Cooking Hood Guide: Ducted vs Recirculating, Noise, and More

Anyone who’s ever fried bacon or seared a steak knows that cooking vapors have a way of taking over your home. A cooking hood does more than just look modern above your stove — it actively removes smoke, grease, and odors, making your kitchen more comfortable and cleaner.

Standard widths: 60 cm, 90 cm ·
Typical extraction rate: 200–400 m³/h ·
Average noise level: 40–65 dB ·
Price range: €100–€1,000

Cooking hoods vary by width, extraction power, and noise — three specs that directly affect how well they work and how much you’ll hear them.

What is a hood in cooking?

Purpose of a cooking hood

A cooking hood, also called a range hood or extractor fan, is a device mounted above the hob that removes smoke, grease, steam, and odors from the kitchen. According to Whirlpool (appliance manufacturer), a ducted hood must be connected to ductwork in a wall, ceiling, or floor to work, while a ductless hood filters smoke and odors instead of removing them completely.

• Ducted hoods vent smoke and grease outside (Whirlpool).
• Ductless hoods use charcoal filters to capture particles and return air to the kitchen (The AirHood (ventilation product retailer)).

The implication: if your kitchen lacks ductwork, recirculating is the only practical option without major renovation.

Alternative names: range hood, extractor fan

The terms are often used interchangeably, but “extractor” can refer to any ventilation fan, while a cooking hood is specifically positioned over the cooktop. KitchenAid calls ductless hoods “recirculating venting hoods” and ducted ones “external venting hoods.” Both serve the same core function — clearing the air — but cooking hoods usually include integrated controls and lighting.

Why this matters: knowing the terminology helps when reading product labels or talking to installers.

What is the difference between a hood and an extractor?

Terminology overlap

In everyday use, “cooker hood” and “extractor fan” are synonyms in most English-speaking countries. Whirlpool notes that one way to tell whether a hood is ducted or ductless is to check whether ductwork has been installed in the kitchen — the presence of ductwork indicates a ducted system.

• A hole in the ceiling or wall leading outside suggests a ducted extractor.
• No ductwork usually means a recirculating model.

The catch: many homes have ductwork hidden behind cabinets, so checking above the hood is the only sure method.

Technical differences

Both devices perform the same function, but cooking hoods are often larger, louder, and more powerful than simple extractor fans mounted in a window or wall. KitchenAid states that venting power is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM) — the higher the CFM rating, the stronger the venting power. A ducted hood typically has a higher CFM than a comparable ductless model, according to Whirlpool.

The pattern: if you want maximum air movement for serious cooking, a ducted hood with a high CFM rating is the choice.

Is a cooker hood really necessary?

Health and hygiene reasons

A cooker hood is not legally required in most residential kitchens, but it is strongly recommended to remove moisture, odors, and airborne grease. The AirHood explains that recirculating hoods use carbon filters to capture small particles, improving indoor air quality even without outside venting. Without a hood, cooking vapors can settle on cabinets, walls, and ceilings, leading to sticky residue and potential mold growth.

• Reduces moisture that otherwise feeds mold and mildew.
• Protects cabinetry from grease buildup.
• Helps remove volatile organic compounds from gas cooking.

What this means: even if not required by code, a hood pays for itself in saved cleaning time and healthier air.

Building code requirements

Some local building codes require ventilation in kitchens, especially for gas ranges. KitchenAid advises checking gas range compatibility against the hood’s heat tolerance and BTU ratings — a critical safety step many buyers overlook. Ductless hoods may meet minimum code but are less effective at removing combustion byproducts from gas stoves.

The trade-off: ducted hoods handle gas cooking better, but ductless can suffice for electric or induction hobs.

Do all cooker hoods need an outside vent?

Ducted (vented) hoods

Ducted hoods require ductwork to carry air outside. According to ZomgTheHandyman (home improvement blog), ducted hoods actually remove smoke, steam, and grease — they don’t just filter it. This makes them the preferred choice for serious home cooks. A ducted hood’s effectiveness depends on proper duct sizing and minimal bends.

• More effective at removing heat and moisture.
• Typically higher CFM (stronger extraction).
• Requires professional installation if no existing ductwork.

The catch: installation can cost €200–€600 depending on the complexity of routing ducts through walls or ceilings.

Recirculating (ductless) hoods

Not all cooker hoods require an external vent. Ductless models recirculate air through charcoal filters. The AirHood describes them as easier to install because they do not require a pipe to outside. They are useful for kitchens in a variety of layouts (Whirlpool). However, they do not remove heat or moisture as effectively, and charcoal filters must be replaced every 3-6 months.

Why this matters: for apartment dwellers or renters, ductless hoods are often the only feasible option.

What are the two types of cooker hoods?

Ducted vs. recirculating

The two technical types are ducted (vented outside) and recirculating (ductless using charcoal filters). KitchenAid states that the width of a range hood should be the same as the cooking surface it covers — standard widths are 30 or 36 inches (76 or 91 cm).

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

The pattern: ducted wins on performance; recirculating wins on convenience and installation cost.

Mounting style variations

Beyond ducting method, hoods also vary by mount: wall-mounted, island (ceiling-mounted), built-in (under cabinet), and telescopic (slide-out models). Whirlpool notes that ductless hoods are useful for kitchens in a variety of layouts because they do not require ductwork — making island installation far simpler.

• Wall-mounted: most common, designed for wall above hob.
• Island: suspended from ceiling over a freestanding cooktop.
• Built-in/under cabinet: integrated into cabinetry.
• Telescopic: slides out when needed, budget-friendly.

Why this matters: your kitchen layout dictates which mounting style is possible — measuring the space is step one.

Pros and Cons of Cooking Hood Types

How to choose the best cooking hood for your kitchen

Step 1: Measure your hob space

KitchenAid recommends the hood width matches the cooking surface — a 60 cm hob needs a 60 cm hood. Wider hoods (90 cm) offer more capture area but may overwhelm smaller kitchens visually.

Step 2: Check ducting availability

Look above your existing hob. Is there a vent pipe or hole in the ceiling/wall? If not, ductless may be your only option without major renovation. Whirlpool explains that a higher CFM rating typically indicates a ducted hood.

Step 3: Determine needed extraction rate

Use this rule of thumb: for electric hobs, aim for 200–300 m³/h; for gas hobs, 300–400 m³/h or higher. The higher the rate, the faster the kitchen air clears.

Step 4: Set a noise limit

Look for hoods rated ≤55 dB for normal use. Many hoods have multiple speeds — higher speeds produce more noise. KitchenAid notes that decibels (dBA) measure noise and lower numbers mean quieter operation.

Step 5: Choose filter type

Ducted hoods use metal grease filters (washable). Ductless hoods require charcoal filters (replace regularly). The AirHood states that carbon filters remove odor and capture small particles.

Step 6: Consider installation and budget

Factor in installation costs: ducted hoods often add €200–€500 for professional installation. Ductless hoods can be self-installed. ZomgTheHandyman claims recirculating hoods are best suited for kitchens where ductwork is absent.

Confirmed facts and open questions

Confirmed facts

• Cooking hoods capture grease, smoke, and odors — Whirlpool confirms ducted hoods vent these outside.
• Ducted hoods are more effective than recirculating for heat removal (Whirlpool).
• Most hoods use replaceable grease filters (KitchenAid).
• Ducted hoods must be connected to ductwork to function (Whirlpool).

What’s unclear

• Exact noise level varies by model and installation — always check real-user reviews.
• Best brand depends on budget, kitchen layout, and personal preference; no single winner.
• Energy consumption differences between ducted and ductless are not conclusively studied — The AirHood suggests ductless may use less energy, but data is limited.

Expert perspectives on cooking hood performance

A ducted range hood must be connected to ductwork in a wall, ceiling, or floor to work.

Whirlpool (appliance manufacturer)

Ductless range hoods are also known as recirculating venting hoods. They are easier to install because they do not require a pipe to outside.

KitchenAid (home appliance brand)

Ducted hoods actually remove smoke, steam, and grease — they don’t just filter it.

ZomgTheHandyman (home improvement blog)

These three perspectives — from a manufacturer, a retailer, and a tradesperson — converge on one point: ducted hoods offer superior removal, but ductless hoods fill a real need when ductwork is impossible.

Summary: Making the right choice for your kitchen

A cooking hood is a practical investment in your home’s air quality and your cooking comfort. Ducted hoods deliver top-tier performance for gas ranges and heavy use, but demand ductwork and a heftier installation budget. Recirculating hoods are perfect for apartments, rentals, and electric hobs, offering easy installation at the cost of less heat and moisture removal. For the typical home cook in the EU with a gas hob and existing ductwork, a 60 cm ducted hood with an extraction rate of 300 m³/h and noise under 55 dB offers the best balance of performance and comfort. For renters, a quality ductless model with a fresh charcoal filter is the practical choice — the trade-off is worth the saved hassle.

For a more thorough breakdown of the trade-offs between extraction methods, see a comparison of ducted and ductless cooker hoods on our sister site.

Frequently asked questions