With so many different types and models available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your kitchen. Buying the wrong one might make you regret it through the chimney’s lifetime. Not all kitchen chimneys are suitable for all kitchens, you should know if a kitchen chimney is useful to you before buying one. In this kitchen chimney buying guide, we have listed some major criteria to consider before buying a chimney.
1. Suction Capacity
Suction capacity, also known as airflow or airflow rate, is a measure of how much air a kitchen chimney can remove from the cooking area per unit of time. It is typically measured in cubic meters per hour (m3/hr) or cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher the suction capacity of a kitchen chimney, the more efficient it is at removing smoke, grease, and odors from the kitchen.
It’s important to choose a kitchen chimney with the right suction capacity for your kitchen size and type of cooking. For example, a small kitchen with a 2-burner gas stove would require a lower suction capacity compared to a larger kitchen with a 4-burner gas stove or a built-in oven. In general, a suction capacity of around 800 m3/hr to 1000 m3/hr is suitable for most domestic kitchens.
If you are a vegetarian with less oily food consumption you can go for a suction power from 800 to 1000. If you are a non-vegetarian, I suggest not buying a chimney below a suction power of 1100. In case you consume more deep-fried foods you must definitely buy a chimney above 1200 suction power.
2. Kitchen Chimney size
The size of a kitchen chimney is an important factor to consider when buying one. It refers to the width of the chimney and is measured in inches or centimeters. The size of the chimney should be proportional to the size of the cooking area and the type of cooktop or stove it will be used with. A larger kitchen or a kitchen with a bigger cooktop or stove will require a larger chimney.
It’s important to choose a chimney with the right size to ensure that it can effectively remove smoke, grease, and odors from the cooking area. A chimney that is too small may not have enough suction power to remove the smoke and fumes effectively, while a chimney that is too large may be overkill and an unnecessary expense. You can use the calculator above to find the right chimney size for your kitchen.
The most commonly available sizes of chimneys are 60 cm and 90 cm. If you have a stove with two burners or less you can go for a 60 cm chimney. But if your stove has 3 burners or more you should opt for a 90 cm chimney. Hindware has an option of 75 cm which is a perfect fit for 2 burner stoves.
3. Mounting Style
There are several different mounting styles for kitchen chimneys, each with their own unique features and benefits. Some of the most common styles include:
- Wall-mounted chimneys: These are the most traditional type of kitchen chimneys and are installed on the wall above the cooking range or hob. They are typically the most affordable and easiest to install. They are also the most versatile, as they can be installed in any kitchen layout.
- Island-mounted chimneys: These chimneys are mounted on the ceiling above an island cooktop. They are a popular choice for open-plan kitchens and can provide a sleek and modern look.
- Downdraft chimneys: These chimneys are mounted on the cooktop or stove and suck smoke and fumes down into the ductwork. They are a good option for kitchens with low ceilings or for those who prefer a minimalist design.
- Ceiling-mounted chimneys: These chimneys are mounted on the ceiling and are connected to the ductwork through an elbow. They are a good option for kitchens with high ceilings and can provide a clean and elegant look.
- Built-in chimneys: These chimneys are integrated into the kitchen cabinetry and are not visible from the outside. They are a good option for those who prefer a seamless design and can be customized to match the kitchen cabinetry.
It’s important to choose a mounting style that fits your kitchen layout, design and functionality. It’s always best to consult a professional or the manufacturer’s guidelines before making a purchase.
4. Glass Style
Chimneys in India come in two options. One with curved glass and one with straight glass. Curved glass style is known for its modern and sleek look, and it also provides a better view of the cooking area.
Straight glass chimneys are known for their minimalistic and simple design and are a popular choice for contemporary kitchens. These chimneys are also known to have good suction power and can easily remove oil, smoke and odors.
This decision is purely based on your taste. Both styles have their own unique benefits and you can choose the one that best suits your kitchen design and functionality.
5. Installation kit included in the box
A kitchen chimney installation kit is a set of components and tools that are needed to properly install a kitchen chimney. The exact items included in a kit may vary depending on the manufacturer, but generally, it will include:
- Vent pipe or ductwork: This is the pipe or duct that will be used to vent the smoke and fumes out of the kitchen.
- Elbows and connectors: These are used to connect the vent pipe or ductwork to the chimney and the wall or roof vent.
- Sealing materials: These are used to seal any gaps or joints in the vent pipe or ductwork to prevent leaks.
- Wall or roof vent: This is the external vent that allows the smoke and fumes to be vented out of the house.
- Mounting hardware: This includes screws, anchors, and brackets used to secure the chimney to the wall.
Most of the chimney sellers don’t include the installation, aluminum duct, and the end cap with the chimney box and you have to buy them separately. There are some chimneys that include them with the package. It is very important to check these details before buying.
6. Service
Most importantly, no matter how good the product is it doesn’t have a good service line up then don’t go for it. Therefore, it is important to check if the manufacturer provides a service in your area before ordering.
Top brands based on service
7. Filter technology
Chimneys now a days come with filter less technologies. Chimney without filters requires much less cleaning. They often come with oil collectors and auto clean technology. They might be a little costlier than normal chimneys but the service cost nullifies the difference. Filter less technology is not good for people using more oil in their cooking. You can read out post on Baffle filter vs Filterless chimneys to know more on this.
These factors will help you select the best chimney for your kitchen. If you have any other questions leave it in the comment section below.
To make things simple, we have made a tool to find the best chimney for your kitchen. Just select the requirements and the tool will tell you the right type of chimney to buy.