FAQ

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Which is better - a filter or duct-out hood?
Cooker hoods were invented to be connected to a duct-out pipe to the outside, and this is the type of installation we here at Elica recommend. However, in cases where this isn't possible, there is no problem installing the filter version. Thanks to their extremely efficient filtering level, carbon filters are perfectly capable of eliminating any bad cooking smells. The important thing is to replace them regularly when necessary.
What do the terms m3/h and dB(A) mean?
These are units of measurement relating to two of a hood's main features. M3/h indicates airflow: that is, the quantity of air a hood can extract in an hour. DB(A) indicates noise level: that is, the level of noise produced by a product during normal operational procedure. Both values are obtained by testing the product on the basis of standards recognised and adopted at an international level.
What level of m3/h do I need for my kitchen?
The ideal level of airflow depends on the type of room, on the cook top and also on the cooking habits of the people who use the kitchen.
Here are some examples: for people used to preparing a quick meal, or something simple or vegetarian, in a small kitchen, with cooking that produces fumes and vapour in small quantities, then the model to choose is one with an air flow of up to 200/300 m3/h.
For a family of three/four people who cook a variety of dishes in a medium-sized kitchen, the model to choose should have an air extraction capacity equal to 300/400 m3/h.
For a large family, for those who love cooking as an art, or where a lot of people are gathered in a spacious kitchen to taste food that takes a long time to prepare, the hood capacity should be at least 400 m3/h.
What type of duct-out pipe is best for air extraction?
The ideal type of duct-out pipe is short, smooth, and without curves or change in size. Any sort of irregularity in the pipe can in fact lower the performance of the hood.
The performance value expressed by Elica refers to hoods connected to a pipe with the structure:
1 metre + 90° curve + 1 metre.
How far from the cook top should the hood be mounted?
Specific standards exist that set the minimum distance from the hood to the cook top.
The distance depends on the kind of cook top:
65cm from an electric cook top
75 cm from a gas cook top
However, it's always worth consulting the instruction manual that comes with the product since a manufacturer may, following tests or safety verifications, specify different height applications.
Not all houses have the same height of ceiling: what's Elica's solution?
All Elica hoods come with telescopic chimneys that are long enough to reach any required height.
Can Elica hoods have external motors?
Many models produced by Elica are designed to be installed with external motors operated directly from the hood.
Elica's external motor can be installed outside the building itself -at the end of the duct-out pipe- or in other locations, such as an attic: in the latter case, one pipe runs to the motor from the hood and another carries the fumes to the outside. In this way, Elica can offer high performance with a very low operational noise level.
What type of lighting do the hoods have?
One important function of a hood is to provide a good level of lighting for the cook top.
This means that it is fundamental to clearly define the number, position and type of light source used. With this in mind, Elica has a variety of lighting solutions: incandescent, neon, low energy consumption, halogen and fibre optics.
What's the best method for cleaning the hood surface?
Correct and accurate cleaning is very important if you want to keep your hood looking beautiful. You should clean your hood regularly, following a few simple guidelines.
Use a soft cloth dampened with detergent diluted in lukewarm water. An ordinary washing-up liquid is fine.
If the hood is made of stainless steel, it should be cleaned according to the lines of the steel brushing.
In addition, when using specific products for steel, make sure it is a liquid and not a cream or other type of abrasive substance. Above all, it must not contain chlorine.
Always remember to dry the hood well after cleaning.
How often should the grease filters be washed?
There are three types of grease filter:
Paper filters - these aren't washable, and should be replaced every 2 months;
Acrylic filters - these can be washed twice, when necessary, and then should be replaced;
Aluminium filters - these are washable.
The frequency of washing for aluminium filters naturally depends on how often the hood is used. On average, though, it's a good idea to wash them once a month. All you need to use is washing-up liquid and lukewarm running water.
The filters are small enough to be washed in the dishwasher, as long as you are careful that an aggressive detergent isn't used.
How often should carbon filters be replaced in filter hoods?
Carbon filters used in filter hoods are not washable and have to be replaced regularly. The frequency of replacement depends on how often you use the hood. On average, it's a good idea to replace them every 2 - 3 months.
There are also filters which can be "regenerated" several times before they have to be replaced. With a simple washing and drying operation every month, these "Long Life" filters can be restored to their original condition. Long Life filters can thus guarantee effective action for up to 3 years.
Most Elica models are equipped to use this innovative filtering system.
How long does the guarantee last?
Within the European Community, Elica guarantees last 2 years.
For other countries, the guarantee conditions are in line with the local regulations in force.