Kitchen Chimney: An Important Element of Kitchen Renovation

Author: Adele

Cooking has changed over time from a necessity to a leisure activity, which has led to the development of various appliances that make the process faster and more fun.  Modern Kitchen appliances serve as both means and facilitators for our cooking operations. Our survival has grown to rely on them in major ways. These modern kitchen appliances not only simplify our lives but help out in keeping the mess at bay.  Working in a kitchen includes tonnes of countertop mess, spills, splatters, and stains. However, these messes are evident and can be easily cleaned. But what about the mess we are unable to see? The layers of grease and oil accumulate on the kitchen ceiling, walls, and shelving. But modern problems require modern solutions and kitchen chimneys come as a saviour in such situations. Additionally, a lot of smoke, odour and sputter are produced when cooking. Every meal leaves a permanent impact on the kitchen. A kitchen chimney fills this role and has become an essential component of a contemporary modular kitchen. A very popular option for kitchen renovation services is a** Cheshire kitchen company known as M&A Kitchens**; they provide professional services for designing your kitchen and are known to add character and make your kitchen lively.

What is a Kitchen Chimney?

An appliance known as a Chimney is placed in a kitchen above the cooking surface to collect the smoke, fumes, and oil vapours created during cooking. It helps maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of the air in your kitchen. Storage options in modular kitchens include cabinets above and below the cooking surface. This configuration might make it difficult for air to travel, which can make the kitchen feel fluffy and overheated. Having a chimney in the kitchen is crucial to control the air and prevent the space from becoming stuffy. If you are going for** kitchen renovation services,** make sure you talk to the designer about what you want in terms of usability and design, and they will be able to guide you with the best option.

Types of Kitchen Chimneys

Different types of chimneys include:

  1. Wall-mounted Chimney The wall-mounted chimneys are positioned above the cooking platforms and against the wall. It works well and keeps the kitchen looking neat & clean.
  2. Island Chimney When the cooking counter is in the centre of the kitchen,** Island chimneys have to be put there** to catch all the oil & grease from travelling up to the ceiling. These hanging chimneys effectively remove the smoke, odour, etc., effectively.
  3. Built-in Chimney You can save up a lot of space in your kitchen if you opt for a built-in chimney. The built-in chimney is mounted up against the wall. It is a specific kind of chimney installed inside the wooden kitchen cabinetry.
  4. Corner Chimney If the cooking platform is in the corner of the kitchen, one can opt for a corner chimney. Oil and smoke vapours are absorbed immediately by the chimney as you start the cooking.

What are the benefits of a chimney in a kitchen?

Installing a Chimney in the kitchen has many benefits. Some of them include;

  • Helps in maintaining a clean kitchen space If you have ever noticed a greasy layer on the kitchen tiles, you know it’s not a pleasant sight. The interior looks grimy and filthy due to the darkened and discoloured tiles. It happens because, over time, the gases released during meal preparation become trapped on the surface and build up into a greasy, sticky mess. Typically, chimneys remove all the oil and grime in the fumes, leaving your kitchen clean and scot-free and maximising kitchen space. A chimney must be on your list of wants if you’re a neat freak.
  • Removes unwanted smell Installing a chimney is necessary if your modular kitchen is connected to your living area to ensure that the scent of the food does not bother your visitors. To prevent the smell of raw meat and vegetables from escaping the kitchen, chimneys aid in the elimination of odours from the air.
  • Modulates kitchen temperature Chimneys aid in eliminating overheating in a kitchen area. A built-in blower removes the heat produced by the stove, oven, or heater in the chimney, which controls the kitchen’s temperature. Investing in a chimney is wise if you live in a city with a hot, muggy atmosphere and detest spending time in the kitchen due to the heat.
  • Helps avoid discomfort while cooking Installing a chimney in your kitchen should be your top priority if you suffer from allergies, hate chopping onions, or tempering since it makes your eyes water and irritable. The capacity of chimneys to quickly absorb strong smells and smoke makes it quite comfortable for you to cook without any annoyance. If you enjoy using different spices in your food, a chimney can trap all unpleasant odours, which can otherwise make people around sneeze and feel uneasy.
  • Aesthetically Pleasing Having a chimney has several benefits, but one of the most crucial ones is the aesthetic value it gives a kitchen. Any kitchen gets a significant facelift after a chimney is installed. Not only does the chimney help keep the kitchen clean, but it also adds a certain beauty to your kitchen.
  • Silent and Efficient The nicest feature of the contemporary chimneys is their complete silence while in operation. Now that there isn’t an exhaust fan spinning in the background, you may cook in peace, listening to your favourite music.
  • Adds value to the property A house with good upkeep is quite valuable. Chimneys contribute to the area’s attractiveness by keeping it immaculate. Your property will look elegant, well designed, and carefully thought out if it has a chimney. Additionally, well-made electric chimneys have a great resale value. If you are looking for** kitchen renovation services, we at M&A Kitchens are happy to help with a wide range of options available. We are among the top kitchen designers Manchester **area, with a team of professionals who will make your dream kitchen a reality.

Is a chimney necessary in a modular kitchen?

Modern and elegant design are hallmarks of a modular kitchen. They make your kitchen appear organised. However, regular cooking and the discharge of oil can leave stains on the walls, cabinets, and tiles, dulling your kitchen’s appearance. A modular kitchen chimney aids in removing all of the smoke from just above the stove before it turns the kitchen oily. Without a chimney, a modular kitchen cannot be considered complete.** ** Factors to consider before buying a chimney Different kitchens have different suitability, so it’s wise to consider certain factors before buying a chimney.

  • Chimney Type The type of electrical chimney you want for your home should be the first thing you think about. Different types of chimneys are available based on your gas stove location. 
  • Type of Chimney Filter The type of chimney filter is the second issue to be addressed. Typically, the primary filter is considered while making this filter selection. Cassette, carbon, and baffle filters are a few good choices.
  • Size of hood The entire surface of your gas stove is covered by the chimney hood, which resembles an umbrella. The size of the hood also varies because different gas sizes come with two, three, or even four burners.
  • Your budget The cost of the chimney will be the next thing you need to consider fitting into your budget. The cost is different depending on the type of chimney, its size, its many technologies, and other factors.
  • Features Look for features like no noise, chimney auto clean, and fan power level. For consultations and renovations regarding your kitchen design Stockport, M&A Kitchens is the ideal option. They come with a team of professionals with years of experience creating kitchen spaces that feel like the heart of your home.

Is a vertical or horizontal chimney better?

It’s best to study the features and characteristics to decide between different types of chimneys. There are two very commonly used chimney types:

  • Vertical Chimney
  • Horizontal Chimney Vertical chimney These chimneys are traditional and emphasise performance. A vertical chimney is known to free your kitchen from cooking odours, fumes, and grease by ventilating it with fresh air. Features
  • It utilises space effectively as a result of its design.
  • Stainless steel is used to construct the baffle filter.
  • It has bi-rotational technology built in. Horizontal Chimney Horizontal chimneys are included in a modern setup. It functions identically to the vertical chimney but is available in various designs, hues, and materials to give your modular kitchen a more aesthetically pleasing feel. It also acts as the kitchen’s centre of attention. Features
  • They have a canopy or hood 
  • It includes a fan on the inside
  • The fan draws the scent, steam, and fumes up to the ceiling. Vertical Chimney Vs. Horizontal Chimney A horizontal chimney is more often recommended because there are genuine concerns about the effectiveness of the vertical ones. The issue with horizontal chimneys is that the vapour and oil cling to the chimney’s body rather than rising straight up. Such a thing does not happen with a vertical chimney.

Which size chimney is best?

Based on the size of your stove and kitchen, choose a chimney that best suits the dimensions. For the chimney to efficiently absorb the smoke, the chimney’s proportions should be larger than your stove’s size. The two most common chimney sizes are 23 inches and 36 inches. If you have a two-burner stove, you might choose a chimney that is smaller in breadth as compared to the one you will choose for a three or four-burner stove. At what height should the chimney be fixed? As one could expect, a too-short chimney will have poor drafting issues since insufficient internal pressure is generated to expel it to the outside.  However, very tall chimneys may also present certain challenges, like the heated air may cool off when it gets to the peak point of the chimney. As a result, the smoke and gas pressure will be forced back into the house. The 2 feet, 10 feet, and three feet rules are the most widely used. It roughly indicates that a chimney should be at least two feet taller than any portion of a building within ten feet of the chimney and at least three feet higher than the point where it goes through the roof. The chimney should ideally be the highest point in the house because if the peak is too high, it will compete with the smokestack for air pressure, reducing its efficiency.

Conclusion

Any modern kitchen needs a chimney, so purchasing one would be a fantastic option because it would function effectively for years with little to no upkeep.  Once you know the necessity of a chimney in your kitchen, you may carefully look for the best one. Take into account all the crucial elements to assist you in selecting the option that will live up to your expectations and be efficient. And choose the durable option that will fit within your budget.** At M&A Kitchens, we guarantee kitchen renovation services** that add to the beauty of your kitchen, making it stand out as the heart of your house.