Invisible and powerful: TOP 5 excellent telescopic hoods

One of the leading European manufacturers of sanitary ware Franke offers consumers balanced products that meet modern concepts of comfort, functionality and aesthetics. The traditional telescopic hood Franke FTC 612 XS V2 from the Flexa line is designed for concealed installation in the furniture cabinet of the apartment kitchen. This is a relatively inexpensive model with good traction, which will perfectly cope with keeping the air clean in the kitchen. The visible elements of the device are painted in a universal stainless steel colour, which goes well with the laminated facade of any furniture. And if you need a device of a different colour, then white and brown modifications are also available on the market.

A three-speed 130 W motor provides exhaust air purification with a maximum capacity of 420 m3/h. The device can be connected to a ventilation outlet channel Ø 150 mm by means of a rigid or corrugated tube. In the discharge mode, a standard aluminium grease filter is used, and to work in the internal cleaning mode, an additional purchase of an active carbon filter, which is not included in the basic configuration, will be required. The working area of the stove is illuminated by 2 halogen lamps with a power of 28 watts each. Activation of the device is performed when the panel is extended on the telescopic guides, which has a stroke range of 0 – 152 mm, and a slider switch is used to change the cleaning intensity. With a low energy efficiency class E and an average load, the hood consumes only 88 kWh of electricity.

The Faber Flexa Glass M6 W A60 FB EXP telescopic hood built into the cabinet is a compact and convenient solution, thanks to which there will always be a fresh atmosphere in the kitchen without foreign odours. Since the mechanical part of the device is hidden in the furniture cabinet, the hood is almost invisible in the interior of the room. Only the white bottom panel with a filter and the backlight shades, as well as the end plate of the sliding block with a narrow metal overlay, are open to the view. By the way, if black appliances prevail in the kitchen, then you can purchase the appropriate colour modification of the device. The maximum air capacity of this model is 450 m3/h with a maximum noise level of 61 dB. With a slider switch controlling a 125 W electric motor, 3 fan speeds can be adjusted, which is responsible for cleaning performance. And the button for turning on the LED backlight lamps becomes available when the sliding panel is opened.

The device is equipped with an anti-fat aluminium filter, which is recommended to be washed every 2 months. In order to supplement the standard aspiration (discharge) mode with a filtration (recirculation) mode, it is necessary to stock up on additional carbon filters (optional), which must be replaced every 4 months. Included with the hood is a set of mounting screws, a transitional connecting flange and a user manual. The connection to the outlet Ø 150 mm is made directly, and an adapter is used to connect to the outlet duct of ventilation Ø 120 mm. The model was manufactured at the company's factory in Turkey, which had a positive effect on the acceptable price of the goods.

Built-in hood with slider panel Elica Ciak Lux GR/A/L/56, combining the ability to work with drainage and recirculation, serves to effectively remove cooking odours from the kitchen. The model has a standard width of 60 cm and assumes installation above the hob of similar dimensions. The working surfaces of the hood are painted the colour of stainless steel, and the 120-watt electric motor installed in the housing consumes only 66 kWh of electricity per year (class E). It provides a maximum airflow of 700 m3/h with a maximum background noise of up to 66 dB. To work with oversized cooking surfaces, the manufacturer produces a modification of the Elica Ciak Lux GR/A/L/86 with a width of 86 cm, which, with the same performance, provides better air intake from a larger area. Regardless of the modification of the appliance and the type of cooking surface, the minimum mounting distance from the bottom edge of the hood to the base surface of the stove must be at least 50 cm.

The model can be connected to the exhaust duct Ø 120 mm by means of a short connecting pipe Note that connecting to the ventilation outlet of a smaller diameter by means of a transition flange will lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in noise level. The sliding panel without the end plate is completely hidden in the case in the inactive state. In the working position, it is rolled out by 145 mm on telescopic guides at some angle to the lower plane of the hood. In addition to the complete fat filter, which can be safely washed in the dishwasher, it is also allowed to install an active carbon filter (optional) for operation in recirculation mode. The illumination of the working area is provided by an economical paired LED lamp with a total power of 5 watts.

The Electrolux LFP 536 X 600 FLEX series telescopic hood belongs to the devices of the middle price segment and is distinguished by the hidden design of the sliding panel, which, in an inactive state, is completely hidden in the bowels of the cleaning unit. In the open position, the extension of the sliding screen, which leaves with an angular inclination on the guides, is 150 mm. The model received a reliable Micro switch control panel for speed control (3 modes) and the inclusion of LED illumination of the working area of the stove. Opening the telescopic slider automatically turns on the lighting and activates the operation of the device at a certain speed. It should be noted the quiet operation (49 dB) of the hood at minimum rpm (250 m3/h), which turns into a noticeable noise at (68 dB) at 3 speeds (600 m3/h).

The model corresponds to energy consumption class C with an annual electricity consumption of 87 kWh, which will allow you not to worry about high electricity bills. The device can operate in 2 modes: for the removal of air from the room or its filtration (cleaning). In the first case, 2 complete aluminium mesh filters designed to collect fat components will be used. And the ability to work in recirculation mode will appear when installing 2 carbon filters (optional). The finish of the working panel and the design of the stainless steel sliding screen gives the device a modern and stylish look. The device is assembled at the company's Polish factory and meets all EU quality and environmental requirements.

Built-in hood with smart control and telescopic panel Kaiser EA-644 W Eco is designed for efficient removal of fumes and characteristic odours from the kitchen. This is a high-quality and expensive model with a premium Avantgarde Plus design, excellent content and functionality. The finishing of the exterior elements of the hood is replete with INOX stainless steel surfaces with an oleophobic Anti-touch effect, which leaves no traces of touch on the metal. To operate in the discharge mode, in which an aluminium grease filter is used, the device is connected to a ventilation duct Ø 150 or 120 mm (adapter flange included) using an elastic corrugated tube (not included). The check valve flaps included in the mounting kit will not allow air from the street to penetrate inside. In the recirculation mode, which requires an additional installation of a carbon filter-odour absorber, the purified air returns to the room after treatment.

The impressive maximum capacity of 910 m3/h is due to the powerful 3-speed motor, which even at peak loads works quietly (59 dB). According to strict EU regulations, the duration of operation of a 280-watt electric motor with a maximum speed cannot exceed 7 minutes. After this time, the average speed value is automatically set. The touch buttons of the Kaiser Intelligent System electronic control panel with an LCD display are located on the end plate of the sliding screen made of white mirrored glass. There are 3 speed control buttons, a light control button and a button to activate the shutdown timer, which can be set for a maximum time of 5 minutes. But on the brightness of the LED backlight, which includes two 0.5 W lamps, the manufacturer decided to save a little. In addition to this model in light colours, there are modifications of the device in black and beige colours on the market.