In this post, you’ll learn all the advantages and disadvantages of filterless kitchen chimneys.
After reading this post, you’ll be able to decide whether or not a filterless chimney is a good option for you.
So without any further ado, let’s jump right in!
Disadvantages Of Filterless Chimney
Cost:
Filterless chimneys typically come at a higher price than filter kitchen chimneys. However, the cost is not much and varies brand-to-brand.
Note: Features like “Auto Clean ” can have more impact on pricing than having filter or filterless. And the auto clean feature comes in both filter and filterless chimney.
Pro-Tip: Kitchen chimneys with higher suction power, bigger size, or more features like auto-clean and motion sensors, tend to be more expensive.
Less Efficient for Heavy Frying:
If you do a lot of heavy frying, a filterless chimney might not be the best choice.
It’s not as effective at capturing heavy smoke and oil particles compared to chimneys with baffle or mesh filters.
Note: That said, for home cooking, even if you cook oily foods, then the filterless chimney is more than enough. The baffle filter is a suitable option for restaurants.
Advantages Of Filterless Chimney:
Easier Maintenance
Unlike traditional chimneys with filters that require regular cleaning, filterless chimneys streamline the process significantly. Here’s how it works:
1. No Filter Cleaning:
The absence of filters means you don’t have to deal with the often tedious task of cleaning them. This is a major plus, especially if you’re someone who finds filter cleaning a bit challenging.
2. Auto-Clean Feature:
Many filterless chimneys come with an auto-clean function.
With a click of a button you can use this handy feature to periodically clean the inside of the chimney.
The feature works by heating the inside of the chimney which causes all the stuck oil particles to gradually collect in a dedicated oil collector tray.
You can learn more about auto clean chimneys here.
3. Simple Tray Cleaning:
Once the oil accumulates in the tray, all you need to do is clean this tray.
It’s a lot simpler and less time-consuming than cleaning filters. Just remove the tray, empty it, and give it a thorough wash.
Refer to this guide on the top 5 methods to clean a kitchen chimney to explore different methods to effectively clean a kitchen chimney.
4. Occasional Deep Cleaning:
It’s true that over time, oil particles can still accumulate in the interior parts of the chimney.
While the regular maintenance is minimal, it’s good practice to schedule a deep cleaning occasionally.
This usually requires calling a technician, but the need for this is much less frequent compared to chimneys with filters.
So in short, the overall maintenance required for a filterless chimney is significantly less than that for a traditional chimney with filters.
This ease of maintenance is a key reason why filterless chimneys have become increasingly popular.
Did you know that installing a kitchen chimney also requires fitting a duct pipe to vent the air? Sometimes, this pipe might not match your kitchen’s design. In such situations, hiding the pipe becomes necessary. I strongly recommend checking out this guide on smart ways to hide a kitchen chimney pipe for helpful tips.
Clearing Common Misconceptions About Filterless Chimneys
Misconception 1: They Are Noisy
Another misconception is that filterless chimneys are noisy.
The truth is, the noise level mostly depends on how well the chimney is made and its parts, not on whether it has a filter or not.
I’ve noticed some people saying that certain filterless chimneys are quite loud. However, for other brands of similar filterless chimneys, users often say they are surprisingly quiet. So, it really comes down to the brand you choose, the quality of the product, and the technology used in it.
In short, not all filterless chimneys are noisy. The noise level can vary a lot from one brand to another, depending on how they are built and the technology they use.
Misconception 2: They Don’t Need Cleaning
Filterless chimneys typically come with the “Auto Clean” feature. And hearing the word “Auto Clean,” it naturally comes to mind that something that cleans itself automatically. However, this isn’t exactly true.
But in reality, it’s just a term given to the functionality in which you press a button in the chimney and the chimney heats itself internally. And then, all the internal oil particles slowly collect in the oil collector tray.
So, even if you buy a filterless chimney with the auto-clean feature, you still need to clean it. You have to regularly empty and clean the oil collector tray. From time to time, the chimney itself will also need a deeper cleaning.
But the good news is, compared to chimneys with baffle filters, filterless chimneys require less-frequent and hassle-free cleaning.
How Often Do You Need To Clean A Filterless Chimney?
On average, you need to clean a kitchen chimney every 2-3 months.
In a baffle filter chimney, you need to clean the filter every month or two which becomes challenging. With a filterless chimney, you don’t have to worry about such things.
The auto clean feature takes around 10 minutes in which all the inside oil particles are automatically collected inside the oil collector tray. Then you have to clean and empty that tray at regular intervals which is more convenient than cleaning a baffle or mesh filter.
Note: Whether you choose a filter or filterless chimney, deep cleaning is required at least every 6 months to 1 year.
Should You Buy A Filterless Chimney Or A Filter Chimney?
For daily household cooking, filterless chimneys are the best option and are quite suitable. And the biggest reason for that is the hassle-free maintenance.
Yes, there are indeed some differences and drawbacks when compared to a filter chimney.
But filterless chimneys are less challenging when it comes to cleaning and can handle day-to-day cooking tasks well.
Filter kitchen chimneys are good for restaurants and other commercial cooking areas.
FAQs
Is a Filterless Chimney Ductless?
Not necessarily. A filterless chimney can be either ducted or ductless. The term ‘filterless’ only means that the chimney doesn’t have a traditional baffle or mesh filter. In a ducted system, the chimney vents the air outside your home. In a ductless system, it recirculates the air back into the kitchen after filtering out the oil and smoke.
What is the Meaning of a Filterless Chimney?
A filterless chimney is a type of kitchen hood or chimney that doesn’t have the traditional mesh or baffle filters. Instead, it uses high-suction power to blow out all the unwanted smoke and odor from the kitchen.
Is a Filterless Chimney Good?
Yes, a filterless chimney can be a good choice for many kitchens. Its main benefits are easy cleaning and low maintenance. It’s especially good if your cooking involves less smoke or if you prefer a kitchen appliance that’s stylish and convenient.
Do Filterless Chimneys Last Long?
Yes, they do. One of the advantages of a filterless chimney is its longevity. Because there’s no filter to clog and the internal motor is well-sealed, these chimneys often last longer.
Speaking of kitchen chimneys, have you ever wondered if they are capable of reducing heat in the kitchen? Read on this guide to learn more: Do Kitchen Chimneys Reduce Heat?