Hi everyone! I’m planning to buy a new chimney for my kitchen. I’ve shortlisted Elica, Hafele, and Bosch, but I’m totally confused. My main concern is suction power because we do a lot of frying and tadka. Also, I want something easy to clean. Any suggestions? Budget is around ₹20-25k. I live in a small apartment, so noise is also a factor, but suction is my top priority. I’ve heard mixed reviews about all three brands, so I’d love to hear from real users. Thanks in advance!
I believe below table can help you decide better:-
| Feature | Elica | Hafele | Bosch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suction Power | 1200-1400 m³/hr (strong) | 1200-1500 m³/hr (excellent) | 1000-1100 m³/hr (moderate) |
| Noise Level | High on top speed | Moderate | Low (quietest) |
| Filter Type | Baffle filters (easy to clean) | Mesh + carbon filters (efficient) | Cassette filters (less effective) |
| Maintenance Cost | Low (₹1.5k for replacement filters) | High (₹3k for replacement filters) | Moderate (₹2k for replacement filters) |
| Build Quality | Good | Premium | Sleek but less durable |
| Installation | Easy, but ducting may cost extra | Tricky, needs professional installation | Simple, but ductless option is weak |
| After-Sales Service | Inconsistent | Responsive | Average |
| Best For | Heavy Indian cooking (frying, tadka) | Heavy Indian cooking (premium option) | Light cooking or small kitchens |
| Price Range | ₹18k-25k | ₹25k-35k | ₹22k-30k |
| Warranty | 1 year product, 5 years motor | 2 years product | 1 year product |
| Drawbacks | Noisy, LED lights fail, service issues | Expensive filters, sticky touch controls | Weak suction, small oil tray |
Key Takeaways:
- Elica: Best for budget buyers who cook heavily but can tolerate noise and occasional service issues.
- Hafele: Premium option with excellent suction and build quality, but higher maintenance costs.
- Bosch: Quiet and sleek, but not suitable for heavy Indian cooking.
I’ve been using an Elica chimney for the past 2 years, and it’s been pretty good for Indian cooking. The suction is strong (around 1200 m³/hr), and it handles frying fish and tempering spices without any issues. The baffle filters are easy to clean, but you’ll need to wipe them every 10-15 days if you cook daily. The noise level is a bit high on the top speed, but it’s manageable.
Hafele is also a great option if you can stretch your budget a bit. Their filters are more efficient, and the build quality feels premium. Bosch is quieter, but I’ve heard their suction isn’t the best for heavy Indian cooking. If you’re someone who cooks a lot of fried food or does heavy tadka, I’d recommend sticking to Elica or Hafele. Bosch is more suited for light cooking or if you have a small kitchen.
I agree with Anmol. I have a Hafele chimney, and it’s been a game-changer for my kitchen. The suction is powerful, and the mesh filters trap even the finest oil particles. However, the replacement filters are a bit expensive (around ₹3k), so keep that in mind. The build quality is excellent, and it looks very sleek in my modern kitchen.
Elica is good for budget buyers, but the noise level is higher compared to Hafele. I’ve used both, and while Elica does the job well, Hafele feels more premium and durable. Bosch is quieter, but it struggles with heavy smoke, so I wouldn’t recommend it for Indian cooking unless you’re a light cook.
Here’s a quick comparison based on my experience:
-
Elica: Best for heavy frying and tadka. Affordable but noisy. The suction power is excellent, but the motor can give up after 2-3 years if used heavily.
-
Hafele: Premium build, excellent suction, but costly filters. The installation process can be a bit tricky, so make sure you get it done by a professional.
-
Bosch: Quiet and sleek, but struggles with heavy smoke. It’s more suited for light cooking or small kitchens.
If you’re on a tight budget, go for Elica. If you can spend a bit more, Hafele is worth it. Avoid Bosch if you cook a lot of oily or fried food
Thanks for the insights, everyone! I’m leaning towards Elica, but I’ve heard their after-sales service isn’t great. Can anyone confirm? Also, how often do you need to replace the filters? I cook almost daily, so I want to make sure I’m not spending too much on maintenance.
I’ve had an Elica chimney for 3 years now. The suction is fantastic, but yes, the after-sales service is hit or miss. When my motor stopped working last year, it took almost 10 days to get it repaired. If service is a big concern, Hafele might be a better option. Their customer care is more responsive.
As for the filters, I clean them every 10-15 days and replace them once a year. The replacement filters cost around ₹1.5k, which is reasonable. If you cook daily, you might need to replace them sooner, depending on how oily your cooking is.
I’ve been using a Hafele chimney for 6 months now, and it’s been amazing. The suction is so strong that even my neighbor’s kitchen smells less like curry now! 😂 The only downside is the cost of maintenance. Those filters are pricey, but they do last longer than Elica’s. If you can afford the initial investment, Hafele is definitely worth it.
One last thing—check for discounts during festive sales. I got my Hafele chimney for ₹22k during Diwali last year. Amazon and Flipkart usually have great deals. Also, don’t forget to check cashback offers on credit cards. I saved an extra ₹2k using my card during the sale.
One more thing to consider is the ducting type. If your kitchen doesn’t have an external wall, you might need to go for a ductless chimney. Elica and Hafele both offer good ductless options, but keep in mind that ductless chimneys require more frequent filter changes.
I have a ductless Hafele, and while it works well, I have to clean the filters every week. It’s a small price to pay for a smoke-free kitchen, though.
