Kitchen Chimney: Buyers Guide, Types, Design, Etc..!

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Written by Deepika Kaushik

Buyers Guide for Kitchen Chimney!

The kitchen chimney is a very useful appliance as it absorbs smoke and fumes from the cooking utensils. In short, it is the tool that will keep your kitchen clean and gives you an oil and smoke-free kitchen.

And the best part is that these chimneys come in a varied design that will enable you to buy it according to your kitchen’s elegant look and style.

Here, I will mention some features and factors you should consider before buying a kitchen chimney.

You can also check out the 5 best kitchen chimney under 10,000 Rs in India after reading this guide.

Here we go!

Types of Kitchen Chimney Based on Working Principle

On the basis of the working principle, there are two types of kitchen chimney. Let’s see what these types are, 

1. Ducting Chimney

It is also termed as extracting chimney because it sucks the air from the inside of the kitchen and releases the air outside of the kitchen with the help of a ducting pipe or PVC outlet.

However, before releasing the air outside, the air passes through several filters, and mesh will absorb the grease and oil.

To be noted, it is the most common type of kitchen chimney that you will find in every second home because these are efficient. Although, as a shortcoming, it needs expert installation.

Additionally, it is being claimed that these chimneys run quieter, however, the effectiveness and noise level depends on the brand, model, size, etc. Though, its shortcoming is that it needs space inside and outside of the kitchen.

PROS 🙂

  • Perfect for commercial kitchen 
  • Capture a high amount of smoke, dust, and fumes
  • Efficient to use

CONS 🙁

  • Require proper installation
  • Create noise

2. Ductless Chimney

You can even call it reducing chimney because it absorbs impure air. That further passes through the charcoal filters to absorb heat, odor, and smoke. Then, unlike ducting chimney, it releases the air in the kitchen as well as you can install it anywhere you like because it does not need much of the space.

Hence, the ductless chimney could be more convenient, if compared to the ducted chimney. To add, some ductless chimney also has auto-off and run-on a timer feature, which further enhances the convenience.

Well, as a matter of fact, it recirculates the air which enhances the humidity in the kitchen. As a result, decibels of the same may be a bit higher than the ducted chimney.

PROS 🙂

  • Effortless to install
  • Versatile nature 
  • Automatically turn off or on

CONS 🙁

  • Create noise
  • Need to change the filter frequently 
  • Re-circulate air 
Ductless ChimneyDucting Chimney
Low PriceHigh Price
Low Suction PowerHigh Suction Power
Not much effective Efficient to use
Use charcoal filters Uses mesh and baffle filters

Types of Kitchen Chimney Based on Structure

Kitchen Chimney Types

If you are going to buy a chimney based on structure, you will find plenty of options.  

1. Auto-clean Chimney

As the name suggests, it cleans itself and does not need high maintenance.

Additionally, it has a separate oil collector to collect the oil particles. And to clean the chimney, all you need is to press the button and hey, your chimney is clean automatically. However, you need to clean it every 6 months. 

Another benefit of the auto clean chimney is that it prevents the oil and grease to stick on the filter as well as it prevents internal clogging.

2. Wall Mounted Chimney

This chimney is the most common and popular in India. All you have to do is to fit the kitchen chimney against the wall right above the cooktop. 

3. Straight-line Kitchen Chimney

It is perfect for constraint space as this chimney mount uses available space. To add, from outside, no one would able to see the chimney. Hence, if you do not want to showcase it, buy this chimney. 

4. Island Kitchen Chimney

If your cooking stove is located at the center of the kitchen this chimney would be the perfect choice for you. Because it hangs right above the cooking top.

5. Built-in Kitchen Chimney

As the name suggests, this chimney integrated inside the wood furniture of the kitchen. Also, the exhaust pipe and accessories are not visible from outside. Usually, these chimney’s are available in some modern apartment as it gives premium look. 

6. Corner Chimney Hood

It is fixed above the stove and allows you to use it and you can retract it when not in use with the help of a button. 

Types of Filters in Chimney

The filter is an essential component of the chimney because it purifies the air by filtering the dust, odor, grime, and oil particles. So, on the basis of material used and construction, you have 3 main types of filters. Here, these are,

1. Charcoal (Carbon) Filter

Carbon or charcoal filter has charcoal granules that scare off the odor from smoke. Though, it is an optional filter with some combination of baffle or mesh filter. To absorb oil, smoke particles, and heat, it has holes.

Well, the downfall of the same is that it is not washable and you have to change it every 3-6months, on the basis of your cooking intensity. You will find this filter mostly in the ductless chimney and extravagant chimney. 

This filter is also very popular in India.

2. Mesh Filter or Cassette Filter

It is made by overlapping layers of aluminum mesh which have midget holes. It purifies the air and caught oil and grime in these pores. However, you need to clean this filter every two weeks because pores in the mesh clog instantly. 

To be noted, it would create more noise and its suction power lessens if you failed to clean the pores thoroughly. 

3. Baffle Filters 

In the Indian kitchen, baffle filters are most commonly found. As it comes in varied curve structures as it has a flow control panel. To alter the course of air it is made of aluminum or steel.

These chimneys are specially made for Indian Kitchen. Further, to separate the oil and odor from the smoke it uses an innovative mechanism known as “cut and slash.” 

One more reason, why it is best for the Indian kitchen is that its suction power is not affected by the collection of oil in the first layer.

Unlike mesh filter, its suction power does not affect by the deposition of oil in the layer of steel and aluminum. Also, you can clean it every 2-3 months. 

At last, for Indian cooking baffle filters are best as these can handle regular household Indian cooking style which contains lots of masalas, and frying. Above all, it does not need high maintenance and easy to clean.

Nowadays, baffle filters comes with a detachable feature which you can do it yourself without the need of a technician. This feature helps in effortless cleaning.

Different Design in Kitchen Chimney

Different Design in Kitchen Chimney

This is an overlooked feature but it is essential to consider as it helps you to choose which chimney is ideal for your kitchen. 

1. Straight Line Chimney 

Due to restricted space in the kitchen, it is not possible to install the wall-mounted chimney in every kitchen, right? If that’s the case with you, the straight-line chimney would be the perfect alternative you can use. As these are designed to fit in the restricted space and working flawlessly being invisible. 

Also, its use is not limited to suck the smoke directly from the stove but it also removes smoke from other parts of your kitchen too. With that, it also provides additional overhead space to store containers and items. 

To work efficiently and good suction, it comes with bi-rational technology. And it has other features such as removable filter, stainless steel look, high extraction performance, and minimalist design. 

Additionally, it has illumination that provides focus light on the stove. 

2. Curved Glass Chimney

If compared to any type of chimney, a curved glass chimney produces less noise because of separate indoor and outdoor units. You can use these whether you have a small or large kitchen as well as it is perfect while deep frying or tempering because of extra suction power and coverage. To add, it has focus lighting. 

3. Pyramid Chimney

This chimney includes integrated baffle filters that are known to lessen the consumption of power. Hence, if you are looking for something to lessen energy consumption it is a perfect choice for you. 

4. Angular Chimney

It is an ideal chimney for Indian kitchens because it is a professional in throwing out the grease and smoke. Also, it has a stylish and attractive look that allows it to mix with your kitchen furniture. With style, this chimney has high suction power and efficiency. 

5. Box Type Chimney

It is also known as ceiling mounting cooks hoods and these chimneys give visual appeal to your space. And it is a high-quality chimney as it is made of glass and steel items. Moreover, you do not have to clean this regularly because it is dirtproof. Furthermore, it has LED focus lighting and soft-touch digital controls. Hence, it is easy to use.

NOTE: Make sure that the distance between chimney and stove is 65-75cms. More distance will lessen the effectiveness.

How Much Suction Power of Kitchen Chimney is Good?

This is the major feature to consider to buy a kitchen chimney because a chimney is all about suction power. But the question comes, what is the right suction power? 

That’s easy to determine, your chimney should suck 10 times of the volume of smoke available in the kitchen. And the suction power is represented by a cubic meter per hour in India. 

Hence, to determine the volume of the kitchen, simply use this formula. 

(Length x Width x Height) x 10 (number of times the chimney should eradicate the volume of air)

With suction power, you should also consider the distance between vents, gas stove, etc.

Additionally, for frequent cooking a chimney with suction power between 400m3 per hour to 1000m3 per hour is perfect. Generally, a chimney with a long hose provides more suction.

What Size of Kitchen Chimney Is Good?

What Size of Kitchen Chimney Is Good?

The kitchen chimney comes in varied sizes and the best way to choose the chimney is to choose the exact or more size than of your stove. It will help in sucking the smoke efficiently. To be noted, buy a small chimney than the size of the stove or hob. 

To be specific, the ideal size of the kitchen chimney is either 60cm or 90cm.  Further, the sizes of the chimney depend on stoves. 

  • 60cm kitchen chimney: 2 or 4 burner stove
  • 90cm kitchen chimney: 3-5 burner stove 

Keep in mind, to never buy a kitchen chimney of the size more than needed because it is going to consume more energy unnecessarily. 

Also, the distance between the stove and chimney is 65-70cms because more distance means less efficiency. 

What are the Factors to Consider Before Buying a Kitchen Chimney?

What are the Factors to Consider Before Buying a Kitchen Chimney

1. Auto Clean

Unlike, ordinary chimney, this feature prevents obstruction of oil molecules that are isolated by the filters. As a result, it enhances suction power. It saves time and effort because it collects oil in a particular compartment that is effortless to clean and set back in. 

Auto clean feature, enhance the suction power of the chimney and prevent sticking of oil and grease. Hence, longer life.

As the oil and grease particles deposit in the oil tray or bowl, you have to clean the tray or bowl once it is filled. With that, it does not need high maintenance, yet you have to clean it manually when needed.

2. Cleaning and Maintenance 

From the above point, you can ensure that cleaning and maintenance ensure improved performance and long life. Hence, to remove debris you need to wash it regularly as the sole work is to eradicate oil and dust. 

However, for some people cleaning a chimney is tough, for whatever the reason is, if that’s the case, you can buy a chimney with detachable filters and automatic cleaning features. 

3. Noise 

As the motor present in the chimney carries out excessive air circulation, and that’s the reason for the noise. Hence, this is the essential factor to consider while making purchases for the home. And the noise produced by the chimney will for sure irritates and annoy you. 

However, some chimney comes with silent kit installed which produce no or less noise.

4. Advance Features

To effortless use of chimney, you can check out some features. And these are,

  • LED light indicator, that will indicate you about some issues
  • Auto-Heat Sensor, this automatically shut on-off and detect the heat of oil particles
  • Push Buttons, it could differ depending on brand to brand. Usually, you have 2-3-4 speed levels. Also, this feature is perfect for dark times
  • The Buzzer, this feature informs you when cleaning and replacement should be done immediately 
  • The auto-clean feature, this enables the chimney not to work until it cleans the oil entirely 
  • Detachable Oil Collecter, in some filter oil, is collected separately. This feature allows you to detach it and clean it thoroughly. This will improve the performance of filters
  • Soundproof kits, make sure that chimney make less or no noise

5. Price 

To buy the best chimney, you need to check out the features of the kitchen chimney and its price. The starting price could be varied depending on durability, functions, size, and modern features. 

Yet, the price range of the electric kitchen chimney is 3,000 Rs to 1,00,000 Rs.

Therefore, if you are ready to spend more money, I would advise you to buy a kitchen chimney with upgraded features. 

6. Warranty 

Before buying a kitchen chimney, look at the warranty of the same. Generally, the warranty period of the chimney is 1 or 2 years. However, it could be different depending on the brand. 

Warranty is essential to consider as it enables you to get your chimney repaired within a particular period. 

Best Kitchen Chimney Brands in India 

Brands play an essential role in choosing the best chimney. Because a good brand provides a durable and superior quality of chimney with after-sales service. Here are some of the best kitchen chimney brands, you can choose from. 

Hindware: It is the oldest Indian brand dealing in home and kitchen appliances. Apart from the kitchen chimney it also deals in the dishwasher, geyser, etc. With that, it is the first company that introduced china sanitaryware in India. Since 1960 it is steadily growing and achieving success.

Elica: It is one of the popular brands for a chimney in India. This brand provides a chimney of varied sizes and designs. Along with India, it has well established in the whole world. With style and design, it offers quality products.

Eurodomo: Mainly, it is a Switzerland-based company and operates within more than 30 countries. The chimney of the same is pretty famous and it provides good design and after-sales service. Along with it also deals in sinks and other accessories at an affordable price.

Faber: It is also a famous brand in India that operates in more than 13 countries. Its services are not limited to the chimney. But it also deals in ovens, RO water purifiers, and more.  

Which Chimney is Better Manual or Auto-clean Chimney?

Cleaning the chimney is tough more than it seems. Though, it is essential for effective suction. 

Well, you have two options, either buy a chimney with a Manual clean or auto-clean feature. Let’s see which one is better.

1. Manual Clean Chimney

As the name suggests, you need to clean this type of chimney, unlike an auto-clean chimney. And for this, you need patience. 

No doubt, it needs your attention but it has a long life and is durable, only if maintained properly. It is a perfect choice for people who don’t cook much, as it makes cleaning effortless. Because you have to clean it 2-3 times per week.

PROS 🙂

  • Less price
  • Perfect for people who cook rarely
  • Easy mechanism

CONS 🙁

  • Need high maintenance
  • Does not have a separate oil collector
  • Takes time to clean the filter

2. Auto Clean Chimney 

If compared to different models, it is the best feature a chimney collector you could have. Simply because to collect the oil and grease cooking air passes through it. As it is automatic, unlike a Manual clean chimney, it does not need high maintenance. To be precise, you can clean it once a week. 

To add, you have to clean the oil collector, that by using the general cleaning method. Unlike Manual Clean Chimney, it is ideal for heavy usage. 

PROS 🙂

  • No need to wash the filter regularly because it has a separate oil collector
  • Effortless to maintain as it does not require much human intervention
  • Gets auto clean, hence, time-saving
  • Inner walls of the chimney remain oil-free and grease-free with the help of a turbine blower

CONS 🙁

  • High price
  • In case of repair, you need to spend more money as compared to the manual chimney
  • Has a complex mechanism

In all aspects, an automatic chimney stands out better than a manual chimney, whether it is suction power, cleanliness, etc. Hence, if you have a high budget, you can buy an auto kitchen chimney.

Precautions to be Taken While Using a Kitchen Chimney

Precautions to be Taken While Using a Kitchen Chimney
  • While installation of the chimney ensures that the minimum distance between the stove or hob and chimney should be 25 inches to a maximum of 30 inches. Because less distance between the stove and chimney can increase the possibility of fire and more distance can affect the efficiency of the chimney
  • Before installation ensure that your home has proper earthing
  • If you have a ducting chimney, ensure to never connect the chimney duct to other smoke exhausting appliance 
  • You should go for a chimney with 3 voltage a kitchen chimney should get exact power voltage. That is not always possible in 2 phases voltage as it can affect the working efficiency 
  • Prevent leaving fry pan unattended, as the frying pan can catch fire
  • As most filters are flammable, hence never leave the burner open 
  • To maintain performance and productivity, you should have a chimney pipe of at least 6-8 feet of duct hole. Though, if the duct hole is more 6 feet, in that case, an additional pipe can be fixed. Additionally, for Indian household, a kitchen chimney of 10 feet is recommended 
  • Before purchasing a kitchen hood, you should check the space or provision for the installation of the same as you need a hole of 6”. On the other hand, if the same is not available, you can contact the dealer to make the hole, but you have to spend some money over this
  • Few companies provide you flexible ducts whose standard length is 3 meters with 3” to 18” inches in diameter. These ducts stretch up to 3 times their actual size as well as prevent corrosion. Although, before buying one, check all the features, specifications, and technologies
  • If you are buying a ducting chimney ensure that it should have less bend or turns as possible because more bends mean less efficiency. To be noted, a maximum of 3 (90degree) bends or turns are fine. However, you would recommend having 1-2 bends if bends are of 45 degrees. To add, before installation checks it with the dealer or customer care service. Because the German company SIEMENS only recommend having 2 bends for better performance

Conclusion

Before buying a kitchen chimney, consider the above-mentioned features, types, etc, with proper precautions. So, ladies, it is time to cook in an oil and grease-free environment.

Happy and safe cooking!

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