The concept of a modular kitchen is something that is trending in most urban homes. Here people want to make optimal use of every space they get in the kitchen, especially when homes are small and compact. The use of multiple pieces of furniture like almirahs, cupboards, tables, etc is no longer preferred, and customized fittings covering every nook and corner as well as the walls to accommodate kitchen essentials is what makes life easy. A modular kitchen is not just convenient to use but also aesthetically appealing, given the multiple designs that the experts come up with.
Uses Of Modular Kitchen In Daily Life
While modular kitchens accommodate multiple appliances, too, chimneys are crucial in ensuring that you breathe clean air and not spice-mixed fumes. No matter how Western culture influences us Indians, the food from our kitchen remains unmoved. Most urban homes have modular kitchens, and cleaning and maintaining them is time-consuming, especially when you have other priorities.
With multiple tempered spices going into those delicious curries to oil sputtering out of the pans, chimneys get to be your lifesaver. It absorbs odor, fumes, and oil while giving you a pleasant cooking experience each time. Just as any other appliance in your kitchen, in the present times, chimneys have become a necessity.
While it isn’t a big deal to install one for your kitchen, modular kitchen designers suggest a few things you need to consider and pay attention to. It is only then you will have a hassle-free cooking experience.
Types Of Kitchen Chimneys
Kitchen chimneys are made to suit the different types of Indian kitchens and their individual needs. While most urban homes have modular kitchens, there are several that will match your requirements perfectly.
Built-in kitchen chimney
Since modular kitchens have built-in features where everything has a designated space, the chimney also gets a space covered with cabinets just above your cooking area. It is sleek in design and takes up limited space. So whether your kitchen area is large or compact, this finds a perfect place for itself.
Wall mount kitchen chimney
The wall-mount kitchen is one of the most common kitchen chimneys. Used both for modular kitchens and general ones, these are made of stainless steel with options such as air filtering, auto cleaning, and more. You can pick from the various sizes depending on how big or small your kitchen area is.
Island kitchen chimney
These are perfect for kitchens with cooktops not toward the wall but placed at the center of the kitchen on an island. The island kitchen chimney finds a place in such areas and can be hung directly over the kitchen island, improving the aesthetics.
Corner kitchen chimney
Several homes have cooktops in the corner, so the corner kitchen chimney is perfect for them. Available in different sizes, it gives a compact look to your modular kitchen, especially with a small kitchen area.
Things To Consider Before Its Installation
The Size Of The Chimney
Kitchen chimneys in India are available in multiple standard sizes. One is sized 60 cm, 75 cm, and the other is 90 cm. The size of the chimney should be bigger than the main cooking area to absorb the heat, fumes, and oil that is emitted during cooking. For those with a two-burner stove in their kitchen, the 60 cm or 75 cm chimney is perfect. The 90 cm chimney is the perfect fit if you have a three- or four-burner stovetop.
Mount Type
The kitchen chimney can be mounted on the wall or hung from the ceiling. For those who have their cooking area toward the wall, the wall-mounted ones that are straight above the cooktop or even the corner chimney get to be the right choice. The island chimney makes it a perfect fit for those with a large kitchen area and their cooking area placed on an island. On the other hand, if you have a small and compact kitchen, the built-in chimney is perfect because it stays snug within cabinets and other structures that are customized to accommodate the chimney.
Capacity Of Suction
A chimney is installed in a kitchen to absorb fumes, oil, and heat emitted while cooking. It prevents the settling down of grease and the circulation of cough-inducing food fumes in the house. When you plan to install a chimney with help from modular kitchen designers, you need to gauge the suction capacity or else the presence of it is worthless.
It is often the experts who would come over to analyze the size of the kitchen and the area the stove covers, and only then will they help out with the correct size of the chimney. It is said that Indian homes require chimneys with a wide hose that allows proper recycling of air and ensures that you aren’t facing any discomfort breathing in the indoor air. A misfit chimney will not perform the task expected, thus resulting in a waste of money.
Chimney Filters
Unless a chimney gets rid of oil and fumes, it is of no good. While there are three types of chimney filters, viz. Baffle filter, cassette filter, and charcoal filter, modular kitchens in Indian homes need the Baffle filter as it allows great suction by taking in the excess heat and oil and suspends spice particles from the kitchen air. Moreover, with overlapping layers of aluminum and steel, it is known to separate the grease from the fumes emitted while cooking. This prevents frequent filter clogging.
On the other hand, cassette chimneys have layers of mesh with tiny holes that trap grease and dust while allowing the air to emit from the duct. This is something that would need frequent maintenance. If you are someone who doesn’t consume much oil or spices, this can be a perfect fit for your modular kitchen.
The After-Sales Service
While multiple manufacturers in India sell kitchen chimneys, not everyone can be trusted. Installing a chimney doesn’t involve a one-time task. It needs maintenance from time to time which includes cleaning as well as replacement and repair of parts as and when required. Always buy branded kitchen chimneys after ensuring that you will receive the required assistance for a smooth chimney function.
Conclusion
The combination of a modular kitchen and chimney is something that gives your kitchen a perfect look, especially when there is a small area dedicated. The customized and modified kitchen gives you ample space to cook, store your kitchen essentials, and move around with ease.