Exhaust fans perform the basic function of pulling the smoke, odour, and moisture out of the kitchen quickly.
This allows the fresh air to enter through the available vents and portals such as windows and ventilation space.
But the exhaust fan cannot suck the oil vapors out which are responsible for greasy walls.
Everyone loves to work in a fresh environment and chimney help in maintaining the same. The Chimney sucks the smoke, odour, moisture, and oil vapors out through the vent.
The additional feature here is the suction of oil vapors with the help of a suction motor, which is impossible with the exhaust fan.
One can easily know if you use a chimney or an exhaust fan just by having a glance at your kitchen walls or tiles.
What if I opt for a chimney or should I compromise on a regular exhaust fan? What difference would chimney bring to my kitchen environment?
Let’s see the Features –
The exhaust with the help of its motor rotates the blades with high-speed and circulate the air.
The air then pulls out the odour, smoke, and moisture but it cannot suck the oil vapors formed while cooking.
Chimney, is the nickname of “extractor hood.” It comes with a powerful suction motor, filter, and a vent.
The kitchen Chimneys are the now the new stipulation of the modular kitchen. It is quite difficult today to consider a modern kitchen design lacking chimney.
These super features of chimney help in forceful suction of the air, odour, smoke, and the oil vapors (or globules) through special filters and cleanse the air in the kitchen.
Would the Chimney Look Ugly when Installed Right Above the Cooking Appliance?
Let’s figure it out and study the appearance –
Exhaust fans are smaller and installed in the vent space vertically.
The exhaust fans are usually made of metal but some new versions are available in plastic as well.
Exhaust doesn’t affect the look of the kitchen.
There are few varieties of exhaust fans available in the market.
Flange shutters are available for exhaust fans to improve the look.
The shutter also helps in directing the air in one direction and prevents the reverse flow of air.
These can also be distinguished based on their position.
The wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted, these are either installed in ventilation through the wall or the ceiling.
Nowadays automated exhaust fans are also available in the market. These fans automatically operate based on humidity in the kitchen environment.
The chimney is attached near and above the stove or cooking device.
The attachment of the chimney to such proximity raises some questions about the designs and looks of the kitchen.
But the market is never harsh to its consumers and offers a range of designs in chimneys, which may enhance your kitchen’s interior.
One can find chimneys in various shapes (like flat and raised with ducts or without), sizes (depending on need and size of cooking appliance), Color (mainly you will see silver but there are many with black color or different color fiber against decor elements).
Chimney designs can even be categorized based on their position, such as the wall-mounted chimney: which is the typical one found on the wall against, the cooking appliance,
Island Chimney: this is best suited for a separate cooking platform in the middle of the kitchen which is the new normal for modular kitchens (here the chimney hangs through the ceiling), and the built-in chimney: it is designed such that the chimney is attached through the kitchen furniture.
What Should I Actually Consider when Choosing Between the Two?
Pros –
Exhaust fans are easy to install. One can buy it from an electronics store and get it installed.
It doesn’t engage much space in the kitchen and performs its duties from the corner of the wall.
The exhaust fan pulls out the smoke and odour faster when switched on
Chimney prevents the formation of a greasy layer over the walls and tiles which leaves some unpleasant patches.
The Chimney is considered as wise kitchen equipment.
Chimneys help in maintaining a fresh environment for cooking and make you feel good while cooking.
The designs of the chimney also allow you to flaunt it at homely get-together.
Just like every product and devices these two also have some cons.
Let’s study the cons –
The exhaust fan is not capable of sucking out the oil vapors and leaves behind a greasy wall.
The greasy wall is due to oil vapors.
These vapors contain minute oil droplets which with the help of air current flows and sticks to the wall surface giving rise to greasy walls.
Chimneys are expensive as compared to exhaust fans.
It requires careful installation.
Chimneys acquire more place as they are larger. Sizes differ according to the designs.
Cleaning & maintenance is required from time to time. The maintenance is paid and necessary to remove the grease and dirt from filters. This grease and dirt are due to the suction of oil vapors and thus timely maintenance and cleaning are needed.
What fits in my budget?
Price –
The exhaust fans are inexpensive and available locally.
The price ranges from 800 – a few thousand.
The price mostly depends on brands and features such as size, design, and automation.
Chimneys are expensive as compared to the exhaust fan and the price increases with design.
The price range starts from 10,000/-.
The price depends on the designs, material used, types of filter, and automation.
You Are Free to Choose Depending on Your Requirements.
Chimneys are expensive but more considerable because of their features. Chimneys can provide a controlled environment free of odor, smoke, moisture, and greasy patches on walls. Chimneys will also enhance the design n decor of your kitchen. While exhaust fans are budget-friendly with few cons.