Extractor Hood goes directly to outside - do I need to use a filter?

[OmgATalkingOnion]

Dh says no, a filter will make it work less effectively as it's already filtering to the outside. But although I see what he means, I'm wondering if it still needs something in it to collect airborne grease particles and to keep it cleaner?

Atm we're using it minus a filter.

Yes because it will stop grease and mank collecting on the inside of it. If its replaced frequently it shouldnt slow it down

Thank you OWL..that's just what I've been saying and as I clean the thing I think I'm going to get one.

It's new and I want to keep it from getting horrible inside.

The filter will only stop it sucking properly if it's completely clogged with grease, and its certainly much easier to clean that than the inside of your extract, never mind the tube that takes everything to outside.

I agree, that makes perfect sense to me.

Any particualr filter I should be looking for would you know? I get there seem so many different ones.

Oh, I have no idea. I'd just go for a basic one - anything that's a fine mesh will catch the gunk.

Google your brand of cooker hood to find the filter you need.

Yes just something unfancy should do. I've seen cut to size ones.

Thanks Doris

Just checked and the manufacturer is saying a charcoal filter but that's if the hood is being used as a recirculated type. I think something basic (and cheaper) should do the job.

you don't need a charcoal filter, that's to absorb a tiny proportion of the cooking smells when you fry onions or boil kippers and have a totally useless recirculating hood.

All you need is a grease filter.

They are usually made of a sort of plastic fibre quilt, or a sort of soft paper. Some are made of plastic foam or of metal mesh. The plastic ones can usually be washed in the sink and will be revolting. The paper ones will change colour as they get clogged.

60cm ones are very widely available in cut-to-size by mail order, in shops or on ebay. If you have a wider hood they are scarcer. I reckon you need to keep a couple of spare clean ones so you are never tempted to soldier on with a disgsting clogged greasy one. You will be amazed how much it traps, and consider all that smelly filth would otherwise be on your walls, cabinets and hair.

The idea of letting grease clog your fan, motor and duct instead of a replaceable filter is ridiculous not very good.

Ah, trust Piglet to know the answer :)

what is a talking onion?

The whole thing, will get clogged with grease if you don't use a filter. If DH gets arsey about you using a filter give him the job of cleaning it after 6 months, or less if you are Scottish do a lot of frying.

Que?

Aha thanks again to everyone (I knew I was right about this! Ner ner to dh)

Many thanks Piglet for the info re filters. (Talking Onion came about after my dc were messing about with their salad instead of eating it the other day and I needed to ditch my MN Christmas name. I think it's ridiculous and intend to change it when I can think of something)