Wall mounted chimney vs island chimney?
In this article, we have explained the pros and cons of wall-mounted chimneys vs island chimneys.
Not only that, but we’ve also listed other types of kitchen chimneys and chimney filters with their pros and cons.
Choosing a chimney is difficult. By educating yourself about different chimneys will help you to choose the best kitchen chimney for your home (or choose one model from here).
Types of Kitchen Chimney
Choosing a kitchen chimney is dependent on several factors like your kitchen structure, location of the chimney, gas stove size, and budget.
Primarily you need to choose from these chimneys which are dependent on the location of your kitchen.
- Wall-mounted Chimney
- Built-in Chimney
- Island Chimney
- Corner Mounted Chimney
Each type of chimney has advantages and disadvantages depending on the end-user usage.
Wall-mounted Chimney
Wall-mounted chimneys are one of the popular models these days. They cost less, comes in different designs and are easy to use. They are fixed on your wall with screws and has exterior PVC pipes to vents out the smoke, fumes, moisture, and odours.
Pros
- Easy to install.
- Installation cost is less.
- Affordable pricing.
- Sturdy design and build quality.
Cons
- Requires larger space compared to other types of chimneys.
Island Chimney
Island chimneys are also called ceiling chimneys. If you have got a kitchen island, these types of chimneys are best. They are directly fitted with the ceiling and need more PVC pipes for the ventilation. They cost more than a wall-mounted chimney.
Pros
- Looks premium.
- The vent pipe is hidden under the false ceiling.
Cons
- Requires special civil mechanic to install the hook in the ceiling.
- Installation cost is more when service charges included.
- Only for open modular type kitchen.
You should install your ceiling chimney right above the cooktop surface. Make certain that it is at least six inches wider than your stove to ensure the fumes do not escape from the sides.
Now, you may say that your home does not have a proper clearance to vent out the air pollutants through the ceiling? In such a case, you need ductwork installation, which will cost you extra money.
Tip: Before installing, see to it that the cooktop position and the chimney position are in alignment.
Built-in Chimney
Cabinet chimneys are best for small kitchens. For those who are renovating the kitchen and want to install a new chimney, these types of chimneys come in handy.
They can be fitted within a cabinet and are ideal for small kitchens. Proper ventilation requires planning with a carpenter and a civil worker.
Pros
- Best for small kitchens.
- Affordable pricing.
- Sturdy design and build quality.
Cons
- Installation cost is less than Island chimneys but more than wall mounted chimneys.
Also known as a cabinet chimney, this device is ideal for smaller kitchens.
You can install a built-in hood within the existing cabinet or woodwork of your kitchen. They allow great customization to the kitchen by their built-in feature.
Corner Mounted Chimney
Unlike the wall-mounted device, a corner chimney comes fitted in the corner of the kitchen where the cooking top, the hob is usually located at the corner against the wall.
Pros
- Save your kitchen space.
Cons
- Hard to install.
Types of Kitchen Chimney Filters
Chimney filter types are classified into 3 categories depending upon the structure, material, and filtering process.
Cassette/Mesh Filter
Mesh filter chimneys have multiple layers of aluminium or stainless steel mesh to catch the solid particles while allowing the smoke to pass.
These filters require high maintenance. The design also reduces the suction capacity of the filters because of blockages.
The best way to maintain this filter is to wash it regularly either by yourself or by getting it done by a professional.
| Materials Used | Aluminium, Stainless Steel |
| Suitable For | Small Kitchen |
| Cleaning Frequency | Once a week |
| Durability | Years |
| Price | Rs. 500-1000 |
Pros
- Least expensive than other chimney filters.
- Lightweight.
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Not suitable for deep frying.
- Requires frequent cleaning.
- Prone to rust, if not cleaned properly.
Baffle Filter
Most of the chimneys used in Indian kitchens have baffle filters. This is also an improvement on the aluminium wire mesh filters.
Experts say that these filters are 30% better than mesh filters.
They are much easier to maintain because they require cleaning once in around 3-4 months.
These days, you get a detachable baffle filter that you can easily remove and clean yourself at home. You don’t have to spend extra money on calling a technician to do so.
| Materials Used | Stainless Steel |
| Suitable For | Deep Frying |
| Cleaning Frequency | 2 months |
| Durability | 5-6 Years |
| Price | Rs. 1000-1500 |
Pros
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Perfect for Indian cooking.
- Need not replace frequently. You can replace it once in 5 years.
- Improved suction and airflow than mesh filter.
Cons
- Baffle filters are a bit heft and can be tough to remove from the chimney.
- Can develop rust when not cleaned on time.
Carbon Filter
Just as you have carbon filters in your home water purifiers, you can have these filters in your chimneys as well.
They even help to remove the bad smell from the food. You can use this carbon filter in the duct as well as the ductless chimneys.
These require very little maintenance as compared to the other two filters. You need to clean it once in six months. This filter is very popular in India.
| Materials Used | Charcoal Granules |
| Suitable For | Deep Frying, Bengali Cuisine |
| Cleaning Frequency | Replacement |
| Durability | 6 Months |
| Price | Rs. 2000-4000 |
Pros
- Carbon filter act as a secondary filter, it improves the efficiency of your chimney.
- This filter is readily available in India.
Cons
- Cleaning is not possible.
- Replacement needed after usage of 6 months.
Conclusion
We hope that you found this article on different types of kitchen chimney and chimney filters guide helpful.
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