Domakihub Replace Your Cooker Hood Carbon Filter in 5 Steps
A straightforward maintenance job that keeps your recirculating hood working effectively and your kitchen smelling fresh.
Reviewed by Domakihub home & decor pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
Most apartments in Greece lack external ducting, which means the cooker hood above your stove is a recirculating model — it pulls cooking fumes through a grease filter, passes the air through a carbon (charcoal) filter to trap odours, and releases clean air back into the kitchen. When that carbon filter becomes saturated, the hood stops neutralising smells no matter how powerful the fan. The video above shows the process in real time for a common Hotpoint model; the steps below walk you through the same job on virtually any recirculating hood you are likely to find in a Greek home, holiday rental or hotel kitchen.
Why the Carbon Filter Matters (and When to Replace It)
Unlike the metal grease filter — which you can wash in hot soapy water and reuse — the carbon filter is a consumable. The activated charcoal inside it adsorbs odour molecules from cooking vapours, but once every adsorption site is occupied the filter is spent and must be swapped out rather than cleaned.
As a general rule, replace the carbon filter every three to four months under normal household use. In a busy holiday rental, hotel kitchen, or any space where fish, meat, or heavily spiced food is cooked frequently, that interval can shorten to six to eight weeks. A reliable sign that the filter needs changing is when cooking smells linger in the room for more than a few minutes after you turn the hood off.
What You Need Before You Start
The job requires no tools in most cases — just the correct replacement carbon filter for your hood's brand and model. The model number is usually printed on a sticker inside the hood canopy or on the product label. Write it down before you buy; carbon filters are not universal, and the wrong size will not seat properly.
Pick up a genuine replacement from an appliance parts supplier, a large hardware store, or the manufacturer's website. While you have the hood open it is also worth checking the metal grease filter: if it is coated in a sticky yellow film, soak it in hot water with a few drops of washing-up liquid before you reinstall everything.
How to Replace the Carbon Filter
- 1
Switch off the hood and let it cool
Turn the cooker hood off at the unit and — if you prefer extra caution — flip the kitchen circuit breaker. Grease filters and carbon cartridges can trap residual heat from a recent cooking session, so give everything five minutes to cool before you reach inside.
- 2
Remove the metal grease filter
Most grease filters are held in place by a simple latch or push-and-slide mechanism on the underside of the hood. Press the release tab, tilt the panel down and slide it out. Set it aside on a flat surface. This exposes the carbon filter mounted above it.
- 3
Detach the old carbon filter
Depending on the model, the carbon filter either clips onto a central spindle, slots into rails on either side, or locks onto the motor housing with a quarter-turn. Twist or unclip it as appropriate — the video above shows the quarter-turn style clearly — and pull it straight down. Dispose of the used filter in your general waste bin; it cannot be recycled.
- 4
Fit the new carbon filter
Align the new filter with the same fittings and press it firmly into place using the reverse of the removal action. For twist-lock types, turn it clockwise until you feel it click; for clip types, press each clip until it snaps. Give the filter a gentle tug to confirm it is seated and will not fall when the hood vibrates during operation.
- 5
Reinstall the grease filter and test the hood
Slide the metal grease filter back into its channel and latch it closed. Restore power, then run the hood on its highest speed for thirty seconds. Hold a single sheet of kitchen paper near the air outlet grille — it should flutter noticeably, confirming good airflow through the new filter. Cook something briefly if you want a practical odour check.
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FAQ
- Can I wash a carbon filter instead of replacing it?
- No. Unlike the metal grease filter, activated carbon cannot be regenerated by washing. Water floods the pores of the charcoal and can cause the filter to disintegrate or grow mould. Always replace it with a new one on the manufacturer's recommended schedule.
- How do I know which replacement filter fits my hood?
- Find the model number on the sticker inside your hood's canopy — it typically starts with two or three letters followed by several digits. Enter that code on the manufacturer's website or give it to your appliance parts supplier. Using the wrong filter risks poor airflow, rattling, or the filter falling into the fan.
- My hood smells even though I just changed the filter — what is wrong?
- The most likely cause is a saturated grease filter that was not cleaned at the same time. Old grease trapped in the metal mesh releases odours every time the fan blows air through it. Remove the grease filter, soak it in hot water and washing-up liquid for twenty minutes, scrub it clean, rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely before reinstalling.