Choosing the right kitchen chimney can make a huge difference in keeping your Kerala kitchen clean, odor-free, and stylish. Whether you enjoy the aroma of coconut oil splutter or the rich steam of fish curry bubbling on the stove, having a powerful chimney is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Many homeowners today face a common dilemma: should they buy a wall-mounted chimney or an island chimney? Both serve the purpose of removing smoke and grease efficiently, yet each one fits a different kitchen layout and lifestyle.
Let’s explore the differences, benefits, and buying tips to help you make the ideal choice for your Kerala home
What is a wall-mounted chimney?
A wall-mounted chimney is installed against the wall above your cooking platform. It’s the most popular choice for traditional and modern Indian kitchens, especially in apartments and compact homes.
Kerala homes often feature kitchens positioned near walls, making wall mounted chimneys ideal. These chimneys come in various sizes (60cm and 90cm are most common) and are built to handle heavy smoke from dishes like meen fry, chicken roast, or spicy beef curry.
Advantages:
- Perfect for wall-adjacent cooking platforms
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Cost-effective compared to island designs
- Wide range of models available across brands
When you buy a kitchen chimney for a standard wall layout kitchen, this is usually the default choice.
What is an Island Chimney?
An island chimney is installed above a cooking platform located in the center of the kitchen. This open layout is increasingly popular in modern luxury homes and villas across Kerala, especially in cities like Calicut, Kochi, and Trivandrum.
Designed for aesthetic appeal and functionality, island chimneys are stylish yet powerful, often equipped with advanced suction systems to manage floating oil particles and strong cooking odors.
Advantages:
- Ideal for open and island-style kitchens
- Provides 360° smoke suction capability
- Adds a premium, decorative element to your kitchen
- Suitable for large cooking spaces
Homeowners setting up a modular or island kitchen chimney often choose these for both performance and visual appeal.
Key Differences Between Wall-Mounted and Island Chimneys

Understanding these distinctions makes it easier to buy a chimney online that suits your cooking habits and kitchen layout.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Chimney
Before you finalize your purchase, keep these practical points in mind:
- Kitchen Layout: A wall-mounted model suits wall-facing stove setups, while an island chimney is designed for center islands.
- Cooking Style: Kerala cooking uses rich coconut oil and masalas. Choose high suction (1200–1500 m³/hr) models.
- Size of Stove: Opt for a chimney 1.5 times wider than your cooking range.
- Duct or Ductless: Ducted chimneys perform better for coconut and seafood cooking odors.
- Noise Level: Go for silent or noise-reduction models if your kitchen is open.
- Filters: Baffle filters are best suited for Indian kitchens due to heavy grilling and frying.
Choosing the right model ensures your chimney lasts long and keeps your kitchen fresh even after heavy-duty Kerala-style frying.
Performance in Kerala Homes
Kerala’s humid climate and preference for spicy, oily cooking make chimney performance crucial.
- Wall-mounted chimneys work best in compact flats or older homes with limited space. These chimneys effectively remove steam from pressure cooking and fish frying.
- Island chimneys shine in modern, open-concept kitchens often seen in new villas. They maintain fresh air circulation even with multiple dishes cooking at once.
Brands available at leading Kitchen appliances Calicut stores, such as Kannan Kandy, feature models tailored to Kerala kitchens—durable filters, easy-clean steel finishes, and energy-efficient designs.
Price Comparison in India

While wall-mounted chimneys deliver solid performance within budget, island chimneys come at a premium for their advanced design and features. The choice depends on your kitchen design and cooking habits.
Which One Should You Choose? Expert Recommendation
If your cooking area is near a wall, a wall-mounted chimney is the practical choice. It balances cost, efficiency, and easy maintenance—perfect for Kerala families that cook daily.
However, if you’ve invested in a spacious island kitchen with a central stove, go for an island kitchen chimney. It offers high-end performance and complements the modern interiors of your home.
Expert Tip: Always check the suction power rating before you buy. For Kerala-style cooking (deep-frying and roasting), models between 1200 m³/hr to 1500 m³/hr are highly recommended.
Why Buy Chimney from Trusted Stores in Kerala
When you’re ready to buy chimney online, trust local experts who understand Kerala homes and cooking habits.
At Kannan Kandy, you’ll find top brands, genuine pricing, and after-sales support that ensures long-lasting satisfaction.
From wall mounted chimneys to island chimneys, Kannan Kandy offers a personalized buying experience tailored to your kitchen’s setup. Their experts help you choose the right size, suction capacity, and model that aligns with your family’s cooking style.
Visit your nearest Kannan Kandy showroom or their online store to explore the latest Kitchen appliances Calicut homeowners trust most.
Conclusion
Both wall-mounted and island chimneys bring unique advantages to your kitchen. For most Kerala homes, the wall-mounted option is cost-effective and efficient. But if you’re designing a modern island kitchen, opting for an elegant island model can elevate both performance and style.
Whichever you choose, investing in a high-quality chimney ensures cleaner air, less grease buildup, and a more enjoyable cooking environment.
Ready to upgrade? Explore leading models and buy kitchen chimney online from trusted Kerala home appliance stores like KannanKandy for genuine products and expert guidance.
FAQs on Kitchen Chimneys for Kerala Homes
1. Which chimney type is best for Kerala cooking?
Wall-mounted chimneys with high suction power and baffle filters are ideal for Kerala’s spicy and oily cuisine.
2. Do island chimneys suit apartments in Kerala?
Not usually. Island chimneys need ceiling space and are better for villa-style kitchens.
3. How often should I clean chimney filters?
For heavy Kerala cooking, clean filters every 10–15 days for optimal suction.
4. Can I install a wall-mounted chimney myself?
It’s recommended to use a professional installer, especially to ensure proper duct venting.
5. Where can I buy the best kitchen chimney in Calicut?
You can check trusted stores like Kannan Kandy for the latest wall-mounted and island kitchen chimney models available both online and offline.

