Do you know that the correct installation of a kitchen chimney not only assists in a better performance but it takes care of the overall safety as well! You might be improving or installing a new kitchen chimney in your house if that is the case then you should be aware of some crucial aspects such as installation height, cooktop type, suction capacity, stove type, ducts, etc.
Many people are under the impression that proper calculation of these aspects can be a hassle, trust me, it won’t. Though it is always advisable to get professional help while installing a chimney however it is not a must that you can do that as well or just that you need proper advice and knowledge to make sure a hassle-free experience. A chimney is a necessity of every household nowadays and it should be cleanliness or ventilation but this appliance plays a vital role in every kitchen.
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Height Calculation – Installation of the Chimney
Installing the chimney at a particular distance from the gas stove is very important and as we discussed that if space is below par then there are chances that the appliances might catch fire. And at the same time if the distance is more than optimal that it would significantly impact the exhaust abilities. The stove type also plays an important role in knowing the exact height of the chimney so below that I will be showing the distance to which the chimney needs to be installed. In case you had like to know the accurate measurements that you may also refer to the manufacturer’s manual.
The height of the kitchen chimney should be between 21-30 inches something which depends on the stove types as well. It is easy to see that the electric stove is 21-30 inches and the gas stove is 24-30 inches. Some experts suggest that maintaining the height of about 25-30 inches is entirely safe, however, I had still recommended checking the manufacturer’s manual to know the precise measurement.
Some Other Factors that you should consider
1. Cooktop Type
The distance of the stove to the chimney is also determined by the type of cooktop you use and the majority of Indian households choose to opt for induction stoves. So, before you even purchase a kitchen chimney then you will make sure that it suits the cooktop type. In cases of induction stoves that it does not involve direct times when you cook. In electric units so it is entirely safe even if the height is below 24 inches. In case you have a gas stove that will make sure the height is less than 24 inches and it would suggest you check the manufacturer’s manual for accurate height installation.
2. Kitchen Space
The way your kitchen is designed plays a vital role as well but if you have placed the stove near the outer wall then the smoke, fumes, dust, and foul odor can be eliminated easily. The width of the chimney differs according to the brand from the amount of space you have in your kitchen decides the exhaust and chimney type you have to purchase.
For instance, if the stove is placed far from the outdoor that the appliance would require a long duct. Stoves placed in the sidewalls required a long duct with more turns and bends resulting in reduced efficiency. Hence, the suction power would also get reduced that making it less efficient as well. It is well evident that it is slightly challenging to match all the requirements at once. There can be ups and downs but you can still install a chimney to get things taken care of.
3. Chimney’s Dimension
The dimension of the kitchen chimney should also be taken into deliberation before you go ahead and buy it. When it comes to Indian kitchens then you see many tadkas, spices, oil, and etcetera. Hence a chimney of Indian kitchens should be vaguely bigger either way. The cooktop of your kitchen determines the width of the hood if your stove has around 2-4 burners then you should go ahead with a chimney width of 60 centimeters or more. Simultaneously, if the stove burners are more than 4 that you should have to at least go with more than 90 centimeters in width.
4. Suction Power (Capacity)
Suction power or capacity also named exhaust rate refers to the exact power of the motor to suck the fumes per hour. The calculation of the suction capacity or power determines the dimension and design of your kitchen and it can be done pretty quickly. The exhaust power of the chimney is mutually related to the distance between the appliance and the stove. It is mainly measured in the unit of cubic meters per hour if you would like to similar or install a chimney at a great height from the stove then go ahead with higher suction power or capacity. And if the chimney has low suction power or capacity that does not install at a higher height as it will impact the efficiency of the motor.
5. Should you opt for ductless or duct chimneys
There are a lot of chimneys in the market that come with ducts and the duct is a pipe that acts as a source to dispose of the dust and fumes outdoors. Even if the space is a concern in your kitchen that does not go with a long duct. Long duct would only cause more bends and turns that resulting in impacting the efficiency. They have to choose a chimney with high suction power that leads to better efficiency even if the height is more. The reason is that there are high chances of the chimney catching fire when there is an exposure of a massive number of fumes which is not safe at all.
Tips to Choose the Best Chimney Hood
To choose the best kitchen chimney so many factors should be taken into consideration such as space of the kitchen, budget, purpose, cooking needs, and a lot more. I will share some essential factors that will surely help you choose the perfect chimney hood for your kitchen.
1. Pricing
The first and foremost thing you need to comprehend is how much you plan to spend on a chimney and installing an appliance that suits all the needs and requirements can be slightly expensive. Research shows that chimneys with ducts are demonstrated to be more efficient than without them. You can still adjust the settings depending on the space in the kitchen or the pre-installed chimney turns out to be more economical than the entire framework. Now you can research the styles and variety or choose the one that best suits your budget and requirement. Elica and Faber Chimneys are also worth it if you want to know your judgment further details through the highlighted link mentioned above.
2. Convenience
The distance and width of the outlet must have to be accurate for the flexibility of the chimney duct and its hole should have to be less than 6.4 cm ensuring proper flow of dirty gases and fumes. If there are proper arrangements to support ducts in the kitchen then you can surely opt for the ducted units. If not then you can also choose to opt for a ductless hood and it would not require any specific arrangements which would surely result in saving more money.
3. Circulation of Air
I am sure that we all know the importance of fresh air and continuous circulation of fresh air would also help clean the air. If your kitchen is designed in a much-closed space with lots of humid air then you should go with a ducted chimney because the adequate circulation of fresh air is vital and in this case that a ducted hood will certainly provide proper ventilation in your kitchen.
Kitchen Chimney Installation FAQs
- What should be the ideal distance between the chimneys & stove?
As we discussed above that every model has its possess preferred heights which are determined by the capacity of the chimney. However it generally the distance should be maintained at 40-80 centimeters.
- Can I install the chimney downside?
It is never sensible to install the chimney downside especially in an Indian household where there is a lot of spice and frying required. The reason is that there are high chances of chimneys catching fire.
- Is there a limit of bends and turns for a chimney duct?
There is no rule of thumb when it comes to bend and turn, however, it would be even better if the turns are within 1-2 and more bunds would impact the suction capacity which will result in inefficiency.
- What material should I opt for the chimney duct?
You may generally find materials like PVC, aluminum, and stainless steel then I suggest stainless steel. It reduces the risk of corrosion which does not require frequent cleaning.
Conclusion
Lastly, I would suggest that you pay extra attention to the installation part instead of its designs and brands because it is the only thing that’s going to matter. Be it a duct or a ductless kitchen chimney and both should be maintained at a distance from the stove. I would also recommend reviewing the manufacturer’s manual thoroughly and you would find many important details such as chimney height installation, suction capacity or power, outlet width, duct length. So, that was all about the height calculation for installing a kitchen chimney detailed guide and I hope it helped you understand the exact details.
