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Exhaust hoods like non-permanent filters

Extractor hoods purify the air for us so that we are always comfortable in the kitchen. But these devices also need our care. So what can and should we do to make them function perfectly?

To keep the catcher clean

Extractor hoods

Grease filters are always included in the hood. They come in disposable and permanent.

Disposable filters include filters that look like mats made of highly porous fleece, acrylic, synthetic. After use, such filters are simply replaced with new ones. Permanent filters are used throughout the “life” of an extractor hood. They are multi-layered cassettes in frames made of stainless steel or aluminum. The layers of these cassettes are perforated or made up of meshes.

The only way to remove grease particles from the kitchen air is through the porous construction of the filters. The air flow inside the filter is dispersed: thanks to the many orifice-cells, thin jets follow the inside of the filter, constantly changing the direction of their movement.

Thus, “looping” in narrow “passageways” streams leave tiny droplets of grease with dust and soot stuck to them on the filter walls, and the air purified from them rushes into the fan.

Grease contaminants can be collected in a completely different way – in the collector. In this case, the air flow is cleaned using centrifugal force as in a bagless vacuum cleaner . After a while the filter becomes so clogged with impurities that it has to be serviced.

If the filter is disposable

Disposable filters should be replaced every two or three months.

The cost of a new filter is about 100-200 Dollars. The main thing, of course, is not to forget about the need to buy a new filter when you visit a specialty store. But it’s not a warranty case to replace the filter. You have to do it yourself.

Washing a disposable filter and using it again when it is dry is not advisable since it will not be able to trap all the dirt and will have a lower suction capacity, which accelerates the deterioration of the motor and increases the noise level.

Filter bath

Permanent filters must be cleaned every one to two months or every three to four months depending on the hood brand. They can be washed by hand as well as in the dishwasher, which, of course, is much nicer. And washing filters by hand is a dirty job.

The big disadvantage of using a permanent product, in our opinion, is that you can not use the hood while the filter is being cleaned and dried. So choose what is easier for you: buying and installing new filters or periodically cleaning the permanent ones.

Clean is safe

When the filter is clogged with grease deposits, the size of its cells decreases, which leads to increased load on the engine, weaker air exhaust in recirculation mode, increasing the noise level, and in addition, the risk of fire increases. Also important is that grease oxidises and turns into a hard to rinse olive that is much harder to remove later on.

Cleaner the size of a soccer field

Carbon filters are only used in recirculation mode, more often they are purchased separately, as they are not included in the appliance.

Filters consist of a plastic cassette, which is the frame, and the filler is carbon chips. Charcoal is an excellent natural absorbent that quickly and reliably absorbs and retains harmful compounds. The larger the surface of the particles, the better the filter works.

A hood manufacturer, in presenting their new hood, once said that the particle surface of their filter is the size of
 a soccer field. Most activated charcoal filters are disposable and must be changed periodically. Elica and AEG use reusable Long Life filters that can be used for up to three years.

During its operation, the filter is gradually filled and pressed, which affects the quality of cleaning, as well as negatively affecting the performance of the unit. So here, too, timely and regular maintenance is important.

Removal from the field? Replacement!

Large kitchen appliances

Replacements are made every two, three to four, six months, or once a year, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is therefore a good idea to wash or replace all filters in the hood at the same time: charcoal filters and grease trap filters.

You can purchase filters from one of the service centers, specialist retailers or online stores. When buying one, you need to pay attention to their suitability for your model of hood.

The cost of a single filter can be from 300, a set of two – from 500 to 1500 Dollars, the ordinary replacement of filters under warranty is not.

Permanent attachment

Reusable charcoal filters are recommended to wash in the dishwasher, without dishes to avoid the deposition of food particles , choosing an intensive mode and water temperature up to 65 degrees. After completing the cycle, the filter is placed in an oven and dried there for about ten minutes at 100 degrees. Then it is cooled and reinstalled, and then the grease filters are placed.

Cleaning should be done every one to two months. But even with this kind of maintenance, the life of the charcoal filter is short enough: only three years. The cost of a new one is very high: more than 1300 Dollars.

Do not use a reusable charcoal filter for more than three years, as it loses its absorption capacity quite dramatically twofold , which means that the air will be cleaned much worse. In addition, the air flow will have great difficulty in passing through the charcoal, increasing the load on the hood, reducing the speed of air flow into the kitchen.

Smart Helpers

The manufacturer’s instructions for any hood tell you after what time you need to start taking care of your appliance. But it’s hard to know when to count so you don’t miss the “H” time. That’s why some devices are equipped with a contamination indicator.

They count down the number of hours or days needed on their own, so they can be called counters. The length of time until the next home service is often set right at the factory, it is determined by engineers based on the average daily operation and air pollution saturation, for example, it could be 2000 hours.

At the end of that time, the light on the control panel comes on, and it’s time to start cleaning. Once the filter has been replaced, a button is pressed and a new countdown is initiated. There are models on the market where the time can be adjusted by the user.

But not all companies are satisfied with indicators with counters, because such devices do not take into account the intensity of filling of the filter in each case. After all, we all have different tastes: some people can’t live a day without well-cooked meat products, other families prefer stewed and boiled foods, some families even eat sandwiches.

In short, in each case, the best time to wash or replace the filter will come at a different time. To determine it accurately, indicators of actual filter saturation have been invented. These are mechanical or electronic devices that signal that it’s time to get down to business.

The easiest indicators are the disappearing or appearing icons on the panel of the disposable grease filters. They, as well as the basic filter material, gradually absorb deposits and therefore eloquently testify to the real state of affairs.

The other lights are electronically monitored. When the filters reach the factory-set filter condition, they give an alarm by lighting up the control panel’s LED. Electronic indicators can indicate the condition of the grease trap cassettes or all filters together.

A little more routine

The outside of the hood also needs timely maintenance, and thanks to the work of the hood itself, it is not so difficult: to remove the dust, freshen the surface.

Cleaning agents must be neutral: a normal dishwashing detergent will do. Rags, wipes, sponges should be soft. Do not use hard brushes, sponges, powders, pastes, as well as agents containing chlorine, acids, bases, solvents and soda, especially on metal surfaces – they are very vulnerable and can quickly become covered with scratches or change color.

You can also use special products for the care of cooker hoods:

  • For stainless steel – gels, sprays and wipes: they will protect the surface, prevent the attachment of dirt by forming an invisible film of silicone
  • For glass – sprays, window cleaning cloths
  • For wood or veneer – products for cleaning and polishing wood
  • For copper and brass – specialized compounds.

The secrets of a long life

To ensure that the filter lasts longer, it is necessary to prevent the particles from caking. To do this, leave the hood running for a few minutes after each switch-on cycle. This will remove residual moisture from the filter so that the charcoal still retains its high absorption properties for a long time.

The right filter wash

Manual

Soak the cassettes in hot water and detergent solution, such as dishwashing detergent. Left for an hour. Then rinsed in hot water with a brush. Do not use abrasive powders and creams, scalers, oven and grill cleaners, and baking soda so as not to leave indelible brown stains .

In the dishwasher

Place the cassettes in the bottom box of the appliance so that the beater can move freely. It is best if the filter will be placed vertically, then impurities will be easily washed away without getting stuck in the holes of the foil.

It won’t hurt the filter to be completely alone, especially if it’s quite saturated. Choose an “intensive” wash program with water temperatures up to 65 degrees. If necessary, it is repeated.

After washing in the machine, metal may be tarnished, stains may appear, which does not affect the efficiency of the filters.

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 2
  1. Delaney

    What are the key advantages of using non-permanent filters in exhaust hoods? How do they compare to permanent filters in terms of efficiency and maintenance? Are there any specific brands or models that you recommend for reliable non-permanent filter options?

    Reply
  2. Ryan Pierce

    Can you please explain the benefits of using non-permanent filters in exhaust hoods and how they compare to permanent ones?

    Reply
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