How Much Chimney Suction Power is Good Enough for Cooking?

The truth about kitchen chimneys no one talks about…

Most people assume that higher suction power means better performance when it comes to kitchen chimneys. 

But the truth is choosing the wrong suction power can do more harm than good. If it is way too low, your kitchen will stay smoky. If it is too high, you’ll be left with unnecessary noise and skyrocketing energy bills.

So, how do you strike the right balance? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Let’s  find out how much chimney suction power is actually good enough for your cooking needs.

Understanding Chimney Suction Power

Credits: Glen India

The suction measurement for kitchen chimneys operates through cubic meters per hour (m³/hr). The number shows the hourly capacity of air extraction. Higher values of suction power indicate more effective smoke and grease elimination for kitchen operations.

A larger size does not guarantee maximum effectiveness. Purchasing a kitchen chimney with high suction power surpassing the needs of your kitchen area might create pointless noise while using excessive energy. Low suction power in a big kitchen leads to ineffective smoke prevention therefore the chimney becomes inefficient at keeping your space free of smoke.

Choosing the Right Chimney for Your Home

Now that you understand the factors influencing suction power, here’s a simple guide to selecting the right chimney:

• Small Kitchens (Up to 100 sq. ft.) → Suction Power: 1000 m³/hr
• Medium Kitchens (100-200 sq. ft.) → Suction Power: 1000 - 1200m³/hr
• Large Kitchens (Above 200 sq. ft.) → Suction Power: 1200 - 1600 m³/hr

Also, keep in mind the cooking habits in your household. If you often cook oily, spicy, or deep-fried dishes, err on the side of higher suction power.

How to Determine the Right Suction Power?

Credits: Glen India

Here are some key factors that help determine the ideal chimney suction power for your kitchen:

1. Size of Your Kitchen

The general thumb rule  is to multiply the kitchen's volume (length x breadth x height) by 10. This gives an approximate suction power requirement.

• For example, if your kitchen is 10 feet x 10 feet x 10 feet, the volume is 1000 cubic feet. Converting it into cubic meters (1 cubic foot = 0.028 cubic meters), the kitchen volume is 28 cubic meters. Multiplying by 10 gives a recommended suction power of around 280 m³/hr.

2. Type of Cooking

Light Cooking (Boiling, Steaming, Occasional Frying): If you prepare light meals with minimal oil usage, a chimney with suction power between 600-800 m³/hr is sufficient.

• Moderate Cooking (Regular Indian Cooking, Medium Oil Usage): If you frequently make curries, sautéed dishes, and fried snacks, opt for a chimney with a suction power between 800-1000 m³/hr.
• Heavy Cooking (Deep Frying, Spicy Cooking, Non-Vegetarian Dishes): If your cooking involves deep-frying, grilling, or tandoori preparations, a chimney with a suction power of 1200 m³/hr or more is ideal.

3. Kitchen Layout

• Closed Kitchens: In a closed kitchen where ventilation is limited, a chimney with higher suction power (800-1200 m³/hr) is recommended to ensure proper air circulation.
• Open Kitchens: Open kitchens allow natural ventilation to some extent, so a suction power of 600-900 m³/hr is generally adequate.

4. Ducted vs. Ductless Chimneys

• Ducted Chimneys: These chimneys expel smoke and fumes outside through a duct. They require a higher suction power (900-1500 m³/hr) for effective operation.
• Ductless Chimneys: These chimneys use filters to purify the air and release it back into the kitchen. Since they rely on filters, a suction power of 700-900 m³/hr is sufficient.

5. Cooking Frequency

• If you cook multiple meals daily, a chimney with higher suction power (1000-1200 m³/hr) is necessary.
• If you cook occasionally, a moderate suction power (700-900 m³/hr) will work fine.

Additional Features to Consider

Credits: Glen India

The functionality of kitchen chimneys benefits from various additional features along with their suction capabilities: 

1. Auto-Clean Technology

The automatic cleaning system of Auto-Clean Technology performs oil and grease removal autonomously to deliver high efficiency with extended durability.

2. Baffle Filters

Baffle Filters function perfectly for Indian cooking by trapping grease effectively but maintain strong suction at the same time.

3. Silent Operation

High suction power tends to produce audible noise during operation. When searching for chimneys consider models that produce noise below 58 dB because it ensures a peaceful cooking environment.

4. Motion Sensors & Touch Controls

Your kitchen experience benefits from smart chimneys which use touch interface or gesture detection methods as control systems.

Conclusion 

Selecting the right kitchen chimney isn’t just about picking the highest suction power—it’s about finding the perfect balance between efficiency, noise levels, and energy consumption. By considering factors like your kitchen size, cooking habits, and layout, you can ensure your kitchen remains smoke-free and fresh.

If you’re looking for a high-performance, durable, and stylish chimney, Glen India provides the ideal combination of technological innovations and convenience.