Kitchen Extractor - Recirculation Query

[pcrouch]

This is potentially a daft question, but is anyone aware of any kithen extractor units which run in recirculation mode where the air is not expelled through the top or back? Basically I am wanting to fit an extractor into a recess which is an old sooty chimney where the top of the recess is sealed, and the brick walls newly plastered. Plan was to install unit and hope the recirculation would effectively come back through the bottom of the unit so I could seal fireplace above first. Before pointing out the obvious I appreciate there are probably issues shooting back air towards a gas hob, but at a suitable height this seemed possible. At this stage don't want to put holes in the fireplace to duct to room/outside. Room is large with reasonable ventilation so best option maybe to not bother at all?Prepared to be shot down in flames but contstructive answers greatly appreciated.

Paul

 

[stem]

No, and I doubt you would find one.

Most if not all hoods/chimneys are designed for recirculation and extraction modes. The hoods are designed to create a flow of air across the working surface (ie Hob). Air is expelled away from the source of the smells, so that clean air is dragged across the hob picking us steam and smells as it goes.

If the air was expelled downwards, it would be picked up again by the intake and make a nice little circle, effectively a "short circuit". Also, as you say, directing air downwards towards a gas burner on a low setting is asking for trouble .