Extractor hood not extracting: causes and fixes
A hood that no longer extracts is almost always the victim of its filters. The metal filters saturate with grease, and the charcoal filter on recirculating models is replaced, not washed - a point that is often missed.
Safety first
Grease-saturated filters above a hob are a genuine fire risk: don't put off cleaning them.
The causes, from most to least common
Check them in this order: the first ones are free and solve the majority of cases.
- 1
Metal filters saturated with grease
very commonHow to check: Take the filters out and hold them up to the light: if they are opaque and sticky, air can no longer pass.
Fix: Degrease them in the dishwasher on an intensive programme, or in very hot water with a degreaser.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 € - 2
Saturated charcoal filter (recirculating hood)
very commonHow to check: Smells linger although the airflow seems fine. The charcoal filter is over 6 to 12 months old.
Fix: Replace it: it cannot be washed, only changed.
EasyEstimated cost: 15 to 40 € - 3
Blocked or crushed ducting
commonHow to check: On an extraction hood, check the duct isn't kinked or pinched, and that the outside vent isn't blocked (a nest, a clogged grille).
Fix: Straighten or replace the duct, and clear the outside vent.
ModerateEstimated cost: 0 to 50 € - 4
Stuck non-return flap
commonHow to check: The flap at the motor outlet is stuck shut with grease and no longer opens.
Fix: Clean it and check it swings freely.
ModerateEstimated cost: 0 € - 5
Tired motor
less commonHow to check: Airflow stays very weak despite clean filters and clear ducting, sometimes with an unusual noise.
Fix: Replace the motor.
ProfessionalEstimated cost: 120 to 250 €
If you take this out-of-warranty extractor hood to a QualiRépar-certified repairer, 25€ comes off the invoice.
| Repair by a professional | 120 to 250 € |
| Repair bonus deducted | - 25 € |
| What you pay | 95 to 225 € |
Indicative estimate: the real price depends on the part, the model and the call-out. The bonus can never exceed the invoice total.
How to claim the repair bonus →When to call a professional
Only call a professional if extraction stays weak with clean filters and clear ducting. In the vast majority of cases, a simple degrease restores the original performance.
Find a repairer near you →Frequently asked questions
Can you wash a hood's charcoal filter?
No. An activated charcoal filter saturates permanently and must be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Only the metal grease filters can be washed, in the dishwasher or in very hot water.
My hood is noisy but doesn't extract, why?
The motor runs but air isn't moving: saturated filters, crushed or blocked ducting, or a non-return flap stuck with grease. Always start by degreasing the metal filters.
Your extractor hood may be nearing the end of its life: a extractor hood lasts 10 to 15 years. Beyond that, an expensive repair is harder to justify.