Hood without flue pipe: the right solutions for your kitchen
The hob is only one of the appliances that helps create a suitable environment for cooking in the kitchen. Another essential tool in guaranteeing livability and comfort in this space is the hood, which removes condensation, vapor and odors produced when cooking.
The most common type of kitchen hood used is the duct out version, which through the use of an electric fan positioned over the hob, captures fumes and odors, expelling them outside, thanks to a duct called flue pipe. But what can you do if it isn’t structurally possible to have a fume exit outlet? Or if, you just want a less invasive, more elegant solution for your kitchen? As of today, there are various solutions available on the market that combine top performance with refined design. Here are some tips on how to choose a hood without a flue pipe.
A hood without a flue pipe: is it possible?
Let’s answer this right away: yes, a hood without a flue pipe is possible. The main function of a traditional hood is conveying and expelling air outside, usually through a flue pipe. However, there are alternative systems that effectively eliminate unwanted vapors and odors, in order to breathe clean air in the kitchen.
Hood without a flue pipe: filtering hood
The most commonly known alternative system is the filtering hood. Its main characteristics are:
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Recycling air, i.e. recirculating air back into the kitchen after riding it of unpleasant odors.
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Filtering air, the main system of the appliance is made up of metal or porous structures that capture odor and grease particles released when cooking.
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Space saving, usually, no flue pipe means taking up less space.
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Flexible installation.
The “core” of this type of hood is its filtering system, that filters air by capturing odors, fumes and cooking grease. Usually, a hood without a flue pipe is equipped with two types of filters, working synergically and complementarily:
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Grease filters, remove greasy and oily substances dispersed in fumes. These are also found in traditional hoods and can be made of aluminum, stainless steel or acrylic.
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Activated charcoal filters, only for filtering hoods, remove odors from kitchen fumes. They are porous structures that retain organic molecules, which are responsible for typical cooking odors and, in the case of ceramic filters, can reach filtering efficiency levels of over 80%.
Innovative solutions: induction extractor hobs
And what if a hood isn’t really needed? Induction hob technology has paved the way to the possibility of integrating a fume removal system into the hob itself. The fumes, instead of rising up towards the hood, are conveyed below the hob via a fan positioned on the hob itself. An innovative technological solution that makes the best use out of kitchen space, combining two appliances in one.
Extractor hobs are a brand-new, innovative solution, which efficiently remove grease and odors, while fitting in with any kitchen style, thanks to their clean and linear design. Extractor hobs are distinguished by:
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High extraction flow rate
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Reduced noise level
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High filtering efficiency (over 80%)
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Easy filter maintenance (filters are easily accessible)
The line of NikolaTesla Extractor hobs by Elica, combines the typical features of the best induction hobs on the market with the innovation of integrated extraction: the perfect marriage between technology, form and function.
Hood without a flue pipe: How can I choose the right one?
In addition to the filtering hood details provided, here are some useful tips to help make an informed and advantageous choice. Some filtering hood features to consider are:
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Stated filtration level, that although it is not guaranteed under all conditions, should generally be higher than 60/70%.
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Average filter life, not just for the grease filter grids (which still require frequent maintenance), but especially for activated charcoal filter grids, which are often disposable. The best ceramic charcoal filter grids can be regenerated up to 5 times with obvious savings in terms of spending.
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Size and appearance
Just a few tips, and you will make the right choice in selecting the extractor hob or hood without a flue pipe, that best meets the technical and aesthetic needs of your kitchen.