So you have your gas stove near a window and want a kitchen chimney setup there. But can you do a kitchen chimney fitting on a window?
The short answer is yes. You can fit kitchen chimneys on the window, but you need a proper setup to let it run properly. Here are the top 5 ways you can do this:
- Install a solid wooden base over the centre of the window, attaching the chimney to the base.
- Attaching a stainless steel frame right above the window and installing the kitchen chimney on it
- Use an Island chimney that attaches to the ceiling.
- Divide the window area into two windows with wall space in between for attaching the kitchen chimney.
- Implement backsplash window planning (long, horizontal window) that allows enough space for the chimney on top of it.
Find out detailed information on each of these ideas. Plus, you’ll find more insights on the pros and cons of this setup.
Kitchen Chimney On Window: All Setup Ideas
1. Creating A Wooden Base And Mounting The Chimney On It
A wooden base of plywood or hard material is created. Typically, it’s 20-25 mm thick, depending on the design of your window. The height of the wooden base will be 15-20 inches, depending on the size of your chimney.
The idea is to keep some space between the window and the chimney by attaching a raised platform and attaching the chimney to it.
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2. Attaching The Kitchen Chimney To A Stainless Steel Frame
If you want a more sturdy setup, the best way to put the kitchen chimney in front of the window is to attach it over a stainless frame.
The frame has two stainless rods joined by a horizontal rod on top. First, you screw it on the top wall of the window. Then, the kitchen chimney is installed over it.
The exact dimensions of the frame will depend on the kitchen chimney width. But it’s usually in the 20-25 mm thickness range. It would be best to contact your local technician or welder for further information on the precise dimensions of the frame. They can quickly help you construct these types of stainless steel frames.
3. Installing An Island Chimney That Vents Through The Ceiling
Island chimneys are ceiling-mounted, so there is no worry about windows coming in between.
However, installing these island (ceiling-mounted) chimneys can be tricky, as the setup is challenging in many situations.
But the benefit is when installed correctly, it gives your kitchen interior a neat and clean appearance.
Related Read: What Is An Auto Clean Kitchen Chimney?
4. Two Window Setup And The Kitchen Chimney In Between
If you have a considerable window space, you can divide it into two windows and use the middle space on the wall to set up your kitchen chimney.
This setup will give your kitchen a clean look. But let’s face it: if you already have a window, it can be a hassle to do the proper window planning again. This approach works best if you’re planning the kitchen interior for your new home or want to renovate it completely.
5. Planning The Window Below The Kitchen Chimney (Backsplash Window Planning)
This method only works if you’re yet to plan and design the interior of your kitchen.
So, the idea is to plan the windows to be short in height but long in width (also known as a backsplash window). This planning will help you have enough space above the window to install the kitchen chimney.
Pros And Cons Of Fitting Kitchen Chimney On Window
Pros:
- Involves less ductwork hassle – Usually, the side where you have windows in the kitchen is also the wall beside which open space is available. That means you don’t have to worry about installing a long duct from the kitchen chimney and venting outside. You can easily vent the kitchen chimney by creating a hole in the wall above the window and venting the duct outside.
Cons:
- Limits window usage – Some window-space will become unusable if you install a kitchen chimney using a wooden base, If you have sliding windows, then using the window won’t be a significant problem. However, regularly opening and closing the window can be challenging for standard windows unless the chimney installation is planned correctly.
- Limiting light from the window – The kitchen chimney will block the natural light from the window. It won’t be a big issue if you have many other small windows and ventilation chambers throwing natural light in that kitchen. But it’s still worth considering before installing a kitchen chimney on the window.
- It may not look aesthetically pleasing in all situations – The wooden base at the back, the big kitchen chimney attached to it, and all the utensils lying on the countertop – can all look messy, right? But with proper planning, you can still ensure the kitchen interior looks good.
So, in short, there are more cons than pros of installing a kitchen chimney on a window. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go with it. If you prefer a kitchen chimney and don’t have any other appropriate place to set it up, go for it.
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Do You Need A Kitchen Chimney Near A Window?
Ideally, if you have a spacious window, it’s enough to let all the smoke from the cooking vent outside.
It may not be as effective as a kitchen chimney at venting out oily gases and smoke, but it should still be sufficient.
If needed, you can install an exhaust fan instead.
Kitchen chimneys can be hard to maintain long-term and costlier upfront than an exhaust fan.
With all that said, kitchen chimneys do effectively clean the smoke and unwanted gases from cooking as they actively suck the air from the countertop and vent it outside, thanks to their powerful motors (which is unlikely with a normal window).
FAQs:
Will Installing Kitchen Chimney On Window Affects Its Suction Power?
There can be a slight difference in the suction capability of a kitchen chimney placed near a window versus a typical kitchen chimney setup. But the difference is not significant enough to be concerned about.
Usually, air does not flow rapidly from kitchen windows. So, if you maintain proper chimney installation requirements, there won’t be a significant impact on suction capability. For instance, keep the chimney at 25-30 inches from the stove and install a properly sized 60 cm or 90 cm chimney based on your cooking needs and stove size.
Check out this kitchen chimney size calculator to determine the appropriate size and suction power for your needs.
Should You Close The Window While Using The Kitchen Chimney?
Usually, closing the window while using the kitchen chimney is not required because the window helps in overall air circulation. However, if you want, you can close the window occasionally as per your preference while using the kitchen chimney.