The extractor hood is essential for keeping the air clean. But even a powerful hood can lose much of its performance if the installation isn’t done correctly. In fact, not even the best model on the market works well if the extraction system is poorly executed.
Let’s begin:
1. Using a non-approved flexible duct
That flimsy aluminium “dryer-like” duct so common in quick installations… doesn’t work. It’s cheap, yes, but also weak, noisy and restricts airflow. Its corrugated interior creates turbulence, deforms over time and accumulates grease.
In short: it turns a good hood into a mediocre one.
Avoid it like this:
• Prioritise rigid, smooth, certified extraction ducts.
• If you need a flexible section, make sure it’s certified and stretched to the maximum.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Reducing the duct diameter
If your hood is designed for 150 mm and you install a 120 mm duct, you’re choking it: noise increases, performance drops and the motor works harder.
Avoid it like this:
• Respect the specified diameter — it’s part of the product’s performance.
• Maintain the same diameter throughout the entire run.
• If structural limitations force a reduction, expect extraction losses and more noise. These are not product faults, but a direct consequence of reducing the duct size.
3. Duct runs that are too long
The longer the air has to travel, the worse the hood works: performance drops, noise increases and condensation may appear.
Avoid it like this:
• Install the hood as close as possible to the outlet.
• As a rule of thumb: 3 metres total duct length is ideal.
• If you must exceed it, compensate with a more powerful hood or an in-line extractor.
• Slightly tilt the horizontal duct section towards the exterior so condensation doesn’t return to the hood.
4. Too many bends
Each bend reduces airflow. Three 90° elbows can cut performance by almost half.
Avoid it like this:
• The fewer bends, the better.
• Two 45° bends are better than one 90°.
• Consider diagonal routes if they help smooth the airflow.
5. Not planning the outlet (and choosing the wrong alternative)
When the extraction route isn’t planned from the start, inconsistent solutions appear — and they compromise performance.
If there’s no possibility of exterior extraction, recirculation is a valid option as long as a quality system is used and properly maintained. The problem is not recirculation itself — it’s poor filters, misuse or lack of maintenance.
Avoid it like this:
• Prioritise exterior extraction whenever possible: it removes humidity, heat and odours.
• If there’s no outlet, choose high-quality recirculation: good activated carbon or plasma.
• Maintain filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Recirculation can perform at its best, but only with proper care and correct use.
In summary
A good installation makes all the difference. For your hood to work properly:
• Rigid ducts of the correct diameter.
• Short, straight runs.
• Minimal bends.
• And proper planning from the very beginning.
Your kitchen (and your lungs) will thank you.
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