The editorial team

In modern kitchens, maintaining a clean and fresh environment can be challenging, especially when dealing with cooking odors and airborne grease. One effective solution to this problem is the recirculating cooker hood, a versatile appliance designed to improve air quality without the need for external venting. 

Unlike traditional extractor hoods, which expel air to the outside, recirculating cooker hoods draw in the air, filter it through a series of filters, and then release the cleaned air back into the kitchen.

Highly Rated Recirculating Cooker Hoods with Carbon Filters

how does a recirculating cooker hood work?

The operation of a recirculating cooker hood involves several key components:

 1. Intake: The hood draws in air containing cooking fumes and particles.

2. Filters: The captured air passes through multiple filters:

3. Grease Filter: Typically made of metal or mesh, this filter traps grease and large particles.

• Charcoal Filter: This activated carbon filter absorbs odors and smoke, ensuring that the recirculated air is free from unpleasant smells.
• Fan: A fan within the hood helps to move the air through the filters efficiently.

4. Release: The cleaned air is then released back into the kitchen, contributing to a fresher and healthier environment.

Benefits of Recirculating Cooker Hoods

Flexibility in Installation

One of the primary advantages of recirculating cooker hoods is their flexibility. Since they do not require ductwork to vent air outside, they can be installed in a variety of locations, making them ideal for apartments, kitchens without easy access to exterior walls, or areas where installing ductwork is impractical.

Energy Efficiency

By recirculating air rather than expelling heated or cooled air outside, these hoods help maintain the kitchen’s temperature, potentially reducing the load on heating and cooling systems and saving energy.

Ease of Maintenance

With straightforward installation and no need for external ducts, maintenance of recirculating cooker hoods is generally simpler. Regular cleaning or replacement of filters is required to maintain optimal performance, but this is a manageable task for most homeowners.

do recirculating cooker hoods remove moisture?

Recirculating cooker hoods do not effectively remove moisture from the air. They are designed primarily to filter out grease, smoke, and odors through grease and charcoal filters. While they do improve air quality by addressing these elements, they lack the capability to vent moisture outside the kitchen.

If moisture control is a significant concern, especially in a kitchen with high humidity or frequent cooking, you might want to consider a ducted range hood, which can expel moist air outside, thereby reducing indoor humidity levels.

how to install a recirculating cooker hood?

Installing a recirculating cooker hood is a straightforward process that can be done with basic tools and some DIY knowledge. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:

Steps to Install:

1. Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions: Start by thoroughly reading the installation manual that comes with your cooker hood. This will provide specific details and any unique requirements for your model.

2. Choose the Location: Determine the placement of the hood above your cooking area. Measure and mark the center point. Ensure the height of the hood is appropriate; it should generally be 24-30 inches above the cooktop.

3. Mark the Mounting Points: Use the mounting bracket as a template to mark the drill holes on the wall. Ensure the bracket is level before marking. Double-check measurements to align with the cooktop center.

4. Drill the Holes: Drill the marked holes using an appropriate drill bit. If mounting into drywall, consider using wall anchors for added stability.

5. Attach the Mounting Bracket: Secure the mounting bracket to the wall using screws. Make sure it is firmly attached and level.

6. Prepare the Cooker Hood: Depending on your model, you may need to attach the charcoal filters inside the hood. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for this step.

7. Mount the Cooker Hood: Lift the cooker hood and align it with the mounting bracket. Secure it in place using the screws provided. You may need an extra set of hands to hold the hood while you attach it.

8. Connect the Power: Plug in the cooker hood if it has a standard power cord. For hardwired models, you may need to connect the electrical wiring. Ensure the power supply is turned off before doing this, and consult a professional electrician if you are not comfortable with electrical work.

9. Final Adjustments: Make any final adjustments to ensure the hood is level and securely mounted. Check that the filters are properly in place and that the hood operates correctly.

10. Test the Hood: Turn on the cooker hood to ensure it is working properly. Check the fan and lights to make sure everything is functioning as expected.

A flat white, distinguished by its velvety texture and balanced flavor profile, requires precision in both espresso extraction and milk frothing. Choosing the right coffee machine for this beloved beverage involves understanding the intricacies of espresso and microfoam milk, as well as the features that enhance these elements. 

Here are the best coffee machines for a perfect flat white. Our top picks ensure a barista-quality coffee experience at home.

Key Components of a Flat White

1. Espresso Quality

A flat white is built on a foundation of a strong, well-extracted espresso shot. This means that the coffee machine must be capable of delivering consistent, high-quality espresso. Important factors include:

• Stable Temperature Control: The optimal brewing temperature for espresso is between 195-205°F (90-96°C). Machines with precise temperature control ensure that the coffee is extracted correctly, bringing out the desired flavors without bitterness or under-extraction.
• Pressure Consistency: A stable pressure of around 9 bars is ideal for extracting espresso. Machines equipped with reliable pumps, such as rotary or high-quality vibratory pumps, are crucial.
• Pre-Infusion Feature: This allows for even saturation of the coffee grounds before full pressure is applied, leading to a more balanced extraction.

2. Milk Frothing Capabilities

The hallmark of a flat white is its creamy microfoam. Achieving this requires a machine with superior steaming capabilities:

• Powerful Steam Wand: A commercial-grade steam wand with multiple holes (often two or four) can create the fine, velvety microfoam necessary for a flat white.
• Steaming Power and Control: The ability to adjust steam pressure and flow allows for more control over the frothing process, essential for creating the perfect milk texture.

3. User-Friendly Design

While professional baristas might thrive on complex machines, home users often benefit from intuitive designs:

• Programmable Settings: Machines that allow users to save their preferred brewing and steaming settings can simplify the process.
• Ease of Maintenance: Removable parts, automated cleaning cycles, and descaling alerts help maintain the machine’s performance and longevity.

Features to Look for in a Coffee Machine for Flat Whites

1. Grinder Quality

A high-quality grinder is essential for achieving a consistent grind size, which is critical for proper espresso extraction. Look for machines with built-in burr grinders that offer a range of grind settings.

2. Dual Boiler System

Machines with dual boilers allow simultaneous brewing and steaming, which is particularly useful for preparing multiple flat whites quickly. This feature ensures that both functions can operate at their optimal temperatures without compromising performance.

3. PID Temperature Control

A Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller ensures precise temperature stability during the brewing process. This technology helps maintain a consistent temperature, resulting in better espresso extraction.

4. High-Quality Portafilter

A sturdy, well-designed portafilter ensures even water distribution through the coffee grounds. Commercial-grade portafilters made of brass or stainless steel are preferable.

5. Steam Pressure Gauge

A steam pressure gauge provides real-time feedback on the pressure available for frothing milk. This feature can help users gauge the ideal time to start frothing for the best microfoam texture.

how to make a flat white?

1. Prepare the Espresso Machine

   • Turn on the espresso machine and allow it to fully heat up. This can take a few minutes depending on your machine.

2. Grind the Coffee Beans

   • Grind fresh coffee beans to a fine consistency. The ideal grind size is similar to table salt. If you are using pre-ground coffee, ensure it is suitable for espresso.

3. Dose and Tamp the Coffee

   • Place the ground coffee into the portafilter basket. Use a coffee scale if you have one, aiming for about 18-20 grams of coffee.
   • Distribute the coffee evenly in the basket and tamp it down firmly with a tamper. The surface should be level and smooth.

4. Brew the Espresso

   • Lock the portafilter into the group head of the espresso machine.
   • Start the extraction process and aim for a double shot of espresso (around 30-40ml) which should take about 25-30 seconds.
   • The espresso should have a rich crema on top.

5. Steam the Milk

   • Pour cold milk into the milk jug, filling it up to the bottom of the spout. For a standard flat white, use about 120-150ml of milk.
   • Place the steam wand just below the surface of the milk and turn on the steam to introduce air and create microfoam. You should hear a slight hissing sound.
   • After a few seconds, lower the steam wand deeper into the milk to heat it evenly. Create a whirlpool effect by keeping the milk rotating.
   • Aim to heat the milk to 60-65°C. You can use a thermometer or judge by touch—when the jug becomes too hot to hold for more than a few seconds, it’s ready.

6. Combine Espresso and Milk

   • Give the milk jug a few firm taps on the counter to remove any large bubbles, then swirl the milk to keep it smooth and velvety.
   • Pour the steamed milk over the espresso, starting in the centre and then moving outward in a circular motion. Finish with a gentle wiggle to create a thin layer of microfoam on top.

7. Serve and Enjoy

   • Serve your flat white immediately to enjoy its rich flavour and creamy texture at the perfect temperature.