How to choose a charcoal-filtered range hood

A charcoal-filtered range hood (sometimes called a recirculating hood) is a kitchen ventilation unit that captures grease and odour laden cooking air, then filters it through an activated carbon box before discharging it outside, through a wall or roof outlet. Three criteria guide the choice in our range: hood length, the number of carbon cartridges required, and the type of motor. For commercial use, extracted air must still be discharged outside even after carbon filtration.

Hood length determines the volume of air to be treated: our odour control packages cover from 1 metre to 4 metres depending on the model (compact package: 1 to 2 m, standard stainless steel package: 1 to 2.5 m, package with remote motor: 1 to 4 m). The longer the hood, the more cartridges and motor airflow are needed to keep up with service.

The number of activated carbon cartridges ranges from 5 (Base CH5 box) to 48 (CH48 box) across our standalone carbon box range. Each cartridge traps a share of odour molecules: the greasier the cooking (frying, grilling), the more cartridges are needed to keep the air clean throughout service.

Motor type is a choice between a neutral box (no motor, to be paired with an existing hood motor or a separate motor) and an integrated motorised box, which simplifies installation by combining filtration and ventilation in a single unit. Our motorised boxes run on single-phase 230V, with indicative airflows from 2,000 to 4,000 m³/h (9/9 motorised box) up to 4,000 to 6,000 m³/h (12/12 motorised box).

Standalone carbon box or complete hood package: which configuration to choose

Two product families make up the charcoal-filtered range hood range:

• The standalone carbon box, to be fitted onto an existing duct run or to replace a worn unit: from the 5 cartridge Base box to the 48 cartridge box (14,400 m³/h), with or without an integrated motor.
• The complete charcoal-filtered hood package, which brings together a stainless steel hood, a motor (double-inlet centrifugal or integrated in the box), a remote carbon box and a fan speed controller: a turnkey solution for a takeaway or small kitchen with no existing ductwork.

All our hoods and boxes are manufactured in Spain, Italy, Belgium and France, with a 1 year guarantee.

Comparison table of carbon boxes

Charcoal-filtered hoods without ducting: what you need to know

A charcoal-filtered hood without ducting, or recirculating hood, filters the air and returns it to the kitchen without connecting to a duct leading outside. In a restaurant kitchen, this configuration is not permitted: commercial premises must discharge extracted air outside for hygiene and fire safety reasons. This is why our charcoal-filtered hood packages are designed to work with ducting to the outside: the filter and carbon cartridge treat the air before it is discharged through a wall or roof outlet, removing or reducing (depending on constraints) odour nuisance for neighbouring properties.

Please note, an open kitchen with more than 20 kW of cooking appliances typically falls under an F400/120 smoke extraction requirement, a classification that is not compatible with an activated carbon box (carbon is a combustible material). This rule depends on the project and local building control/fire authority, and must be checked before any contractual decision. It should never be confused with a C4 classification (400°C/30 min). Charcoal-filtered hoods remain best suited to small kitchens such as takeaways, dessert/crepe outlets, Asian kitchens or kebab shops, with strong smelling cooking.

Points to check before ordering

• Hood length: measure the actual length to be covered (1 to 4 m across our package range) to choose the right model.
• Number of cartridges: the greasier and more frequent your cooking (frying, grilling), the more carbon cartridges you need to keep the air clean throughout service.
• Neutral or motorised box: an integrated motorised box simplifies installation, while a neutral box is suitable if you already have a double-inlet centrifugal fan or an existing hood motor in place.
• Power supply: our motorised boxes run on single-phase 230V, check your electrical supply before ordering.
• Size and weight: the largest boxes (CH32, CH48) weigh over 100 kilos, plan for suitable mounting (bracket or installation kit).

Maintaining a charcoal-filtered hood with a remote box

To keep its efficiency, a charcoal-filtered hood needs regular maintenance: hood filters should be cleaned at least once a week, the box's G4 filter every quarter, and the activated carbon in the cartridges replaced after one to two years depending on use. A full professional clean of the installation at least once a year remains a legal requirement for commercial kitchens.

Complete your order with

Consider replacement G4 filters, activated carbon cartridges or a 25 kg bag of activated carbon for refills, as well as an installation kit or a heavy duty support bracket for mounting your box. VentilSoGood supplies this equipment without carrying out installation: use a qualified professional for the electrical connection.