Hello Heather, I think you are right in having these discussions with your builder right now, has the project already started? Unfortunately, I left my serious/ detailed discussion on ducting to the last minute because the builder said all along, he can duct out easily but we didn't discuss the exact details, now I can't duct out where I want and it's causing me a real headache ( as it might lead to more boxing in, in addition to my existing boxing in - you replied to my post earlier on 'Ugly boxing in of steels' ). My hob is on a wall and the plan was to duct out through the joist and out of extension roof but my pipe is 2.6m until we get to the extension. We had to have 2 extra joists put in for support of the above floor which now means we can't have a 6inch duct pipe because the joists are in the way, so we are thinking of alternatives but I have a feeling that I might have to duct under the ceiling and box box box and then get around the steel beam.....argh! My only advice is that whatever ducting you plan to have, make sure the builder can definitely deliver what he says he can, go through with him the exact details of how he will do it, otherwise when the time comes, he might turn around and say, sorry we can't do it now. Or even have a plan B. My kitchen company also recommended that you switch the hood on for a bit before you cook and for a while after as well.

Add a charcoal filter to the stainless steel hood to make it recirculating and add a small electric wall fan ( like expelair type ) where you marked the wall - as long as it extracts a min 60lps that should be ok for uk building Regs.

Well we went for it and ducted it out under the floor. We've only been back in our house a few weeks but so far so good. It had really good suction and isn't too noisy! I'm glad we took the plunge. I'd far rather the smells go outside than recirculating.

That is really helpful Jonathan, thank you. The kitchen company told us that ( despite manufacturers instructions) we don’t need a grille at plinth level, as you said. However the gap between the cabinet and plinth is extremely small ..about half a cm. Does this matter? More worryingly, I found a video on YouTube on the installation of novy recirculating hobs showing the need to cut a hole in the carcass and install a linking venting accessory. This had not been done and we still have the accessory knocking around in the kitchen. So of course, this will mean the hob has to come out etc etc. I am hoping it is possible to do this without wrecking the new quartz. What a palava.