Grease filters for hoods: varieties, their features and disadvantages + how to choose

Principle Proceedings

The task of any recirculation apparatus is air purification based on a carbon filter.But, according to the scheme, the hood should be supplemented with a grease filter, which will release fat impurities from the air streams that accumulate during prolonged use of the hood. The task of the carbon filter is also to clean the atmosphere of harmful particles that may remain in it. Due to the complex action of two types of cleaning elements at once, maximum cleaning of the atmosphere in the room is ensured. Most often, an extractor hood is created with a carbon filter without a drain - it is economical in operation and can work for a long time.

Hoods based on carbon filters have become popular due to their affordable cost. The good absorption capacity of activated carbon itself allows you to timely free the room from unpleasant odors, smoke or steam impurities. Cheapness is formed due to the design of the cleaning element. The advantages of carbon filters include the following:

• Easy connection and installation;
• Possibility of installation in a room with poor ventilation;
• Ease of filter change;
• Compact dimensions;
• Selection of speed and filtering orders.

The main advantage of a hood based on a carbon filter is the efficiency of work even with a complete obstruction of the ventilation system, when it will not be necessary to look for additional solutions to ensure air flow.

Why is it necessary to clean the air from grease?

Modern hoods are capable of operating in two demanded modes. The first is the removal of air outside the kitchen, that is, to the street or to the ventilation shaft. The second way is recirculation, after which the already used, but cleaned from pollution, air masses enter the room.

Depending on the operating mode of the hood, grease filters perform the following functions:

1. When venting air. Protect structural elements, including the engine, from exposure to large particles of dirt (grease, soot).
2. When recirculating. They purify the air from the above elements in order to purify the air, and also serve to protect the engine, other parts of the design of ventilation equipment.

In addition, in recirculation hoods, grease traps protect the carbon filter used to remove odors, gases, and some combustion products.

As the above information indicates, a grease filter for any modern hood is necessary to protect its structural elements from the effects of any large particles of dirt.

Protection of an expensive engine and other structural elements depends only on the grease trap

Why is this needed? If you do not clean from fat, soot, then in just a few weeks all kinds of internal surfaces of the hood itself and the engine will be covered with a suspension of accumulated dirt particles.

Its abrasive properties will be enhanced by unfiltered dust. What will cause a significant increase in the load on all rubbing elements of the hood, first of all, this concerns an expensive engine.

As a result, increased wear and tear will begin, after which early breakdowns will occur, which will lead to significant financial losses.

Steel filter, it is strong, durable. It is convenient that it can be used several times by removing grease from the surface with detergents.

When recycling duties, a grease filter is added. And poor-quality cleaning will lead to much greater negative consequences.

The reason for this lies in the fact that the air that will be reused is not only cleaned of fat, combustion products, but also of odors.

aluminum filter. In the foreground, a lock is visible, allowing the product to be easily installed or removed for maintenance.

Therefore, an expensive filter element is additionally used to remove them, which should also be protected. After all, dust and fat deposits easily, and most importantly quickly, lead to a loss in the efficiency of the odor filter.

As a result, cleaning with a coal hood will not be performed, and this is again additional financial costs, harm to health.

How to choose a hood for the kitchen

Pay attention to the following criteria when choosing:

• Aesthetic indicators. How will the new technology fit into your interior.
• Instrument dimensions. Take measurements before buying.
• Product form.
• Power. Choose performance depending on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bspace.
• The principle of operation of the unit.

Important parameters

Before buying, pay attention to the following parameters:

• Equipment. Grease filters in the kit must be provided by the manufacturer.
• Performance. You must understand how much power you need for this unit in order for it to work efficiently.
• Noiselessness. Not all models are quiet. 40 decibels is the optimal setting, the sound will be quiet.
• Options. Do not buy a product without first measuring the space where you plan to mount it.

Secondary parameters

• The color of the product is not important if it is masked by the kitchen panel.
• Manufacturer. If you are satisfied with all the important parameters, then you should not overpay for the brand.
• Type of connection with an exhaust port.Choose corrugated or square pipes, you can even make a move from drywall.
• Additional lighting. Manufacturers offer devices with built-in bulbs to illuminate the hob, but usually they give little light.
• Remote Control. Ability to control power remotely.
• Sleep timer.
• Switch panel type.

Comparison of the distinguishing parameters of the air cleaner and hood

To consolidate the above, let's compare hoods and air cleaners in a number of ways.

Purpose

The hood is designed to remove air outside the room, but most models can also work in recirculation mode. Air purifiers work only in recirculation mode, but due to their design features, they cope with this task better than hoods.

Air recirculation scheme

Principle of operation

The exhaust device consists in sucking odors, steam and smoke from the room. With the help of an electric fan, air flows rush into the ventilation ducts.

The air cleaner passes air through a group of filters and is not connected to ventilation. The performance, noise level and quality of the device depends on the quantity, quality and condition of the filter elements.

Air purifier passes air through filters

Design differences

Structurally, air cleaners differ from hoods in the following:

1. The air cleaner does not have a channel for connecting to ventilation;

2. Mounting the hood is more difficult and requires the ability to bring air outside;

3. The hood usually has 1 or 2 filters (mesh and carbon), and the air cleaner - 2 or more;
4. Due to the filter elements, the throughput of the air cleaner is worse, so the air passes through it more difficult, hence the increased noise level of these devices.

Cleaning methods

The filter elements of hoods and air cleaners must be either replaced or cleaned. However, there are fewer elements in the hoods and the carbon filter must be replaced, and the mesh filter can simply be washed. Whereas half of the filters used in air cleaners are disposable. This leads to the problem of increased operating costs for the air cleaner.

Mesh filter can be easily washed

Benefits of a recirculating hood

The question immediately arises: why buy a hood with filters (and this is an additional expense), when you can simply install a model with an air duct that does not require annual investments?

In fact, recirculating hoods are very popular due to the following advantages:

• Autonomy. The device does not require a ventilation system to operate. If the exit to the ventilation shaft is in the opposite corner, you can not puzzle over the duct device, but simply install a model with a carbon filter.
• Compactness. The case occupies a minimum of useful space above the stove, and its “working” part fits easily in a small cabinet. With sliders, the surface does not protrude beyond the border of the cabinet until it is time to turn on the device by sliding the panel over the stove.
• Heat preservation. In winter, when the temperature outside is below zero, frequent ventilation threatens to lose heat in the apartment.When using a hood with filters, the vents do not need to be opened (unlike flow models, which require air flow).
• Ease of installation. The hood is inserted into a cabinet suspended above the stove or simply attached to the wall. Neither the air duct nor the suspended structures to mask it need to be done.
• Easy care. So that the functionality of the device does not suffer, you need to change the carbon filters in time and periodically clean the anti-grease ones.

The cost of recirculation models can also be attributed to the advantages, since it fits well into the framework of a modest budget - an average of 2200 rubles. up to 5000 rub. Plus, about once every six months, you need to purchase a carbon filter, which will cost 350-900 rubles.

Additional information about recirculating hoods, their application and installation features given in articles:

1. Coal hood: types, device, selection and installation rules
2. Extractor hood without venting: principle of operation, typical diagrams and installation rules
3. How a recirculation hood works + typical ventilation schemes with air recirculation

Pros and cons of carbon cartridges, differences from grease filters for hoods

There is a big difference between different types of filters. This is due to the fact that anti-grease aluminum filters for the hood are considered to be structures that provide coarse air purification, while after using carbon cartridges, the flow is freed from both large and small particles that pollute the air.

Aluminum grease traps for the hood provide only coarse air cleaning

The main advantages of carbon filters (relative to ordinary aluminum ones) are considered to be a good result of work and high-quality air purification from odors, as well as ease of replacing contaminated elements. To change the carbon filter, there is no need to contact a specialist or not to use the device for a long time. It is not necessary to choose the most expensive types of filters. There is always the possibility of purchasing more affordable options that are not inferior in quality to the original cartridges.

The undoubted advantage of using coal systems, in comparison with ordinary grease traps, is the fact that the odors coming out through the ventilation shaft will not irritate the neighbors, since the air does not leave the kitchen.

Among the disadvantages of installing carbon systems, one can single out the fact that for the most part they are disposable, unlike aluminum exhaust filters, which, as they get dirty, can be washed and cleaned using simple methods. In the case of severe contamination of the carbon cartridge, air purification is practically not carried out.

The carbon adsorbent of the filter absorbs harmful impurities, and the internal filling of the cartridge absorbs even light ions

The best universal disposable grease filters for kitchen hoods

Grease filters can be specially designed for a specific hood of a certain manufacturer, or they can be universal, with the ability to adjust the size for any unit. Below is a ranking of the best universal disposable coarse filters.

Electrolux E3CGA151

Made from white polyester.Product dimensions: width (cm) - 114, length (cm) - 47, thickness (cm) - 2 (increased for greater fat absorption efficiency), weight - 500 g. You can easily adjust the desired size by cutting off the excess. Requires regular replacement after 3-4 months, depending on the intensity of use of the hood.

Cost: 650 rubles. (on the manufacturer's website 314 rubles)

Electrolux E3CGA151
Advantages:

• Versatility (you can cut it yourself to the desired size), suitable for any hood;
• The thickness is increased, which allows you to absorb fat evaporation more efficiently and use it longer (3-4 months).

Flaws:

Relatively high price, although the service life fully justifies it.

Electrolux E3CGB001 Grease Filter

The standard size from the manufacturer is 114 * 47 cm. The material of manufacture is a natural fibrous fabric, which is subject to simple further processing (does not require special disposal). By simple cutting, you can adjust the filter to the required size.

For convenience and not to miss the replacement time, the manufacturer has provided a visual indicator that indicates that it is time to install a new filter: when the logo color changes to bright red, you should immediately respond.

Cost: 450 rubles.

Electrolux E3CGB001 Grease Filter
Advantages:

• Simplicity and versatility in size;
• Natural fibers are used that do not emit any harmful substances around them;
• Long time use;
• No need to resort to special disposal;
• There is an indicator that will tell you when the product is out of service.

Flaws:

• Price;
• The need for regular replacement.

Topperr FV1

Country of origin - Germany.The kit includes 2 filters measuring 47X55 centimeters, that is, they are perfect for any hoods 50-60 centimeters wide. The presence of the Topperr-indicator (paper substrate with logos) will tell you when to change the filter: the gray color of the picture will change to red.

Cost: 399 rubles.

Topperr FV1
Advantages:

• 100% biodegradable material that does not harm health and the environment;
• Includes 2 filters;
• The ability to independently adjust the size;
• There is a hint indicator for timely replacement.

Flaws:

Requires relatively frequent replacement.

Top House TH F 130i

Production - Germany. Package contents — 2 pcs. Dimensions: 57 cm * 47 cm. Made of natural fireproof material. Suitable for any hoods with a width of not more than 50-60 cm. There is a visual indicator that notifies you of the need for replacement.

Cost: 261 rubles.

Top House TH F 130i
Advantages:

• The instruction does not specify a specific model of the hood, suitable for any, the width of which is not more than 60 cm;
• Equipped with 2 filters per pack;
• Made from material that does not ignite at high temperatures;
• There is an indicator for notification of a change to a new one.

Flaws:

Service life on average no more than 2 months.

Model Rating

Weissgauff GAMMA 50 PB BL – high performance

Elegant and sleek model with perimeter suction, available in black or white. Case material - glass and metal.

Installation	fireplace wall
Dimensions (HxWxD)	89.50x50x33 cm
Embedding width	50 cm

Benefits of Gamma 50 PB BL:

• high productivity - 1100 m3 / h;
• effective air purification;
• low noise level;
• bright lighting;
• convenient control panel with physical buttons;
• three-layer grease cartridge with asynchronous mesh placement.

Disadvantages of the model:

• rapid contamination of the case, especially made in white;
• the impossibility of monitoring the degree of contamination of the filters;
• lack of intensive mode of operation, automatic shutdown timer.

Odor Absorption Efficiency	8.2
Filtration levels	8.8
Operating modes	9.6
Control	9.8
Noise level	9.6

MAUNFELD Tower C 50 – efficiency and simplicity

Installation	fireplace wall
Dimensions (HxWxD)	97x50x31 cm
Embedding width	50 cm

The model with a productivity of 520 m3/hour is intended for air purification in small kitchens. The grease filter is hidden behind the panel. The device clearly responds to changes in settings, easy to operate.

Advantages of Tower C 50:

• work in two modes - withdrawal and recirculation;
• perimeter suction;
• 3 speeds;
• button control;
• quality lighting.

The only drawback of the model is a noticeable noise when operating at maximum speed.

Odor Absorption Efficiency	7.6
Filtration levels	8.2
Operating modes	9.2
Control	9.2
Noise level	9.4

Shindo Nori 60 B/BG - silent assistant

Installation	fireplace wall
Dimensions (HxWxD)	81x60x39 cm
Embedding width	60 cm

Odor Absorption Efficiency	8.4
Filtration levels	9.2
Operating modes	9.6
Control	9.4
Noise level	9.8

Inclined air cleaner with perimeter suction with a capacity of 550 m3/hour. The width of the appliance is 60 cm, compatible with the most common stove models.

Benefits of Nori 60 B/BG:

• simple control via physical buttons;
• work in the modes of withdrawal and circulation;
• silent operation;
• high quality LED lighting.

Cons of the model:

• no charcoal filters included;
• impossibility of remote control.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is believed that flow-through hoods remove 100% of unpleasant odors from the room, and recirculation hoods operating on charcoal filters are much less. In fact, all odors from the kitchen cannot be removed, as they spread very quickly to neighboring rooms.

The difference in performance between the two types of hoods is about 15-20%, that is, carbon filters purify the air quite well.

Exhaust equipment with new carbon filters, when used correctly, works in such a way that it protects wallpaper, tiles, ceiling and furniture from grease and other deposits

Many do not want to constantly spend money on consumables, and instead of hoods on carbon filters they buy a model with an air duct, believing that in the end it turns out to be cheaper.

To calculate the costs, you need to add the cost of cartridges to the cost of a recirculating hood - on average, about 20 pieces will be needed for 10 years. And to the price of the flow model, you need to add the payment for materials (boxes, corrugations, fittings) and services for installing the air duct. Additionally, you should take into account the cost of the suspended structure, if it is required for masking. It remains to compare the results.

Also, in order to save money, enterprising owners of hoods, instead of hard plastic cassettes recommended by the manufacturer, manage to put soft cloth filters into the case, which cost 5 times less. This is a gross violation of the use of exhaust equipment.

Homemade and remanufactured filters drastically reduce the performance of devices, and also do not give any guarantee that the engine will function for the prescribed period after such “protection”.

You can often hear the question - is it possible to use non-original cassettes and panels if there is no corresponding brand? Of course, you can, but on one condition - if they are suitable in composition and size. This is easy to do by carefully examining the packaging: the names of the models that the cassette or cartridge fits into are usually indicated right on the front side.

4 Pros and cons of not having a device

There are several advantages to this state of affairs:

• no unnecessary mechanical noise;
• more free space, which is especially valuable in small kitchens;
• the design becomes more concise, not burdened by heavy appliances.

However, do not forget about the problems that may arise in this case. There are a few more of them:

• if the owners of the premises love and often cook fried food, then its smell will spread throughout the apartment, eating into furniture, clothes and other textile coverings;
• to ventilate, you will have to constantly open the window - this may not always be convenient, especially in winter, and can lead to drafts, colds, death of flowers on the windowsills;
• all surfaces in the kitchen will eventually become covered with a greasy film, which is not easy to get rid of, and you will have to carry out general cleaning more often;
• this will also affect the appearance of the room - the wallpaper and even the ceiling will lose their presentation, repairs will need to be done very soon;
• if a gas stove is used, then the carbon monoxide formed during operation will not go anywhere and can adversely affect human health.

Construction type: suspended, built-in or fireplace?

The most popular are suspended hoods that are mounted above the hob on the wall or on the ceiling (island). Here you can experiment with the design as much as you like, choosing the hood for the interior.

Suspended hood Smeg KIV 90 X-1

But if there is very little space in the room and the hood cannot fit into the overall design, you should pay attention to built-in solutions that are mounted directly into the kitchen set. There are even models with a retractable additional panel, which is activated only during operation.

These are inexpensive solutions, although, of course, there are different options. The performance of such devices is not very high, besides, they occupy part of the kitchen cabinet, so the time is doubtful with saving space.

Built-in telescopic hood Electrolux EFP60565OX

The dome (or fireplace) hood got its name for its appearance. This is a rather large solution, but with more power than the previous two.

Dome hood Kuppersberg T 669 C with a capacity of 800 m3/h

So, if the classic chimney hood in the form of a truncated cone is suitable, for example, for classic kitchens and retro-style rooms, then inclined models with glossy glass panels will already fit well into a high-tech kitchen.

Inclined hood AEG DVB4850B

There are also hoods combined with a microwave, but such solutions have not found distribution in our country. On the one hand, they save space in the kitchen, on the other hand, if one appliance fails, the other does not automatically work either, and this is already inconvenient.

Tips for choosing an air purification system

To make the right choice, you need to analyze your needs:

1. For use in a small kitchen where food is often cooked, it is better to use a hood - in most cases, budget models quickly cope with this task;
2. If you live alone and rarely cook, an air purifier will be enough for your needs;
3. If you want clean air in the room and a minimum amount of dust and other allergens, an air purifier is your choice. The recovery functions in the hoods cope with this task much worse;
4. The hood is installed in the overwhelming majority of cases in the kitchen, and the air cleaner in any of the rooms - a range of models will allow you to choose the right device for your tasks and interior;
5. If you have pets and small children, an air purifier will reduce the risk of allergies and other health problems for babies;
6. In a country house, installing a hood can be difficult, since you need to make a large hole in the wall (more than 10 cm) to bring the duct out. In this case, an air cleaner will do.

Watch a video about whether a kitchen hood is needed

What is a carbon filter used for?

Air carbon cleaning filters

from

• smell ;
• dust;
• plant pollen;
• allergens;
• tobacco smoke and nicotine;
• formaldehyde;
• phenol;
• mercury vapor;
• fumes from household chemicals;
• pet hair;
• some types of gases.

Carbon filter for ventilation

very useful if bad odors are a real problem in your home. Such a device will negate the consequences of the life of a smoker, pets, negligent cooks, and will return freshness and pleasant aromas to the home.

Below is the table of resistance fine carbon filters

various types of pollution.

fine dust	dust mites	mold spores	Pollen	Animal fur	Tobacco smoke	Chemical and volatile organic compounds	Kitchen flavors	Bacteria and viruses
***	***	*	**	***	****	****	*****	*

• * - poorly;
• ** - enough;
• *** - Good;
• ****- very good;
• ***** - fabulous.

Installation and prevention

The grease filter is located at the bottom of the hood, right behind the charcoal filter, if one is included with the unit. Periodically, it requires cleaning, which can be done by hand. First of all, you need to disconnect the hood from the network, after which you can remove the filter. To do this, pull the latch on the lock towards you, carefully holding the grease trap itself.

All reusable grease filters do not require serious maintenance. For the most part, they only need to be removed from the dirt that clogs the mesh. The elements are attached to special clamps, with the help of which they are easy to install and remove. After that, they can be cleaned with a special brush in soapy water.

You can also use any cleaning products, for example, those that are used when washing dishes. In any case, after the procedure, the filter must be washed with plenty of water. It should be noted that washing powder is not the best option for washing these elements, because they can scratch the metal. For aluminum, it is not recommended to use soda, acidic and alkaline compounds.

After washing is finished, be sure to dry the filter before installing it. This is best done at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.If the element is put into the hood wet, over time, corrosion processes may form on the metal.

With disposable filters, everything is much easier. It is necessary to monitor their contamination, after which the element simply changes to a new one.

Landmarks of the right choice

The main criterion for choosing a filter is its size and type. If there is no desire or time to constantly wash the sticky grid, use disposable filters made on the basis of fibers.

A reusable foil filter, in addition to saving money, has no other advantages. The product is not very durable, so after several cleanings it will have to be thrown away.

The most durable and high-quality grease trap is made of steel or aluminum. The product costs an order of magnitude more expensive, but it is guaranteed to last as long as the hood itself, or even more.

Pay attention also to the number of mesh layers. Choose a filter with multiple elements

A small cassette is easier to remove and wash than a huge panel.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Most often, hood owners have difficulties only with cleaning grease traps from dirt. The following video will show you how to perform this procedure correctly:

This video will show how the owner of the hood can get out of the situation if there is no grease trap of suitable dimensions:

Modern grease filters are practical products that can effectively clean the air from contaminants. But it should be remembered that the best result is possible only with the correct selection of the grease trap.

This applies to dimensions, material of manufacture. Also, one should not forget about the timeliness of cleaning the purchased filter, or all its effectiveness will be reduced to zero.

Please write comments in the box below. Ask questions and publish photos on the topic of the article, share your own opinion and useful information that will be useful to site visitors. Tell us about how you selected, installed, changed or cleaned the grease filter with your own hands.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Most often, hood owners have difficulties only with cleaning grease traps from dirt. The following video will show you how to perform this procedure correctly:

This video will show how the owner of the hood can get out of the situation if there is no grease trap of suitable dimensions:

Modern grease filters are practical products that can effectively clean the air from contaminants. But it should be remembered that the best result is possible only with the correct selection of the grease trap.

This applies to dimensions, material of manufacture. Also, one should not forget about the timeliness of cleaning the purchased filter, or all its effectiveness will be reduced to zero.

Please write comments in the box below. Ask questions and publish photos on the topic of the article, share your own opinion and useful information that will be useful to site visitors. Tell us about how you selected, installed, changed or cleaned the grease filter with your own hands.