Kitchen Chimney Advantages and Disadvantages allow people to understand better how the product is best used. However, one cannot deny that the chimney is one of the most important ‘new additions’ to the Urban kitchen. Also, the chimney is no longer a luxurious piece kitchen appliance; in fact, it has now grown to become easily accessible to the normal population. Thus, one can easily make the most out of the available variety in the market. But before we delve into the various aspects of its pros and cons, let us first understand the basic working of the chimney.
The basic functioning of the chimney comprises of sucking-in the air along with the grease particles. This air is made to travel through the filters featured within the appliance, which have been designed to trap the particles within. Not just that, but along with the grease and smoke, also the heat from the kitchen is trapped within, hence ensuring a cool environment in the vicinity. The other features within the chimney are the oil collectors, which have been engineered to trap the grease, oils, and smoke within efficiently. The smoke and the heat are eventually made to travel through the duct and expelled outside through the external funnel.
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The Parts of the Electric Chimney
Before we indulge into what are the advantages of kitchen chimneys, let us take a look at some of the main parts of the appliance:
Essentially the chimney is divided into two major parts: The Exhaust ‘Hood,’ which is the part right above the cooking area of the stove and is connected to the air column, that functions to direct the residual smoke to the external environment. Essentially, all the major functioning of the appliance is done by the exhaust hood itself. This comprises a Mesh trap that works by trapping the smoke and the steam that is generated during cooking. After the ‘trapping’ of the gas and the grease, these are subsequently pushed towards the filter.
As for the filters: most chimneys comprise the Primary filter, which is made from different materials. Nevertheless, in the case of the ductless chimney, you will also have a Carbon mesh addition. Here, the filter traps the oils, grease, and smoke.
Next, we have the high-speed rotating fan located within the exhaust portion of the chimney, just before the Air duct part of the chimney. The fan functions to push out the air into the duct, hence forcing it to travel faster, quicker, and more efficiently along the column for rapid ventilation.
So, what are the disadvantages of kitchen chimneys? Well, quite a few, but more on that in a while; first, let us take a look at the major benefits.
The Advantages of Kitchen Chimney
Now, let us take a look at some of the major pros of electric kitchen Chimneys:
Better Maintenance of the Kitchen Environment
One of the main advantages of the kitchen chimney is that it helps in the better maintenance of the overall environment. This includes keeping the kitchen cool, well-regulated, smoke-free, grease-free, and high-tech in some cases.
Elimination of Cooking Odor
The next benefits of a kitchen chimney are that it helps in the rapid elimination of the odour emerging from the ongoing cooking process. This is one of the most important features of installing the chimney. One must ensure that the ‘choking sensation’ that rises due to the Indian’ Tadka’ in Daal and other spicy preparations is well taken care of.
Protection of the Kitchen Walls and Tiles
As the kitchen chimney has been designed to ensure that the grease and oils from the cooking are safely eliminated and delivered safely outside, the walls and the other vital aspects of the kitchen remain grease-free. Hence one can ensure a squeaky clean kitchen sans greasy walls and tiles.
The Disadvantages of Kitchen Chimney
Next, let us take a look at some of the cons of the kitchen chimney:
Is Noisy
One of the major disadvantages of the electric chimney is that it is quite noisy. This is generally due to the presence of the fans and the motor within the appliance. However, there are quite a few brands and products that have specially designed silent operation features.
Is Expensive
Now, we know that the kitchen chimney is an electric piece of work; hence it comes with a price tag. Likewise, the addition to the monthly electric bill, installation, and maintenance also comes with a price.
Requires Maintenance
Just like all other electric appliances, the chimney also requires its own set of maintenance. This involves regular replacement, repairs, and maintenance of the filters, motor, and other working parts. It has been advised to ensure that the filters and the motor are serviced every 2 to 3 months.
The Power Consumption
Being an electric appliance, the kitchen chimney works on electricity. This further contributes to the overall expenses of the appliance. Furthermore, in the case of the auto-clean chimney, more electricity is consumed.
The Filterless Chimney
With the further advancement of technology, Filterless Chimneys are the latest offering in the category. As the name suggests, this chimney does not feature the use of a filter. For most people, this is a major advantage. Let us explore further:
The Advantages of Filterless Chimney
- There is little to no maintenance involved in the filterless chimney.
- The best part about the filterless chimney is that it offers noiseless functioning.
- These are durable of the two varieties and last longer.
- The suction power in this Chimney type is more efficient and powerful.
- As for Indian cooking, we know the kind of Spices and oils used. Hence a filterless chimney will be more effective and efficient.
The Filterless Chimney Disadvantages
- Is a costlier option of the two.
- It cannot be used for commercial applications and establishments.
Baffle Filter Chimney Vs. Filterless Chimney
Let us take a look at the two types and how they differ:
THE BAFFLE FILTER CHIMNEY | THE FILTERLESS CHIMNEY |
Oil and grease stick to the filters | Oil and grease exit along with the smoke. |
Requires Manual Cleaning once every four | Comprises of the Auto clean option, however, the oil collector part of the Chimney needs to |
Is a perfect choice for the Commercial set-up, as huge amounts of oils and grease are regularly released. | Is a perfect choice for most homes. |
Is the costlier option, as overall maintenance | Is less expensive in comparison. |
Is durable and lasts long. | Less durable in comparison. |
Comprises of the standard cost upfront. | High upfront cost but is economical for a long |
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Kitchen Chimney Advantages and Disadvantages: The Conclusion
The electric chimney is a vital part of the urban lifestyle; however, one cannot deny that these are rather high on maintenance. Likewise, once the user understands the importance of the appliance, it is easy to maintain and use in our everyday lives, especially as we are increasingly confined to smaller spaces.