Kitchen ventilation: clear explanations and local solutions

A kitchen is the beating heart of your home, but cooking produces moisture, odors, and grease particles. Without proper ventilation, these linger, leading to stuffy air, mold, and unhealthy air. In Flanders, where homes are increasingly well-insulated, active ventilation is not a luxury but a necessity. It keeps your kitchen fresh, your health in check, and your home in top condition.

We see every day how each house breathes differently. That's why we never opt for a standard solution. Whether you have a compact apartment in Antwerp, an open kitchen in a renovated farmhouse in Limburg, or a professional restaurant kitchen in Ghent: we translate complex systems into understandable advice that perfectly fits your situation.

Types of kitchen ventilation: from extractor hood to central system

When it comes to kitchen ventilation, most people think of an extractor hood. But there are many more options. Below we list the main types, with pros and cons for each.

1. Extractor hood with outdoor extraction

This is the classic solution: a hood above your cooktop that vents cooking fumes directly outside via a duct. Effective against odors and moisture, but you need a passage through the wall or roof. In a well-insulated home, that opening can cause cold bridges. If you combine this with a mechanical ventilation system, you need to consider the overall air balance in the house.

2. Recirculation extractor hood

A recirculation hood does not extract air but filters it and blows the purified air back into the kitchen. The grease filter captures grease particles, and a carbon filter neutralizes odors. Ideal if you cannot install an exhaust duct, for example in an apartment or a kitchen against an interior wall. You must replace the filters regularly, and moisture remains in the room. Recirculation hoods are required to have a filter indicator.

3. Downdraft extraction (in or next to the cooktop)

A downdraft system is integrated into the countertop or the cooktop itself and draws the fumes downwards. It's a sleek, design-oriented solution that suits open kitchens. The technology requires a duct under the floor or a recirculation unit. For recirculation, the same filter replacement applies as with a regular recirculation hood.

4. Ceiling ventilation

Some modern systems integrate extraction into the ceiling, above the kitchen island. This gives a minimalist look and can be combined with central ventilation. It can be either air-extracting or recirculating.

5. Mechanical ventilation: systems C+ and D+

In addition to specific kitchen extraction, general home ventilation also plays a role. In Flanders, system C+ (natural supply, mechanical extraction) and system D+ (mechanical supply and extraction) are common. Both systems ensure constant air refreshment in the home. In the kitchen, the mechanical extraction can be connected, or kept separate. Read more about mechanical ventilation. System D+ with heat recovery is energy-efficient and comfortable, as it reuses the heat from the extracted kitchen air.

Regulations in Flanders: what is mandatory?

For new construction and major energy renovations (IER), ventilation is mandatory according to EPB rules. A kitchen is considered a room with high moisture and odor loads. You must ensure a minimum extraction capacity: often 75 m³/h if you cook with gas, and 50 m³/h with electric cooking. In open kitchens, the requirements may differ. Our experts know the Flemish standards inside out and ensure your installation complies. Request a free assessment and we'll check it for you.

Installation and maintenance: what to look out for

Correct placement determines efficiency. Always have an extractor hood mounted at the correct height and pay attention to the diameter of the exhaust duct (minimum 125 mm for optimal flow). Ducts that are too long or have too many bends reduce suction power. Mechanical ventilation systems require periodic maintenance: cleaning or replacing filters, and having the fan checked. Discover our maintenance service in your area.

Our approach: clear advice, local installation

As the only ventilation specialist in Flanders that combines technical knowledge with a local approach, we understand that no two kitchens are the same. We visit you, listen to your wishes, and assess the possibilities on site. This way you get a solution that really works, without confusing terms, but with an honest story. Our installers are ready in your region, from Ostend to Hasselt.