Yes, we did manage without having the comfort of a kitchen chimney, but not anymore! When you are contemplating bringing home the best kitchen chimney, you must be aware of the types of kitchen chimneys available to choose from. Duct vs Ductless Kitchen Chimney – I am here to tell you about both from scratch. So, even if you are absolutely new to the concept, there’s nothing to worry about.
Why is it so important to have a kitchen chimney? So you could avoid the aftermath of Indian cooking as much as possible. Undoubtedly, Indian cooking involves a lot of masalas and oil. This is sure to leave behind pungent smells, fumes and smoke. It doesn’t end there; it also leaves a mark on the kitchen roof and tiles. This is unnecessarily giving birth to a foul-smelly, greasy and unkempt kitchen environment. Would you like to go back and cook in that same kitchen? Such unpleasant feels! Let’s put an end to it right away.
What are the advantages of a Kitchen Chimney?
Before I begin telling you the difference between the duct and ductless chimneys, you must know how beautifully the appliance can benefit you.
Benefits of a Kitchen Chimney
- It will protect your kitchen tiles, ceiling and walls from getting stained. Cooking without this appliance can gradually deteriorate all of the above due to smoke and food splatter. So getting a chimney fitted in your kitchen will benefit you in two ways. The range hood will terminate the existence of all airborne grease particles and will keep your kitchen clean.
- The best kitchen chimneys are capable of eliminating all the toxic pollutants from the air. So, you can be sure of having germ-free air. Indoor pollution is a matter of concern. You cannot take anything about it lightly. We have spoken about it in-depth to give it enough significance. Run through our blog – Indoor Air Pollution: Everything You Should Know About It.
- The appliance can suck up all the steam that is released while cooking. This helps in keeping the kitchen temperature in control. It lowers the intensity of heat exceedingly.
- A kitchen chimney is sure to give you odour free air. It draws all the aroma from cooking very efficiently.
- It will add sophistication to your modular kitchen.
- Do you find yourself sneezing while using a lot of spices in your cooking? The high suction capacity of the kitchen chimney will put an end to it.
- Not just your kitchen, but the appliance will help you have a fresh environment in the entire house.
- Unlike an exhaust fan, a kitchen chimney works silently.
Are you sold on the idea of getting one? Check my blog on The 9 Best Kitchen Chimneys in India 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide.
Duct vs Ductless Kitchen Chimney: What is the difference?
Kitchen range hoods have advanced drastically over the years. Based on the installation process, you have two types of kitchen chimneys to choose from – Duct and Ductless. Let me now walk you through the working, advantages and disadvantages of both.
Duct Kitchen Chimney: How does it work?
Also known as a ducted kitchen chimney, the appliance uses a large pipe to channelize all the airborne particles. The pipe is capable of eliminating all the smoke and heat from the kitchen completely. How does that happen? The pipe sucks in all the fumes and releases them outside the house. They are suitable for commercial as well as residential purposes. They are a boon for commercials because of their capability of transporting large amounts of fumes, smoke and hot air at one go. Let’s have a sneak peek at the advantages and disadvantages of a duct kitchen chimney.
Advantages of Duct Kitchen Chimney
- A duct kitchen chimney promises a splendid performance with its working. You can rely on it completely to release all the moisture, dirty air, fumes, smoke and heat to the outside. This will leave your kitchen odour free and at room temperature.
- They have a high suction power. Hence, duct range hoods are considered to be best for commercial purposes.
- Duct kitchen chimneys use a series of pipes to throw out the dirty air and other irritants. Hence, they are low on maintenance.
- The working of a duct kitchen chimney is far away from creating any nuisance. The fans joined to the system do not produce much noise. Hence, the appliance operates silently.
- A duct kitchen chimney is a heavy-duty performer.
Disadvantages of Duct Kitchen Chimney
- The biggest setback of the appliance is installing the appliance. It largely depends on the availability of ducts in the kitchen. This limits the placement of the chimney.
- The installation of the duct chimney can cost burden your pocket a little bit.
- A duct kitchen chimney requires a large chimney hood to perform efficiently.
Ductless Kitchen Chimney: How does it work?
Unlike a duct kitchen chimney, this one does not have any pipes or ducts to channelize airborne particles outside the kitchen. On the contrary, ductless range hoods are equipped with a sizeable exhaust fan to eliminate all the smoke and adulterated air. The sole purpose of the appliance is to improve the quality of air.
The appliance is versatile and can be positioned anywhere in the kitchen. It requires no grilling on the wall for its installation. This also means the aesthetic appeal of the appliance is very pleasing to look at.
Advantages of Ductless Kitchen Chimney
- The biggest advantage of a ductless range hood is the easy setup and installation process. It involves no pipes and can be placed anywhere you like.
- You can adjust your cooking canopy and change positions every time you remodel your kitchen.
- As compared to its counterpart, a ductless kitchen chimney cost lesser.
- Ductless range hoods are efficient in preventing condensation buildup.
- Some of the best ductless kitchen chimneys have auto-start and shut down mechanisms.
- It assures no heat loss in the winter months.
- The appliance can efficiently eliminate all the odour from cooking.
- A ductless chimney is more compact.
Disadvantages of Ductless Kitchen Chimney
- Ductless chimneys involve the working of an exhaust fan. This results in the appliance getting a bit noisy.
- The appliance is capable of filtering the air but falls short in the removal of heat and moisture.
- Ductless chimneys require regular filter replacement and cleaning. Therefore, the appliance is high on maintenance.
- The mechanism of a ductless chimney involves the recirculation of dirty air. This can be very harmful to health.
- Compared to its counterpart, the suction power of the appliance is relatively low.
- Ductless chimneys are not capable of lowering down the temperature in the kitchen.
Duct vs Ductless Kitchen Chimney: Comparison Factors
1. Noise emittance
The working of a ductless chimney involves an exhaust fan. When the exhaust fan spins quickly to filter the air, it generates a lot of noise. The noise level would vary depending upon the model and power the appliance would require to suck the contaminated air. On the contrary, a duct chimney is silent in its operation. This is because the fans do not have to work on pushing the dirty air outside.
2. Space consumption
Most Indian kitchens are not very spacious. Hence, this factor can be a matter of concern. Kitchen chimneys do require a dedicated space of their own. Keeping this aspect in mind, a ductless chimney proves out to be more feasible. They require a bare minimum arrangement. In the case of duct range hoods, they need a massive setup. The appliance requires the ducts to be connected through the pipes for their functioning.
3. Cost Competency
Cost is certainly a matter of concern while you consider purchasing any appliance. Price is the major distinguishing factor between a duct and a ductless kitchen chimney. The duct chimneys need a colossal and additional setup. This takes the establishment cost on the higher side. In the case of a ductless chimney, there is no requirement for any special establishment. Also, they are more affordable in comparison.
4. Working potential
The difference between duct and ductless chimneys largely banks on the working of both the appliances. I have already run you through both.
The duct range hoods gather all the dirty air through its ducts and throw them put with the pipe. It is also capable of eliminating all the moisture and odour present in the kitchen after cooking. Not just that, it releases all the heat and brings down the kitchen temperature substantially. This entire mechanism will ensure your kitchen is dry, odour free and fresh.
However, the ductless range hoods can effectively filter out all the dirt particles from the air but are incapable of eliminating the moisture from the air. Not just that, the appliance is not competent enough to lower the temperature in the kitchen. So, on the grounds of the kitchen experience, the duct range hoods are more agreeable than the ductless ones.
5. Installation procedure
Installation is the major disparity between a duct and a ductless chimney. The ductless ones do not require any major installation and can be positioned anywhere you like. You can also change the placement of it as and when needed. However, the duct chimneys do involve a legitimate procedure. It would be best to consider the chimney size, suction power, distance from the countertop, cut out from the external wall, and more. It requires professional and proper installation tools.
6. Evacuation of steam
Yes, this is also an important aspect to consider. Indian cooking produces a lot of smoke, fumes, steam and more. The duct ranging hoods can efficiently prevent condensation buildup and evacuate all the steam. Sadly, the ductless model cannot do both. They can neither prevent the buildup of condensation nor can they remove the steam from your kitchen space.
7. Maintenance
If you need your appliance to be working uptight with full power, you certainly need to look into the maintenance aspect. The working of the duct ranging hoods promises an instant release of all particles. This makes the appliance easy to maintain. On the contrary, the ductless chimneys are equipped with filters for the refining process. These filters do require periodic replacement. The range hood also has power fans which you should clean efficiently.
Recommended Reading: What is an Auto Clean Chimney? Everything you need to know
Duct vs Ductless Kitchen Chimney: Comparison Table
Let’s take a quick glimpse of the difference between duct and ductless chimneys. One thing is for sure, post the comparison table, there will be no scope of confusion.
| Parameters | Duct Chimney | Ductless Chimney |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Duct chimneys are expensive | Ductless chimneys are relatively cheaper |
| Installation | The installation procedure is complexed | They require no major setup |
| Noise production | Low on noise | High on noise |
| Performance | Heavy-duty performance | Medium performer |
| Suction power | High | Relatively less |
| Filters | Mesh filters | Charcoal filters |
| Maintenance | Low on maintenance | High on maintenance |
| Efficiency | Highly efficient. Can remove all the moisture, steam and lower the temperature. | Less efficient. Cannot remove moisture and steam. A ductless chimney is also incapable of lowering the temperature. |
| Working | It can eliminate the smoke completely from the kitchen | It can filter the smoke and recirculate the air in the kitchen. |
| Space consumption | It requires more space for setup | It requires less space |
One Last Thought
In a word, the duct range hoods are better performers. We won’t steal away the flexibility of establishment and cost convenience the ductless chimneys offer. However, speaking strictly based on efficiency and execution, ducted ranging hoods excel without a doubt.
Well, you know your requirements the best. So, the decision is completely yours. My role was only to point out the differences so you can make a wise choice.
Duct vs ductless kitchen chimney: Who wins the battle, according to you?
Shoot in the comment section below!
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