Is existing cooker hood recirculating or ducted?

[Rachael007]

We are planning to renovate the kitchen in our flat. We can't see evidence of ducting for the extractor on the outside wall, but the existing old, greasy extractor should provide evidence. It is a 25 year old Bosch 90cm chimney extractor. With the grille removed, it looks like this. It is so yukky I don't want to touch further. Can anyone tell from the photo if it is recirculating or ducted? It matters because of building regulations. Thanks!

 

[Loofah]

Take the chimney cover off and see?

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Can anyone tell from the photo if it is recirculating or ducted? It matters because of building regulations. Thanks!

Nope. Most such fans could be configured to either recirculate, or extract. The only way to be sure which, is to check if there is an actual duct out the top, leading to the outside, or look for where it discharges - turn it on and make sure it does blow out of the discharge.

Recirculating systems are next to useless, other than helping collect some of the grease in the air. They do nothing for moisture and smell removal.