Filters for Kitchen Hoods: Types and Differences

Blog Guides Diagnostics Maintenance and cleaning Maintenance and cleaning

December 4, 2023 - Updated at February 15, 2024
Tiziano B.
Guides
2254 views

How many types of filters exist for kitchen hoods? Do you know which ones are installed in your kitchen? You may have found yourself asking these questions when considering replacing your existing filters.

Well, you're in the right place! In this article, we will explore the various types of kitchen hoods and help you navigate through the available options so that you can make an informed choice to keep your kitchen fresh and clean.

Let's get started!

Ducted Hood or Filtering Hood? Here's the Difference:

The first thing to consider when choosing a filter for your kitchen hood and identifying the appropriate replacement is to understand the type of hood you have.

Hoods can be categorized into two main types: ducted hoods and filtering hoods. Ducted hoods remove odors and fumes by channeling them outside the house, while filtering hoods capture and purify odors and fumes before reintroducing them into the environment.

It's essential to grasp this fundamental difference before proceeding to select the filter that suits your needs. If you're interested in understanding the differences between these two types of hoods in more detail, read the dedicated article.

How to Determine if you have a Ducted or Filtering hood?

Take a look at your hood! If the exhaust pipe is connected to the outside, you have a ducted hood. If, on the other hand, the pipe is not directed outside but terminates internally, or if there is no pipe at all, you have a filtering hood.

Identifying the type of hood in your home isn't always straightforward. If you struggle to determine the type of hood installed, check the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer or contact us for assistance.

Now that we understood the primary difference between ducted and filtering hoods, let's talk about the subject of this article: filters, the essential components of hoods that purify the air and keep indoor spaces healthy and odor-free.

Grease Filters

Grease filters are essential for any kitchen hood, whether it's filtering or ducted. These filters feature a mesh, typically made of aluminum or stainless steel, designed to capture grease and residues produced during cooking. Their main purpose is to protect the hood's motor and internal components by preventing the accumulation of unwanted grease.

To maintain the efficiency of the hood, grease filters should be periodically washed, either by hand or in the dishwasher. Read more in-depth information here.

Fabric Grease Filters

Fabric grease filters for kitchen hoods are composed of a combination of high-density synthetic or natural fibers. They are used to capture and retain grease and other oil and dirt particles produced during cooking. These filters are usually placed in the dedicated housing inside the hood (in addition to the metallic grease filters) and help keep the air inside the kitchen clean while preventing grease buildup in the ducts and ventilation system.

These filters, also known as universal filters, are designed to be compatible with a wide range of kitchen hoods from various brands and models. Regarding maintenance, they should be replaced approximately every six months.

Activated Carbon Filters

Activated carbon filters are present in filtering hoods and consist of active carbon granules. Their surface is designed to absorb/adsorb and neutralize odors and harmful substances produced during cooking, purifying the air that will be subsequently reintroduced into the environment.

Unlike grease filters, activated carbon filters cannot be cleaned (except for some types we'll discuss shortly) and need to be replaced with new filters. There are two main types of activated carbon filters: standard and Long Life.

The Difference Between Standard and Long-Life Carbon Filters:

Long Life Activated Carbon Filters:

Lifespan: Long life activated carbon filters are designed to have a longer lifespan compared to standard filters. This means they can be regenerated and used for a longer period, approximately 3 years, before requiring replacement.
Regenerability: Long life filters are designed to be regenerable. This means that when they become saturated, they can be regenerated through a washing and drying process that removes captured odors and contaminants, allowing them to be reused.
Cost: Due to their extended lifespan and regenerability, long life activated carbon filters have a higher initial cost compared to standard filters. However, this cost is offset by their long-term usability.

Standard Activated Carbon Filters:

Lifespan: Standard activated carbon filters have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced periodically. The replacement frequency depends on the level of usage and the amount of odors and VOCs captured.
Replacement: When a standard carbon filter becomes saturated and can no longer effectively capture odors, it must be replaced with a new filter. Typically, for normal usage, they need to be replaced every 6 months or so.
Cost: Standard carbon filters tend to have a lower initial cost compared to long life filters but require more frequent replacements over time.

The choice between long life activated carbon filters and standard filters depends on your specific needs and personal preferences. Long life filters can be a cost-effective choice if you want to reduce the frequency of replacements, be more environmentally friendly (by reducing waste), and are willing to invest a bit more upfront. However, standard carbon filters are more common and may suffice for most situations where special requirements are not necessary.

Maintenance of Filters and Kitchen Hood

Regular maintenance of a kitchen hood and its filters is essential for several reasons:

Efficiency: A well-maintained kitchen hood with clean filters will efficiently capture fats, oil particles, and odors during cooking. This will contribute to improving air quality in the kitchen.
Safety: A dirty kitchen hood with clogged filters may not adequately handle smoke and vapors produced during cooking, increasing the risk of kitchen fires. Keeping the hood in good condition is essential for your home's safety.
Lifespan: Regular maintenance will help prolong the lifespan of your kitchen hood and its components. This can save you money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or premature replacements.
Filter Effectiveness: Filters capture and retain fats and oil particles. If they are not cleaned or replaced regularly, they will become ineffective at capturing these substances, compromising air cleanliness and increasing the risk of grease buildup in the ducts and the hood itself.

Learn how to maintain your hood best by reading our in-depth guide on "How to Clean Your Kitchen Hood: Everything You Need to Know." Follow the specific guidelines and recommendations for your type of hood.

All Types of Filters and Other Spare Parts on FiltroCappa.it:

If you are looking for filters for your kitchen hood or other high-quality spare parts, we invite you to visit our website, FiltroCappa.it. Here, you will find a wide selection of filters from all brands and models to meet all your needs, along with our customer support and consultation service to help you choose the right filter for your hood.

Those who have trusted us have been enthusiastic about both the products and the service.⤵️

Furthermore, if you have an older hood and are having trouble finding the correct replacement, contact us! We will do our best to provide it for you.

The kitchen is an important environment for a family. We are here to ensure that you maintain a clean and healthy environment to enjoy pleasant moments with your loved ones.

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.

★★★★★