This document serves as an instruction manual for the Caple FSCHSS9 Conventional Hood, providing comprehensive guidance on its installation, operation, and maintenance. The hood is designed to effectively extract unpleasant odors from the kitchen, utilizing high-quality materials and a streamlined design for strong extraction with low noise. It is equipped with an electric motor and centrifugal fan, and features non-stick grease filters for ease of cleaning.
Function Description:
The Caple FSCHSS9 Conventional Hood is primarily intended for domestic use to remove cooking odors from the kitchen environment. It is not designed for steam extraction, barbecuing, or commercial purposes. The hood operates by circulating air, either extracting it to the outside (ducted mode) or recirculating it through charcoal filters (recirculation mode). For optimal performance, it is recommended to switch on the extractor 15 minutes before cooking and let it run for 15 minutes after cooking to ensure thorough air circulation and cleaning. The hood offers three fan speeds: low, medium, and high, allowing users to adjust the extraction power based on the intensity of cooking odors and steam. A dedicated light button controls the integrated lighting, which uses a light source of energy efficiency class G.
Usage Features:
The hood is controlled via push buttons located on the unit.
- OFF BUTTON: This button is used to turn off the extractor.
- LOW SPEED BUTTON: Activates the extractor at a low fan speed, suitable for simmering and cooking that produces minimal steam or odor.
- MEDIUM SPEED BUTTON: Selects the medium fan speed, providing ideal airflow for standard cooking.
- HIGH SPEED BUTTON: Engages the high fan speed, recommended for situations with a significant amount of steam or strong odors to achieve the most effective extraction.
- LIGHT BUTTON: Toggles the hood's light on and off.
The hood can be set up in two primary modes:
- Ducted Installation: In this mode, the hood extracts air to the outside through an extraction duct with an interior diameter of 120mm. The adjuster on the hood should be turned to the "ducted" position.
- Recirculation Mode: For installations where external venting is not possible, the hood can operate in recirculation mode using a CAP80CF charcoal filter (purchased separately). In this mode, the adjuster is set to the "indoor" position, and an outlet cover is installed onto the round ducting spigot. Air is then vented from the front outlet after being filtered through the charcoal filter.
The installation process involves either mounting the hood onto a wall or attaching it to the bottom of a hanging cupboard. Specific instructions are provided for drilling holes and securing the unit. The minimum distance between the hob and the hood is crucial for safety and performance, with a general recommendation of 65-76cm, but always deferring to the hob manufacturer's specified clearance (at least 760mm for gas hobs if no other instructions are given).
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the hood's optimal performance and longevity, as well as to minimize fire risks.
- Regular Cleaning: The exterior of the hood should be cleaned regularly using a soft damp cloth with lukewarm, mildly soapy water or a household cleaning detergent. Abrasive materials, metal pads, chemicals, or stiff brushes should never be used, as they can damage the appliance.
- Cleaning the Grease Filter: The aluminum grease filters collect grease, smoke, and dust, directly impacting the hood's efficiency. They should be cleaned monthly to prevent saturation with flammable grease residue. The filters can be washed with warm water and washing-up liquid or in a dishwasher. When using a dishwasher, it's important to wash them separately from other items to prevent food from getting trapped in the gauze. Discoloration of the filters after dishwasher cleaning is normal and not a fault.
- Replacing the Charcoal Filter: If the hood is used in recirculation mode, the CAP80CF charcoal filter needs regular replacement. These filters trap cooking odors and cannot be washed or recycled. They should be changed at most after 120 hours of use, which equates to approximately every 6 months, depending on the frequency of cooker hood usage. Charcoal filters should not be exposed to heat. Replacement filters can be purchased directly from Caple.
- Replacing the Bulb: The manual provides detailed steps for replacing the light bulb, which is a 2W bulb of the same type. This involves switching off and unplugging the appliance, removing the grease filters, unscrewing the lamp cover, unclipping and removing the light, opening the clip box, and unplugging the light before replacing it.
Before any cleaning or maintenance, it is crucial to switch off the electricity supply and unplug the appliance from the wall to ensure safety. The appliance is designed to be connected to the mains by a competent person, preferably a qualified electrician who complies with I.E.E and local regulations. The hood is a Class II appliance, meaning it does not require an earth connection.