Hey everyone, I'm planning to buy a new kitchen chimney for my home, and I’m really confused between Elica and Hindware. Both seem to have good reviews, but I want to make sure I’m making the right choice since this will be a long-term investment. We cook a lot of Indian food at home, especially stuff like tadka and frying, which creates a lot of smoke and oil. I’ve heard that some chimneys aren’t as good at handling the kind of oily vapors that come from Indian cooking.
Can someone who’s used either of these brands help me understand the pros and cons? Things like suction power, ease of cleaning, and durability are really important to me. Also, if there are any hidden maintenance costs or service issues, I’d like to know about them before deciding. Please share your experiences and valuable insights which can help me making up my mind. Thanks in advance!
I’ve been using an Elica chimney for the past two years, and honestly, I’m really happy with it. The suction power is quite strong, and it clears out the smoke and grease very effectively, especially during heavy frying and cooking. Elica chimneys also tend to have a sleek, modern design, which blends well with modular kitchens. Plus, the noise level isn’t too high, which is a huge relief!
I had considered Hindware as well, but what finally swayed me towards Elica was the overall build quality. It feels more durable, and the after-sales service (at least in my area) has been prompt. So far, no major issues, but the filters do need regular cleaning if you cook Indian food daily.
If I had to point out drawbacks for both brands:
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Elica: While it looks stylish and works well, the replacement parts can be expensive. Some models also require more frequent filter cleaning if you cook heavily with oil, which can be a bit of a hassle if you don’t want to spend on service calls.
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Hindware: The noise level is definitely noticeable, especially on higher suction levels. Also, while it’s cheaper initially, the build quality doesn’t feel as robust as Elica over time. You might start noticing wear and tear sooner.
Another thing with both brands is that if you don’t clean the filters regularly, the suction efficiency drops, which can lead to issues with smoke not being cleared properly during cooking.
I’m currently stuck between the same two brands as well. Do any of these brands offer good service in smaller cities or towns? I’ve heard mixed reviews about after-sales support, especially outside metro areas.
That’s a good point about after-sales service. I’m in a Tier-2 city, and I own an Elica chimney. While the product itself is great, the after-sales service can be a hit or miss depending on your location. I had to call a couple of times to get a technician to clean the filters, and it took longer than expected.
From what I’ve heard from friends with Hindware chimneys, their service isn’t much different in smaller towns. So I think this is one area where both brands can improve. If you’re in a metro city, you shouldn’t face this issue as much.
I went with Hindware because I was looking for something affordable yet functional. I didn’t need all the fancy features that Elica offers, just a basic chimney that does its job. And so far, it’s been doing exactly that.
I did notice the noise that people are mentioning, but in my case, it hasn’t been a dealbreaker. Also, I do a quick clean of the filters every month, so haven’t faced any major issues. I’d say, if you’re budget-conscious, Hindware is a solid option.
