Before purchasing a recirculating hood, you must understand that in order to operate it properly, you will have to spend money on replacement consumables from time to time. More precisely, there is only one consumable - a carbon filter for the hood, which eliminates unpleasant odors in the kitchen and protects the engine from contamination.
Let's figure out what work the filter does, how to choose the right replacement element and install it. The information provided will be useful to those who are just thinking about buying a recirculation type hood and to those who are already using such a unit.
Types of kitchen hoods
The hood is an important element of ensuring normal ventilation in the kitchen. The speed at which odors are removed from the room depends on its effectiveness.
Carbon filters are a mandatory component not for all types of hoods, but only for recirculating ones, so let’s first remember what types of air purification devices there are in the kitchen.
According to the method of air flow, all hoods can be divided into three categories:
- flow-through;
- circulation (recirculation);
- combined.
Flow hoods are connected to the ventilation duct using a rigid or flexible air duct.
The air containing kitchen fumes enters the hood and then into the ventilation. Various types of flow-through devices are also equipped with filters, but their function is slightly different - to protect the motor from an aggressive environment.
Recirculation devices do not require air ducts.
A hood without an air duct is installed above the stove so that it does not interfere with cooking. The width of the panel must be no less than the width of the hob
The air flow in the circulation model comes from the stove into the housing, passes through 2 cleaning stages (2 types of filters - anti-grease and carbon), and then returns to the kitchen space.
Comparative diagram of air movement in recirculation and flow (exhaust) modes. To ensure an exhaust effect, access to fresh air is desirable during equipment operation.
Combined models have an additional recirculation function. That is, you can insert carbon filters and start the recirculation mode, or you can connect an air duct and use the flow function.
Some simple tips
- Cleaning the filters after each cooking will help keep the grates clean. For regular use, regular dish detergent is suitable.
- You should not rub the thin surface of the grease-catching parts of the hood with brushes with metal bristles or wire wool - the presence of scratches on the product will contribute to additional accumulation of grease. Products with coarse abrasive particles are also not suitable for cleaning.
- Grease grates can be washed using products designed to remove dirt from the surface of gas stoves.
Was this article helpful?
Yes, of course! No, not at all!
General washing of the kitchen hood body and all components of the product must be done at least once a quarter.
Proper and regular care of the device will ensure uninterrupted operation and long service life of the device and prevent the appearance of dirt on the walls and interior items of the kitchen.
Design and principle of operation of a carbon filter
The appearance of the filter may vary, as it is made of either plastic or synthetic fabric. In the first case, it is a round or rectangular plastic cassette filled with activated carbon in the form of powder or granules; in the second, it is a dense piece of material impregnated with the same activated carbon.
Sometimes these two types are combined to create more effective protection against hot vapors and impurities that pass through them.
Charcoal cassettes are often round in shape and sold in sets of two. The plastic from which the cassette body is made is safe and does not emit harmful substances when heated
Carbon filters should not be confused with anti-grease filters, which are a metal mesh or grate and are the first stage of protection. Particles of fat and substances settle on the anti-fat barrier - this is a kind of coarse filter, but it does not retain odors.
And the charcoal filter passes through air that has already been cleared of grease, and this is what eliminates unpleasant and pungent cooking aromas.
The carbon filter is hidden inside the housing. Most often it is attached directly to the motor. And everyone has seen the anti-grease grille - it’s a steel or aluminum mesh, which is in plain sight, at the bottom of the hood
When choosing replacement units for your hood, you should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. The fact is that in order to increase the demand for products, most of the filter cassettes and cartridges are universal in nature, that is, they are suitable not for one specific model, but for several. The list can contain up to 20 items.
On the packaging, the manufacturer indicates for which models of kitchen hoods the filter element is suitable (+)
You should ask the seller about the availability of consumables before purchasing a hood, otherwise you will soon encounter an unpleasant situation. After six months or 3-4 months (the service life is indicated in the instructions), you will want to purchase replacement cartridges, but you will not be able to find them on the open market.
This is especially true for the latest models that have just appeared on the market. If the problem has already occurred, try looking for a replacement in online stores.
Operating principle of coal protection:
- First, the air passes through a dense layer of viscose soaked in a charcoal solution. Some of the impurities and fat remain in the fabric structure.
- The partially purified air is then directed into the cassette where the granules are located. Activated carbon has remarkable properties - it not only traps residual impurities, but also absorbs specific odors.
Several cleaning cycles completely free the air flow of dirt and kitchen aroma. When the properties of the filler, “clogged” with grease and dirt, decrease, a new filter must be installed. In this regard, devices with sensors that indicate the need for replacement are very convenient.
How to clean aluminum hood grates from grease deposits
Aluminum gratings turn black when in contact with alkaline agents, but are easily cleaned with weak acids.
The safest and at the same time effective option is a solution of citric acid.
► pour hot water into a baking tray and dissolve a sachet of citric acid in it;
► place grease traps in the solution for 15-20 minutes;
► remove dissolved fat with a sponge or brush.
Important: aluminum gratings are “afraid” of abrasives. Use soft brushes, dish sponges or “gentle” sponges to clean Teflon. Hard brushes and steel wool are prohibited.
Frequently asked questions from buyers
It is believed that flow hoods remove 100% of unpleasant odors from the room, while recirculating hoods operating on carbon filters remove much less. In fact, it is impossible to remove all odors from the kitchen, since 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 clean the air quite well.
Exhaust equipment with new carbon filters, when used correctly, works in such a way that it protects wallpaper, tiles, ceilings and furniture from grease and other deposits
Many people do not want to constantly spend money on consumables, and instead of hoods with carbon filters, they buy a model with an air duct, believing that in the end it is cheaper.
To calculate the costs, you need to add the cost of cartridges to the cost of a recirculating hood - for 10 years, on average, you will need about 20 pieces. And to the price of a flow-through model, you must add the payment for materials (ducts, 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 camouflage. It remains to compare the results.
Also, in order to save money, enterprising owners of hoods, instead of the hard plastic cassettes recommended by the manufacturer, manage to put soft fabric filters into the housing, which cost 5 times less. This is a gross violation of the use of exhaust equipment.
Homemade and refurbished filters sharply reduce the performance of devices, and also do not provide any guarantee that the engine will function for the required 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, it is possible, but under 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 to which the cassette or cartridge fits are usually indicated directly on the front side.
Attention to the body
First of all, you should keep the outer surfaces of the kitchen hood in order . The housings of such equipment are cleaned using sponges, napkins and soapy water. If metal is used in the design, avoid using cleaning powders, pastes and other abrasives. In terms of composition, it is better to take a neutral cleaning agent - it is both universal and effective. The action of strong acids and alkalis will lead to the formation of a fine network of cracks, stains and scratches, which are subsequently difficult to remove.
The optimal solution is to use gel-like preparations designed for cleaning metal. They carefully clean the surface and form a protective, dust-repellent layer , although the purchase will be more expensive. Similar compositions are produced by the brands Electrolux, Sanita, Indesit. On average, the price is 300 rubles.
After cleaning, all surfaces must be wiped dry. Additional gloss is achieved by polishing, for which it is better to take suede or microfiber. Plastic and enamel coatings on cases are not so capricious, but they also do not like the effects of strong chemicals.
Other recommendations are as follows:
- Wash glass panels using simple products designed for crumpling glass and mirrors. They are easy to spray on the surface and remove with a paper towel or napkin. Stains are removed using microfiber;
- if the case contains elements made of natural wood, wipe off the dust with a dry cloth and periodically treat it with polish or wax.
To reduce all cleaning and maintenance operations to a minimum, when choosing equipment you should pay attention to models with a special protective layer. There are no water stains or drops left on such cases .
The buttons located on the external panel also love to accumulate dust. But getting rid of such deposits is not as easy as it seems. Wipe all controls with a soft cloth pre-treated with detergent. Before any actions, the device must be disconnected from the network.
How hoods are connected to the power supply and ventilation
Cleaning the inside of the appliance
The inside surface of the hood can be treated with the same preparations as the outer casing. How to remove grease from a kitchen hood if the contamination is old?
- It must be used with great caution.
- It is worth checking the label of the chemical to see if it can be used to treat the material from which the hood is made.
- Then test the product on a micro-area.
- Only after obtaining a satisfactory result, treat the remaining surface.
Following the manipulations, thoroughly wash the surface with clean water several times and wipe dry.
Washing with store-bought cleaning products
Specialized products such as “Shine Anti-grease”, “Shumanit” or “Azelite” do an excellent job of cleaning the filter. They completely eliminate stubborn fat and are packaged in containers with a dispenser. They are easy to use. The composition is applied to the grill and left for 10–15 minutes, after which it is thoroughly washed off.
Oven Cleaner is great for removing old grease from plastic parts.
Among the ingredients of cleaning products there are alkalis, so the effect of the composition is first tested on a small area.
If the hood has not been sanitized for many months, you can use radical fat solvents, for example, clean it with “Mole” or another product that removes fat and impurities that are difficult to dissolve in water:
- The grate is placed on a tray and the product is poured so that it covers it.
- A lot of foam will appear.
- Once the foaming stops, the dirt can be washed off.
The technical means contain alkalis or acids in a decent percentage, so they must be used according to their intended purpose. Such active reagents should not come into contact with kitchen work surfaces.
Description of grease traps
There are several groups of devices for filtering fumes in the kitchen. The principle of their operation is based on the absorption of fat and soot particles. For this purpose, the composition contains synthetic fabric.
It is able to perfectly clean the air flows that the fan sucks in.
Grease trap groups:
- flat elements for single use;
- aluminum mesh, divided into many small cells and encased in a rigid frame;
- similar products, but made of stainless steel.
Replacement models resemble a thin carpet in appearance. They are usually used in small built-in hoods. Synthetic fiber or paper is used for cleaning here. In the first case, it can be padding polyester, acrylic or non-woven fabric. This product can last a maximum of 3 months, but with careful handling. This means that the device should operate no more than 2 hours per day.
Aluminum models
The grilles, made of aluminum or stainless steel, are adjusted to the dimensions of the household appliance. They are good because they are suitable for long-term use. They operate on a simple principle: the smallest mesh cells, which are placed in a frame, trap flying particles.
We recommend that you read: Ventilation in the incubator
There are several advantages and disadvantages of such products. For example, a disposable grease filter cleans the air well, which protects the surface of the duct and fan from sticky grease and plaque. The downside is that it doesn't last long. The problem of removing any contaminants can only be solved by replacement; washing and drying the material does not bring any benefit. The cost of the purifier depends on its size. The minimum price is 150 rubles.
Replacement Parts
Replaceable inserts are sometimes suitable for universal use, that is, they can be installed in any ventilation devices where the use of these elements is provided. Long service life is typical for stainless steel and aluminum components.
According to the technology, they can be cleaned with water with the addition of various detergent compounds. But when compared with the replacement version, a new catcher with a mesh structure will cost at least 2 times more. At the same time, it is characterized by a crude air purification system. After about a year of use, drops of fat cover the surface of the case. You can also notice them on the outlet channel and internal cavities of the device.
How to wash the probe?
The probe is the main working part of the exhaust device , which is responsible for capturing fats and fumes. It is this part that gets dirty the fastest and requires effective cleaning measures.
Treating the mesh with soda solution
Baking soda is a universal substance suitable for removing most stains in the kitchen. It effectively breaks down fats, and at the same time allows you to save on expensive household chemicals.
Instructions for use:
- Prepare a spacious basin - the grilles and filter should completely fit into it.
- Pour 5 liters of water into a basin and boil on the stove.
- After boiling, add 0.5 cups of baking soda and reduce the heat to low, making sure that the liquid does not stop boiling.
- Place a filter with grids in boiling water and boil for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, check how well the fat is removed. For old stains, continue boiling for another 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the parts from the basin, cool slightly and wash with soap and then running water.
Advice! If you don’t have a large boiling container, place the grates vertically and boil on both sides in turn.
Soda is an easy and simple way to clean grease from your microwave.
Treatment of neglected plaque with ammonia
Ammonia works well for ingrained fat, which even boiling soda cannot get rid of. Cleaning is carried out by soaking.
They work in a mask, since ammonia has a pungent odor and acts as an aggressive irritant for the mucous membranes.
How to clean:
- Dilute 0.5 cups of ammonia in 3.5 liters of hot water.
- Dip dirty grates into the solution and leave to soak for 1-1.5 hours. If boiling water is used, soaking is reduced to 5-10 minutes.
- Softened fat deposits are cleaned off with the hard side of a sponge or a soft scraper, and the parts are washed under running water.
Advice! Do not forget to open the window for ventilation during hygiene measures so that ammonia can ventilate.
Laundry soap
- a rare pan will accommodate the entire hood filter. You will have to turn it over several times;
- smell. The smell of something burning will be throughout the apartment, taking into account the fact that your hood will not work now;
- risk of burns when turning the filter.
Important: aluminum gratings are “afraid” of abrasives. Use soft brushes, dish sponges or “gentle” sponges to clean Teflon. Hard brushes and steel wool are prohibited.
Folk remedies Recipes for masks At home Hair loss in women How to stimulate growth Causes of hair loss Hair loss in men Review of vitamins Helpful tips
Combined elements
The product is made in 2 layers and has a flat shape. Activated carbon granules and synthetic fiber are placed inside it. The carbon layer is designed to neutralize harmful gases, and the synthetic padding promotes the effective absorption of fat. It is located below.
For hoods, a universal carbon filter for single-use hoods is suitable. It can be placed on replaceable flat-shaped filters. Subject to daily use, the service life of the product is no more than 3 months. Compared to fabric representatives, their price is about 30% more.
