EN IEC 61591 Cooking Fume Extraction Devices - Performance Measurement Methods

The “EN IEC 61591 Cooking fume extraction devices - Methods of measuring performance” standard, developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and later published as a European standard as part of harmonization efforts, applies to cooking fume hoods with fans in recirculation or extraction mode found in home kitchens. It can also be used for cooking fume hoods where the fan is mounted separately from the appliance but controlled by the appliance, provided this is defined in the technical documentation and installation instructions.

This standard also addresses downward airflow systems arranged on the side, back, or bottom of cooking appliances. It defines the essential performance characteristics of these appliances that are important to the user and specifies methods for measuring these characteristics.

This standard does not specify a classification or ranking for performance. It also does not address safety requirements in accordance with IEC 60335-1 and IEC 60335-2-31 standards. Fanless cooking hoods operating with central ventilation systems are addressed in the EN 13141-3 standard.

The EN IEC 61591 standard provides standardized test methods for evaluating and comparing the performance of household range hoods (cooking fume extractors or kitchen hoods). These appliances remove cooking fumes, odors, grease, and steam from kitchens either by drawing air out (extraction mode) or by passing it through filters (recirculation mode).

This standard is particularly important in the following areas:

• Energy labeling (EU Regulation 65/2014 and related ecodesign rules)
• Product certifications and declarations
• Comparing range hood efficiency for consumers.

EN IEC 61591 applies to cooking hoods containing fans and designed for use in home kitchens. This includes:

• Wall-mounted, under-counter, island type, downward airflow, and built-in models.
• Devices that operate in extraction mode (ventilated to the outside) or recirculation mode (with carbon filter).
• Appliances for normal household use (non-commercial or industrial)

This standard does not cover safety aspects (it is within the scope of the IEC/EN 60335 standard series), nor does it cover fanless, purely decorative range hoods.

This standard defines key performance characteristics that are important for users and regulators:

• Airflow/suction speed (m³/h or m³/min): Maximum air suction capacity and airflow at different speed settings are measured. This is one of the most important consumer comparison values. Airflow is measured at different speed settings under standardized pressure conditions. Total, minimum, and high (intensive) modes are tested.
• Pressure / static pressure (Pa): Ability to overcome duct resistance.
• Oil absorption/separation efficiency (percentage): How effectively the range hood captures oil particles (using a test fluid). Oil filtration efficiency measures the range hood's ability to capture oil particles. Important for hygiene and long-term performance.
• Odor reduction factor (for recirculation mode): The effectiveness of activated carbon filters in removing odors.
• Noise level (dB(A)): Sound power level at different speeds. Sound power level is measured in a controlled acoustic environment. It is tested at various operating speeds. Noise measurement is critical for consumer comfort assessment.
• Power consumption (W): Electrical power input at various operating points.
• Fluid dynamic efficiency (FDE): A key metric for energy labeling that combines airflow and power consumption. Fluid dynamic efficiency is the relationship between airflow and power consumption. It is used in energy efficiency assessment.
• Lighting efficiency (if applicable). Lighting performance (if applicable) is the level of illumination on the cooking surface. It represents the energy consumption of the lighting system.

These measurements are made using a standardized test setup that simulates a kitchen environment with defined test loads (e.g., boiling water for steam, heating oil for grease).

Since cooker hoods are subject to the EU ecodesign directive 66/2014 and energy labeling rules, compliance with the EN IEC 61591 standard is mandatory for CE marking and energy labeling (classes A to G). Manufacturers must test and declare according to this standard to show the following values:

• Annual energy consumption
• Fluid dynamics efficiency index
• Oil filtration efficiency class
• Odor reduction (for recirculating range hoods)

In short, the EN IEC 61591 standard is an international standard that specifies methods for measuring the performance of household range hoods and other cooking fume extractors. This standard enables manufacturers to test and declare product performance in a consistent, comparable, and repeatable manner. It focuses on performance measurement rather than installation rules or electrical safety (which are addressed by separate standards).

The EN IEC 61591 standard applies to:

• Household cooker hoods
• Cooking hoods (ducted and recirculation types)
• Downward airflow intake systems
• Other household cooking fume extractors

This includes devices intended to be mounted on, next to, or near cooking appliances used in homes.

This standard does not primarily cover the following:

• Industrial kitchen systems
• Fire safety regulations
• Electrical safety requirements

The EN IEC 61591 standard specifies the following:

• Test room dimensions
• Installation configuration
• Channel length and resistance
• Electrical supply conditions
• Measuring devices
• Stabilization time before measurement

This allows two manufacturers testing different products to obtain comparable results.

This standard is considered important for manufacturers for the following reasons:

• It provides CE marking support (declaration of performance).
• It provides fair market comparison.
• Supports energy labeling requirements in EU countries.
• Reduces disagreements regarding airflow values.

In conclusion, the EN IEC 61591 standard is the reference standard worldwide, particularly in Europe, providing fair, repeatable, and comparable performance testing for kitchen range hoods. It helps consumers choose more efficient, quieter, and better-performing range hoods, while also supporting energy-saving policies. By defining how airflow, noise, grease filtration efficiency, and other key parameters should be measured, this standard ensures transparency and comparability among products sold on the European market.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "EN IEC 61591 Cooking fume extraction equipment - Performance measurement methods" standard.