Hey folks! I'm in a bit of a bind here. Our kitchen extractor hood is almost two decades old and isn't doing much anymore. We're planning to replace it, with a budget of around £500. However, our flat only has 100mm ducting, and unfortunately, we can't modify that. It seems like most decent hoods these days require 150mm ducts. So, I'm considering two options:
1. Should I buy a 150mm hood and use an adapter to downgrade to 100mm? I know this might make it louder (which isn't a dealbreaker for us), but could this put extra strain on the motor or create safety issues? Or will it just lead to reduced suction?
2. Should I skip the ducting altogether and opt for a recirculating hood with charcoal filters? Are these any good now? Do they manage odors and steam well, or will my kitchen still feel humid after cooking?
Our top priority is to get the best extraction possible. I'd really appreciate any advice or experiences from anyone who's faced a similar scenario!
4 Answers
Before replacing the hood, check why your current one isn't working. Perhaps the duct is clogged with grease and dust from the past twenty years. Fixing that could solve your problem. If you can't change the duct size, using a reducer is your best option since recirculating range hoods are pretty useless.
Definitely install a new hood with a reducer. The fan should be fine; it will just push less air. Recirculating hoods just end up creating noise and heat without doing much for the extraction.
I definitely wouldn't recommend getting a recirculating hood if you already have ducting. They tend to be pretty ineffective and don't handle strong smells well, like from curry. Your apartment will smell like that for days! Plus, if you use a gas stove, there can be air quality concerns as well. Stick with ducted options for better results!
Thanks for the input! Any thoughts on whether restricting the duct size could cause any safety issues? We can manage the noise.
I think going with option A is a better choice. Any air that gets vented out is an improvement over recirculating. Reducing the duct size will limit airflow, but as long as there's enough airflow to keep the motor from overheating, you should be good. Plus, less airflow might save some power too!
Totally agree! My parents have one of those recirculating hoods, and it's just a noisy mess.