Important Safety Warnings
- Never clean carbon/charcoal filters — these must be replaced every 3–6 months.
- Never replace filters while the hood is operating.
- Inspect for grease drips inside the hood housing monthly — these are a fire hazard.
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Guide
Turn Off the Hood
Ensure the hood fan is turned off and the cooktop burners are off and cool before touching any hood components.
Remove Grease Filters
Stainless steel mesh filters typically unclip or slide out from the underside of the hood. Consult your hood model's manual for the release mechanism — some require a quarter-turn, others slide forward.
Soak in Degreasing Solution
Fill a large sink or basin with very hot water and a generous amount of degreasing dish soap. Submerge the filters and leave for 15–20 minutes. For heavily saturated filters, add a 1/4 cup of baking soda to the solution.
Scrub and Rinse
Use a soft brush to scrub both sides of the filter mesh. Rinse thoroughly under hot running water until no soap residue remains. Hold up to light to verify the mesh is clear.
Dry Completely
Shake off excess water and allow to air-dry fully — at least 30 minutes. Reinstalling wet filters reduces airflow efficiency and can promote rust.
Dishwasher Option
Many La Cornue stainless steel mesh filters are dishwasher-safe. Place on the top rack and run a hot cycle with a quality dishwasher detergent. Check your model's documentation to confirm dishwasher compatibility before using this method.
Reinstall and Test
Clip or slide the filters back into position and run the hood on its highest setting for 30 seconds to confirm unrestricted airflow.
How La Cornue Hoods Work
La Cornue's ventilation hoods are engineered to match the powerful BTU output of their ranges. A standard La Cornue CornuFe or Chateau can deliver 15,000–22,000 BTU per burner — and with multiple burners running simultaneously, the total heat, steam, and grease-laden vapor output far exceeds a standard kitchen range. La Cornue hoods compensate with high-CFM blower motors and multi-layer filtration systems designed for professional output levels.
Ducted vs Recirculating Configurations
Most La Cornue hood installations are ducted — meaning extracted air is vented outside the home. In ducted configurations, stainless steel mesh filters capture grease while all other vapors are exhausted outdoors.
In recirculating (ductless) configurations, a carbon filter is added after the mesh filter to remove odors before the air is pushed back into the kitchen. Carbon filters cannot be cleaned — they must be replaced every 3–6 months depending on use frequency.
Reduced Extraction Warning Signs
- Noticeably more steam or odor in the kitchen during cooking
- Grease condensation on nearby cabinets or ceilings
- Louder fan noise (motor working harder against restricted airflow)
- Visible grease drips from the inside of the hood housing
If extraction drops noticeably after filter cleaning, the blower motor bearings or the ducting may need professional inspection.
Still Experiencing Issues?
Our factory-trained technicians are ready to diagnose and repair any La Cornue appliance.