Extractor Hood or Recirculating Hood? Discover Pros and Cons

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

April 20, 2023 - Updated at January 14, 2025
Tiziano B.
Guides
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If you are designing or renovating your kitchen and need to choose a range hood to install, you have probably faced this dilemma: Extractor hood or recirculating hood?

Choosing the right type of range hood for your needs is very important, as it will determine the level of maintenance required.

In this article, we will explore the main differences between vented and recirculating hoods, delving into the pros and cons of each type. I will also explain the maintenance needed for each, which is essential to ensure proper operation.

Lastly, we will discuss the cost differences between these two types of range hoods.

Let’s get started!

Extractor/Vented Hood

As the name suggests, an extractor hood draws in air through filters and expels smoke and odors outside the home or through a duct that channels the air outwards via pipes of specific dimensions.

The air drawn in by the hood passes through a grease filter system that removes grease and oils, preventing them from settling on nearby surfaces and keeping the environment cleaner. These filters are available in different materials, such as aluminum and steel, which makes them easy to wash and reusable over time.

The key characteristic of installing an extractor hood is the need to set up a duct system of specific dimensions that connects it to the outside.

Recirculating Hood

A recirculating hood draws in and filters smoke and grease from cooking, and instead of venting it outside as an extractor hood does, it recirculates the purified air back into the kitchen.

Due to the importance of air purification, modern recirculating hoods are equipped with activated carbon filters to eliminate odors.

These carbon filters cannot be washed and must be replaced periodically to ensure the hood operates correctly and keeps the kitchen environment healthy.

Recirculating hoods also have metal grease filters, which act as the first line of defense, capturing heavier grease and oil particles.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Whether you choose an extractor hood or a recirculating hood, there will always be some level of maintenance and cleaning required to keep it working efficiently.

For both types of hoods, you should:

Regularly clean the external surface;
Regularly degrease the grease filters.

Important! If the grease filters are damaged or too dirty, it’s time to replace them with new ones.

Additionally, for extractor hoods, it’s necessary to check the duct system to ensure that the air is being properly vented outside.

For recirculating hoods, in addition to cleaning or replacing the grease filters, you must also check the condition of the activated carbon filters and replace them if necessary.

Unlike grease filters, carbon filters cannot be washed (except for certain special models), and they must be replaced with new ones.

Spare Parts for Extractor or Recirculating Hoods on Filtrocappa.it

When it’s time for maintenance on your extractor or recirculating hood, it’s always advisable to choose original and high-quality spare parts to maintain optimal performance.

On Filtro Cappa, you’ll find:

Filters for extractor or recirculating hoods;
Electronic control boards;
Motors;
Control panels;
Light fixtures and spotlights;
Transformers;
Plastic parts;
Non-return valves;
And much more…

In short, you’ll find everything you need to restore your kitchen hood.

If you cannot find the spare parts you need, contact us, and we’ll help you source what you’re looking for.

Cost

Now, let’s talk about the cost differences between these two types of range hoods.

The cost differences can depend on various factors, such as the brand, model, and technical specifications.

In general, extractor hoods tend to have a higher initial cost than recirculating hoods because they require the installation of a dedicated duct system to channel air outside, but they have lower maintenance costs.

Recirculating hoods may seem more economical since they do not require duct installation and are easier to set up. However, they require regular filter maintenance, which can increase costs over time.

Extractor or Recirculating Hood? Pros and Cons of These Two Solutions

In this section, I will explain the pros and cons of each solution.

Pros of Extractor Hood:

Permanently removes odors;
Prevents the formation of condensation and mold;
Purifies the kitchen air by removing harmful substances;
Improves kitchen hygiene;
Requires less maintenance compared to a recirculating hood.

Cons of Extractor Hood:

More complex installation due to the need for ductwork to channel air outside;
Can be noisier during operation due to undersized ductwork;
May be more expensive because of the complexity of installation;
Requires more space to accommodate the ventilation system.

Pros of Recirculating Hood:

Less expensive installation compared to an extractor hood;
Simpler to install;
Can be placed anywhere since it does not require ducts to channel air outside.

Cons of Recirculating Hood:

Does not completely remove odors;
Requires more frequent filter maintenance, which can increase costs over time;
May be less effective at removing humidity and steam.

Conclusions

In this article, we explored the factors to consider when choosing between an extractor hood and a recirculating hood.

In general, an extractor hood is recommended for kitchens where cooking is frequent, and there is a greater need for cleaner air.

A recirculating hood, on the other hand, is advisable when installing an extractor hood is not feasible due to practical reasons or when the kitchen is used less frequently.

If you have any questions about these two types of range hoods, feel free to reach out for further clarification.

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