Buying a kitchen chimney is a smart investment for a cleaner, healthier kitchen. With so many kitchen chimney models available, it’s natural to have doubts before making a purchase. No matter what function you are using- frying, grilling or boiling, if you have the proper chimney installed, you will not have to worry about smoke in your kitchen, foul odour, or cleaning your kitchen after each meal. However, with all the options, how do you know which chimney is best suited for your particular cooking style?
This blog will guide you through some of the factors to consider when choosing a chimney for your kitchen so that you can choose the right one for you.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Chimney
1. Understanding Your Cooking Habits
Before typing chimney shop near me, into your internet search bar, take a moment to reflect on your cooking patterns:
- Do you frequently fry, grill, or cook with spices (tadka)?
- Is your kitchen open or closed?
- How many burners does your stove have?
- Do you cook light meals or elaborate feasts?
Your answers will determine the suction power, filter type and chimney size best suited for your kitchen.
2. Chimney Size
The standard chimney size is typically either 60 cm or 90 cm. The right size should match or slightly exceed the width of your cooktop for optimal performance. Here’s a quick guide.
- A two-four burner’s recommended chimney size is 60 cms.
- A three-five burner’s recommended chimney size is 90 cms.
For example, the KAFF VASCO series is available in 60, 75, and 90 cm sizes, making it versatile for different kitchen setups. If you have a larger stove or a more spacious kitchen, consider a 90 cm model for better coverage.
3. Suction Power
The suction power of a chimney is measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/hr), it is crucial for effective smoke and odour removal. Here’s how to choose:
- Heavy Indian Cooking (frying, grilling, tadka): Look for a chimney with a suction power of 1000–1500 m³/hr. For instance, KAFF NEWBURY 90 DC, a wall-mounted model features a BLDC motor, powerful 1480 m³/h airflow, and Smart Auto Clean technology, making it nearly maintenance-free. Its top and bottom suction vents provide 30% extra extraction, ideal for kitchens with frequent frying and grilling.
- Moderate Cooking (occasional frying, baking): A suction power of 700–1000 m³/hr is sufficient. KAFF PROFORM 90 comes with a 1280 m³/h airflow, 4-dimensional auto suction, and a BLDC motor. This model is perfect for large cooktops and heavy-duty tasks. The dry heat auto-clean feature ensures long-term performance with minimal manual cleaning.
- Light Cooking (boiling, steaming): A lower suction power (500–750 m³/hr) will suffice, making it economical and efficient.
4. Filter Type: Choose What’s Best for Indian Kitchens
- Baffle Filters: Excellent in Indian kitchens as they can endure high grease and smoke levels. Baffle Filters are also simple to clean and maintain and are, therefore, a favourite in KAFF’s product line.
- Filterless Chimneys: Newer models from KAFF, uses filterless technology along with an auto-clean feature that requires little maintenance and consistent performance.
- Mesh Filters: Good for light cooking but require frequent cleaning, therefore, are not a good solution for heavy Indian cooking.
5. Chimney Types
- Wall-Mounted Chimneys: The most common choice, ideal for traditional kitchens where the stove is against a wall. KAFF offers several sleek wall-mounted models, such as the BRANDO 90 DC. A wall-mounted chimney with a powerful motor and advanced controls, this chimney is ideal for large, open kitchens where design and efficiency matter.
- Island Chimneys: Designed for open kitchens with a central island cooktop. KAFF’s CANARY 90 DC, is designed for high-volume cooking. This island model combines smart auto-clean, a BLDC motor, and a wide suction chamber, ensuring superior smoke and grease removal. Island Range combines style with high suction capacity, perfect for modern layouts.
- Built-In Chimneys: Integrated into kitchen cabinets, these are great for compact spaces and minimalist aesthetics.
6. Auto-Clean and Maintenance Features
Modern KAFF chimneys come equipped with auto-clean technology and oil collectors, making maintenance hassle-free. For example, ASHPRO 60/75/90 DC model stands out with its smart auto-clean, BLDC motor, and elegant aesthetics, perfect for those who want both performance and style. Such features are especially valuable if your cooking need is more frequent with the use of lot of oil and spices.
7. Noise Level and Controls
A noisy chimney can disrupt the kitchen environment. KAFF models like VASCO and PROFORM operate at just 54 dB, ensuring a peaceful kitchen environment. Look for user-friendly controls such as soft-touch panels or push buttons to easily adjust settings while cooking.
8. Lighting and Aesthetics
Good lighting is essential for monitoring your cooking. KAFF chimneys often include energy-saving LED lights for clear visibility and an elegant touch. Their modern designs, such as tempered glass finishes and automatic glass opening vents, elevate the look of any modern kitchen chimney.
How to Select a Kitchen Chimney: Step-by-Step
- Assess Your Cooking Habits: Identify how often and what type of food you cook.
- Measure Your Cooktop: Choose a chimney size (60 cm or 90 cm) that matches or is slightly larger than your stove.
- Determine Suction Power: Pick a chimney with the right suction capacity for your cooking style.
- Select Filter Type: Opt for baffle or filterless chimneys for Indian kitchens.
- Choose the Chimney Type: Decide between wall-mounted, island, or built-in based on your kitchen layout.
- Check Features: Look for auto-clean, oil collector, noise level, and lighting.
- Visit a Chimney Shop: If you’re unsure, visit a chimney shop near you to see models in person and get expert advice.
KAFF stands out for its blend of innovation, performance, and style. Their chimneys come in various sizes and designs, with features like high suction power, filterless and auto-clean technology, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Whether you have a compact kitchen or a sprawling open space, KAFF offers solutions tailored to every need.
Choosing the best chimney is all about aligning your selection with your cooking habits, kitchen size, and design preferences. By focusing on the right chimney size, suction power, filter type, and features, using KAFF’s reliable specifications as a benchmark, you’ll ensure a cleaner, more enjoyable cooking experience. Remember, a well-chosen chimney can keep your kitchen fresh and while keeping your home aesthetical .
So, the next time you ponder how to select kitchen chimney, let your cooking habits lead the way-and let KAFF’s advanced technology and stylish designs do the rest!
FAQs
Why should cooking habits influence my chimney choice?
Cooking habits influence your chimney choice because the amount and type of smoke, grease, and odour produced vary with different cooking styles, requiring different chimney capacities and features for optimal performance.
Which chimney is best for Indian cooking styles like tadka, deep frying or grilling?
For Indian cooking styles like tadka, deep frying, or grilling, a chimney with high suction power (1000–1500 m³/hr) and baffle or filterless filters is best suited to efficiently remove heavy smoke and oil.
What size chimney should I choose for my cooktop?
You should choose a chimney size that matches or is slightly larger than your cooktop: 60 cm for 2-burner stoves and 90 cm for 3 or more burners.
Which is better: ducted or ductless chimney?
Ducted chimneys are generally better than ductless ones because they offer higher suction power and more effective removal of smoke and odours, although they require more complex installation.
Do filterless chimneys really require less maintenance?
Yes, filterless chimneys really require less maintenance since they lack traditional filters and often feature auto-clean technology, reducing manual cleaning efforts.