Coal hood: types, device, selection and installation rules

Alexey Dedyulin
Checked by a specialist: Alexey Dedyulin
Author: Antonina Turyeva
Last update: April 2019

Not only total ventilation will help get rid of the annoying aromas that spread throughout the house / apartment during the preparation of dishes in the kitchen.

A coal extract will be an excellent assistant in this situation - it will effectively clean the air, saturated with the aromas of fried chicken, garlic dressing and seasoned with the sweet aroma of baked chocolate biscuit. And what else can the equipment and how it is arranged - we will talk about this in our article.

We will also discuss the device of this type of kitchen hood, dwell on the intricacies of choice, consider the features of the installation and provide useful recommendations for caring for the equipment.

The device and features of coal extraction

On coal hoods you can find conflicting opinions - from total respect to utter contempt. Opponents believe that no filter can handle annoying kitchen scents. And the maintenance of the device with carbon filters will fly a pretty penny. To defeat these beliefs will help a closer acquaintance with such a technique.

Do I need a carbon filter?

A common phenomenon in the kitchen is a powerful exhaust hood with an air duct. It is she who is able to quickly remove the exhaust air from the room, preventing its spread to adjacent rooms, provided the right choice of power.

But the air does not have to be evacuated from the kitchen - it can be cleaned using devices with a fine filter.

Fine cleaning with a charcoal filter
Fine cleaning with a charcoal filter allows you to remove all impurities from the exhaust air, which eliminates odors

It is against the hood with carbon filters many skeptics revolt, believing that she is in no way able to cope with the task. And all the arguments about the opposite are nothing but advertising.

In fact, such an extract has repeatedly proved that it has the right to be located not only in private houses and apartments, but also in professional kitchens of restaurants, cafes and other premises where it is necessary to effectively clean the exhaust air of impurities.

Not only does the device perfectly remove foreign odors, but it is still easy to install and requires minimal maintenance. Moreover, all this, if desired, is easy to do on your own - nothing will have to be drilled and broken.

The lack of interior doors
Few people like the aromas of chips with bacon spread not only on the 1st floor, but also rise on the 2nd floor due to the special layout of the room and the absence of interior doors

Another advantage is the wide price range. Hoods, relieving the room of various aromas, are designed both for the user with modest requests, and for the fastidious and fairly wealthy owners.

In addition, the function of purifying air from impurities without removing it from the room may have a conventional exhaust hood with an air duct - many mid-range models have an additional operating mode. This is recirculation - with the push of a button it is put into air purification mode without taking it out of the room.

Also, without such a device, it would be difficult to have in rooms where it is problematic to install a familiar exhaust hood that evacuates exhaust air into the ventilation shaft. Especially when there is simply no such mine, and somehow you need to get rid of odors.

Shape and installation location of coal extractor
The shape and installation location of the hood without exhaust air exhaust depends on the imagination of the manufacturer and allows you to realize even the most daring design decisions

Types and design of hoods without exhaust

The hood that cleans the exhaust air differs from the usual one by the presence of an additional fine filter. And in some cases, the lack of air duct. These devices are manufactured by the same companies as the evacuation hood models. Moreover, in one hood there can be 2 modes at once - removal and air purification.

Fine filters
Fine filters are made, as a rule, of a heat-resistant material capable of withstanding the effects of high temperatures, and contain an absorbent component - coal

Such a device consists of the following parts:

  • housing in which the main working components are located;
  • control panels - it can be button or touch;
  • the motor responsible for the operation of the unit;
  • coarse and fine filters - there may be 2 or more;
  • plugs for connecting to the network;
  • lighting lamps;
  • air duct is possible if the model has an evacuation mode of operation.

Depending on the model, such a hood may have a different appearance, a different number of operating modes, will differ in the number of speeds, power and quality of its basic functions.

Also, the cost of the unit can be from a couple of thousand to 20-40 thousand rubles or more.

Coarse filter
The coarse filter, it is also greasy, must be installed in front of the coal filter in the device, which purifies the air in the kitchen from impurities and odors

The only thing that unites air purification devices is the presence of an additional carbon filter and the ability to work without evacuating exhaust air. And the case material, its design, color and other features can be similar to models of exhaust devices of the same manufacturers.

The principle of operation of the equipment

Equipment with fine filters works in the mode recirculation. It does not require the installation of special channels for exhaust air with impurities and tiny particles of fat and soot.

The essence of the operation of such a hood is that it draws polluted air into its body. On the way there is a grease filter, on which larger particles of fat, soot and other impurities located in the exhaust air remain.

Grease filter needs frequent cleaning
The grease filter needs frequent cleaning if it is used regularly. It is important to wash it as it gets dirty.

Then comes the turn of the fine filter, in which the air is refined from smaller particles. In some models there is another carbon filter, in which there is a more delicate cleaning of the air passing through the grease and the first carbon filters.

After cleaning, the air returns to the room. And a new portion of waste again falls into the equipment.

It turns out that the main role in the coal device is played by filters. They differ in appearance - there are cassette systems and carbon pillows. Most often, for each model of the hood uses its own carbon filter, but there are universal, suitable for many devices.

The shape, weight and size of carbon filters
The appearance, shape, weight and size of carbon filters is very different from each other and depends on the hood model

The carbon filter is made of various materials. It can be a disposable or reusable accessory. The main working component in it is the absorbent material - activated carbon. It happens:

  • stone;
  • peat;
  • coconut;
  • impregnated.

And the shape of the filter depends on the model and design of the hood. It can be round, rectangular, concave, flat or in the form of a cassette in a couple of centimeters.

The service life of carbon filters depends on the frequency of inclusion of the hood and the duration of its operation. The more often this happens, the more often you have to change the filter. After all, when coal is filled with grease with soot and other impurities, the exhaust air practically does not pass through such a dirty filter. Accordingly, further cleaning is not possible without replacing or restoring a coal accessory.

Universal carbon filter
If desired, you can buy a universal carbon filter. The desired shape and size is given to him using the most ordinary scissors. The main thing is that its installation does not affect the quality of the operation of the hood

To slightly extend the performance of the charcoal filter installed in the hood, manufacturers recommend turning on the equipment at the same time as the cooking process begins.

And turn it off only 5 minutes after turning off the stove / oven.

Coal absorbent absorbs odors
Working 3-5 minutes after the end of the cooking process, the hood allows excess moisture to evaporate, which will prevent rapid wear of the carbon absorbent

Rules for choosing a coal extract

In order for the equipment to perform its functions of purifying air from various odors in a quality manner, last for a long time and not bring additional problems, it is necessary to take the stage of choosing a hood with responsibility. It is from the chosen model and its features that the quality of life and the microclimate in the serviced room will depend.

The choice of coal hood
Do not buy the first cooker hood you like - you need to carefully study its technical characteristics and compare them with the required parameters suitable for your kitchen

Among the proposed options for coal hoods it is easy to get confused. Choosing the right model may not be so simple - they are all so different.

It is important to focus on the following characteristics:

  • number of operating modes;
  • required number of speeds;
  • device power;
  • noisiness
  • the size;
  • replacement carbon filter cost and availability;
  • the cost of the hood itself.

When choosing, the main thing is to immediately determine how many operating modes are needed and how much you can spend on the device. It can only be exhaust air purification or the purification mode and evacuation mode. The number of speeds affects the noise and speed of the exhaust air.

Calculation of coal extraction power
A correction factor of 1.3 when calculating the required exhaust power is needed so that the purchased device does not work constantly at the limit of its capabilities. This will extend its service life.

Then you have to choose the right power equipment. Here you need the area of ​​the room and the height of the ceilings. To correctly calculate the power, you need to multiply these 2 values ​​among themselves, then multiply by a correction factor of 1.3 and multiply by the number of air updates in the room per hour - for the kitchen it is 12. The resulting value will be the required power.

As for the noise of the hood, for coal models, as well as for options with an air duct, a level of 40 dB should be adhered to. The range can be expanded to an indicator of 50 dB, if none of the family members suffers from increased irritability. Well, if this is a model in which 3-5 speeds, then the maximum noise will be observed only when working at the highest speed.

Coal extraction noise level
If the model you like has a noise level of more than 50 dB, it is better to refuse to buy it - 1-2 hours of cooking in the kitchen with the hood turned on will turn into a headache, irritability and bad mood

When choosing an important role is played by the size of the air purifier in the kitchen. Its width should be no less than the width of the plate. Ideally, the hood should be 10 cm wider than the stove. This will ensure optimal purification of the exhaust air.

The cost of replaceable carbon filters when choosing a device is also important - especially if a new one costs about 2500 rubles. Here it is worth considering the feasibility of buying such a model.

You should also pay attention to the period of use of the fine filter recommended by the manufacturer. It can be 2-3 months, or 9-12 months. And in some cases, and 3 years, when it comes to renewable accessories Long Life.

Moreover, not only the cost, but also the availability of the desired filter model in your region is important. After all, if you have to change it every 2 months, and wait for delivery to the service center for 3-4 months, then here you obviously need to pay attention to another model of the hood.

When the selected equipment meets all the criteria that are individual for each user, you can safely purchase your favorite model. The main thing is that its price is also suitable.

A responsible approach to choosing a hood
Only with a responsible approach to the selection of equipment can we expect that the service life will be long and there will be no problems with the smooth operation of the hood without exhaust

How to install the equipment?

When installing a coal exhaust hood, all the rules apply, as with the installation of equipment with an air duct. In addition, the location of the ventilation shaft here will not matter if the device does not have an evacuation mode.

First, it’s important to withstand height from the stove - at least 65 cm to the hood. Secondly, you need a power outlet to connect the device to the network. Thirdly, depending on the design features of the selected model, it will have to be installed correctly.

It can be installation in a niche of a kitchen cabinet or installation of a freestanding appliance. The manufacturer's instructions will describe in detail how to install it correctly.

Coal extractor installation
Perhaps it will be enough to drill holes with a puncher and put special hooks from the mounting kit that comes with the hood. Then securely fasten following the instructions

If this is a model with air exhaust and carbon filters, then, in addition to installation, you will also need connection to the ventilation system at home.

Thus, the installation of the coal model of the hood will directly depend on its design and functional features. After properly installing and securing the box, you will have to install a carbon filter, following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Carbon Filter Installation
When installing the filter, it is important to hear a click that will indicate the exact placement of the accessory at its workplace or in a special frame

After installing fine filters you need to put fatty - These are coarse filters that are the first to take a blow during operation.

When all installation work is completed, you can turn on the device in the electrical network and press the corresponding button on the control panel. So you can check the operation of the hood, which will indicate the correctness of all installation work.

Do you want to install the hood yourself without venting into the ventilation? In this case, go this link and read the detailed installation instructions.

Features of care for coal hood

Coal exhaust air purifiers need routine inspections and maintenance. As it becomes soiled, remove the grease filter and clean it. To do this, use the same detergent as for washing dishes. It is important when servicing the hood to be sure to turn it off from the mains.

Also, if during the routine inspection it was found that one of the bulbs burned out, you must purchase a similar model of the same power. It is also necessary to install it only after turning off the device from the network.

Air purification equipment has its own characteristics, consisting in the periodic change of carbon filters. The frequency of these manipulations depends on the model of the device, the frequency of use and the manufacturer's recommendations. At the same time as servicing the grease filter, inspect the charcoal.

Replacing carbon filters
An example of replacing a filter in one of the hood models is removing the used carbon filter immediately after the grease filter and installing a new one, reliably fixing it and attaching the grease filter back. All this the manufacturer leads in steps. The rules for installing filters differ in different models of hoods. It is important to read the instructions and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

The carbon filter is in the hood behind the coarse filter.

Can:

  • purchase a replacement filter at a service center;
  • use a universal filter, giving it the right size with scissors;
  • clear old if it is a restored model;
  • make a charcoal filter with your own hands;
  • replace the filler in the filter cartridge model.

It all depends on the manufacturer's recommendations, the cost and availability of replaceable carbon filters. So, if there are no problems with this, then it is easier and more convenient to purchase a ready-made accessory. Otherwise, the problem can be solved on their own.

For the manufacture of a replaceable filter, sheet sintepon, scissors and activated carbon in granules or tablets will be needed.

You can do the filter yourself
You need to cut blanks from fiber using the used filter as a pattern.

Then between the 2 layers of syntepon you need to place a granular absorbent filler and carefully fix everything in the cassette.

In some filter models, the protective fabric layer can be carefully removed and washed - after these procedures it does not lose its properties and can be reused.

In the cassette filter, you can replace the filler
In the cassette filter, it is enough to replace the filler and after drying the washed fabric material, stick it in its original place

The capabilities of your filter model should be read in the instructions supplied by the manufacturer. For example, there are wonderful carbon filters that can last 3 years. These are Elica's renewable accessories called Long Life. As they become soiled, they are washed, dried and put back into place.

The life of different manufacturers and models of accessories can vary significantly.

It also directly depends on the intensity of use of the coal extract - the less often it is turned on, the longer the filter will last:

  • in addition to Long Life filters, Elica has an average life of 2 months;
  • Elikor, Falmec, Jetair - this is 3-4 months;
  • Fabriano and Gaggenau - 6 months on average;
  • Krona and Bosch filters have a 12-month usage period.

As for the cost, it ranges from 250 to 3000 rubles for one accessory. Therefore, it is important to take care of a spare carbon filter in advance so that it is at hand at the right time.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Sometimes it’s easier to restore a carbon filter with your own hand than to get an equivalent replacement for it. How to reanimate the fine filter will demonstrate the video clip:

Depending on the model of the hood, the installation process of a carbon filter in it will also differ. Moreover, it can work both with air exhaust and in recirculation mode, if you additionally put a carbon filter:

About choosing the optimal hood (part 1):

Tips for choosing a hood (part 2):

Having become acquainted with the features of cooker hoods that can operate in recirculation mode, you can choose the best option for your kitchen. Moreover, the price range is quite wide - there are both modest coal models and expensive ones for several tens of thousands of rubles.

Excellent operational characteristics, ease of maintenance, the ability to install and replace filters with your own hands make hoods with fine filters the desired helpers in any kitchen.

Thinking about buying a hood with a carbon filter and want to consult with our experts and other visitors to the site? Or are you ready to share your experience in the selection and operation of such equipment? Leave your questions, write reviews about the pros and cons of your model, add a photo of your coal hood, indicate your opinion about this equipment below under the article.

 

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Visitors Comments
  1. Vladimir

    My wife has long dreamed of an extractor hood, and in our apartment it is very problematic to install it. Design flaw - no ventilation shaft. But a hood with a carbon filter can be a real way out of the situation. They probably appeared recently, I did not know about such before. And now I’m studying offers in online stores. Already even looked after the Kaiser brand. Every dog ​​has his day.

    • Anastasia

      Curious, why not Krona or Elikor?

      If the production base for the built-in hood (you wrote about such a model?) Is 600 mm, then the main thing is that it should be equipped with two motors. At 500 mm, these two manufacturers do not have twin-engine hoods, except that some new ones have been released. In fact, there are no other differences - the productivity plus or minus one kilometer is identical.

      Only a panel 40 mm high remains in sight, and the motor unit goes into the closet of the kitchen unit. The noise level may vary slightly, but the control options are: an old slider, button, touch ... and with Swarovski crystals for hipsters =) This model was in Krona back in 2010.

      The main thing that needs to be taken into account: the motor part is fixed to the horizontal screed of the furniture cabinet closely. Even if you will not use a corrugator for forced exhaust, you will need to make a hole above the valve in this screed (usually it is shifted to the rear edge of the hood, and does not go through the center, as many are mistaken). If such a hole is not provided, then air recirculation will not be performed, and the equipment will fail. It will burn if in Russian.

  2. Dmitry

    I would say that the cost and easy availability of these same carbon filters need to be paid attention first of all. Well, even the power of the hood. Everything else is lyrics.

  3. Irina

    Good afternoon, I beg you to help, I’ve already tortured everyone with questions, but no one can give an answer. Built-in telescopic hood with recirculation and carbon filter, kitchen to the ceiling, I want to understand how to mount it exactly inside the cabinet.

    What is going on there?) How does air get back into the room? Through what? Does moisture and heat remain in the cabinet and does the facades of the chipboard spoil? Or do you need to mount the grill as a fireplace type in the facade of the upper cabinet and some kind of metal box and a pipe to be brought in from the hood or just a grill? Thanks in advance for your reply.

    Attached photos:
    • Michael

      Good afternoon, Irina.

      Your hood’s passport necessarily contains the “Installation” section, where the “organization of the paths” for the return of purified air are given — I recommend that you work through it. If there is no passport, see screenshot # 1 for the commentary, which gives a general idea of ​​the air recirculation scheme.

      Your option for hanging cabinets will probably require upgrading the cabinet facade with a built-in hood - cut through the front wall and install a decorative grille. An air duct may also be required.

      Attached photos:

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