A ducted hood sends exhaust through a route to the outdoors. A recirculating hood returns filtered air to the room. The choice depends on the building and the exact product configuration; a carbon filter on an accessories page does not make every hood convertible.

First establish the existing route

Look for the current connection and have an installer confirm where it leads. Do not assume a duct disappears outdoors because it enters a cabinet or ceiling. Record its shape, size and direction and have the complete route checked against the selected hood’s requirements.

If outdoor ducting is possible, discuss it early in the project. EPA cooking-ventilation guidance recommends using a hood that exhausts outdoors. Recirculation is a different arrangement and should not be represented as identical removal of cooking pollution, moisture or combustion products.

What to confirm for a ducted installation

• The exact hood’s required duct connection and permitted routing.
• The existing route, fittings and exterior termination.
• The location of the electrical connection and required access.
• Any applicable ventilation, replacement-air and permit requirements for the project.

This is a planning list, not permission to reduce a duct, share an exhaust route or use any particular duct material. Have the installer apply the exact hood instructions and current local requirements. Do not buy transitions solely because their ends fit.

What to confirm for a recirculating installation

Ask whether the complete model and current revision support recirculation. Identify the required filters, housings or other components, how the filtered air returns to the room, and which items are included with the order.

Keep grease filtration separate from odor-control filtration. A carbon filter does not eliminate the need to maintain the other components specified by the manufacturer. Replacement intervals and washability vary by filter; follow the exact instructions instead of adopting a generic schedule.

A decision aid for your project

• Existing outdoor duct, compatible with the chosen hood: have the route and connection confirmed, then compare the model’s fit.
• Existing duct but an uncertain route or size: resolve the installation question before buying an adapter or hood.
• No feasible exterior route: investigate only models with a documented recirculating configuration, then confirm the required parts.
• Apartment or shared building: obtain the required building or owner approvals before planning changes to the exhaust route.

Questions to ask before purchasing

“Does this exact model support the installation I am planning? Which kit or filters are required? Are they included in this order? Where does the air leave the installed hood? Which maintenance instructions apply?” Ask for answers tied to the complete model number, not a broad product family.

Do not confuse the cover with the duct

The visible chimney cover can conceal installation components, but it is not proof of an exterior exhaust path. Similarly, a product photograph showing a chimney does not prove that a chimney kit is included. Keep the appearance decision separate from the component and routing check.

Browse KSTAR range hoods by mounting style. Use the filter category to investigate replacement listings after compatibility is confirmed, and contact KSTAR with the exact model and installation photos.

Sources

EPA: improving indoor air quality while cooking; Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory: extracting and recirculating kitchen hoods. Building approval and installation requirements must be checked for the actual project.