A kitchen chimney is installed above your cooking hob to extract smoke, grease, heat, and odors produced while cooking. It helps to maintain a clean and healthy kitchen environment.

Types of Kitchen Chimneys:

  • Wall-Mounted Chimneys: Fixed to the wall above the hob. These are the most common type in Indian kitchens. They come in various designs like:
    • Straight Line: Simple and functional design.
    • Curved Glass: Modern and aesthetically appealing.
    • Pyramid: Traditional, cone-shaped design.
    • Box Type: Rectangular and sturdy appearance.
    • Angled/Slant: Designed for better coverage and user comfort.
  • Island Chimneys: Suspended from the ceiling above a kitchen island with a hob.
  • Built-in Chimneys: Integrated into kitchen cabinets to provide a seamless look.
  • Corner Chimneys: Designed to fit into a corner of the kitchen.

Key Features to Consider in a Chimney:

  • Suction Power: Measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/hr), this indicates how effectively the chimney can remove smoke and fumes. Higher suction power is better for larger kitchens and heavy cooking.
  • Filter Type:
    • Baffle Filter: Uses a series of overlapping steel or aluminum panels to separate grease from the air. Effective for oily Indian cooking and requires cleaning.
    • Cassette/Mesh Filter: Made of multiple layers of aluminum mesh. Needs regular cleaning. Less efficient for very oily cooking compared to baffle filters.
    • Charcoal Filter: Used in ductless (recirculating) chimneys to absorb odors. Needs periodic replacement.
    • Filterless Chimneys: Use centrifugal force or other mechanisms to separate oil and smoke. Often come with an oil collector. Generally easy to clean.
  • Size: The width of the chimney should ideally be the same as or wider than your hob. Common sizes are 60 cm and 90 cm.
  • Noise Level: Measured in decibels (dB). Look for models with lower noise levels for a more comfortable cooking experience.
  • Auto Clean Function: Some chimneys have a heat auto-clean or water auto-clean feature that helps to remove accumulated oil and grease with the press of a button.
  • Lights: Most chimneys come with built-in LED lights to illuminate the cooking area.
  • Controls: Can be push-button, touch control, or gesture control.
  • Material and Finish: Stainless steel and glass are common materials. Choose a finish that matches your kitchen décor.
  • Ducting: If you opt for a ducted chimney, consider the ducting length and material required to vent the smoke outside.

What is a Kitchen Hob?

A kitchen hob is the cooking surface with burners. It can be powered by gas, electricity (induction or ceramic), or a combination of both (hybrid). Hobs are typically built into the kitchen countertop.

Types of Kitchen Hobs:

  • Gas Hobs: The most common type in India, using LPG or PNG. They offer instant heat and precise flame control. Burners can be made of brass or aluminum.
  • Induction Hobs: Use electromagnetic induction to directly heat the cookware. They are energy-efficient, fast, and offer precise temperature control. Require induction-compatible cookware.
  • Electric Ceramic Hobs: Have heating elements beneath a ceramic glass surface. They heat up quickly and are easy to clean.
  • Hybrid Hobs: Combine gas and induction or ceramic burners in one unit.

Key Features to Consider in a Hob:

  • Number of Burners: Choose based on your cooking needs (2, 3, 4, or more).
  • Burner Size and Type (for Gas Hobs): Different sized burners are suitable for different cookware and cooking needs (e.g., small for simmering, large for frying). Look for features like triple ring burners for faster cooking.
  • Pan Support: Provides stability for your cookware. Common materials are enameled steel or cast iron (which is more durable).
  • Ignition: Can be manual (with a lighter) or auto-ignition (electronic ignition with a push button or knob).
  • Material and Finish: Toughened glass and stainless steel are popular for their durability and ease of cleaning.
  • Safety Features: Flame failure safety device (FFSD) in gas hobs cuts off the gas supply if the flame goes out, preventing leaks.
  • Knob Type and Placement: Ensure the knobs are easy to grip and operate, and are placed safely away from the heat.
  • Size and Installation: Ensure the hob fits the cutout in your kitchen countertop.

Finding Chimneys and Hobs in Banda:

You can likely find chimneys and hobs at the following types of stores in Banda:

  1. Local Electronic Stores and Appliance Showrooms: These stores typically stock a range of home appliances, including kitchen chimneys and hobs from various brands. Look for showrooms of popular brands if available.
  2. Kitchen and Modular Furniture Dealers: Businesses that specialize in modular kitchens often sell built-in hobs and chimneys as part of their packages or as standalone items.
  3. Large Hardware and Sanitaryware Stores: Some of the bigger hardware stores might also stock basic models of kitchen chimneys and hobs.
  4. Online Retailers: Major e-commerce websites (like Amazon India, Flipkart, etc.) offer a wide selection of chimneys and hobs from various brands, with delivery services to Banda. However, consider installation requirements.
  5. Brand-Specific Stores or Dealers: If you have a specific brand in mind (like Faber, Elica, Glen, etc.), check if they have authorized dealers or service centers in Banda.

Popular Brands Available in India (Likely in Banda):

  • Faber
  • Elica
  • Glen
  • Hindware
  • Prestige
  • Bajaj
  • Crompton
  • Whirlpool
  • Kaff
  • Sunflame
  • Livpure
  • Bosch
  • Hafele