Carbon Filters vs Grease Filters Explained

If you’re choosing or maintaining a cooker hood, understanding the difference between carbon filters and grease filters is essential. Both play a key role in keeping your kitchen air clean — but they do very different jobs.

Whether you’re using a recirculating or ducted system, knowing how each filter works will help you improve performance, reduce odours, and extend the life of your appliance.

👉 Explore our full range of cooker hoods to find the right model for your kitchen.

What Is a Grease Filter?

A grease filter is the first line of defence in any cooker hood. It captures airborne grease, oil, and food particles released during cooking before they can reach the motor or escape into your kitchen.

• Keeps internal components clean and protected
• Prevents sticky residue build-up on surfaces
• Improves overall air extraction efficiency

Important: Grease filters are essential in both ducted and recirculating cooker hoods.

Types of Grease Filters

• Aluminium mesh filters – reusable and easy to wash
• Stainless steel filters – durable and long-lasting
• Fleece filters – disposable and budget-friendly

What Is a Carbon Filter?

A carbon filter (also called a charcoal filter) is designed to remove odours and smells from the air. It uses activated carbon to absorb cooking fumes before the air is recirculated back into your kitchen.

• Neutralises cooking smells
• Ideal for kitchens without external venting
• Works alongside grease filters for full filtration

Tip: Carbon filters are only required for recirculating cooker hoods, not ducted systems.

Key Differences at a Glance

Do You Need Both Filters?

In most cases, yes — especially if you’re using a recirculating cooker hood.

• Ducted systems: Only grease filters are needed
• Recirculating systems: Both grease and carbon filters are required

The grease filter captures particles, while the carbon filter removes smells — together, they provide complete air cleaning.

How Often Should You Replace or Clean Filters?

Grease Filters

• Clean every 2–4 weeks depending on usage
• Dishwasher-safe in most cases

Carbon Filters

• Replace every 3–6 months
• Not washable (in most cases)

Reminder: Dirty filters reduce airflow and can make your cooker hood less effective.

Choosing the Right Setup

If your kitchen allows external venting, a ducted cooker hood with grease filters is often the most efficient option. However, if venting isn’t possible, a recirculating hood with both filter types will still provide excellent performance.

👉 Browse our cooker hoods to find models suitable for both ducted and recirculating setups.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between carbon filters and grease filters helps you get the best performance from your cooker hood. While grease filters protect and capture particles, carbon filters tackle odours — and together, they keep your kitchen fresh, clean, and comfortable.