Gaggenau Magazine 2008

62 At the onset of a project, builders and architects should immediately start thinking about the ventilation question. In fact, the question should be addressed when the decision for an open or closed kitchen is made. The best solution requires advanced planning. Without it, there are often regrets later. If the building requirements allow it, you will probably choose a traditional air extraction system, which directs cooking fumes outside either directly or via a ventilation duct. Extraction also eliminates odors effectively, but it is important to design the exhaust air lines as straight as possible, without any deflection. If, for constructional reasons, air extraction is not possible, air recirculation, meaning the recirculation of clean air into the kitchen, is definitely an option. Today’s recirculation appliances offer nearly the same performance as extractors. With the innovative backsplash ventilation, a highly efficient recirculation ventilator is now on the market. Most Gaggenau ventilation hoods can be used for both air extraction and recirculation. In both cases, kitchen odors are conducted through a highly effective stainless steel grease filter, which retains the grease particles and prevents the inside of the hood and the exhaust air ducts from deposits. In recirculation mode, an additional activated charcoal filter eliminates odor particles. All Gaggenau grease filters can be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. Activated charcoal filters need to be exchanged in just a few easy steps approximately twice a year. Once the decision of air extraction versus recirculation has been made, there is a variety of attractive, highly individual and very quiet ventilation appliances from which to choose. All are perfect in design and function, matching any kitchen style. When moving into a new house or apartment, the topic of kitchen ventilation is rarely high on people’s agenda – but that is exactly where it belongs!