How often do I need to change the charcoal filter in a cooker hood?

The main function of the hood in the kitchen is to catch contaminants from the air that rises from the stove (droplets of fat, smoke particles, water vapor, etc.). In order for the hood to work efficiently and not overgrow with dirt, it is necessary to change the charcoal filter quite often. We will figure out how often the replacement is carried out and how to choose the filter cartridge.

What is a filter for?

Filters with activated carbon filler are installed on exhaust devices operating on the principle of recirculation. Such hoods collect contaminated air above the stove, pass it through a cascade of filters and return it to the kitchen.

Typically, air goes through two stages of purification:

• Mechanical cleaning. Large solid particles — dust, soot, etc. — are removed here. A fine mesh mesh is used to trap them, usually from metal.
• Activated carbon absorption. This substance has many small pores, which, like a sponge, absorb water vapor, particles of fat, molecules of unpleasant odors.

Recirculation hoods in many respects benefit compared to direct-flow models connected to the ventilation system of the house. They are more compact, easily fit into the interior and are built into furniture. But for the benefits you have to pay the need to periodically change the cartridge. The carbon filler in the cartridge becomes clogged over time and ceases to purify the air.

Filter Replacement Dates

The service mode of the hood, including the timing of filter replacement, is determined by the manufacturer. In the operating instructions attached to the exhaust device, the type of filter unit is indicated, the maintenance algorithm and the service life of one filter are given.

Here are some examples:

• Bosch recommends replacing the filter once a year.
• The service standard adopted by Krona is to change filters every six months.
• Most budget cartridges last no more than 2 months.

To extend the life of the filter, let the hood run for another 5–8 minutes after the stove has been turned off. During this time, the moisture absorbed by the coal will evaporate rapidly. Due to this drainage, the coal powder will not quickly cake.

Of course, the dates given in the article are averaged and are designed for the average operation mode of the hood. If the hood is operated in extreme conditions, the cartridges will have to be replaced more often.

Signs that it’s time to change the filter

Indirect signs help to judge the degree of filter wear:

• the appearance of sticky fatty deposits on the body;
• reduced work efficiency (for example, if the hood is working, and unpleasant odors are still felt);
• the appearance of extraneous noise, knocking;
• traction reduction.

The most advanced hood models are equipped with sensors for monitoring the state of the filter element. But in most cases, you have to focus only on the calendar and indirect signs.

Do not delay the maintenance of the exhaust device. With a clogged cartridge, there is a significant load on the electric motor, which leads to increased electricity consumption and creates a risk of breakdown of the hood.

Popular Filter Cartridge Manufacturers

Today, exhaust hoods operating on the principle of recycling are produced by many companies from the USA, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Russia and other countries. Many manufacturers produce filter cartridges for their devices themselves.However, there are many manufacturers that produce universal filtering units. They are suitable for many models.

If your hood is still covered by a warranty, only the cartridges specified in the instruction manual should be used. When servicing that does not meet the requirements of the instructions, the right to repair under warranty may be lost!

We offer you to get acquainted with the products of brands that have earned the trust of customers.

• Bosch

This German company is considered a recognized leader in the field of household appliances. Universal filtering units of its production are expensive, but are of high quality and long service life.

The assortment of products manufactured by the company includes filters with round and rectangular cross-section of various sizes.

• Gorenje

The company produces high-quality filters, which are quite capable of providing high quality cleaning. In the assortment there are models for hoods from different manufacturers. According to consumer reviews, with timely replacement, filters from Gorenje are not inferior to products from Bosch.

• Jet air

This Italian manufacturer offers a wide range of filter cartridges. The range includes filters of round and rectangular cross-section of different thicknesses. Jet Air filters are designed for approximately 4 months of operation and have a reputation for low-cost mid-range products.

• Krona

Filters of this company belong to the upper price category. The kit comes with 2 cassettes, so it lasts for a year (it is recommended to replace the cartridge once every 6 months).

In addition to the manufacturers described, the production of filtering blocks is carried out by many companies: Elikor, Shindo, Titan. They are less versatile, but in hoods of "their" type they serve quite successfully.

How to replace a cartridge?

Many buyers of hoods, not wanting to deal with the process of replacing filters, prefer to periodically invite specialists. It is convenient, but involves financial costs. At the same time, there is nothing complicated in servicing the hood.

Before starting service, carefully read the instructions that came with the device. Most manufacturers also release videos illustrating the filter replacement process. The better you figure out what and how to do, the easier and faster you will do the job.

Before you start, unplug the hood. Violation of this requirement may result in personal injury from electric shock!

Further maintenance is performed according to this algorithm:

1. Removing the grill for rough air cleaning. As a rule, it is fixed with latches and can be removed easily. The grate must be cleaned from dust and dirt.
2. Replacing a carbon-filled cartridge. Usually its dismantling and installation also does not cause difficulties.
3. Putting the grill in place.

Do not put the grate in place until it is completely dry. Otherwise, moisture will clog the cartridge and create favorable conditions for corrosion.

It remains to turn on the hood and make sure that everything works fine: there are no extraneous noises and knocks, a normal level of traction is ensured.

Save on replacement

Filtering blocks are quite expensive (unless, of course, you use low-quality products). Therefore, users of recirculation hoods periodically ask the question: is it possible to make the replacement process cheaper? For some models such a reduction in price is quite possible. It is only necessary not to throw away the used filter.

After removal, inspect the filter for latches or other evidence that it can be taken apart.

1. If the case is collapsible, it is carefully opened and the packed coal filler is removed.
2. Then, new activated carbon is poured into the cleaned case.

Buy granular carbon filler in a large volume container is much cheaper than paying for a new cartridge every time.

Timely replacement of the charcoal filter will extend the life of the hood and ensure a favorable environment in the kitchen.And this will allow the hostess to be less tired when cooking. For the sake of such a result is worth the work!