The installation process of a kitchen chimney is a very crucial step. It includes several factors like the size, placement of the appliance, maintaining optimal height from the stove or countertop, duct, etc.
Most of the manufacturers provide installation service (free of cost or on extra charge) when you purchase a new kitchen chimney.
However, if you want to install it on your own and want to know the exact process, then this article is for you.
Here, we have provided a complete installation guide with clear instructions for a successful kitchen chimney installation. Read it thoroughly before starting the process.
How to Install A Kitchen Chimney?
Kitchen chimney installation service usually comes free of cost from the manufacturers. However, some may charge you extra for the installation process. One needs to be aware of the installation process, to know about its working procedure and how to troubleshoot in case of any problem in the future.
Let us get into the step-by-step process of the chimney installation.
1. Chimney Size
Are you installing a chimney? Then, I am sure you have taken care of its size. Choosing a chimney of the correct size that matches your stove is a crucial step in the installation process.
Let us talk about the chimney dimensions. If you have a stove with two to four burners, ensure that the chimney width is at least 60cms. Anything less than that cannot facilitate proper suction of fumes, smoke, and other grease particles when cooking.
We all know that Indian cuisine is exotic with lots of tadka, oil, spices, etc. Indian style of cooking requires a chimney of bigger width when compared to other cooking styles. If your cooktop has more than four burners, you should install a hood with 90cms width or even more.
If you have not yet purchased a chimney or planning to buy one, be certain that you have the proper measurements of your cooktop. Not only that, check for the distance between the cooktop and the roof and also gaps between the cabinets. In most cases, Indian carpenters leave a gap of less than 60cms between the cabinets while doing interior design. This can be an issue if yours is also the same because all chimneys in India come in either 60cm or 90cm width.
Ensure that you consider the above points when making a purchase. Even before you plan to install a kitchen chimney, make sure that its width matches with the cooktop. Since you will take note of this at the time of purchase, you would not have any problem during installation.
Let us see how to install a chimney depending on its size.
2. Calculating Kitchen Chimney Height
The next crucial factor for consideration is the distance between the chimney and the kitchen platform. This plays a vital role in the effective functioning of the appliance.
Never install a chimney too close or too far from the cooktop. When you install it close to the hob, the chimney will possibly catch fire and it is unsafe. Similarly, if you install it at a larger distance from the stove, the hood may not exhaust the smoke and fumes.
Hence, check for the height and maintain optimal height from the stove or countertop.
You might ask us, what is the ideal height between the hood and the hob? Do not stress about it because we have answers to all your questions.
However, these distances are average calculations. It is essential to refer to the kitchen chimney user manual for the manufacturer’s recommended installation height. Failing to adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions while installation could result in nullifying the warranty.
Other Factors to Consider
Apart from the parameters mentioned above, there are other factors that one needs to take into consideration for installation. The first one in this list is the height of the person working in the kitchen. When installing a chimney, make sure that it is at a proper height and does not come in the way of an individual while working. If you want to avoid any hindrances, double-check for this point during installation.
The second important point in the list is the suction capacity of the chimney. The recommended height for chimney installation comes mentioned in the manual. However, if your appliance has a high suction capacity, you may change the distance of the stand and fit it a little away from the burner.
Hence, you should always follow the instructions in the user manual diligently to ensure the peak performance of the chimney.
Mark The Points For Fastening The Chimney Installation Process:
This is the next step in the kitchen chimney installation process after measuring the height. Usually, most brands offer a chimney installation kit along with the device for the installation process. This kit includes screws, stands, and other attachments required to fit the chimney.
The chimney service person marks the points according to the measurements using tape. After that, he starts drilling holes in those marks. After completing the drilling work, he fits the chimney in place and fastens it using the screws.
Before fixing the chimney in its position, check whether the appliance fits well or not. After confirming that everything is fine, you can straightaway go ahead with the permanent installation.
Chimney With A Duct Or Ductless Chimney
Chimneys come either with a duct or ductless. Before installation, check whether the appliance is a ductless one or has a duct. If it is a ducted chimney, you need to have a duct pipe.
Most chimneys come with PVC pipes. However, these are prone to damage after getting exposed to excess heat. Ducts with stainless steel material and aluminium are the most preferred ones. Since these materials have a long life and great strength, choose a pipe made with either of them.
The length of the duct pipe is something you need to pay attention to. Make sure the length is around 12 feet and not more than that. During installation, the pipe will go through many bends. A longer pipe may reduce the smoke suction rate and eventually make it difficult to reach the exhaust. So, ensure the appropriate length of the duct pipe.
Make Cut Out For Duct Of The Chimney
If your chimney comes with a duct, you need to have a cut-out for the ductwork. You can actually skip this activity if you already have an old chimney fitting or exhaust fan. You can comfortably use those openings to allow the duct to pass through them.
If you do not have any, you will have to get the ductwork done. And for that, you need a circular opening that is six inches wide. The technician will take care of this, though. Most technicians use these dimensions for a chimney, which is at a distance of seven feet or more from the floor.
Universal Spigot
Adding more convenience to the users, modern chimneys come equipped with universal spigots. This element enables the user to attach the exhaust pipe at a diameter of 4, 5, and 6-inches without any hassle.
Wiring
Coming to the next step in the installation process, it is wiring. Like all other electrical appliances, you will need black, red, and green wires for this. You can even get the plugs fixed as per your comfort.
Additionally, the green wires help in protecting you from any short circuits. After you finish the wiring activity, turn on the chimney to cross-check whether it is working properly or not.
Few Things To Remember While Installing The Kitchen Chimney
Here are some basic yet very important things to remember when you are installing a chimney in your kitchen. Make sure you follow them religiously during the installation process:
- Never neglect to refer to the user manual for all the installation instructions. The manual specifies certain dos and don’ts that you need to be careful of while installing the chimney.
- Before you install the chimney, double-check the height measurements and the suction capacity. Apart from that, also consider other factors, as mentioned above, for a perfect installation process.
- Yet another crucial aspect to consider is voltage consumption. You can proceed with the installation process only after confirming that the voltage consumption comes in the range of your power supply.
- Always place your stove at the outer wall of your kitchen to facilitate effective suction of smoke, fumes, etc.
- When cutting out for the chimney duct, always do it to the external wall. Always make the cut-out for the chimney duct in the external wall. In case of any restrictions for the same, go for a ductless one.
- A kitchen chimney needs regular cleaning and maintenance. So always install it at a height where you can easily reach it. Also, refer to the user manual for the correct cleaning process.
- If you want to ensure the effective functioning of the chimney, it is essential to schedule regular service sessions by the technician.
- Never install the chimney by yourself. Call for a professional who does the job for you. If you any queries related to chimneys contact the service expert.
Safety measurements to follow while installing a chimney
The chimney installation process requires safety measures to follow because it deals with using electronic appliances. To help you out with the same, we enlisted the safety measurements one has to take when installing a chimney. Here are they:
- Always wear gloves during the installation process. This will not only act as non-conductors of electricity but will protect you from short circuits.
- As a thumb rule, switch off the main power supply to your home before you get started with the installation process. If possible, lock the panel box to prevent anyone from turning it on.
- Check whether the wires are inactive or not before you hold them.
- When installing, if your local technicians face any difficulty, do not panic. Call for an authorized technician from the manufacturer’s brand to help you out with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between the chimney and the kitchen platform does not change. It is the same everywhere. Since Indian cooking deals with lots of tadka, oil, spices, etc., it requires a chimney that caters to the exotic cooking style.
Kitchen chimneys with baffle or carbon filters are the best suitable for Indian kitchens as they effectively vent out the oil and grease particles from the kitchen.
Depending on the size of the kitchen, the Indian kitchen requires a chimney with high suction capacity, i.e., from 400 to 1000 m¬3/hr.
You can install chimneys with high suction power up to 30 inches from the kitchen platform. However, you should not forget that such appliances make a loud noise and also consume more electricity.
It is advisable to refer to the kitchen chimney user manual for the manufacturer’s
recommended installation height.
The manufacturers recommended installation height between the hood and the electric stoves can be up to 60cms. For gas stoves, it is up to 77cm. Increasing the distance will reduce the air suction capacity of the appliance and further obstruct its performance.
It is not advisable to vent the kitchen chimney down because it might result in perpendicular bends or turns that could be close to each other. As a result, the exhaust capacity becomes more than actually needed. Venting a chimney through the ceiling or wall will ensure the air suction capacity is in range.
The number of turns or bends for your chimney duct should not exceed two. If there are more bends, it reduces the suction capacity of the chimney. It makes no point using a kitchen chimney at home.
Ducts made of stainless steel and aluminium are the most preferred for chimney ducts because of their durability. They help in removing the smoke and fumes efficiently when cooking. Since stainless steel is corrosion resistant, you will not have to worry about the cleaning part. Most chimneys come with PVC ducts, too
Conclusion
Wrapping up, installing a chimney in your kitchen can help you to get rid of the smoke, oil and greasy particles, and other pollutants from the air while cooking. With a little investment in time and patience, you can get your appliance installed in your kitchen.
I hope this article helped you gain complete knowledge on the chimney installation procedure. Write to us in the comments section below if you find the information helpful.
Feel free to let us know if you think that we missed out on any points. If you have any questions or need information on a chimney, do let us know that as well.
We would love to hear from you and help you.
Stay home, stay safe!!!
