Cooking is an essential activity in every household, and it's important to have proper ventilation to maintain a clean and healthy living environment. A chimney hood, also known as a chimney range hood or chimney cooker hood, is a kitchen appliance that is designed to remove smoke, steam, and odors that are produced during cooking. In this blog, we will discuss what a chimney hood is, its types, benefits, and how to choose the best one for your kitchen.
What is a Chimney Hood?
A chimney hood is a crucial kitchen appliance that provides proper ventilation while cooking. It is typically installed above the stove and consists of a canopy or hood that captures smoke, steam, and grease. The hood is equipped with a motor that creates suction and a duct that carries the air outside the home. In addition, the hood has filters that capture grease particles, preventing them from clogging the ductwork. This appliance effectively reduces steam, airborne grease, and other particles to eliminate unwanted cooking odors and irritating smoke. It can either recirculate air back into the kitchen or send it outdoors using a ducted vent.
How Do Chimney Cooker Hoods Work?
Chimney cooker hoods use mechanical fans to ventilate the kitchen and are easy to operate. Most hoods redirect air outdoors through a vent, but if ductless venting is not possible, the air is recirculated through filters to remove pollutants. Range hoods are a practical addition to any kitchen, regardless of its size or layout. They are especially useful for frequent stove users and can prevent smoke detector issues while improving air quality.
Types of Chimney Hoods
Chimney hoods come in two main types: wall-mounted and island. Wall-mounted hoods are the most common type and are attached to the wall above the cooktop. Island hoods, on the other hand, are suspended from the ceiling above a kitchen island and are suitable for kitchens with an island cooktop. If you don't have kitchen cabinets, wall chimney hoods mount with exposed vent stacks on the wall, while island chimney hoods mount to and vent through ductwork in the ceiling.
It's crucial to select an island hood that is at least six inches wider than the cooktop because there are no wall cabinets next to the hood to direct fumes. If you have high ceilings, you may need to order a custom chimney hood to accommodate the additional space.
Benefits of a Chimney Hood
Removes smoke, steam, and odors: A chimney hood captures smoke, steam, and odors that are produced during cooking, and carries them outside the home, creating a clean and healthy living environment.
Prevents grease buildup: The filters in a chimney hood capture grease particles and prevent them from clogging the ductwork, reducing the risk of a fire hazard.
Improves indoor air quality: By removing smoke, steam, and odors, a chimney hood improves indoor air quality and reduces the risk of respiratory problems.
Enhances the look of your kitchen: A chimney hood is not only a functional appliance but also a decorative element in your kitchen. It can enhance the look of your kitchen and increase its value.
How to Choose the Best Chimney Hood for Your Kitchen
When choosing a chimney hood for your kitchen, consider the following factors:
Size: Choose a chimney hood that is the same size or slightly larger than your cooktop. A hood that is too small will not effectively capture smoke, steam, and odors, while a hood that is too large will be inefficient and noisy.
Type: Choose a chimney hood that is appropriate for your kitchen layout. If your cooktop is against the wall, choose a wall-mounted hood. If your cooktop is on an island, choose an island hood. If you have limited space, consider a downdraft hood.
Suction power: Choose a chimney hood with sufficient suction power to effectively remove smoke, steam, and odors. The suction power is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), and the higher the CFM, the more powerful the suction.
Noise level: Choose a chimney hood with a low noise level, especially if your kitchen is open to other rooms in your home.
Design: Choose a chimney hood that complements the design of your kitchen. Chimney hoods are available in a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, glass, and copper, and in various designs, from modern to traditional.