Hobs with integrated extractor: pros and cons

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March 19, 2024 - Updated at April 2, 2024
Tiziano B.
Maintenance and cleaning
971 views

Hobs with extractor hobs represent the latest evolution in kitchen ventilation systems, offering a modern, technologically advanced, and design-oriented solution for keeping the kitchen air clean and free from odors.

For those facing a renovation or constructing a new kitchen, the choice between a “traditional” hood and a cooktop with extractor hob might arise.

In this article, I will try to provide you with useful information to help you make an informed decision, sharing a purely technical perspective on these solutions: are they truly an evolution?

Let’s find out together!

What are extractor hobs and how do they work?

Let's start from the beginning: what is a hob with integrated extractor?

Unlike traditional hoods, which often protrude from the wall or ceiling, integrated hoods are designed to be directly incorporated into the cooktop and feature a grille through which the fumes and steam generated by cooking are extracted.

Image source: Elica

The operation of extractor hobs is almost identical to that of traditional hoods. That is, they rely on the ability to effectively extract the vapors and fumes produced during cooking, with the difference that integrated hoods capture steam and fumes directly from the pots, counteracting their dispersion into the air.

Integrated hoods also use a ventilation system that filters the air through specific filters, removing grease, odors, and food particles, and then releasing the purified air outside (in the case of extractor hoods) or reintroducing it inside after further purification (in the case of recirculating hoods).

The key to the optimal functioning of these hoods lies in the quality of the filters used, which must be maintained and replaced regularly to ensure maximum effectiveness. But we will look more closely at this aspect in the section dedicated to maintenance.

Difference between hoods above the cooktop and integrated hoods

The main difference between ceiling (or above cooktop) hoods and integrated hoods lies precisely in the position of the filters and any ducts that expel air outside.

Contrary to what happens with "traditional" hoods, the filters and ducts of integrated hoods are placed under the cooktop and are hidden.

For recirculating integrated hoods, air is recycled back into the room after the fumes and steam have been filtered through charcoal filters, through a grille on the kitchen plinth, allowing the air to re-enter the environment.
As for extractor integrated hoods, the filters are also placed under the kitchen surface, but instead of also having activated carbon filters, there are ducts that convey the air outside. For new constructions, the problem of duct bulkiness does not arise, as these can be placed under the floor during the house's construction phase. For houses undergoing renovation, however, the ducts might be placed inside the furniture along the kitchen wall (depending on the kitchen's position), causing an encumbrance of the interior space of the furniture.

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages hidden behind this new solution?

Pros: Advantages of integrated kitchen hoods

Design and aesthetic integration: Integrated hoods offer a clean and modern design that blends harmoniously with the surrounding environment. Compared to traditional hoods, they are discreet and almost "invisible" devices. This feature makes them particularly desirable for those looking for a non-intrusive solution.
Space optimization: Their integration into the cooktop frees up space in the kitchen, eliminating the visual and physical clutter typical of traditional ceiling hoods. This aspect is crucial in smaller spaces where every inch is valuable and where design is key.
Innovation: Integrated hoods are equipped with advanced technologies that allow for the suction and filtration of air, a function that makes them almost as efficient as traditional hoods.

Cons: Disadvantages of integrated kitchen hoods

Installation and maintenance cost: The initial price and maintenance costs for integrated hoods can be higher than those for traditional hoods, especially due to the advanced technologies they incorporate.
"Air at your feet": for recirculating hoods, the air that is reintroduced into the environment passes through a grille at foot level, which could cause an unpleasant sensation while cooking.
Duct clutter: as mentioned in the previous paragraph, the ducts of the integrated extractor hood can be positioned inside and along the kitchen cabinets, taking away valuable useful space.

How to perform maintenance on filters in an extractor hob?

The effectiveness of hoods critically depends on the quality and condition of the filters. Poor or inadequately maintained filters can significantly reduce the performance of the hood.

If you've decided to install an extractor or recirculating integrated hood, do you know how to proceed with filter maintenance?

Just like with traditional hoods!

For cleaning grease filters, you can choose whether to wash them by hand or in the dishwasher, and the recommended washing frequency is about every 2 months (this can vary based on the hood's usage).

For the maintenance of activated carbon filters, remember that they cannot be washed but must be replaced with new filters, usually every 6 months or so. If you use LongLife filters, they can also be washed.

If you have installed LongLife activated carbon filters, you can also wash them by following our dedicated guide.

Extractor hobs or traditional hoods?

As I explained in the previous paragraphs, the choice between these two solutions depends on a series of factors that include your aesthetic priorities, space, and efficiency in purifying your kitchen's air.

Integrated hoods offer a modern and almost invisible solution that harmonizes perfectly with the kitchen's design, maximizing the available space.

On the other hand, ceiling or traditional hoods remain a reliable choice for those looking for practicality and ease of installation and maintenance in various contexts.

Remember, regular maintenance of the filters is essential in both cases to ensure your device's maximum efficiency.

Carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each option, knowing that both integrated and ceiling hoods can offer you effective solutions, provided you choose wisely and take proper care of their maintenance.

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