Island Chimney Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Chimney Size for an Island Kitchen
Designing an island kitchen can be exciting until questions about the island chimney size arise. Too small, and the smoke spreads across the room. Too large, and the chimney dominates the space without adding real value. The goal is simple – match chimney size for island kitchen layouts to the way cooking actually happens in Indian homes. This guide explains ideal island chimney size, common widths, how to measure correctly, and how suction capacity ties into everything. For a deeper overview of models and features, explore the Island Chimney Buying Guide.
What Is the Ideal Island Chimney Size?
The ideal island chimney size is based on a simple rule: the chimney should be at least as wide as the cooktop, and ideally, slightly wider. When the hood overhangs the cooktop by a few centimeters on each side, it captures rising smoke, steam, and oil particles more effectively.
For example, a 60 cm cooktop usually pairs best with a 60–75 cm hood, while a 75 cm or 90 cm cooktop works best with a 90 cm island chimney size. This coverage ensures that fumes do not escape from the sides during everyday cooking.
In Indian kitchens, this rule matters even more. Regular tadka, deep frying, grilling, and cooking with spices generate heavy smoke and greasy vapours. An undersized hood struggles to trap them, which leads to sticky cabinets and lingering odour. So, for typical Indian usage, the ideal island chimney size is often one step larger than the bare minimum recommended width.
When planning island chimney dimensions, think of the chimney as a protective umbrella over the cooktop. The wider the umbrella compared with the stove, the better the protection against smoke spreading into the rest of the kitchen and adjoining living area.
Standard Island Chimney Sizes Explained
Most brands offer a few standard island chimney sizes. Knowing what each size is best suited for makes selection much easier. The most common widths are:
● 60 cm
● 75 cm
● 90 cm
These island chimney dimensions cover almost all common island cooktop sizes and kitchen layouts.
1. 60 cm Island Chimney Size
A 60 cm island chimney size typically suits:
● Compact island cooktops (two to three burners)
● Small to mid-size kitchen islands
● Homes where cooking is light to moderate
This width works best when:
● The cooktop below is also 60 cm wide.
● The island is not very wide and sits close to the main working zone.
● Cooking styles involve boiling, shallow frying, and occasional deep frying rather than heavy everyday frying.
Even for 60 cm island chimney dimensions, installation height and suction power play a huge role. If the chimney hangs higher than recommended, a small hood might not capture all fumes. In such cases, stepping up to 75 cm may deliver more effective coverage.
2. 75 cm Island Chimney Size
Many Indian homes find a sweet spot in the 75 cm island chimney size. It balances coverage with aesthetics and suits:
● Medium-sized island kitchens
● Standard 3–4 burner cooktops
● Open kitchens where odour control is important
A 75 cm hood generally provides better side coverage than 60 cm models without overpowering the kitchen visually. In terms of chimney size for island kitchen setups, this is often a practical middle ground.
Coverage and efficiency improve because the hood can overlap the cooktop edges by a few centimetres. That overlap helps capture smoke that drifts sideways when pans are moved or when high flames push air out quickly. This size also pairs well with mid to high suction capacities typically recommended for Indian cooking.
3. 90 cm Island Chimney Size
For large island kitchens and heavy-duty cooking, a 90 cm island chimney size is the top pick. This width works especially well when:
● The cooktop is 75–90 cm wide.
● Cooking includes frequent deep frying, grilling, or tandoor-style preparations.
● The kitchen is open to the living or dining area, where odours travel easily.
A 90 cm hood offers generous coverage across the entire cooktop and provides a wider capture area for smoke and steam. When combined with high suction capacity, this size handles high smoke output with ease.
In open-concept Indian homes, a larger island chimney size protects sofas, curtains, and décor from oil particles that would otherwise travel beyond the kitchen zone. So whenever space and budget allow, 90 cm island chimney dimensions often become the most future-proof choice.
Chimney Size for Island Kitchen Based on Cooktop Width
Choosing the right island chimney for the kitchen depends on the width of your cooktop and the intensity of daily cooking. Once the cooktop width is clear, matching the chimney size becomes straightforward.
Here is a simple guide that aligns chimney size for island kitchen layouts with common cooktop widths:
| Cooktop Width | Recommended Island Chimney Size | Notes |
| Up to 60 cm | 60–75 cm | 75 cm preferred for heavy Indian cooking |
| 70–75 cm | 75–90 cm | 90 cm ideal island chimney size for open kitchens |
| 80–90 cm | 90 cm | Best for large islands and 4–5 burner cooktops |
A few practical tips help refine the decision:
● Small cooktop, heavy cooking: Even with a 60 cm cooktop, frequent frying or grilling in an open kitchen benefits from a 75 cm hood.
● Future upgrades: If there is a chance of replacing the cooktop with a wider one later, selecting a bigger island chimney size today avoids reinstallation.
● Visual alignment: The hood should visually centre above the cooktop and align with the island. A 90 cm hood above a very narrow island may look oversized, while a 60 cm hood above a wide island may feel lost.
When in doubt between two island chimney dimensions, the larger one usually provides better coverage for Indian cooking styles, as long as it fits proportionally with the island and ceiling height.
How to Measure Island Chimney Size Correctly
Correct measurement ensures the selected island chimney size actually works in the real space, not just on paper. Three key aspects matter: width, distance from the cooktop, and ceiling height.
1. Width Measurement Rules
Start by measuring the exact width of the cooktop in centimetres. Do not assume; check the specification or measure from left edge to right edge with a measuring tape.
Once the cooktop width is known:
● Choose a chimney at least equal to the cooktop width.
● Prefer a hood 10–15 cm wider when possible.
For example, a 75 cm cooktop pairs best with an island chimney with dimensions of 90 cm. This slight overhang on both sides improves smoke capture and reduces the chances of fumes escaping during vigorous cooking.
2. Distance Between Cooktop and Chimney
The vertical gap between the cooktop and the chimney base directly affects performance.
● If the chimney hangs too low, it interferes with cooking and may be unsafe.
● If it hangs too high, smoke and steam spread out before the hood can pull them in.
Most manufacturers recommend a distance of approximately 65–75 cm between the gas cooktop and the chimney base for Indian kitchens. Always check the product manual, but use this as a working range during planning.
When calculating island chimney size and placement, remember to account for:
● Thickness of the countertop.
● Any raised burners or pan supports.
● The mounting kit length from the ceiling.
3. Ceiling Height Considerations
Ceiling height influences the type of hanging kit, duct routing, and the visual impact of the island hood. Measure the height from finished floor to ceiling, then subtract counter height and the recommended gap above the cooktop. The remaining number is the maximum vertical space available for the chimney body and decorative flue.
For tall ceilings:
● A longer flue or extension kit may be required.
● A stronger suction capacity often helps compensate for the extra distance smoke travels before reaching the hood.
For low ceilings:
● Ensure the hood can be installed at the manufacturer’s minimum safe height.
● Avoid very bulky designs that visually crowd the space.
By combining accurate width measurement, proper vertical clearance, and ceiling height planning, island chimney dimensions can be chosen with confidence.
Common Mistakes When Selecting Island Chimney Size
A few common mistakes often lead to poor performance, even if the chimney is branded and powerful. Avoiding these errors keeps the island chimney size decision on track.
1. Choosing a Chimney Narrower Than the Cooktop
When the hood is narrower than the cooktop, smoke and steam easily escape from the sides. Over time, this causes sticky cabinets, stained ceiling areas, and persistent odours. Always ensurethe island chimney size meets or exceeds cooktop width.
2. Ignoring Ceiling Height and Island Position
Sometimes buyers focus only on the island chimney dimensions and ignore the ceiling height. If the ceiling is very high, the hood may end up too far from the cooktop and lose effectiveness. In some layouts, the island itself might be offset or unusually wide, which changes how well the chimney can centre over the burners.
Measuring the kitchen carefully before buying prevents this mismatch.
3. Selecting Size Based Only on Design
A sleek, compact design can be tempting, but design alone cannot decide the ideal island chimney size. A small hood might look minimal but fail to handle heavy frying and masala-rich recipes.
The best approach is to first match chimney size for island kitchen requirements based on cooktop width and cooking style, then shortlist designs and finishes that fit the chosen size. Performance should guide aesthetics, not the other way around.
Island Chimney Size vs Suction Capacity
Island chimney size and suction capacity go hand in hand. A wide hood with weak suction will not perform well, while a powerful motor inside a very narrow hood may still miss smoke escaping from the sides.
For Indian cooking, which produces dense smoke and oil particles, both the island chimney dimensions and suction power must align with the size of the kitchen and the intensity of use. Larger kitchens and open layouts usually demand:
● Wider chimneys (75 cm or 90 cm)
● Higher suction capacities suitable for frequent deep frying and grilling
As a general guideline:
● 60 cm island chimney size often pairs with moderate suction for small kitchens and lighter cooking.
● 75 cm and 90 cm sizes usually work best with higher suction levels that can quickly clear air in open-plan spaces.
Oversizing suction power slightly is often better than undersizing, provided noise levels remain acceptable, and ducting is properly planned. For a practical balance between size, suction, and design, browsing a curated range of island chimneys for kitchen models helps narrow down the best options.
How to Choose the Right Island Chimney Size for Your Kitchen
Bringing everything together, the right island chimney size depends on a mix of technical and practical factors. A quick checklist makes the decision easier.
1. Start With Cooktop Width
● Measure the cooktop accurately.
● Match or exceed that width when choosing the hood.
● Prefer a slightly larger island chimney size for Indian-style cooking.
2. Consider Kitchen Layout and Island Proportions
● Small islands and compact kitchens usually suit 60–75 cm chimneys.
● Medium to large islands often look and perform better with 75–90 cm hoods.
● Open-plan kitchens benefit from wider island chimney dimensions to control odour spread.
3. Think About Cooking Intensity
● Light daily cooking with occasional frying can work with 60–75 cm hoods.
● Heavy frying, grilling, or entertaining guests frequently leans towards a 90 cm ideal island chimney size.
4. Check Ceiling Height and Installation Range
● Confirm the hood can be installed at the right distance above the cooktop.
● Ensure the flue or duct cover can reach the ceiling neatly.
● Factor in false ceilings or decorative panels if present.
5. Align Suction Capacity With Size
● Avoid pairing a very wide hood with low suction power.
● In Indian kitchens, higher suction capacities generally deliver better long-term comfort.
6. Balance Performance and Design
Once the suitable chimney size for island kitchen layouts is clear, designs, finishes, and lighting styles can be chosen freely within that size bracket. This way, the final choice looks good and performs well without compromise.
FAQs on Island Chimney Size
For most Indian homes, the ideal island chimney size equals or exceeds the cooktop width and supports the cooking style. A 60 cm cooktop usually pairs best with a 60–75 cm hood, while a 75 cm or 90 cm cooktop typically works well with a 90 cm hood. Heavy frying and open kitchen layouts normally benefit from the larger option.
The best chimney size for island kitchen setups depends on cooktop width, kitchen size, and how much smoke cooking generates. In many medium to large island kitchens, 75 cm or 90 cm island chimney dimensions provide the best balance of coverage and performance because they offer stronger smoke capture across the full width of the stove.
Yes, a 60 cm island chimney size can work for a small cooktop and compact kitchen. However, if the kitchen is open to the living area or if cooking includes a lot of deep frying and tadka, stepping up to 75 cm often delivers much better results. A slightly larger hood improves capture efficiency and reduces odour spread.
To calculate chimney size for island kitchen layouts:
1. Measure the cooktop width in centimetres.
2. Choose a hood at least as wide, preferably 10–15 cm wider, for Indian cooking.
3. Check ceiling height and ensure the recommended distance between cooktop and chimney can be maintained.
4. Match suction capacity to both the chosen hood width and overall kitchen volume.
This method ensures island chimney dimensions fit the space and handle daily cooking comfortably.
Island chimney size directly affects how effectively suction performance translates into real-world smoke and odour control. A wide hood combined with strong suction captures more fumes, especially during heavy cooking. A narrow hood with good suction may still allow smoke to escape from the sides. For Indian kitchens, using the right combination of island chimney size and adequate suction power produces the best results.
The width options may be similar, but island chimney size planning is usually more critical than for wall-mounted models. An island chimney is exposed from all sides because there is no wall to help channel the smoke towards the hood. This makes proper island chimney dimensions and placement essential. Slightly larger hoods often work better over islands than they would in wall-mounted installations, especially in open-plan Indian homes.
