As one of the most important components of the domestic extraction system,kitchen hood filtersplay a crucial role in capturing grease, odours and unwanted particles generated during food preparation and are essential for the effectiveness and long life of cooker hoods. Available indifferent materials and structures, they are matched to the specific functionality of the devices to which they are fitted: a variety that makes it difficult to choose the right model if you are not familiar with the filter’s characteristics.
In this article we will explore the various types ofkitchen hood filtersavailable, their uses and the importance of proper maintenance, ultimately guiding you towards an informed choice that takes your personal needs into account.
KITCHEN HOOD FILTERS: CHOOSING THE RIGHT ONE
To understandhow to choose the most suitable hood filter, it is first necessary to identify whether we are dealing with anextractor hoodor afiltering hood. Extractor hoods (also known as exhaust hoods or ducted hoods) remove odours and fumes bychannelling them outside the homethrough an extraction duct, thus allowing a constant change of air in the room. On the other hand, filtering hoods (also known as recirculation hoods or recycling hoods) capture stale air from the kitchen,cleaning it before reintroducing it into the room, and are installed in domestic spaces without an exhaust outlet to the outside.
Grease filters
Present in all filtering and extraction systems, these kitchen hood filters have the fundamental task of preventing grease residues from damaging the motor. In the shape of a mesh and generally made ofaluminiumorstainless steel, they capture grease and residues from the cooking of food.
Odour filters
Odour filters are cartridgesreserved for filtering hoodsand ensure a cleaning action, guaranteed by acombination of active carbon: thanks to their special porosity, they are able to effectively absorb odours and then put totally new, cleaned air back into the environment.
Here are themost significant innovationsintroduced for this category:
- High Filtering Hood (HFH): Faber's exclusive filter technology
Designed to achievemaximum effectiveness in active carbon filtration,Faber'sHigh Filtering Hood technology makes the hood more efficient for optimal air cleaning. Superior performance is guaranteed by easy-to-installcylindrical filtercartridges. These filters have alarger surface areathan traditional ones and two panels designed for targeted action on particles of various sizes. This technology not onlyeliminates 95% of odours, but does sosilently, ensuring a noise reduction of around 3 db(A). Among the hoods that boast the use of HFH technology are Stilo DX-SX,Stilo ComfortandStilo Glass Smart.
- High-performance active carbon filter
With a structure made of highly concentratedmicro carbon granules, Faber'shigh-efficiency filteris able to guarantee a filtration capacity of more than 80 per cent of intake fumes. Itlasts up to 6 months- twice as long as a standard charcoal filter.
- Long-lasting active carbon filter
The new long-lasting active charcoal filter can be used several times, further increasing filtration effectiveness thanks to itsmultilayer technology. Here, coarse particles are captured through aninitial pre-filtering, while asecond, more concentrated filteringensures optimal air cleanliness.
- Ceramic filter
Possessing a clear advantage, you will not have to choose between functionality and durability:ceramic cooker hood filtershave excellent absorption power thanks to the innovative regenerative carbon filter and last up to 5 years.
MAINTENANCE: HOW TO CLEAN HOOD FILTERS
Keeping the filter system of the cooker hood in excellent condition ensures itslong lifeand that itfunctions correctly, because a well-cleaned filter will only increase the extraction capacity of the cooker hood. In addition to preventing the spread of unpleasant odours, germs and bacteria, thoroughcleaning of the cooker hood filtersis important forsafety reasons: a filter saturated with grease has the risk of generating flames during the cooking process, posing a fire hazard.
Let's see how tomaintain the different types of hood filters.
Grease filter
To ensure that it performs at its best when using the hood on average up to 3 hours per day, grease filters need appropriate maintenance depending on the material chosen. Metal or aluminium ones should bewashed every 2 monthsby hand with neutral soap or in the dishwasher, while synthetic models should be replaced.
Standard active carbon filter
Being a 'disposable' type, standard filters do not require washing or regeneration but must be replaced every 2-3 months.
Long-life active carbon filter - 3 years max.
These cooker hood filterscan be washed in the dishwasher: the ideal method withLong-lastingfilters is to interveneevery 3-4 monthsfor up to 3 years of normal use (approx. 3 hours per day) anddry them at room temperaturein an upright position so that the water drains off. Alternatively, they can bedried in an ovenat a temperature of 50°C.
High-performance active carbon filter - 6 months max.
High Performancecooker hood filtersshould not be washedandare not regenerable in the oven.They must be replaced after 6 months.
Ceramic filter
This cooker hood componentdoes not need to be washed. However, to maximise durability and performance, ceramic filters should beregenerated in an oven every 2 to 3 monthsat 200°C, for a maximum of 5 years, at which point they should be replaced.
With all the above information it should be clearer as to why cooker hood filters are fundamental elements for maintaining cleanliness and freshness in the cooking space: thanks to the most advanced technologies today it is possible to achieve very advantageous results in this respect. Carefully choosing the right filter to suit your needs and paying attention to its regular maintenance ensures a healthy and safe kitchen environment.
