
Easy Guide To Choose The Best Kitchen Chimney For Your New Home
Chimney is an essential home appliance for every Indian kitchen. A lot of smoke is released due to excessive spices and oil used in Indian cooking. If there is no proper exhaust system, then the heavy smoke will cause dark, thick, and greasy stains to accumulate on kitchen tiles and cabinets. But in modular kitchens, where interior designs are given much importance, one cannot risk ruining the aesthetics of kitchen. This is where modular kitchen chimneys come to the rescue.
Modular kitchen chimneys not only absorb smoke are keeps your kitchen grease and odour-free, but also adds up to the aesthetics of your kitchen space with its stylish design. But choosing the right chimney for you is a challenge, especially in a marketplace where one is easily spoilt with numerous choices and aggressive offers. Here are some of the important factors to consider before selecting the best kitchen chimney for your needs.
- Based on Your Kitchen Design
- Chimney Size
- Based on Cleaning Method
- Suction Power of Chimney
- Filter types
- Duct Installation
- After-sales services & warranty
- Based on the Budget
- To Sum Up
- Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
Based on Your Kitchen Design
Before selecting the modular kitchen chimney, you need to consider your kitchen’s dimensions, space, existing ventilation system and, also your cooking habits. If you are used to cooking with lots of oils and spices, then you need to buy chimney that is larger and more efficient. It is not always about the size of the chimney, but its proportion with the kitchen space. The right chimney in kitchen also depends on interiors, layout and overall structure to make sure the chimney you select would match with your expectations and vision.
Based on where it can be fit, chimneys come in different shapes such as box type, straight line chimney, angular, curved glass, pyramid etc. In terms of alignment, chimneys are categorized as ceiling-mounted, corner-mounted, island, wall-mounted, downdraft, built-in and integrated, etc. These factors differ from kitchen to kitchen. You can select the best kitchen chimney for your needs, based on your kitchen’s design. Generally straight-line chimney is commonly bought due to simplicity in its design.
Chimney Size
Chimney for small kitchens in the market vary in size range from 60 cm to 90 cm. There are chimneys with larger size too. The size of your chimney correlates with the kitchen chimney hood. If you have single-burner stove or two-burner stover, then opt for 60 cm chimney. For three or four kitchen chimney hoods, opt for 90 cm chimney.
Based on Cleaning Method
Smart chimney or auto clean chimney is easier to clean, efficient and durable. Normal clean chimneys require high maintenance since cleaning needs to be done manually. Auto clean chimneys are comparatively expensive.
Suction Power of Chimney
Suction power refers to the rate at which smoke, fumes, odour and oil particles are absorbed by chimney. Suction power depends on the motor capacity. Hence, always choose kitchen chimney with high-capacity motor. Suction power is measured in ‘cubic meters per hour.’ It is ideal to buy an electric chimney whose suction power lies in the range of 450-950 cubic meters per hour, based on your kitchen’s size and length of ducts. Generally, auto clean chimneys for kitchen comes with great suction power.
Filter types
Filter is an important component of a kitchen chimney because it will impact the rate and quantity of smoke absorbed. Hence, high performance filters have high suction power. Filters require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the efficiency and performance of the chimney in check. If you are opting for filterless auto clean chimney, then you need not worry about filters or their maintenance. There are three primary types of chimney filters: 1) charcoal filter, 2) mesh filter and 3) baffle filter.
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Charcoal filters
Also known as carbon filters, they are made up of charcoal plates with holes in it. These holes absorb smoke and oil particles. Charcoal filters are perfect for Indian cooking, but the drawback is that these filters cannot be washed. Hence, they need to be replaced every three to four months and thus deem to be expensive. Charcoal filters also make more noise during chimney operation.
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Mesh filters
Also called as cassette filters, they consist of multiple aluminium mesh layered on each other. Here, the oil particles, grease and smoke particles are trapped within the aluminium mesh. But these meshes require regular cleaning, at least once a week. If they are not maintained properly, oil and smoke particles accumulated on the mesh decreases the suction power of the chimney. They also lead to generation of loud noise during operations. Although mesh filters are durable and inexpensive, they are not a suitable choice for Indian cooking.
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Baffle filters
Made up of multiple curved panels of stainless steel. The curved panels catch the smoke and oil particles. Baffle filters are washable and needs to be cleaned once a month for high performance. They are durable and creates less noise compared to other filter types during operation. Although they are comparatively more expensive, these filters make the best kitchen chimneys for Indian kitchens.
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Filterless chimney
The new-gen auto clean chimney for kitchen these days come with filter-less technology. Filterless chimney makes the motor works with maximum suction capacity to eliminate smoke and oil particles from the kitchen. Due to no filters, the cost and time for maintenance is minimum. But filterless chimneys require extremely good motors, since the suction power needs to be very high. There is no noise since there are no filters. These chimneys are durable but expensive. However, they are not suitable for kitchens that make use of heavy oil and spices. Buy chimney without filters if you have a small family. Electric chimney also makes a good choice.
Duct Installation
Ducts are important component of chimney design. Ducts are passages that assist for removing smoke, as well as delivering fresh air. Ducts also contribute towards ventilation and air cooling. Chimneys come with two options: Duct chimneys and ductless chimneys. The choice depends on your kitchen set up.
Duct chimneys –
they channel out the smoke and heat using pipes or ducts. However, the kitchen chimney installation takes time and kitchen needs to be designed to accommodate space for ducts. Since heat and steam is removed, the kitchen remains cool and hence, there is no much sweating during cooking. However, duct chimneys require regular maintenance, but suitable for small kitchens.
Ductless chimneys –
Do not options to vent out the smoke, which is circulated within the kitchen. Ductless chimneys are suitable for large kitchens or massive cooking spaces which can accommodate large amount of air. These chimneys are easy to install since one don’t have to create space for smoke removal. Ductless chimneys can reduce odour through filters, but the heat still remains within the kitchen space.
You can choose duct chimneys or ductless chimneys based on these three factors: –
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How much/often do you cook?
If you cook heavily, it is better to opt duct chimney. Duct model is the best chimney for small kitchen.
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Space constraints and maintenance
Ductless chimneys don’t require much space compared to duct chimneys. Since there are no ducts, the design makes it simple with regards to maintenance. In terms of maintenance, auto clean chimney for kitchen makes life easier.
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Affordability
Although prices are similar for both types, kitchen chimney installation charges create a huge difference. Hence, in terms of affordability, ductless chimneys make a better choice.
After-sales services & warranty–
Check for the nearest after-sales facility centre. Warranty ranges from 1 year to lifetime. So make sure you opt for a credible brand of chimney Kutchina for best kitchen chimneys.
Based on the Budget–
The budget range of chimneys vary from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 90,000 based on design, performance, filters, brand and additional features such as LED lights, body colour, body material etc. Kitchen chimney installation charges may vary, but it is a one-time payment.
To Sum Up–
Chimney in kitchen is becoming commonplace in Indian households. Among chimney Kutchina is a credible brand. Based on the factors mentioned above, we recommend filterless auto clean chimneys by Kutchina. Buy chimney which comes with lifelong warranty and contemporary designs of auto clean chimney for kitchen. Our chimney range comprises of all above factors. So, buy chimney that suits best for you only at Kutchina!
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
- How do I choose a chimney for my kitchen?
Based on the three factors – your kitchen design, cooking frequency and budget.
- Which brand is best for kitchen chimney?
Kutchina is the best kitchen chimney brand with a pan-India presence.
- Which size chimney is best for kitchen?
Chimneys generally come in the size range from 60 cm to 90 cm. Based on the number of gas burners in the kitchen, you can opt for appropriate chimney size. 60 cm chimney is good for 2-3 gas burners, and 90 cm can accommodate 4 gas burners.
- What should I look for when buying a chimney?
Look out for these factors: chimney size, cleaning method, suction power, filter type, duct installation, aftersales and warranty.
- Which type of chimney is best for kitchen?
Duct chimney is the best for homes and apartment kitchens.