If you are about to purchase a kitchen chimney, it is natural to wonder whether or not it will help reduce the heat generated in the kitchen.
The short answer is yes, but only if you use a ducted kitchen chimney that vents outside. If you are using a ductless kitchen chimney that recirculates the air back into the kitchen, then there won’t be any difference.
Read on until the end to gain a complete understanding of whether investing in a kitchen chimney (range hoods) would be a good decision to reduce heat or if you should explore other options.
How Much Can A Kitchen Chimney Help With Heat Reduction?
Before we understand it, let’s first grasp the distinctions between the various kitchen chimney types available.
Kitchen chimneys (or range hoods) are of two types:
- Ducted Kitchen Chimney
- Ductless Kitchen Chimney
A ducted chimney is a type of kitchen chimney that removes hot air and smoke by venting them outside through a duct.
Ducted chimneys are more effective at getting rid of smoke and grease in the kitchen compared to recirculating chimneys.
However, they require more installation work and are usually more expensive than recirculating chimneys.
On the other hand, a ductless or recirculating chimney is a type of kitchen chimney that filters the air and releases it back into the kitchen.
Unlike ducted chimneys, there is no option to vent the air outside. Instead, the air is cleaned through the chimney’s filter and then recirculated back into the kitchen. Recirculating chimneys are less expensive than ducted chimneys and require minimal installation work.
However, it’s important to note that they are not as effective as ducted chimneys in removing smoke and grease from the kitchen. This is because ducted chimneys typically have stronger suction power, allowing them to eliminate these unwanted elements better.
Situation-1: Ambient Temperature Cool + Kitchen Temperature High = Duct Chimney Can Help!
If the ambient temperature is cool and your kitchen gets hot during cooking, a kitchen chimney can be incredibly helpful. A kitchen chimney serves the purpose of sucking away unpleasant odors, smoke, oil, and gasses, providing you with a cleaner cooking experience.
When you use a ducted chimney, it effectively sends the hot air and smoke outside through the vent, while fresh and cooler ambient air enters your kitchen, replenishing the space.
Situation-2: Ambient Temperature High + Kitchen Temperature High = Duct Chimney Can’t Help!
On the other hand, if the ambient temperature is high, such as during the summer season, and you’re cooking in a kitchen that already feels hot, the effectiveness of a ducted chimney may be limited.
While the chimney will still remove the bad odors, smoke, and air-containing pollutants, the replenished air that enters the kitchen will still be warm. Consequently, there won’t be a significant difference in the temperature.
By the way, when you’re thinking of installing a ducted chimney, it can be a challenge to hide the chimney pipe in the kitchen. But worry not because, in this guide, I explain the smart ways to cover chimney pipe in the kitchen.
Kitchen Chimney vs. Exhaust Fans: Which Is Best For Reducing Heat?
When it comes to reducing heat and improving ventilation in the kitchen, both kitchen chimneys and exhaust fans serve their own purposes.
Let’s explore the features and benefits of each, and determine which one might be the best choice for different situations.
Kitchen Chimneys:
Kitchen chimneys, or range hoods, are specialized appliances designed to remove smoke, odors, and grease particles generated during cooking.
They consist of a hood, which is placed above the stove or cooktop, and a ventilation system that either vents the air outside (ducted chimneys) or recirculates it back into the kitchen after filtration (ductless chimneys).
Kitchen chimneys (specifically the ducted chimneys) are particularly effective at reducing heat because they actively remove the hot air and smoke from the cooking area.
Ducted chimneys are more efficient in this regard, as they expel the air outside, allowing fresh and cooler air to replace it. This process helps maintain a more comfortable cooking environment, especially when the ambient temperature is cool or moderate.
If you frequently cook dishes that involve grilling, frying, or stir-frying, a kitchen chimney can be a great investment.
It helps prevent the buildup of smoke, oil particles, and lingering odors, creating a healthier and more pleasant cooking experience.
Additionally, if your kitchen is enclosed or lacks proper ventilation, a kitchen chimney becomes even more beneficial in reducing heat and improving air quality.
Exhaust Fans:
Exhaust fans, on the other hand, are general-purpose fans installed on the walls or windows of the kitchen. They work by extracting air from the space and expelling it outside, allowing fresh air to enter through open windows or other openings.
While exhaust fans are not as specialized as kitchen chimneys, they can still provide some level of heat reduction and ventilation in the kitchen.
Exhaust fans are a more affordable option compared to kitchen chimneys, and they are easier to install. They are suitable for kitchens where heat and humidity are the primary concerns, rather than heavy smoke and odors.
For example, if you often steam vegetables or boil water, an exhaust fan can help remove the excess moisture and heat, making your kitchen more comfortable.
In short, the choice between a kitchen chimney and an exhaust fan depends on your specific cooking habits, kitchen setup, and preferences.
If you prioritize eliminating smoke, odors, and grease particles, especially during intense cooking activities, a kitchen chimney is the better option.
On the other hand, if your main concern is heat and humidity reduction, an exhaust fan can suffice.
What Is The Best Way To Cool The Kitchen?
The kitchen can quickly become a hot place while cooking, but there are several effective ways to cool it down. Let’s explore some of the alternative best methods for keeping your kitchen cool and comfortable.
1. Open Windows And Doors:
One of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to cool the kitchen is by opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. This creates natural ventilation, helping to remove heat and bring in cooler air from outside.
You can also consider home remodeling and modifications to enhance ventilation in your kitchen.
Get creative and explore ways to open up more pathways for fresh air to enter and circulate within the space.
Fresh air flow can make a noticeable difference in cooling down the kitchen.
2. Use An Exhaust fan:
An exhaust fan is a valuable tool for cooling the kitchen. It helps remove hot air, steam, and cooking odors, improving airflow and reducing heat buildup.
By expelling the warm air out, the exhaust fan can help create a more comfortable environment for cooking.
Make sure to choose a properly sized fan for your kitchen space to ensure efficient ventilation.
3. Install A Ceiling Fan:
If your kitchen is spacious enough, installing a ceiling fan can provide additional cooling. However, it’s important to ensure that the fan is not placed directly above the gas stove.
Keeping a sufficient distance between the stove and the ceiling fan prevents any interference with the gas flames and avoids potential cooking issues.
Opting for compact-sized fans with small blades can be preferable for smaller kitchens.
4. Use A Kitchen-Compatible Air Conditioner:
In larger kitchens, using an air conditioner designed for kitchen use can be an effective solution for cooling.
However, it’s crucial to position the air conditioner away from the gas stove to prevent grease, oil, and smoke from damaging its outer components.
Regular cleaning and maintenance may be necessary to keep the air conditioner functioning optimally. While this option requires more maintenance, it can provide efficient cooling in bigger kitchen spaces.
Check out my detailed guide on how to clean kitchen chimney oil. In that guide, I share the 5 effective ways to clean oil from your kitchen chimneys easily.
Final Thoughts
So, is it worth investing in a kitchen chimney solely for the purpose of reducing heat?
In most situations, the answer is yes. If you live in an area with a cooler ambient temperature (or at least moderate temperature) and opt for a ducted kitchen chimney, it can effectively eliminate hot air, along with smoke, odors, and oil, providing a clean and enjoyable cooking experience.
However, if your ambient climate consistently remains hot, the impact of a kitchen chimney on heat reduction may not be significant.
In such situations, it would be beneficial to explore alternative options like using fans or air conditioning or even considering home remodeling to improve kitchen ventilation.
Ultimately, while investing in a kitchen chimney for heat reduction, consider your specific circumstances, including the ambient temperature, kitchen size, and personal preferences. Assessing these factors will help you determine the most suitable approach to keeping your kitchen cool and comfortable while cooking.