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Indian food is known for being flavorful and aromatic, but all the masalas, frying and sauteing can generate a lot of smoke and unpleasant smell if the kitchen is not well-ventilated.
Here's a guide to help you buy a Chimney that best suits your requirements
Factors to Consider
What's a Chimney
Kitchen chimney is a device installed above the cooktop, which absorbs fumes, smoke, & smells generated while cooking and keeps the kitchen fresh
Most chimneys have filters which trap the oil / grease particles and let the fume & smoke pass through
Chimney Size
Size of the chimney you will need depends on the length of the cooktop it needs to cover
Length of a chimney should ideally cover the entire cooktop, so the absorption is maximum
Typically, chimneys are available in 60 cm, 75 cm and 90 cm lengths, which cover most cooktops
The distance between the cooktop and chimney should not be less than 65 cm for effective suction. 65 cm to 75 cm is the ideal distance
Solution Capacity
Size of the chimney you will need depends on the length of the cooktop it needs to cover
Length of a chimney should ideally cover the entire cooktop, so the absorption is maximum
Typically, chimneys are available in 60 cm, 75 cm and 90 cm lengths, which cover most cooktops
The distance between the cooktop and chimney should not be less than 65 cm for effective suction. 65 cm to 75 cm is the ideal distance
Mesh / Cassette Filter
This type has multiple layers of Aluminium / stainless steel mesh to trap solid particles.
Mesh filters need regular maintenance as they can get blocked due to extensive use.
Washing with water is the best way to keep mesh filters working efficiently without hampering the suction capacity of the chimney
Baffle Filters
Most used filter, Baffle filter involves panels having multiple curves which allow the smoke to pass and catch the grease.
Better than mesh filters, these require lesser maintenance – cleaning once in 3-4 months is enough
Carbon Filters
Made of charcoal, these filters are very effective in eliminating odours
Carbon filters need to be replaced every 6 months of so if used regularly
Types of Chimneys
Wall Mounted
The chimney can be installed against the wall, and the extractor can be wall mounted. This suits a kitchen where the cooktop is adjacent to the wall
Wall mounted chimneys require minimum ducting and can fit in tight spaces
Island / Ceiling Mounted
This chimney is for cooktops which are placed on an island, so the chimney is installed on the ceiling
This type requires more ducting / piping compared to wall mounted
Straight Line
Perfect for compact spaces, this type overhangs halfway on the cooktop leaving plenty of space above the chimney for shelving etc.
Straight line chimneys are economical compared to other types
Chimney Designs
Curved Glass
They are best known for silent operation and will fit in every kitchen size. Also, their suction power and coverage is bit extra due to curved design
Pyramid
Pyramid chimneys are usually equipped with baffle filters that reduces the energy consumption. They are the most power efficient chimneys compared to others
Box Type
These chimneys have ceiling mounted cook hoods. They are dirt resistant and made with high quality steel and glass materials
Straight Line
This type of kitchen chimney is best suitable for those who have very less space in their kitchen. They have very efficient with enhanced suction power that can effectively remove the smoke from kitchen