Hello everyone,
We are currently building a new energy-efficient house and are considering whether to have a core drill hole installed for kitchen exhaust ventilation. Our chosen range hood can operate either as exhaust or recirculation. The project manager recommended using the hood in recirculation mode with activated carbon filters. However, the kitchen installer advises exhaust mode, as only this option supposedly eliminates odors and similar issues effectively.
We are now conflicted and thinking about having the core drill hole made but initially not using it, operating the hood in recirculation mode instead. The core drill hole would be fitted with an external grille cover and internally closed off with a cap. If needed later, we could connect the hood with a duct and have the setup ready for that.
From your point of view, is this a sensible approach, or am I missing something? What would you recommend? Should we have the core drill hole made or rather not?
Thanks in advance and best regards
We are currently building a new energy-efficient house and are considering whether to have a core drill hole installed for kitchen exhaust ventilation. Our chosen range hood can operate either as exhaust or recirculation. The project manager recommended using the hood in recirculation mode with activated carbon filters. However, the kitchen installer advises exhaust mode, as only this option supposedly eliminates odors and similar issues effectively.
We are now conflicted and thinking about having the core drill hole made but initially not using it, operating the hood in recirculation mode instead. The core drill hole would be fitted with an external grille cover and internally closed off with a cap. If needed later, we could connect the hood with a duct and have the setup ready for that.
From your point of view, is this a sensible approach, or am I missing something? What would you recommend? Should we have the core drill hole made or rather not?
Thanks in advance and best regards
M
MachsSelbst17 Mar 2026 00:41I would never consider using a recirculating range hood for a newly built house that I designed myself. Exhaust ventilation is the only option.
Of course, recirculating hoods have improved and can work reasonably well nowadays. However, the activated carbon filters need to be replaced every 3–6 months with average use, which for a 90cm (35 inch) hood can easily cost around 100 EUR. Exhaust ventilation directs odors outside, the grease filters can be washed every few weeks in the dishwasher, and the exhaust duct only needs to be checked occasionally.
For energy efficiency, there are motorized dampers that open when the system is running.
If exhaust ventilation is possible, always go with exhaust. Anything else is just a compromise.
Of course, recirculating hoods have improved and can work reasonably well nowadays. However, the activated carbon filters need to be replaced every 3–6 months with average use, which for a 90cm (35 inch) hood can easily cost around 100 EUR. Exhaust ventilation directs odors outside, the grease filters can be washed every few weeks in the dishwasher, and the exhaust duct only needs to be checked occasionally.
For energy efficiency, there are motorized dampers that open when the system is running.
If exhaust ventilation is possible, always go with exhaust. Anything else is just a compromise.
N
nordanney17 Mar 2026 08:10Exhaust ventilation is the ideal choice. However, make sure to install a certified wall vent box—not just any closure—whether it’s electrically operated as a luxury feature or a standard model (check out Naber for examples).
Recirculation systems also work very well, not just adequately. But in that case, you should choose premium brands like Berbel, Novy, Gaggenau, and others. Their activated carbon filters last significantly longer than what @MachsSelbst mentioned (for example, Berbel filters last 2-3 years with heavy use and cost between €45 and €65, from third-party manufacturers or Berbel).
The first part is correct, but the second statement is nonsense when it comes to high-quality cooktop hoods (so spending around €800 on a recirculation hood really is low-end, whereas premium models start closer to €2,000).
P.S. I personally use a Glassline, and my ex has a Glassline 2 from Berbel. Both handle frequent use of a deep fryer underneath without problems or noticeable grease odors spreading through the home.
Recirculation systems also work very well, not just adequately. But in that case, you should choose premium brands like Berbel, Novy, Gaggenau, and others. Their activated carbon filters last significantly longer than what @MachsSelbst mentioned (for example, Berbel filters last 2-3 years with heavy use and cost between €45 and €65, from third-party manufacturers or Berbel).
MachsSelbst schrieb:
If exhaust ventilation is possible, always choose exhaust. Everything else is rubbish.
The first part is correct, but the second statement is nonsense when it comes to high-quality cooktop hoods (so spending around €800 on a recirculation hood really is low-end, whereas premium models start closer to €2,000).
P.S. I personally use a Glassline, and my ex has a Glassline 2 from Berbel. Both handle frequent use of a deep fryer underneath without problems or noticeable grease odors spreading through the home.
N
nordanney17 Mar 2026 08:32A manual wall box will cost around €200 (about $215), and an electronically controlled one around €350 (about $375). In addition, there are costs for drilling and the hose or rather the ventilation ducts. Depending on the kitchen setup, you will also need drywall construction around it.
As a rough estimate, I would say from €500 (about $535) for the simple version up to €2,000 (about $2,150) for the more complex option. However, the final price will depend on what your construction company or the tradesperson you hire charges you.
Be sure to discuss this with your energy consultant as well. You don’t want to run into issues with any calculations because your house has a hole in the wall.
As a rough estimate, I would say from €500 (about $535) for the simple version up to €2,000 (about $2,150) for the more complex option. However, the final price will depend on what your construction company or the tradesperson you hire charges you.
Be sure to discuss this with your energy consultant as well. You don’t want to run into issues with any calculations because your house has a hole in the wall.
nordanney schrieb:
azu die Bohrung und den Schlauch oder eher die Lüftungsrohre. Dazu Definitely ventilation ducts from the range hood to the exhaust outlet (ideally following the manufacturer’s recommendations), and the kitchen layout should probably be finalized to ensure an efficient route between the range hood and the exhaust outlet, avoiding any unnecessary adjustments later.Similar topics