Which Kitchen Chimney is Better with or without Ducts

Kitchen chimneys come in two main types – ducted and ductless (recycling) – and the right choice depends on your kitchen setup, cooking style, and budget.

Ducted Kitchen Chimney

what is ducted kitchen chimney and How it Works

1. The chimney’s suction motor pulls in smoke, grease particles, and hot air.

2. The air passes through filters (baffle/mesh/cassette).

3. Cleaned air (mostly grease-free) is pushed out through a duct/pipe to the outside of the house.

Key Features

• Needs a duct/pipe (usually 6–8 inch diameter) connected to an external outlet.

• Uses baffle filters (common in India) that require cleaning but are long-lasting.

• Removes smoke, odor, and heat completely from the kitchen.

• Best for heavy-duty Indian cooking (deep frying, tadka, masala).

Advantages

• Best for Indian cooking (lots of frying, tadka, spices).

• Removes heat, smoke, grease, and odor outside the kitchen.

• More powerful suction → better air quality.

• Less frequent filter cleaning (if using baffle filters).

• Long-term cost-effective.

 

Disadvantages

• Requires duct installation (needs space & proper outlet).

• Installation is costly and less flexible.

• Not suitable for small apartments with no duct provision.

Ductless (Filter-based / Recirculating) Chimney

what is working of ductless chimney

A ductless kitchen chimney (also called a recirculating chimney) works differently from a ducted one. Instead of throwing smoke outside, it filters and recirculates the air back into the kitchen.

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How It Works

1. The chimney sucks in smoke, steam, grease, and odor from cooking.

2. The air passes through grease filters (mesh or baffle) → which trap oil & grease particles.

3. Then it goes through charcoal filters → which absorb smoke and cooking odors.

4. The filtered air is released back into the kitchen.

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Key Features

• No duct/pipe needed – air is recirculated.

• Charcoal filters are the main component → need replacement every 3–6 months.

• Easy to install in flats, rented homes, or where ducting is not possible.

• Doesn’t remove heat (kitchen may stay warm).

Advantages

• Easy to install (no duct needed).

• Flexible placement → suitable for apartments and rented homes.

• Cheaper installation.

• Removes odor through charcoal filters.

Disadvantages

• Less effective for heavy Indian cooking → smoke & heat remain in kitchen.

• Charcoal filters need frequent replacement (every 3–6 months).

• Doesn’t expel heat → kitchen can still feel warm.

• Higher running cost due to filter replacement.

Which is Better?

• If you cook Indian food with lots of frying, spices, curries → Ducted chimney is much better.

• If your cooking is light, less oily, minimal frying (e.g., salads, boiling, light continental) or you live in a rented flat without duct option → Ductless chimney is more practical.

👉 General Rule:

• Ducted = Best performance

• Ductless = Best flexibility