When you have a kitchen that doesn’t allow for ducting or venting outside, a recirculating rangehood is an ideal solution. These rangehoods are designed to filter and recirculate the air back into your kitchen, ensuring a fresh environment while cooking. In Australia, there are several top models available that offer excellent air extraction, noise reduction, and easy maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explore the best recirculating rangehoods for 2025, focusing on performance, design, and ease of installation.
Why Choose a Recirculating Rangehood?
Recirculating rangehoods are ideal for kitchens where venting outside is not possible, such as in apartments or kitchens with internal layouts. These rangehoods use filters (usually charcoal) to remove smoke, odors, and grease before recirculating the air back into the room. Key benefits of recirculating rangehoods include:
- No Ducting Required: Easy installation without the need for external venting, perfect for apartments or renovations.
- Effective Odor and Smoke Removal: With activated charcoal filters, they efficiently remove cooking odors, smoke, and grease.
- Space-Saving: These rangehoods are ideal for smaller kitchens where space is limited and ducting is not an option.
- Easy Maintenance: Most models come with easy-to-clean filters and surfaces, making them low-maintenance.
What to Look for in the Best Recirculating Rangehood
When choosing a recirculating rangehood for your kitchen, consider these essential factors:
1. Airflow Capacity (CFM)
The airflow capacity is crucial for ensuring that the rangehood can handle the volume of smoke and steam generated by your cooking. Look for models with an airflow capacity of at least 600-800 CFM for effective air extraction. Higher CFM models (1,000+ CFM) are ideal for larger kitchens or heavy cooking tasks.
2. Noise Level
Recirculating rangehoods can sometimes be noisy, especially on higher settings. Opt for models with sound-dampening technology or external motors to reduce the noise level. Look for rangehoods with noise levels below 65 dB for quieter operation.
3. Filter Type and Maintenance
Choose a recirculating rangehood with high-quality filters. Most models use charcoal filters to remove odors and grease, and some also have mesh or baffle filters for grease extraction. Ensure that the filters are easy to replace or clean, and ideally, choose models with dishwasher-safe filters for convenience.
4. Design and Aesthetics
Recirculating rangehoods come in various styles, including wall-mounted, under-cabinet, and canopy models. Choose a design that complements your kitchen’s decor. Stainless steel is a popular finish for modern kitchens due to its durability and sleek look.
5. Ease of Installation
Recirculating rangehoods are generally easier to install than ducted models. However, ensure the model you choose is compatible with your kitchen layout. Consider whether you need a slide-out, fixed, or retractable model based on the space available.
Top 5 Best Recirculating Rangehoods in Australia for 2025
1. Bosch Serie 2 60cm Slideout Rangehood DFM064W54A
The Bosch Serie 2 60cm Slideout Rangehood is a great choice for small to medium-sized kitchens. It offers a powerful 600 CFM airflow capacity, making it effective at removing smoke and odors from your kitchen. Its slide-out design allows for discreet installation, and it comes with easy-to-use controls and LED lighting. This rangehood is ideal for homeowners who need an efficient yet space-saving solution.
- Size: 60 cm
- Air Extraction: 600 CFM
- Design: Slide-out, stainless steel finish
- Features: LED lighting, easy-to-use controls, quiet operation
- Pros: Compact, efficient, space-saving
- Cons: Limited extraction power for heavy-duty cooking
2. Westinghouse 60cm Slideout Stainless Steel Rangehood WRR604SB
The Westinghouse WRR604SB is a stylish 60cm recirculating rangehood with a 600 CFM airflow capacity. It offers a sleek, under-cabinet design and comes with removable, dishwasher-safe filters for easy maintenance. The rangehood is equipped with LED lighting for enhanced visibility during cooking and operates quietly, making it ideal for residential kitchens.
- Size: 60 cm
- Air Extraction: 600 CFM
- Design: Under-cabinet, stainless steel
- Features: LED lighting, quiet operation, dishwasher-safe filters
- Pros: Efficient, easy to clean, modern design
- Cons: Not as powerful as some higher-end models
3. Bellini 60cm Recirculating Slide Out Rangehood
The Bellini 60cm Recirculating Slide Out Rangehood is a great choice for homeowners who need a compact yet efficient solution. It features a slide-out design, making it easy to use and store when not needed. With a simple white finish and 600 CFM airflow, it is ideal for kitchens with limited space. The model comes with a grease filter and is easy to clean, making it a practical choice for everyday cooking.
- Size: 60 cm
- Air Extraction: 600 CFM
- Design: Slide-out, white finish
- Features: Easy-to-use, compact design, grease filter
- Pros: Compact, budget-friendly, space-saving
- Cons: Lower CFM compared to premium models
4. Kleenmaid 60cm Recirculating Venting Slide Out Rangehood
The Kleenmaid 60cm Recirculating Venting Slide Out Rangehood offers 600 CFM of airflow, perfect for smaller kitchens or apartments. This model is equipped with activated carbon filters to efficiently remove odors and grease from the air. It features an easy-to-clean design and comes with LED lighting to brighten your cooking area.
- Size: 60 cm
- Air Extraction: 600 CFM
- Design: Slide-out, stainless steel
- Features: LED lighting, carbon filters, compact design
- Pros: Compact, effective odor removal, affordable
- Cons: Requires frequent filter replacement
5. Fisher & Paykel 60cm Recirculating Rangehood
The Fisher & Paykel 60cm Recirculating Rangehood is a reliable option for those who need effective ventilation in a smaller kitchen. It has a 600 CFM airflow capacity and features easy-to-use controls. The rangehood is equipped with efficient charcoal filters to trap odors and grease and comes with LED lighting for added visibility while cooking.
- Size: 60 cm
- Air Extraction: 600 CFM
- Design: Wall-mounted, stainless steel
- Features: LED lighting, efficient charcoal filters
- Pros: Reliable, efficient, modern design
- Cons: Higher initial cost
Conclusion
Recirculating rangehoods are perfect for kitchens without the ability to vent air outside. The models listed above provide a range of features, from compact designs to powerful extraction capabilities, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Whether you prioritize affordability, quiet operation, or easy maintenance, these rangehoods offer excellent performance and value in 2025. Consider your kitchen size, cooking habits, and budget when choosing the best model for your needs.