Everyone likes the aroma of food while cooking, whether it is Indian or American, everyone likes aromatic and spicy food, but it is only good till the time it is cooked and eaten. No one likes the smell that keeps coming from the kitchen after cooking or eating. Not only this, it also sticks to the cupboards, walls and fans of the house, which is a very problematic thing.
That’s where the kitchen exhaust fan quietly comes to your rescue. It is not that Kitchen Exhaust is the most attractive thing in your house. And generally, people do not even think much about it. But believe me, if you install Kitchen Exhaust once in your house or kitchen, then you will wonder how you lived without Kitchen Exhaust.
What Exactly Is a Kitchen Exhaust Fan?
Kitchen Exhaust (also known as kitchen chimney) is a simple yet powerful device that removes heat, smoke, steam, odor and grease from cooking. It keeps the air in your kitchen clean and provides fresh oxygen to your home.
In the US, you’ll find most kitchen exhausts installed above the stove – some ducted, some inducted. In Indian homes, especially where space is limited, wall-mounted exhaust fans or chimneys are more common. No matter where you live, the goal is the same: keeping the kitchen clean and breathable.
Why you really need a Kitchen Exhaust Fan (even if you think you don’t)
1. Say goodbye to the constant smell from the kitchen
Let’s be real. The smell of cooking and cooked food is nice for a while. But nobody wants to have the smell of yesterday’s fish curry or fried chicken wafting into their nose the next day when they walk into the kitchen. The exhaust fan expels those odors almost instantly, so you don’t have the stench of yesterday’s food.
2. No More Sticky, Greasy Surfaces
Have you ever touched the tops of your cabinets and felt that sticky layer? Yes, it is the grease in the air that is settling on it. Exhaust fans remove that grease from your home before it gets onto your stuff. Hence, reducing the need for wiping and scrubbing later.
3. Keeps Your Air Clean (and Your Lungs Happy)
Cooking not only emits smoke but sometimes gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide are also released which can prove to be very dangerous for health. A good fan helps in removing polluted air before it accumulates inside the house.
4. Cooler Kitchen, Happier You
In both Indian summers and American summers, it is very difficult to stand next to a hot stove and cook. Kitchen exhaust fans help expel the heat and steam so that you don’t feel like you are cooking in a furnace.
5. Protects Your Kitchen from Moisture
Steam = moisture, and too much of it can damage cabinets, peel paint, and even cause mold. Kitchen exhaust fans keep things dry and harmless.
Cooking Styles: Why Indian and American Kitchens Both Need Fans
Indian Kitchens
If you have ever made tadka, fried puri or cooked a spicy curry, you would know how strong the smell and smoke is. Indian kitchens require a lot of oil, spices and frying, which makes a high suction exhaust fan necessary.
American Kitchens
Even if the cooking is oven-based or involves grilling and baking, steam, grease, and odors tend to accumulate over time—especially in open-concept homes where the kitchen is connected to the living room. In both cases, a kitchen exhaust fan is not only helpful, but essential.
Types of Kitchen Exhaust Fans: What Are Your Options?
1. Ducted Fans (Vents air outside)
1. Ducted Fans (Vents air outside)
- Best performance
- Great for people who cook often or heavily
- Requires proper installation and wall space for ducting
2. Ductless Fans (Filters and recirculates air)
- Easier to install
- Ideal for apartments or rental homes
- Needs filter replacement every few months
3. Wall-Mounted Kitchen Exhaust Fans
- Common in Indian kitchens
- Affordable, effective, easy to maintain
4. Range Hoods/Island Hoods
- Found in modern kitchens (especially in the U.S.)
- Can be ducted or ductless
- Stylish and powerful
Choosing the Right Kitchen Exhaust Fan: A Few Things to Keep in Mind
✅ Suction Power (CFM)
Think of it as how strong the fan’s “pull” is. Higher CFM means more power.
- For Indian cooking: Aim for 700+ CFM
- For lighter American-style cooking: 300–600 CFM is usually fine
✅ Noise Level
No one wants a fan that sounds like an airplane taking off. Look for fans with low noise levels (ideally under 60 decibels or 2–3 sones).
✅ Filter Type
✅ Filter Type
- Baffle Filters: Perfect for greasy Indian cooking
- Mesh Filters: Work well but need more cleaning
- Charcoal Filters: Used in ductless fans, replace every few months
✅ Cleaning & Maintenance
Choose fans with easy-to-remove filters. Some even have auto-clean features, which is a game-changer.
✅ Looks & Features
Want something sleek? There are options with touch controls, LED lights, smart sensors, and even remote control. Choose what fits your style and budget.
Installation: Don’t Just Wing It
- Keep the fan 24–30 inches above your stovetop for best results
- For ducted fans, use straight ducting with minimal bends
- Always seal gaps to avoid leaks and backflow
- If in doubt, get it installed by a pro—it’s worth it
Trusted Brands You Can Count On
In India:
- Faber
- Elica
- Hindware
- Glen
- Kaff
In U.S.:
- Broan-NuTone
- GE Appliances
- Whirlpool
- Zephyr
- KitchenAid
Quick Maintenance Tips (So You Don’t Forget)
- Clean filters every 2–4 weeks (more if you cook a lot)
- Wipe the outside after messy cooking sessions
- Replace charcoal filters as per the manual
- Run the fan for a few minutes even after cooking to clear the air
Final Thoughts: Small Fan, Big Difference
I have already mentioned that a kitchen exhaust fan may not be a very attractive addition to your home. But it is also true that a kitchen exhaust fan makes your life easier and healthier, reduces cleaning time and lets you enjoy cooking without the fear of cleaning or odor the next day.
Whether you’re in New Delhi or New York, frying samosas or grilling burgers, a kitchen exhaust fan belongs in every modern kitchen.
Still unsure which one to buy? Feel free to drop your questions in the comments or reach out—we’re happy to help you choose the right one for your needs!
I have a blog on “Kitchen Chimney” you can visit that too if you want.