Types of Kitchen Chimney Filters are an important factor to consider when purchasing a brand-new chimney. As the consumer base is turning smarter, it has led to an increase in the ‘need’ for newer appliances that are designed to offer you ease. Likewise, the chimney has caught the fancy of modern living, especially since we are all converging into smaller spaces and confined quarters. Where would the smoke go when we cooked? The various residues of cooking like the grease, the oils, and the chars would choke up your tiny abode in no time. This could be a rising concern if you have small children, elders, or people with breathing difficulties. Thus, the chimney is a much-recommended choice.
Remember those fairy-tale storybooks with picturesque cottages at the centre of the forest? It was a welcoming place with a Chimney that always smoked. One often never gave the chimney much of a thought. But it is and has always been an important part of people’s lives from the start. However, recent times have bought back its lost glory, and now the chimney has been embraced by both the East and the West alike. So, what does a chimney do?
Principle: The Chimney works on the principle that the Hot air rises above the cold air. The burning fire creates a pressure difference between the insides of the Flute and the room. This causes the air to be forced into the fireplace.
Working of Chimney: As the pressure difference is created between the Flute of the Chimney and the room, the air is fed into the chimney. Thus, as the air rushes into the Chimeny, it also feeds the flames. As the fire increases in its intensity, the air rises all the faster into the chimney, and it works. The air continues to rise into the chimney because the air inside the house is warmer as compared to the outside. Simply put, it is the dense air from the outside that tends to push the hotter and lighter air from within the chimney up and above. This can be illustrated by imagining a bubble rising in the water. Hence, it is the basic difference between the pressures on the outside from the inside that fuels the working of the chimney.
The Modern Kitchen Chimney
Modern homes comprise a kitchen Chimney which comprises filters. A Chimney is a ventilation device in such a case. Here, the chimney can be both Duct type and Ductless type.
The Duct type comprises Filters that are designed to capture the oils, grease, and smoke that arise from the cooking below. This type also comprises a proper Duct system that needs an elaborate process to be laid about.
As for the Ductless type, it comprises additional Carbon filters, minus the ducts. The polluted air is made to pass through the primary filter where the oil droplets are removed. After this, the air is then made to pass through the Carbon filters, where bad odours, humidity, and smoke are removed. However, this recycled air is made to release back into the house and is not expelled outside, like the Duct-type Chimney. This is the main reason why Duct-type Chimneys are more popular. Even though they are expensive, yet they are more popular as the filters are washable and easy to maintain. As one can see, the filters are an important aspect of a kitchen chimney. So what are the types of filters in a Chimney? Let us find out:
Types Of Kitchen Chimney Filters:
The efficiency of the Kitchen Chimney greatly depends upon the kind of filter it comprises. The modern kitchen Chimney filter is categorized into three types:
1. The Mesh/Cassette Type Filter
This filter type is made of a thick mesh which is made of Aluminium or stainless steel. This Mesh comprises numerous layers and many tiny pores for removing and retaining the oil particles. The smoke, water vapour, Carbon, and odours are removed from the house through the ducts. In the Mesh-type, one must bear in mind that the Stainless steel filters are more expensive than the Aluminium type. Though heavy, these are easy to maintenance. However, one must bear in mind that the Mesh filters are not suitable for the Indian cooking style. This is because we do not believe in the concept of ‘less oil for cooking. The pores are sure to choke due to excessive oils caught on them. One must also bear in mind that the Cassette-type filters are comparatively high on maintenance and also have recurring operating costs.
2. Baffle Filter
This filter type also has control over the flow of air through it. It applies the technique of ‘Cut and chop’ to separate the oils from the other particles. This filter type is composed of various curved surfaces that are designed to retain the oil and grease within as the smoky air is released via the Ducts. In this type, the oil retention by the filter does not affect the efficiency of the air suction. This is why the Baffle Filter is the best for the Indian cooking style. They are dish-wash proof, can be cleaned using regular soap and liquid detergent. Usually made from stainless steel, these are strong and long-lasting. These filters are also designed for vigorous cooking methods. Overall, this filter type lasts longer and is easy to maintain.
3. Charcoal Filters
If you have been suffering from constant choking, irritation, sneezing because of the Spice-rich cooking, get hold of Charcoal filters. To eliminate these cooking components, they must be removed from your space and not allowed to choke in the filters. These are the best when it comes to the complete removal of smoke and grease. To further increase the absorption of residues, the surface areas are further enhanced. The technique used here is known as ‘adsorption, where the pollutant particles simply ‘stick-on’ the surface of the carbon molecules. However, the Carbon filters cannot be washed and need to be replaced once they reach their saturation point.
The Conclusion
Filters are an important part of any kitchen chimney. While most are quite efficient in their manner, nevertheless, we need to make the right choice. This greatly depends upon our cooking style and cuisine. As for the Indians, we love our oils and spices. So, for this, be sure to get the Baffle Filter or the Charcoal filters. However, if you are ‘light to moderate on your cooking style,’ the Mesh style filters are just fine.