Are you planning to install a chimney? Then you are at the right place. In this article, we will discuss the types of chimneys for kitchens in India. Indian kitchens have a range of aromas, spices, and tastes. From the ghee-soaked semolina roast to the dal tadka, the variety of dishes is mouth-watering.
But what about the aftermath? The stains and the grease on the walls of your kitchen are a real pain in the neck. What is of great help to maintain your kitchen in a tip-top condition, is the chimney. By installing kitchen chimneys, you can make your work easier as they assist you in keeping your cooking room clean and hygienic. Though chimneys too require maintenance, they are very helpful in keeping your kitchen odourless and free of soiled surfaces.
Contents
What is a Kitchen Chimney?
A kitchen chimney is usually placed over a gas stove so that it can absorb all the smoke, odour, and oil emitted from the cooking process. This function of the chimneys prevents oil and grease from accumulating on the kitchen walls and ceiling, thereby keeping them non-greasy and clean.
Their primary function, for which they are installed is to ventilate the kitchen/cooking area. It allows fresh air to flow and reduces the chances of suffocation caused by the constant discharge of heat and smoke. Chimney comes in different sizes, shapes, and designs, suiting your kitchen’s aesthetics. Usually, the chimney’s height should be 1½ times more than that of the stove. Let us now jump to the types of chimneys available for Indian kitchens:
Types of Chimneys for Kitchens in India:
There are four main categories of kitchen chimneys. You can choose the one that will turn out to be the best for your kitchen:
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Wall Mount Chimney:
This type of chimney is the most common one. As the name itself suggests, they are mounted on the wall of the kitchen with exterior PVC pipes to discharge the smoke and odours. They are installed right above your gas stove. To set up this type of chimney, your gas cooktop must be near the wall. They are not only stylish but also effectively perform their duty. You can get the desired shape of this chimney, it can be a pyramid or a straight-lined one. Moreover, Wall Mount Chimneys are mainly made up of stainless steel and their price ranges from INR 6000 to INR 36,000.
Pros:
- Easy to install.
- Low-price tag.
- Heavy built quality.
- Available in different sizes.
Cons:
- Requires more space.
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Island Chimney:
The Island Chimney does not necessarily require any specific place in your kitchen. They can be fitted anywhere and are to be hung from the ceiling, but are usually situated in the centre of the kitchen. However, you should note that the chimney is not too close to the cooktop. This type of chimney is said to be best for a kitchen with a cooking island. In another sense, it is suitable for 4-6 burners stoves. It is also less noisy and has a high suction power. You can choose the perfect one from dome-shaped, cylinder-shaped, or flat glass ones, available in stainless steel as well as tempered glass. Their price ranges between INR 30k to INR 65k.
Pros:
- High suction power.
- Less noisy.
- Suitable for larger stoves.
- Elegant design.
Cons:
- High price tag.
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Built-in Chimney:
If space is an issue in your kitchen, then a built-in chimney is what you need. Be it small kitchens or large kitchens, they fit in perfectly as they are installed in your furniture or wooden cabinets, atop the gas stove. Their compact size and powerful motor to absorb the smoke, grease, and foam, is what makes this chimney the most convenient one for Indian kitchens. Some of these also have built-in touch controls, making them highly professional. These can also be installed in various designs ranging from box type to a curved glass chimney. You can buy it at a price starting from INR 8000 to INR 45000.
Pros:
- Compact size.
- Decent suction capacity.
- Easy to maintain.
- The choice between filters.
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Corner Chimney:
Having your cooking area in the corner of the kitchen? It’s alright because there’s a chimney that can be installed specifically for corner cooktops. It is also set up against the wall, above the stove. Whether you have a small or large cooking platform, this type of chimney is suitable. Like other chimneys, it is also available in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on your cooking area. These are quite uncommon in India, but newly built houses might have these installed. Its price ranges from INR 10k to INR 36k.
Pros:
- Classy designs.
- Easy to clean.
- High suction power.
Cons:
- Uncommon in India.
Types of Chimney in Kitchen FAQs:
- What are the different types of filters in a kitchen chimney?
A kitchen chimney can have a mesh filter/cassette filter that has several layers of stainless steel filters, baffle filter which has stainless steel patches, or a carbon filter with charcoal slate having holes in it.
- What are ducted and ductless chimneys?
Ducted chimneys discharge the heat and smoke from the cooking area as they have an exhaust pipe. Whereas, ductless chimneys are without a duct which purifies the air by filtering it from dirt, grease, and other contaminants.
- How many types of kitchen chimney designs are there?
There are two types of kitchen chimney designs, conventional and contemporary.
- How to clean a kitchen chimney?
The filters of the chimney can be removed and soaked in a solution of hot water and mild soap. Depending on the grease and dirt accumulated, soak it for half an hour to one hour. Then brush off all the build-up and wipe it dry. This process should be done regularly to avoid large quantities of build-up as it can hamper the process of suction.
Conclusion
Choosing the ideal type of chimney for your kitchen, that not only suits your kitchen’s aesthetics but also successfully does its job is a daunting task. However, when you know your kitchen type, your cooking platform’s location, size, speed, and budget, you can easily get a perfect kitchen chimney installed. Making a wise purchasing decision can save you years of inconvenience and trouble.