Are you tired of cleaning your kitchen chimney every time you cook? Auto-clean chimneys can help you out. But what is auto clean chimney and how does it work?
In this guide, we will give you a complete start-to-finish explanation of this topic so you can choose the right kitchen chimney of your choice. Make sure you read till the end to not miss out on anything.
What Is Auto Clean Chimney?
An Auto Clean Chimney is a type of kitchen chimney equipped with a self-cleaning feature. With a simple press of a button, it uses heat to remove accumulated oil and grease, which collects into a removable tray for easy disposal.
Note: If you’re confused about filterless chimneys, be sure to read this guide on the advantages and disadvantages of filterless chimneys to learn more about them
How Do Auto Clean Chimneys Work?
A kitchen chimney is an essential part of our cooking space. It takes in all the smoke, fumes, and oily residues that we produce while cooking our favourite meals.
Regardless of whether it is ducted or ductless, filter or filterless, a chimney could come with an “Auto Clean” feature. This feature is a real lifesaver, especially when it comes to dealing with the oily residues that stick to the internal layers of the chimney.
As you keep on cooking, day after day, these residues gradually accumulate inside the chimney. Over time, this buildup can become quite significant, leading to possible clogs. Regular cleaning is necessary to avoid this issue.
However, for most of us, it isn’t practical or convenient to take apart and clean the chimney frequently. That’s where the auto-clean feature comes into play.
By using this function, you eliminate the need to worry about cleaning the interior of the chimney manually. When activated, the chimney heats its internal components. This heat melts the oil residues and directs them towards a collector tray. Your role? Just to ensure this tray gets cleaned periodically.
Don’t worry, this part is straightforward. All you need to do is remove the collector tray, dispose of the residue, wash the tray, and put it back in place. This routine doesn’t require any professional help or any significant amount of time.
Hence, an auto-clean chimney does exactly what its name suggests. It cleans itself automatically, making your life a little bit easier.
By the way, did you know that kitchen chimneys can also reduce heat in the kitchen? Check out the detailed linked post to learn more.
How To Use Auto Clean Chimneys?
Most Auto Clean kitchen chimneys come with an “auto clean” button. So, just by pressing the “Auto Clean” button, the cleaning process kicks off. The chimney’s internal unit starts heating up.
It usually takes about ten minutes for this process to be completed. During this time, the heat melts the oil residues that have adhered to the inside of the chimney. This loosened grime then collects into a tray underneath the chimney.
You don’t have to worry about immediate cleaning, just let the chimney cool down after the auto-cleaning function ends.
Your task comes in once the chimney cools down. The collected oil residue is now in the tray which is positioned just behind the mesh filter of your chimney. All you need to do is open the tray.
On opening, you might find oil residues. If present, they can be easily washed away. Post-cleaning, ensure you put the tray back in its original place. That’s it! Your chimney is clean and ready to use again.
Remember, for deeper cleaning and removing the oil stains from the collectors or other filter parts of the auto-clean chimney, you can clean the surface areas of your chimney with warm water. This routine ensures you maintain the longevity of your appliance and enjoy a clean, smoke-free cooking environment.
Speaking of cleaning kitchen chimneys, we highly recommend you check out this guide on how to clean kitchen chimneys. There, we discuss the top 5 methods to clean chimneys that can be quite helpful for you. So be sure to check it out.
Advantages Of Auto Clean Chimneys – The Pros
Auto Clean Chimneys are designed to make your life easier and offer several advantages over traditional manual chimneys.
Cleaning a kitchen chimney manually is no easy task and requires a significant amount of time. However, with auto-clean chimneys, you press a button, and the job is done. This feature allows you to save time, which can be utilized for other important tasks or to enjoy cooking without any distractions.
Secondly, auto-clean chimneys are highly efficient. Their ability to remove grease and oil from the interior parts of the kitchen chimney works great. This means your kitchen’s ventilation system will also work better as a result.
Lastly, these chimneys are designed with durability in mind. Their auto-cleaning mechanism reduces the risk of grease and oil buildup. This feature not only ensures a smoothly functioning chimney but also prolongs its lifespan. So, it’s less likely that you’ll need to replace or repair it any time soon.
Disadvantages Of Auto Clean Chimneys – The Cons
You may be contemplating upgrading your kitchen with an auto-clean chimney. Before doing so, it’s important to consider certain drawbacks that come along with it.
First, the financial aspect. Auto-clean chimneys, compared to traditional manual ones, generally have a higher price tag. So, if you’re on a tight budget, this might be an essential point to consider.
Despite the convenience of not having to manually clean these chimneys, maintenance remains a critical part of their longevity. You cannot simply set up the auto-clean chimney and forget about it. Regular checks and upkeeps are integral to its smooth functioning.
Routine maintenance of other associated parts of the kitchen chimney will be essential. For example, filter replacement is a common task that you must undertake. These filters collect grease and oil particles over time, affecting the efficiency of your chimney.
Replacing them on a regular basis ensures that your auto-clean chimney functions at its peak.
Speaking of kitchen chimneys, you might also want to check out our guide on the Kitchen Chimney Size Calculator. The guide and calculator will help you decide on the right size chimney for your kitchen.
Auto Clean vs. Manual Chimney
| Auto Clean Chimney | Manual Chimney |
| Costs More | Costs Less |
| More Cleaning Convenience | Less Cleaning Convenience |
| Less Maintenance Required | More Maintenance Required |
| Suction Power Relatively High | Suction Power Low Over Time Due To Clogs |
| More Durable | Less Durable |
When To Avoid Auto-Clean Chimneys?
- An auto-clean chimney might not be the best choice if you have a tight budget. It’s usually pricier than the traditional ones.
- If you don’t cook too much oily food then a normal manual kitchen chimney will be sufficient, especially the one with a baffle filter (baffle filter traps oil residue and prevents them from getting inside the interior of the chimney).
When To Purchase Auto-Clean Chimneys?
- If convenience tops your list, auto-clean chimneys are the way to go. They minimize manual cleaning, making life easier.
- Auto-clean chimneys offer better efficiency. Since the inside oil residue will be cleaned from time to time, the chimney will work properly and give better performance in the long run. You don’t have to worry about frequent maintenance.
Final Thoughts – Is Auto Clean Chimney Good?
As we’ve discussed, an auto-clean chimney brings many benefits to your kitchen. It’s efficient, durable, and cuts down your manual cleaning effort, freeing up time for you to enjoy your cooking.
However, it may come at a higher cost than a manual chimney, and you still need to maintain it regularly to ensure peak performance.
It ultimately boils down to your specific needs and budget. But if you cook often, especially oily food, and want a well-ventilated kitchen with reduced cleaning hassle, an auto-clean chimney can be a game-changer. So, explore the options and get the auto-clean chimney that suits your kitchen the best.
FAQs:
How To Clean Auto Clean Chimney?
To clean an auto-clean chimney, press the auto-clean button and wait for 10-15 minutes for the appliance to heat up and collect the oil deposits in the tray. After the process, remove the tray, discard and clean the oil deposits, and re-insert it back into the chimney.
How Often Should You Auto Clean Chimney?
It’s recommended to use the auto-clean feature of your chimney once a month for optimal performance.
Does Auto Clean Chimney Require Duct?
A duct isn’t necessary for an auto-clean chimney. The auto-clean feature is a part of the chimney itself and operates effectively regardless of whether the chimney is ducted or ductless.
And if you’re specifically concerned about hiding the duct in your kitchen chimney, don’t forget to read our guide on the best ways to hide a kitchen chimney pipe.