Setting up a new kitchen or renovating an old one or just buying a chimney for the first time?
If you’ve started looking for a chimney, you already know how confusing it gets — so many models, so many numbers, and every brand claiming to be “India’s best.”
Let’s make this simple.
In India, three names dominate the chimney market — Elica, Faber, and KAFF.
These three brands dominate the Indian market and are known for their wide range of models, auto-clean technology, and after-sales support.
All three make good products, but they differ slightly in performance, noise levels, and overall value.
Here is a straightforward comparison of Elica, Faber, and KAFF based on important parameters such as suction power, design, cleaning system, noise, and price
Quick Product Suggestions
If you are short on time and just want quick picks:
Best overall for Indian cooking:
🔗 Faber 90 cm 1500 m³/hr Hood Iris BLDC Filterless Auto-Clean Chimney
It’s one of the most powerful yet efficient chimneys under ₹22 000.
With 1500 m³/hr suction, a BLDC motor, and filterless auto-clean tech, it handles heavy oil and spice cooking beautifully.
Quiet and premium choice:
🔗 Elica Deep Silent Chimney with EDS3 Technology
This model uses Elica’s patented EDS3 (Elica Deep Silence) technology to drastically cut motor noise — ideal for open kitchens where the TV and conversations are just a few feet away.Budget pick with solid performance:
🔗 KAFF Nebel BF 60 Auto-Clean Chimney
Affordable auto-clean chimney with decent suction and compact size for smaller homesBonus tip:
If you have a small kitchen (< 150 sq ft) and cook only twice a day, Elica’s quieter models are perfect. For big families or daily deep frying, Faber’s 1500 m³/hr series gives much stronger suction
Why Comparing These Brands Makes Sense
Elica, Faber, and KAFF together dominate India’s residential chimney market.
Each brand brings something different:
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Elica focuses on quiet operation and stylish design.
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Faber is known for powerful suction and long-term durability.
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KAFF provides budget-friendly models with decent performance.
All three have manufacturing setups in India and good online availability. But their real-world performance varies a lot once installed — and that’s what most buyers miss
| Feature | Elica | Faber | KAFF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | 1100 – 1425 m³/hr | 1200 – 1500+ m³/hr | 1000 – 1400 m³/hr |
| Filter Type | Baffle / Filterless Auto-clean | Mostly Filterless Auto-clean | Baffle + some Auto-clean |
| Noise Level | Quieter (~55 dB) | Louder (~60–65 dB) | Moderate (~58–62 dB) |
| Build Quality | Sleek, modern | Strong, durable | Good for price |
| Design Appeal | High | Average | Decent |
| After-Sales Service | Strong in metros | Wider coverage | Improving |
| Price Range (2025) | ₹8,000–₹22,000 | ₹9,000–₹27,000 | ₹7,000–₹20,000 |
| Ideal For | Stylish modular kitchens | Heavy, oily Indian cooking | Budget buyers |
1) Suction Power
This decides how fast the chimney clears smoke and fumes.
Faber tops the chart with 1500 m³/hr, perfect for deep frying or daily spicy cooking.
Elica offers enough for moderate cooking (1100 – 1425 m³/hr).
KAFF sits between them — decent for smaller kitchens.
Verdict: Faber 90 cm 1500 m³/hr wins for power.
2) Noise Levels
Elica’s EDS3 technology really works — it’s one of the quietest options available.
Faber is a bit noisier, but the noise comes with stronger suction.
KAFF noise depends on model — some are moderate, others slightly loud.
Bonus Tip:
Noise usually increases when the duct pipe has extra bends. Try to keep your duct run short and straight — it can cut noise by 15–20%.
Verdict: For silence, Elica 60 cm 1500 m3/hr Baffle Filter Autoclean Kitchen Chimney.
3) Filter & Cleaning
All three brands now sell filterless auto-clean chimneys. These use centrifugal fans to throw oil into a small cup that you can remove and wash.
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Elica: smaller collector cup, compact design.
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Faber: bigger collector, longer intervals between cleaning.
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KAFF: both baffle and filterless, depending on model.
Verdict: Tie between Faber and Elica for convenience.
4) Design & Looks
Elica wins this hands-down. Their black-glass finish and touch panels look far more premium than Faber’s utilitarian designs.
KAFF stays minimal — decent, not flashy.
Verdict: Elica for style; Faber for practicality.
5) After-Sales Service
This varies by city.
Elica is great in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Faber has deeper reach — even in mid-size towns.
KAFF is growing but not everywhere yet.
Verdict: Faber edges out others for service network.
Real-World Feedback (From Our Forum)
Here’s what actual users have reported over time:
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Elica owners love how quiet the motor is and how easily the touch panel works. Some say the oil cup could be slightly larger.
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Faber users mention strong suction and long motor life. A few note the noise at max speed but say it’s worth it.
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KAFF buyers are generally happy with the performance for light cooking but find customer service slower in smaller cities.
You can read more user reviews or share your own here:
Join the discussion on Pro Home Forum
Bonus Tips While Choosing
Tip 1: If your kitchen size is under 150 sq ft, you don’t need anything beyond 1200 m³/hr suction. Buying higher suction just adds noise and cost.
Tip 2: Always go for auto-clean or filterless models. Manual filters need washing every week in Indian cooking.
Tip 3: Insist on a 6-inch duct pipe (short, straight path). It improves efficiency by up to 30 %.
Tip 4: Register your warranty online within 7 days — it speeds up service requests later.
Tip 5: Clean the oil collector every 2–3 weeks even in auto-clean chimneys. It prevents residue buildup
Which One Should You Buy?
Let’s simplify:
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Choose Elica if you want a quiet, elegant chimney for a modular kitchen.
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Choose Faber if you need raw suction and durability for heavy, daily Indian cooking.
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Choose KAFF if you want a practical, budget-friendly option for lighter use.
If you still can’t decide, here’s a one-line guide:
Faber = Power | Elica = Silence | KAFF = Value
Maintenance & Long-Term Care
Even the best chimney needs care to last.
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Wipe the hood exterior weekly to prevent oil stains.
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Empty the oil collector regularly.
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Check the duct pipe yearly for leaks or cracks — they reduce suction.
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Schedule professional servicing once a year.
Following these 4 steps keeps performance consistent and the kitchen clean for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which brand has the best service network in India?
➡ Faber, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Q2: Which chimney is best for a small Indian apartment?
➡ Elica WDFL 606 HAC MS NERO — compact, quiet, easy to clean.
Q3: Which is the most powerful chimney?
➡ Faber Primus Plus 3D T2S2 BK (1500 m³/hr).
Q4: Is KAFF a good brand?
➡ Yes. For budget buyers, it’s reliable — but service is still expanding.
Q5: Are filterless chimneys really maintenance-free?
➡ Not 100 %. They still need cleaning of the oil collector every few weeks.
Bonus: Little Things That Make a Big Difference
1) Install a chimney slightly higher than eye level (24–30 inches above the stove). Too low causes heat damage; too high reduces suction.
2) Ask the installer to seal gaps around the duct with aluminum tape — small leaks drastically reduce suction efficiency.
3) For apartments with shared vents, check society rules. Some don’t allow direct external ducts; in that case, opt for recirculating models with carbon filters (temporary solution).
4) During monsoon, oil residue thickens faster — wipe the hood weekly
Closing Thoughts-
Choosing a kitchen chimney isn’t only about brand — it’s about how you cook.
If you fry often, Faber will make your life easier.
If you value peace and a clean aesthetic, Elica is worth it.
If you want basic functionality without breaking the bank, KAFF is the sensible pick.
Whichever you choose, invest in proper installation and regular maintenance — that’s the real secret to a smoke-free, spotless kitchen.
Happy cooking, and breathe easy!