Why does the extractor hood need filters?
Read in the Mykitchens magazine why the extractor hood needs filters, what extractor hood filters there are and how to clean them.
reading time: about 2 minutes
These filter types are available for extractor hoods
Depending on which extractor hood is chosen, it requires a different filter. Filters for extractor hoods differ according to the type of exhaust air (exhaust air or recirculation extractor hood), manufacturer and model. Not every extractor hood filter fits in every extractor hood.
Recirculating air filter
Recirculating air filters are needed for recirculating air extractor hoods. The air is usually cleaned using an activated carbon filter and then fed back into the room.
Exhaust air filter
Exhaust air filters are needed for cooker hoods with exhaust air. Usually, only a grease filter is needed for this, which removes grease and oil from the air.
Grease filters
Grease filters remove oil and grease particles from the air. They are required in every extractor hood (with the exception of a Berbel extractor hood, which works using centrifugal force instead of grease filters - more on this below).
Odor filters
Odor filters filter odors from the air. They are often based on activated carbon, as it binds odors particularly well.
The activated carbon filter
An activated carbon filter filters odors. It is required for the recirculating air extractor hood, where the filtered air is returned to the room.
Activated carbon filters must be replaced regularly. Sustainable filters are also so-called long-life filters, regenerable activated carbon filters that are "refreshed" in the oven. There are also special activated carbon filters for fish with a higher phosphorus content, e.g. the Berbel special fish carbon, or a pollen filter for dust and pollen, e.g. the Neff Clean Air Plus filter or the Miele Sensitive AirClean filter.
The grease filter
A grease filter removes fats and oils from the air and is required for both the exhaust air extractor hood and the recirculation air extractor hood.
A metal filter is often used as a grease filter. However, it is also available as a fleece filter or paper filter.
The hybrid filter
Some manufacturers, e.g. the Berbel extractor hood, also offer so-called hybrid filters for extractor hoods. Hybrid filters are required when switching between exhaust air and recirculated air.
Cleaning the filter
Filters must be cleaned or replaced regularly - depending on the type. Odor, grease and oil particles build up over time. After a certain period of operation, extractor hood filters become saturated and must be replaced.
Clean the grease filter
If the saturation increases, a grease filter can separate less and less grease. Sometimes they can also become resinous on the inside. As a result, the extractor hood becomes louder and consumes more energy. It is therefore important to regularly clean or replace the grease filter of the extractor hood.
Change the carbon filter
Carbon filters cannot usually be cleaned, but must be replaced or regenerated. Classic odor filters last about 6 to 12 months. Regenerable filters can have a lifespan of about 10 years and must be regenerated every four to six months. To do this, the regenerable filter is heated in the oven at 200 °C for about two hours (please always follow the manufacturer's instructions!).
Filters for the Siemens extractor hood
There are various Siemens filters for extractor hoods: grease filters and odor filters. There are different materials for grease filters: metal filters, paper filters and fleece filters. The Siemens Clean Air Plus odor filters filter odors, pollen and allergens from the air. They last about 6-12 months.
Filter for the Berbel extractor hood
The Berbel extractor hood is different from other extractor hoods. It does not use traditional grease filters and relies on centrifugal force to separate grease (= Berbel principle). Heavy grease and oil particles are separated from lighter air and transported to stainless steel collecting trays.
The Berbel activated carbon filter is also different from other activated carbon filters. The filters are filled with refillable activated carbon granules and are available for classic use (Berbel Pro Aktiv) or for fish odors (Berbel special carbon fish). The activated carbon granules only need to be replaced every 2-3 years (depending on use).
Filters for the Miele extractor hood
There are different filters for Miele extractor hoods - depending on the model (e.g. Miele KMDA, wall-mounted extractor hoods, etc.) and the type of extraction (recirculated air / exhaust air). Every Miele extractor hood is equipped with a 10-layer stainless steel filter that can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Miele recirculated air extractor hoods need an odor filter, the Miele activated carbon filter. There are simple carbon filters as well as special Miele activated carbon filters, such as the Miele Sensitive AirClean filter. In addition to odors, it can also filter fine dust. Another special feature is the regenerable Longlife AirClean filter, which can be regenerated in the oven every six months and only needs to be replaced every three years.
