How to Buy the perfect Kitchen Chimney
किचेन चिम्नी किन्दा जान्नु पर्ने कुरा
Kitchen Chimneys are an effective way of removing smoke due to cooking from your kitchen. They typically are better than exhaust fans as they suck the smoke immediately and presence of several international brands like Glen, Elica, Faber and Gilma give various options at suitable prices.
It saves the ceiling above the cooking area to get damaged and also smoke spreading to other rooms.
They come in two types – traditional and designer. The traditional ones are a utility removing smoke. The designer ones on the other hand also enhance the decor of the kitchen.
TYPES
Based on installation
- Wall-mounted
This is located against the wall with the cook top adjacent to the wall on the counter top.
- Island
This is located in the middle of the room, this is typically meant for island kitchens. The ducting will need to be done from the ceiling.
- Corner
It will extend along the walls, the cook top is located in the corner between them.
- Built-in
The cook top is located beneath a wall-unit.
MATERIAL
Avoid buying chimneys made of wood as these can catch fire.
TYPES OF FILTERS
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- Mesh filter
The aluminium mesh filter also known as aluminium cassette filter is made of several layers of aluminium mesh for effective purification. The mesh retains the grease particles in the fumes. This filter can be washed by hand.
The aluminium mesh filters contain very small holes and small particles like masalas and oil can form a coating and block the filters and stop suction. Because of this reason, mesh filters are not very useful in Indian conditions.
- Baffle filter
Baffle filters separate oil and spices from smoke. Thus they are useful in Indian conditions as the suction power does not get affected due to oil and spices. They are more effective than mesh filters and cleaning the filters is also very easy.The baffle filters are available in stainless steel or aluminum. Aluminium filters are lighter than steel and hence easier to handle. However, aluminum baffles may rattle, or even be drawn back into the hood. Also, you should be careful when cleaning an aluminum baffle. as most caustic solutions can and will scar, burn or even melt the aluminum.
- Charcoal filter
Charcoal filter is mainly used for absorbing odor. This is used when the unit is in recycling mode and the air gets recycled. The thickness of this filter defines the purification and absorption capacity. The filter needs to be replaced periodically as it is not washable. Also this filter might not be built in most appliances.
COMPARISON OF FILTERS
FEATURES OF CHIMNEYS
Air Suction Capacity
This refers to the motors capacity to suck the odor and oily vapor and is measured as m3 per hour. The unit with a higher air suction capacity is ideal for an Indian home as the cooking involves a lot of frying. For heavy cooking such as non vegetarian food or deep frying go for HIGH SUCTION above 401 m3/hr. For normal cooking go for MEDIUM air suction capacity at 400 m3/hr and below.
Number of blowers
The blowers exhaust the smell and oil and it runs with the motors. The higher the number of blowers the more effective it will be in removing unwanted smell and oil vapour.
Size
These are generally available in two sizes – 60 cms and 90 cms.
Thermal Overload protector
Overheating of motor can be a danger However they nowadays come with thermostatic protection mechanism which cut off power supply and prevent motor burnout.
Bi-rotational Technology
Two high performance motors rotating in opposite direction create a special low pressure zone. This low pressure cavity forces the fumes to rush in,resulting in a much higher airflow compared to conventional systems.
Because of this reason a twin motor unit is better than a single motor one.
External motors
Elica comes with external motors – this is called split chimney. The motor is installed outside the kitchen and hence this reduces noise considerably compared to other brands.
Concealed hoods
For suspended ceilings some of the chimneys come with concealed hoods which is built into the ceiling. This come with glass panels, ambient lighting and other aesthetics for a visually attractive design.
Island
Island chimneys typically go with island kitchens where the counter top is separated from the walls.
Island Auto Clean
There are various features in the auto clean chimneys in the market today. This are from viewpoint of Indian cooking which uses oil and also easing maintenance and cleaning. The basic features to look for in these are:
- Auto cleaning facility which implies zero or least maintenance
- Motor is sealed not allowing any dust or smoke to get in
- Aluminum non-stick turbine blower to prevent oil clogging. Motor also use non – stick material like aluminium, and thus there is no need of periodic servicing of internal parts.
- Filter less – hence no regular scrubbing of filters is needed.
- Detachable oil collector to collect oil particles
MODES/FITTINGS
Ducting
In the ducting mode, heavier particles of Oil/grease/spice are trapped in the baffle / mesh filter, and the smoke/fumes are ducted out of the house. Ducting requires pipes and this is a typical one time investment to set up. This is an alternative to using charcoal filter which needs regular spend to change them.
For ducting details the pipe parameters should be checked to ensure reliability and longevity.
Recycling
In recycling mode, heavier particles of Oil/grease/spice are trapped in the baffle / mesh filter and the smoke/fumes are filtered through the activated charcoal filter. The clean, deodorized air is then re-circulated into the room.
OTHER TIPS LIKE CLEANING ETC.
A few tips to remember though, before you buy:
- Cleaning depends on the type of filters -Mesh filters have to be washed in warm water with detergent every 8-10 days when running. Baffle filters have to be washed in warm detergent water every 2-3 weeks when running. Charcoal filters have to be changed every 3-4 months when running.
- Noise level is high, more than in an exhaust fan
- Install at heights where it can be cleaned as well the smoke can effectively be removedThe chimney should be 4 feet above the cooking appliance.
MORE INFORMATION:
Nepal Construction Mart provides Discounts in Various types and Brands of Kitchen CHIMNEY HOODs.
For queries, quotations and further information Contact Us
T: 015261045 or 9801188110
E: nconstructionm@gmail.com