Chimney vs Exhaust Fan in Modular Kitchen – Which is Best & Do You Need Both? Trends & Common Mistake
Modular kitchens have become a must-have in modern Indian homes. But when it comes to keeping your kitchen clean and smoke-free, homeowners often face a key question — Should I install a chimney or just an exhaust fan? Or do I need both
1. Purpose – Chimney vs Exhaust Fan
Kitchen Chimney
Designed to suck smoke, oil, grease, and smell from the stove area.
Comes with powerful suction and filters (baffle or filter less).
Keeps ceiling, tiles, and cabinets clean.
Modern models also reduce heat and humidity in the kitchen.
Exhaust Fan
Works by pushing hot air, steam, and smell outside.
Helps reduce humidity and temperature but doesn’t remove oil or grease.
Mostly used in traditional Indian kitchens or bathrooms.
2. Comparison Table: Chimney vs Exhaust Fan
Feature Chimney Exhaust Fan
Smoke & Oil Removal Excellent Limited
Grease & Smell Control Yes Partial
Cost Expensive (₹5,000–₹25,000) Cheap (₹500–₹1,500)
Installation Complex (wall mount/duct) Easy
Maintenance Requires regular cleaning Low maintenance
Looks & Aesthetics Premium & Trendy Outdated
Do You Need Both Chimney and Exhaust Fan?
In Most Modular Kitchens – No.
A high-quality chimney alone is enough to keep your kitchen fresh.
But in very hot and humid locations (like Kerala, Chennai, or Mumbai) or closed kitchens, an exhaust fan can be added to remove excess heat.
When You May Use Both:
If your chimney has low suction (below 800 m³/hr).
If you do heavy Indian cooking (frying, tadka, non-veg dishes).
If the kitchen is windowless or has poor ventilation.
4. Best Chimney Brands in India 2025
Brand Model (Recommended) Features
Faber Faber 60 cm Filterless Auto-clean, powerful suction
Elica Elica 60 cm Filterless Touch control, low noise
Hindware Hindware Nadia 60 Filterless, motion sensor
Glen Glen 60 cm Auto-Clean Budget-friendly, low maintenance
Suction power tip:
For small families/light cooking → 800–1000 m³/hr
For heavy cooking → 1200–1500 m³/hr
5. Best Exhaust Fans for Kitchen 2025
Brand Model Key Benefit
Havells Ventilair DX 200 mm Durable, plastic body
Usha Crisp Air Premia Sleek design, powerful motor
Bajaj Maxima 300 mm Budget-friendly, metal body
Crompton Brisk Air 250 mm Quiet operation, good suction
Tip: Install exhaust fans away from the stove, preferably on the opposite wall or top corner.
6. Common Mistakes in Indian Kitchens
1. Installing chimney without ducting – Ductless chimneys are less effective.
2. Using low suction chimney for heavy cooking – Leads to grease on walls.
3. Placing exhaust fan near the stove – It disturbs chimney airflow.
4. Not cleaning chimney filters regularly – Reduces efficiency.
5. Choosing a chimney only based on design – Ignore function, regret later.
7. Latest Trends in 2025 Modular Kitchens
Auto-clean filterless chimneys are trending.
Noise-less operation is becoming a priority.
Smart chimneys with gesture control & sensors gaining popularity.
Matte black & glass finish chimneys are hot favourites.
Energy-efficient exhaust fans with sleek designs now preferred.
Conclusion – Which is Best for You?
Kitchen Type Recommended Setup
Modular + heavy cooking Chimney (1200+ m³/hr)
Small kitchen + light food Chimney or Exhaust fan
Poor ventilation/no window Both (chimney + fan)
Budget kitchen Exhaust fan only
NOTE : But ideally, for a modern modular kitchen, a chimney is a must. Add an exhaust fan only if ventilation is poor.