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Cooker Hood Carbon Filters Explained

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Cooker Hood Carbon Filters Explained

Understand what a carbon filter does, when you need one, how to choose the right size, and how often to replace for consistently fresh, odour-free kitchen air.

Quick take: You need a carbon filter only when the hood runs in recirculatingAir is pulled through grease and carbon filters then returned to the room — no outside duct. mode. A ducted hood vents odours outside and usually doesn’t use carbon.
💡 Quick fact
Carbon captures odour molecules via adsorption.
⏱️ Replacement
Swap every 3–6 months depending on use.
🔁 Long-life
Some are washable and re-activatable 6–8 times.
🔧 Fit check
Match by hood model code, not a diameter guess.

What does a carbon filter do?

A carbon filter uses activated carbonExtremely porous charcoal that traps odour molecules onto its surface (adsorption). placed behind the metal grease filter to neutralise smells from frying, onions, fish, spices and smoke as air passes through the hood.

Do I need one?

  • Yes if your hood recirculates air back into the room.
  • No if your hood is ducted to outside.
Tip: Look under the hood. A visible duct pipe leading outside means ducted. If you see a round or rectangular cartridge behind the grease filters, that’s a carbon filter.

Types of cooker hood carbon filters

Type How it looks Pros Considerations Typical replacement
Standard carbon cartridge Round or rectangular plastic cassette Good odour removal; easy to fit Not washable; ongoing cost Every 3–6 months
Long-life carbon Sturdier cassette with denser carbon Wash/re-activate multiple times; less waste Higher upfront price Wash 2–3 monthly; replace after 2–3 years
Universal carbon pads Cut-to-size sheets Low cost and flexible Seal quality varies; may reduce performance Every 2–3 months

How to choose the right carbon filter

1) Match your hood model code

Check the rating label inside the hood (behind the grease filters). Search for the genuine filter code or a direct-fit equivalent listed for that model.

2) Confirm attachment style

Round cassettes usually twist-lock onto the motor; rectangular types clip behind the grease filter. If using universal pads, ensure a tight seal so air cannot bypass the carbon.

3) Consider airflow and noise

Denser carbon improves odour capture but can slightly reduce the hood’s airflow ratingMeasured in m³/h. The wrong filter may lower airflow and increase perceived noise.. Choose the manufacturer-specified filter for best balance.

Fitting & replacing a carbon filter

  1. Switch the hood off and let it cool.
  2. Remove the metal grease filters.
  3. Locate the carbon cassette(s). Twist or unclip to remove.
  4. Fit the new filter(s). Align tabs and twist/clip to lock.
  5. Refit grease filters and test the hood.
  6. Reset any saturation indicatorA timer/icon that illuminates after preset hours to prompt cleaning or replacement. per your manual.
Reminder: Grease filters are washable; carbon filters are not unless labelled long-life/washable.

How often should I replace carbon filters?

Rules of thumb:

  • Light cooking (1–2×/week): replace every 6 months
  • Typical home (3–5×/week): replace every 3–4 months
  • Heavy frying/spices: replace every 2–3 months

Signs it’s time

  • Lingering cooking smells after the hood runs
  • Fan sounds louder for the same setting
  • Stale, greasy odour near the hood
Money-saving tip: Long-life filters can be washed gently and fully dried at low oven heat to re-activate. Always follow the hood’s manual.

Care & maintenance for fresh kitchen air

  • Wash grease filters monthly to protect the carbon.
  • Run the hood for 5–10 minutes after cooking to clear remaining odours.
  • Keep a spare carbon set so you’re never without odour control.
  • Reset the filter timer after each replacement.

Quick-buy checklist

  • Hood model code and filter part number
  • Correct shape/locking method (round twist, clip-in, or pad)
  • Preference: standard vs long-life washable
  • Consider a year’s supply to reduce deliveries and cost

FAQs

No. Only long-life carbon filters are designed to be washed and re-activated. Standard cassettes should be replaced.
Match the hood model code to the filter part number in the manual or product page. Avoid guessing by diameter alone.
A little. Denser carbon improves odour capture but can lower airflow slightly. Using the specified filter keeps performance balanced.
No. Ducted hoods vent outside and typically don’t require carbon filters; they still need clean metal grease filters.
Check the grease filters are clean, the carbon cassette is seated with a good seal, and that the hood is not on a reduced power setting.
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