Kitchen Hood: Filter, External Pipe, Integrated or Suspended?

Cooking vapors are different from one place to another, more or less water-rich and therefore heavier: this is why each hood has its own power. The choice varies between integrated and external suspended hoods, and between filter or external duct systems. The suspended hood remains the most efficient, while the integrated hood is ideal for minimalist kitchens but reduces the space required for the cabinets underneath.

Hood with filter and hood with external tube

Hood with filter (recirculation)

• It does not require a chimney.

• It filters the air with activated carbon and grease filters, reintroducing it into the kitchen.

• Advantages: simple installation, ideal for apartments.

• Disadvantages: Requires frequent maintenance and has slightly lower power.

• Maintenance : grease filters every 2-4 weeks, activated carbon every 3-6 months.

Hood with external pipe (expulsion)

• Connect the hood to a duct that expels the fumes outside the home.

• It offers maximum efficiency, especially with induction.

• Advantages: greater suction capacity, fewer filters to replace.

• Maintenance : grease filter only, to be washed every 3-4 weeks.

👉 In short: if possible, for induction it is better to use a hood with an external pipe , which is better able to handle heavier vapors.

🔎Find out which bacteria nest in a hood!

Why induction requires more suction power

Unlike gas cooking, induction heats pans directly and quickly. This process evaporates water more quickly and generates more humid vapors . Because they are heavier, these vapors tend to rise more slowly and remain in the cooking zone longer.
👉 Bottom line: You need a hood with superior suction power to properly capture condensation and odors.

🔎 Discover the basic features if you have induction

Induction hood: integrated or suspended?

Integrated hood (downdraft)

• Vacuum directly from the hob, near the heat source.

• Elegant design, perfect for kitchens with islands or minimal solutions.

• Limits :

  • It takes up space in the cabinet below, reducing the capacity of the drawers.

  • Often lower power, therefore less effective with heavy vapors than induction.

  • Requires careful maintenance.

👉 Ideal when aesthetics are the priority and you can sacrifice a little storage space.

Hood suspended above the top

• The most efficient solution for managing water-laden induction steam.

• It does not take up space in lower cabinets.

• Available in different styles: modern (steel/glass) or rustic (copper, ceramic, wood).

Recommended suction power

• Small/medium kitchen : 500–700 m³/h

• Large kitchen or kitchen with island : 700–900 m³/h

• Models with intensive mode and automatic adjustment are preferable.

👉 Recommended for those seeking maximum efficiency and for cookers with frequent induction use.

Cleaning frequency

• Hood with filter → anti-grease every 2-4 weeks + activated carbon every 3-6 months.

• Hood with external pipe → only grease filters every 3-4 weeks.

• Integrated hood → more frequent cleaning, because heavy vapors settle easily.

• Suspended hood → easier maintenance, grease filters washed regularly.

New trends in aspiration

• Hoods integrated into induction hobs are increasingly compact and efficient.

• Smart technology : air quality sensors and app control.

• Invisible design : concealed models for minimalist kitchens.

• Silent and powerful motors , capable of better managing wet steam.

Conclusion

With induction hobs, the more water-laden vapors require a more powerful hood than with gas.

• If you can install an external duct, the suspended hood with external pipe remains the best solution.

• If you value aesthetics and open space, an integrated hood is an elegant choice, albeit with some compromises in power and storage space.

🔎 Some tips for deciding which one to buy

FAQ

1. Why do you need more suction power with induction?
Because the vapors are richer in water, therefore heavier, and require greater suction force.

2. Is a built-in or suspended hood with induction better?
A suspended hood is more powerful and efficient; an integrated one is ideal if you want a minimalist design, but it offers less performance.

3. How much power do you need for an induction hob?
Between 600 and 700 m³/h for small/medium kitchens, up to 900 m³/h for large kitchens or kitchens with islands.

4. Does the built-in hood take up cabinet space?
Yes, it takes up part of the space under the hob, reducing the space available for drawers and shelves.

5. What is the ideal maintenance?
Clean grease filters every 2-4 weeks; replace carbon filters every 3-6 months (recirculation hoods only).

🔎 Discover the selection of Silverline Hoods and Lofra Hoods, all Made in Italy