I am thankful that my kitchen doesn’t require a chimney because there is sufficient ventilation. But recently, my uncle had to install a chimney at his home and we went on a long search to find the best one so that it doesn’t require constant rework. I researched a lot and the most common questions most users had was – which chimney to choose filter or filterless? I will try to list out all differences, pros and cons of both so that you can decide which one is better for your kitchen if you are planning to get one.
What are Baffle Filter Chimneys and how does it work?
Baffle filter chimneys represent an upgraded iteration of mesh filter chimneys. These have curved plates typically crafted from high-quality aluminum or stainless steel. One of the reviews I read specified that the mechanism of baffle filter chimneys revolves around a straightforward “cut & splash” approach. What it means is that it effectively separates air from oil and smoke particles. These particles are trapped within the filter, while purified air exits the kitchen.
What I really liked about this chimney is that it significantly contributes to a cleaner kitchen environment. The baffles adeptly capture smoke particles and oil, facilitating efficient management of airflow. Due to their curved design, the plates avoid easy clogging, enabling the baffle filter chimney to operate exceptionally well.
However, for maintenance and cleaning, it’s important to note that certain baffle filter chimneys lack auto-clean technology, requiring cleaning every 3 to 4 months. So please check this before buying. Those equipped with an auto-cleaning system need cleaning just once every 6 months.
Advantages of Baffle Filter Chimneys:
1. Efficient Trapping Mechanism: I’ve noticed that the cut and splash mechanism in baffle filter chimneys is highly efficient in capturing oil and dust particles, contributing to cleaner kitchen air.
2. Low Maintenance: Cleaning the baffle filters is surprisingly hassle-free; they’re not demanding in terms of maintenance. Moreover, I’ve found that cleaning these filters is straightforward, and some models are even dishwasher-safe, making the cleaning process even more convenient.
3. Enhanced Durability: Compared to carbon or cassette filters, I’ve observed that baffle filters exhibit greater durability. Their sturdy construction contributes to their extended lifespan.
4. Improved Airflow: The curved plates of the baffle filters enhance airflow, ensuring that the suction power of the chimney motor remains relatively unaffected, even after continuous use.
5. Enhanced Kitchen Quality: I’ve noticed a notable improvement in the overall quality and functionality of kitchen chimneys with the inclusion of baffle filters. They seem to enhance both the construction and operational efficiency of these appliances.
6. Ideal for Indian Cooking: Given the use of a variety of spices and oils in Indian cuisine, baffle filter chimneys appear to be an excellent fit for Indian kitchens. They effectively handle the air quality in such environments.
7. Longevity: The filters, typically made of aluminum or stainless steel, exhibit a durable construction that contributes to their prolonged lifespan in my usage experience.
Challenges with Baffle Filter Chimneys from Personal Usage:
1. Bulkiness and Assembly Difficulty: In my experience, baffle filter chimneys tend to be quite cumbersome due to their heavy stainless-steel construction. Assembling and detaching the filters can prove challenging, especially for individuals lacking prior experience with such chimneys.
2. Operational Noise: During operation, these chimneys can generate notable noise levels, which I’ve observed in my usage. The operational noise might be a point of concern for those seeking quieter kitchen appliances.
3. Clogging Issues: I’ve noticed that baffle filters tend to clog relatively sooner than expected. To maintain optimal performance from these chimneys, users often need to dedicate both time and money towards regular servicing and maintenance. This aspect requires consistent attention to ensure efficient functionality.
Filterless chimney and its working:
These chimneys eliminate the hassle of dealing with clogged filters, as they lack filters to accumulate smoke, oil, or grease generated during cooking. This unique design significantly reduces the need for frequent cleaning, particularly compared to chimneys equipped with baffle filters. Most auto-clean chimneys employ heat/thermal auto-clean technology, requiring just a single button press for effortless cleaning, ensuring a consistently clean and fresh kitchen. The absence of filters allows the motor to efficiently suction oil, grease, smoke, and odors without the risk of clogging or related issues. Consequently, this type of kitchen chimney provides a serene cooking experience, characterized by a noiseless motor. Additionally, these appliances often feature an oil collector, effectively storing waste oil and enhancing convenience.
Advantages of Filterless Chimneys:
1. Enhanced Air Quality and Performance: In my usage, I’ve found that filterless chimneys outperform baffle filter chimneys in maintaining air quality, offering a consistently smooth performance.
2. Ease of Use and Minimal Maintenance: These chimneys are incredibly user-friendly, requiring minimal cleaning, servicing, or maintenance. The absence of a filtration system contributes to their hassle-free maintenance.
3. Noiseless Operation: During cooking, I’ve noticed that these chimneys operate quietly, delivering a pleasant cooking experience without generating much sound.
4. Durability and Longevity: Filterless chimneys showcase impressive durability, proving to be long-lasting kitchen appliances that withstand the test of time.
5. Energy Efficiency: Compared to baffle filter chimneys, I’ve observed that filterless variants consume less energy, ultimately contributing to lower electricity bills.
6. Compact Kitchen Compatibility: These chimneys are an excellent fit for compact modular kitchens. The available chimney designs offer adequate suction power, allowing users to select a suitable option that fits their kitchen layout and requirements effectively.
Disadvantage of Filterless Chimneys:
In my experience, filterless chimneys tend to come with a higher price tag compared to baffle filter kitchen chimneys. These appliances boast advanced features such as a thermal auto clean system or 3D technology, enhancing airflow, but these added functionalities contribute to the overall higher cost of this type of chimney.
Final thoughts:
Based on my comparison between baffle filter and filterless chimneys, I’ve found that if you aim to avoid cleaning hassles and have a higher budget, filterless chimneys are the preferable choice. Notably, reputable brands like Faber and Elica are now focusing on designing next-generation filterless chimneys rather than the traditional baffle filter chimneys.
For health-conscious individuals who prefer preparing food with minimal oil and spices, filterless chimneys prove to be an ideal choice. These modern appliances perform efficiently without the need for manual filter changes or chimney cleaning, thanks to their automatic thermal or heat auto-cleaning systems.
However, it’s essential to consider that baffle filter chimneys require thorough manual cleaning every 3-4 months (approximately). Therefore, I recommend buying a Filterless chimney.
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i see many peoples say filterless chimney better but i dont understand how it remove oil and masala smell without filter if no filter then where all the grease go also my kitchen small and have lot of oily cooking like frying so i dont want smell stay in house i not know if baffle filter is better for this or filterless which one is easy for clean because i dont have time for too much washing can you tell which type good for small kitchen and heavy cooking
Filterless chimneys don’t trap oil and grease in a filter like baffle ones do. Instead, they have a strong motor and an auto-clean function that pushes all the grease towards a separate oil collector tray so you just have to empty that tray once in a while, no heavy cleaning needed. Since your kitchen is small and you do a lot of frying, a baffle filter chimney might actually work better because it traps grease more effectively and prevents it from settling on kitchen walls. But yes, baffle filters need cleaning every few weeks, so if you prefer low maintenance, a filterless model with a good suction power (1200+ m³/hr) would be better. Do you have a duct system, or are you looking for a ductless model? That also changes which one would work best!