Indian Kitchen Ventilation – Should You Go for Chimney, Exhaust Fan or Both?
If you’re setting up a kitchen or upgrading after buying a gas stove or hob, you’ve likely asked this: Should I go for a chimney or just install an exhaust fan?
In Indian kitchens where cooking often involves oil, tadka, frying, and rich masalas smoke and fumes are daily visitors. Both chimneys and exhaust fans offer ventilation, but they solve different problems.
This guide helps you understand the difference between a chimney and an exhaust fan, so you can decide what fits your cooking habits, kitchen space, and long-term cleaning needs.
1. The Basics – What Each One Does (Chimney / Exhaust Fan)
| Feature | Chimney | Exhaust Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Removes smoke and heat | Yes | Yes |
| Removes oil, grease, and airborne particles | Yes | No |
| Filters air before releasing it | Yes (with baffle/mesh) | No |
| Best for oily, masala-heavy cooking | Yes | No |
| Works in closed apartments | Yes | Sometimes |
| Can be used in open kitchens | Yes | Yes |
| Suits modular kitchens | Yes | Not ideal visually |
| Looks modern and neat | Yes | No (industrial look) |
| Cost | ₹6,000–₹25,000+ | ₹800–₹3,000 |
Bottom line:
- Chimneys filter and ventilate
- Exhaust fans only push air out
2. Kitchen Exhaust Fan – When It’s Good Enough
You can manage with an exhaust fan if:
- Your cooking is minimal or non-oily
Example: Boiling, steaming, rice, daal, roti without deep frying - Your kitchen has open windows nearby
- You live in a rental home and want a low-cost fix
- You cook just once a day or occasionally
- Your kitchen is well-ventilated naturally (semi-outdoor or rural)
Real-world Example:
In a 1BHK or older home with windows near the stove, a 12-inch exhaust fan mounted at eye level works well especially if you’re not doing daily tadka or frying.
3. Kitchen Chimney – When It Makes a Big Difference
A chimney is the better choice if:
- You cook twice a day or more
- Your meals involve frying, tadka, gravies, curries
- You use 2 or more burners together
- Your kitchen is enclosed, part of a flat, or lacks airflow
- You want to protect modular cabinets, tiles, or painted walls
Real-world Example:
In a mid-sized urban kitchen where daily cooking includes poori-bhaji, sabzis, and tadka dal a baffle-filter chimney with auto-clean will reduce wall stains and smoke within weeks.
It keeps the ceiling fans, switches, and upper cabinets cleaner without scrubbing every Sunday.
4. Can You Use Both Together? Chimney + Exhaust Fan
Yes many Indian homes use both:
- Chimney takes care of oil, smoke, and grease
- Exhaust fan helps remove leftover steam or odour
Especially helpful if:
- Your chimney is not powerful enough, or placed high
- The chimney has limited reach in L-shaped or open kitchens
- You want faster ventilation during long cooking sessions
5. Which One Is Easier to Maintain? Chimney Vs Exhaust Fan
| Factor | Chimney | Exhaust Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Needs drilling, ducting | Easy wall mount |
| Maintenance | Needs filter cleaning or auto-clean | Dust/oil wiping monthly |
| Noise | Usually quieter | Often noisy |
| Cleaning time | Once every 2–3 weeks | Weekly or fortnightly |
| Power usage | Moderate (100–250W) | Low (40–80W) |
Maintenance Tip:
- Exhaust fans collect dust + oil, so they require more frequent wiping
- Chimneys with auto-clean and baffle filters reduce effort, but still need monthly checks
6. Cost vs Long-Term Benefit in Indian Homes
| Cost Type | Chimney | Exhaust Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic unit price | ₹6,000-₹10,000 | ₹1,000-₹2,000 |
| High-end features | ₹15,000+ (auto-clean, filterless) | Not applicable |
| Installation | ₹1,000-₹2,000 | ₹500-₹800 |
| Yearly maintenance | ₹500-₹1,000 | ₹0-₹200 (self-cleaning) |
| Impact on cleaning time | Saves hours monthly | Doesn’t help with oil |
Over time, a chimney saves wall repainting, tile scrubbing, and grease removal labor especially valuable in Indian households with busy kitchens.
Final Summary – What’s Better for You?
Choose an exhaust fan if:
- You cook light meals occasionally
- Your kitchen has good airflow or big windows
- You’re on a tight budget
- You live in a rental and want something quick to install
Choose a chimney if:
- You cook daily with oil, tadka, or deep frying
- Your kitchen is enclosed, shared wall, or inside an apartment
- You want to reduce long-term cleaning
- You care about the look and hygiene of your kitchen
Best combo for Indian homes:
Install both if possible, chimney above the stove, and an exhaust fan on the opposite wall or window. You’ll get the best of both oil control + steam escape.
