Built-in cooker hoods: ducted or recirculating
A built-in cooker hood helps keep the kitchen free of steam, grease particles and odours while keeping the interior visually clean. When choosing a hood, what matters most is not just the m³/h rating in the catalogue, but also how it will be connected: to a ventilation duct (ducted) or in recirculation mode with charcoal filters, when the hood works without a duct (ductless).
1Store.lv offers built-in cooker hoods from Elica, Faber, Electrolux, Berk and other brands, with real availability in our warehouse in Riga and fast delivery.
Ducted or recirculating: what it means in practice
- Ducted to the ventilation shaft: the air is carried outside through a duct. This is usually the most effective way to reduce odours and moisture.
- Recirculation: the air passes through a grease filter and a charcoal filter, then returns to the room. The hood captures grease, but odour reduction depends on the quality and condition of the charcoal filter.
If it is possible to connect the hood to a ventilation shaft, that generally gives a more consistent result. Recirculation is a good alternative where a duct cannot be fitted.
Duct diameter: an important factor
A hood's real effectiveness is closely tied to the diameter of the duct. If a powerful hood is connected to a duct that is too narrow or dirty, efficiency drops, noise increases and the motor may run under an increased load.
- 100 mm → up to approx.300 m³/h (suitable for lower-power hoods and short runs)
- 125 mm → up to approx.500-600 m³/h (a universal solution for most kitchen hoods)
- 150 mm → up to approx.800+ m³/h (intended for powerful models and more efficient airflow)
A practical note: if the building has an older ventilation shaft, it may be narrowed or dirty. That affects the draught, so it is worth matching your choice of power to the actual connection.
How to choose the right hood power
- The volume of the kitchen (m² × ceiling height) and the type of room (a closed kitchen or an open-plan living area)
- The type of connection: ducting usually makes better use of the available power than recirculation
- The duct: diameter, length, number of bends (the more bends, the greater the losses)
- Noise comfort: a powerful hood in a narrow duct will often be louder without being more effective
We usually recommend choosing a hood in a balanced way: enough power together with a suitable duct, rather than simply the highest m³/h on paper.
Controls, lighting and filters
- Mechanical or touch controls: depending on your habits and the design
- LED lighting: for more comfortable cooking and lower consumption
- Metal grease filters: usually washable and made for long-term use
- Charcoal filters (for recirculation): need replacing periodically, as they are what determines odour reduction
Design and matching with your other kitchen appliances
Built-in hoods are designed to be integrated into a kitchen cabinet and are often chosen together with a hob and a built-in oven so that the kitchen looks all of a piece.
See also: hobs and built-in ovens.
1Store.lv advantages
- Real availability in our warehouse in Riga
- Fast delivery in Riga and the Riga region
- Self-collection
- Warranty service
Related categories and guides
Frequently asked questions
Does recirculation remove odours completely?
In recirculation mode grease is captured, but odour reduction depends on the quality of the charcoal filter and on how promptly it is replaced. Where possible, ducting to the ventilation shaft usually gives a more consistent result.
Why can a powerful hood perform poorly?
The most common reason is an unsuitable connection: a duct that is too narrow (100 mm, for example), too many bends, a long run to the shaft, or a dirty ventilation shaft. All of these increase resistance and reduce the actual airflow.
Is it worth buying a very powerful model if the home has a 100 mm duct?
It is usually better to choose a power output matched to the actual connection. A very powerful hood in a narrow duct will often be louder without being significantly more effective. Where possible, it is worth addressing the duct diameter or the layout of the connection.
