What type, size, suction power of kitchen chimney to buy | With Duct vs Ductless kitchen chimney

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their journey of choosing the right kitchen chimney during a recent remodel. They compare ducted and ductless chimneys, discussing the pros and cons of each based on factors like cooking style, kitchen size, and maintenance needs. While ductless chimneys are simpler and cheaper, ducted chimneys offer better ventilation and lower maintenance. The speaker emphasizes the importance of suction power, design preferences, and cost considerations, ultimately opting for a ducted model despite their original preference for a ductless one. The video provides insightful tips for anyone navigating the decision of which chimney to buy.

Takeaways

• 🍳 The main purpose of a kitchen chimney is to remove odors, grease, and smoke from the kitchen.
• 🏠 If you cook with very little oil, an exhaust fan may be sufficient instead of a chimney.
• 💨 Ductless chimneys recirculate air through filters but do not remove heat or moisture, making them less effective in hot kitchens.
• 🚪 Ducted chimneys push air outside through an external pipe, reducing heat and moisture in the kitchen.
• 🔧 Ductless chimneys are easier to install, while ducted chimneys require drilling and professional setup.
• 🥘 Choose a ductless chimney if cooking is less greasy, ventilation is good, or cooking duration is short.
• 🍲 Choose a ducted chimney if cooking is oily, ventilation is limited, the kitchen layout allows it, or cooking duration is long.
• 🔊 Ductless chimneys are generally noisier, while ducted chimneys operate more quietly.
• 💰 Ductless chimneys have a lower upfront cost but higher maintenance due to carbon filters, whereas ducted chimneys are more expensive but easier to maintain.
• 📏 Chimney size should match or exceed the hob size for optimal efficiency, typically 60 inches (2 feet) or 90 inches (3 feet).
• ⚡ Suction power should be based on kitchen size, pipe length, bends in the duct, and type of cooking; excessive power increases noise and energy usage.
• 🧹 Modern ducted chimneys can come with filter-less and auto-cleaning options to minimize maintenance effort.
• 🎨 Design preferences may influence the choice between ducted and ductless chimneys, as ductless models have fewer modern designs.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a kitchen chimney?

A kitchen chimney primarily serves to remove odors, greasy particles, and smoke from the kitchen. This helps maintain cleanliness and prevent greasy buildup on cabinets and ceilings.

Why might an exhaust fan be enough for some kitchens?

An exhaust fan may be sufficient for kitchens where cooking does not involve a lot of oil. In modular and smaller kitchens, often found in western and eastern countries, the cooking tends to be less greasy, so a chimney is not always necessary.

Why did the speaker decide to use a kitchen chimney despite cooking with less oil?

The speaker decided on a kitchen chimney because they had white cabinets, and they wanted to avoid the risk of sticky cabinets and discolored ceilings over time due to grease, even though they used less oil.

What is the key difference between a ducted and a ductless chimney?

A ducted chimney pushes air out of the kitchen through a pipe, removing moisture and heat, whereas a ductless chimney recirculates the air back into the kitchen after passing through filters, which can lead to increased kitchen temperature if ventilation is poor.

What are the advantages of a ducted chimney over a ductless one?

A ducted chimney offers better ventilation, removing heat and moisture from the kitchen. It is more suitable for greasy cooking and kitchens with limited natural ventilation. It is also quieter compared to ductless models.

What are the main factors influencing the choice between a ducted and ductless chimney?

Factors include the amount of oil used in cooking, the kitchen’s layout (distance from the external wall), ventilation quality, and the duration spent in the kitchen. Ductless chimneys are ideal for less greasy cooking and smaller spaces, while ducted chimneys are suited for more greasy cooking and larger, less ventilated kitchens.

Why are ductless chimneys noisier than ducted ones?

Ductless chimneys are noisier because they need to work harder to filter and recirculate the air, whereas ducted chimneys expel the air outside, which reduces the overall noise.

What maintenance differences exist between ducted and ductless chimneys?

Ductless chimneys require regular replacement of carbon filters every 6 to 12 months and cleaning of other filters. In contrast, ducted chimneys, especially filter-less or auto-clean models, require less maintenance and don’t need carbon filters.

How do the costs compare between ducted and ductless kitchen chimneys?

Ductless chimneys are generally more affordable, with a lower upfront cost. Ducted chimneys, on the other hand, can start at a higher price, ranging from ₹7,000 to ₹40,000, depending on the size and design.

Why did the speaker choose a ducted chimney despite their preference for a ductless one?

The speaker chose a ducted chimney because they wanted a specific design and color that was not available in ductless models. Additionally, a ducted chimney from one brand could be converted into a ductless one, but the speaker was concerned about spare parts availability in the future.