If it looks dirty, clogged, or filled with particles, it’s time to replace it.

Need Help? Contact Our Online Assistance Service!

If you’re having trouble finding the right activated carbon filter for your hood or need help with its installation, don’t hesitate to contact us via email or WhatsApp.

I, Tiziano, the technician, will personally respond to your inquiries and provide the guidance you need promptly. ?

How to Determine if Your Range Hood Uses an Activated Carbon Filter?

The presence of activated carbon filters depends primarily on the specific characteristics of your kitchen.

If you notice a duct above your hood leading outside, then your hood (a ducted hood) will most likely only use metallic grease filters. These are designed to trap grease and oils present in the vapors from the cooktop, preventing them from entering the various components of the hood.

On the other hand, if there is no chimney or duct connected to the outside, then your hood (a recirculating or filtering hood) will definitely have activated carbon filters. These filters help purify the air by removing all substances present in the vapors, ensuring that the cleaned and filtered air is recirculated back into the environment.

Activated Carbon Filters from Top Brands:

Over time, kitchen hood manufacturers have developed increasingly efficient activated carbon filters, improving the quality of their materials. Below is a list of activated carbon filters from the top brands on the market, all available on FiltroCappa.it:

Conclusions

In conclusion, activated carbon filters are an excellent solution for air and water purification, as well as for removing unwanted odors in kitchen hoods.

Choosing the right activated carbon filter for your kitchen hood is essential to ensuring clean, healthy air for you and your family in the spaces where we spend most of our daily lives.

Ho acquistato il filtro carbone della Faber ,originale, perfetto per la mia cucina. Nella confezione ce ne sono due, con un prezzo onesto. Nel sito hanno una grande varietà di prodotti per ogni esigenza. La spedizione è veloce e curata.

Marigio51

★★★★★

Ottimo servizio, ho ordinato i ricambi per una cappa FALMEC Plane 90, i ricambi arrivati sono ottimi ed originali , il servizio di spedizione è eccellente e velocissimo, il personale disponibile e molto cortese.

Paolo F.

★★★★★

Esperienza eccellente. Bisogna inviare la foto dell’etichetta del prodotto e così i pezzi di ricambio esatti vengono verificati dal venditore. Risposta attenta e rapida. Risparmio garantito rispetto ai rivenditori fisici di zona: circa 30€ a pezzo nel mio caso. Consigliatissimo!

Francesco B.

★★★★★

Consiglio vivamente, ho trovato sul sito il pezzo che mi serviva originale e a un prezzo minore rispetto ad altri siti, l'ordine è arrivato velocemente e ben impacchettato. Esperienza molto positiva

Marine P.

★★★★★

Ottimo servizio. P.S. Sono io che vi devo ringraziare, perché è molto raro trovare tanta serietà, professionalità e disponibilità, non ultimo il preoccuparsi anche dopo la consegna del parere del cliente. COMPLIMENTI.

Ermanno P.

★★★★★

Ciò che serviva a me non ce l'avevano in magazzino ma me lo hanno procurato comunque. È stato semplice e veloce. Inoltre non mi sono dovuto scervellare x capire quali delle mille mila versioni differenti serviva a me. Gli ho mandato una foto e hanno fatto tutto loro! Super professionali loro e super contento io!

Akaprovic

★★★★★

Filtro Cappa mi ha assicurato che i filtri proposti andavano bene per la mia cappa ed infatti li ho acquistati e sono felicissimo; ottima assistenza e ottimo rapporto qualità/prezzo.

Giuseppe S.

★★★★★

Prima esperienza di acquisto del filtro cappa metallico, ottima in facilità di ordine e tempi di consegna, non pensavo di trovare ancora il ricambio in quanto la cappa Faber ha 23 anni, sono estremamente soddisfatto, non escludo di acquistarne un altro da tenere di scorta quando torna disponibile sul sito

Nando F.

★★★★★

Ho trovato il filtro della mia vecchia cappa seguendo i consigli via chat che mi sono stati dati in quanto il vecchio modello non è più in produzione. La spedizione è stata velocissima e il filtro è perfetto. Grazie

Annita B.

★★★★★

Sostituzione motore ventola di aspirazione tutto ok. Il motore è arrivato imballato perfettamente confezionato onde evitare di essere sballottato e danneggiato. Montato sulla cappa airone angolare tutto ok. Rivenditore preciso e puntuale molto affidabile.

Marco V.

★★★★★