An air purifier for the kitchen or a range hood, which is better? Which is better to choose: a hood or an air purifier An air purifier for the kitchen with a carbon filter.

Any cooking in the kitchen is associated with the abundant release of a wide variety of odors, some of which are pleasant, and some of which are not so pleasant. It’s great when the kitchen is equipped with a powerful hood that promptly removes all odors from the room. What to do if you follow the latest fashion trends and you have a studio apartment through which odors, moisture, grease and other contaminants spread at such a speed that no hood can handle it? There is only one way out, to equip the cooking room with such useful and modern device like a kitchen air purifier.

Operating principle of the device

An air purifier for the room in which food is prepared is a device that operates on the principle of recirculation. The fan sucks in contaminated air masses and drives them through the filtration system, and then delivers them back into the room. There are models that are mounted above the stove and, after cleaning, exhaust air into ventilation system, just like a regular kitchen umbrella. Filter elements good cleaner air allow you to cope with such pollutants as:

  • Gas combustion products.
  • Soot.
  • Mechanical inclusions.

In addition, the cleaner does an excellent job of removing dust, pet hair and various odors.

Types of Kitchen Cleaners

Any consumer electronics supermarket will offer you several dozen state-of-the-art kitchen air purifiers. But in order to avoid becoming a victim of advertising and marketing gimmicks, you should know that all air purifiers for the kitchen work on the principle of recirculation, remove air masses into the ventilation, or can combine both types of operation. They don't know how to cook, wash or play with a dog.

On modern market HVAC equipment is offered by wall-mounted, floor-mounted and table-top devices, many of which, in addition to multi-stage cleaning, have the ability to saturate it with useful air ions, ozone, etc.

Filters used in kitchen air purifiers

Almost all kitchen air purifying devices are equipped with a multi-stage filtration system.

As a rule, air purifiers for the kitchen above the stove have 2 filters.

  1. A grease filter, which is a cassette made of several layers of perforated aluminum or plastic that can be washed in warm running water.
  2. Air filter fine cleaning. It is a cassette with a fibrous structure that traps dust, mechanical inclusions, etc.

Some models also install a third filter – a carbon filter, which effectively fights unpleasant odors.

The main advantage of the grease filter is that it can be washed. Carbon, paper and fiber filter elements must be completely replaced every 1-4 months. And this is already a drawback, which, given the current cost of accessories, can cost a pretty penny.

Mobile kitchen air purifiers, as a rule, have more extensive equipment. In addition to a coarse filter and a carbon filter element, such devices can be equipped with an electrostatic filter, the operating principle of which is based on creating an electric field and attracting contaminants to the electrodes.

Some models of mobile kitchen cleaners are equipped with a photocatalytic filter, which decomposes any organic matter into safe elements.

Both types of filters do not require replacement, although devices with such a cleaning system are quite expensive.

How to choose an air purifier for the kitchen

Before you start choosing this device, you should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of all types of air purifiers for the kitchen.

Above-slab recirculation units have the following advantages:

  • Easy installation.
  • Effectiveness of air purification from grease, fumes and unpleasant odors.
  • During the cold season, warm air masses are not removed from the room.

The disadvantages include the high cost of filter elements and the space required small kitchens from our compatriots.

Above-slab exhaust-type air cleaners have the following advantages:

  • Great performance.
  • Serious savings on filter elements.

The disadvantages include: enough high level noise, output warm air from the apartment into the atmosphere. Such appliances also take up space in the kitchen.

Mobile kitchen air purifiers have the following advantages:

  • Mobility.
  • Advanced functionality.
  • More quality system air filtration.
  • Low noise level.
  • No installation problems.
  • Possibility of use in other rooms.

The disadvantages of such a device include not the most affordable cost, lower performance than hoods and the need to periodically replace consumables.

Many of our compatriots ask the question: “What is the difference between a hood and an air purifier for the kitchen?” Frankly, the question is not simple, since hoods and most models of kitchen purifiers have almost the same appearance and functions. Of course, any hood can be called a kitchen purifier, but in fact this device does not clean the air, but generally removes it by releasing it through the ventilation into the atmosphere. A real kitchen air purifier has a filtration system, cleans and supplies air masses for reuse.

Use common sense when choosing a kitchen cleaner. If you are not short on money, then purchase a mixed-type device that can work as an extractor hood and as an effective air purifier.

Perhaps every housewife knows that the air in the kitchen is more difficult to keep clean than in other rooms of the house or apartment. In addition, cooking negatively affects the condition of furniture and interior items - particles of fat, droplets of steam and dust settle on the surface, and various odors are absorbed and accumulated. However, there is a way out of this situation: air purifiers for kitchen will easily help you avoid the above troubles.

Let's look at what they are, purified air for the kitchen. The design of such devices can be incredibly diverse. These can be small devices designed to serve small areas, or large devices, capable of handling large volumes of air. Appearance such products can also be varied - the designers did their best, the products have the most unusual shapes And color solutions. So, air purifiers for kitchen can successfully fit into a strict classic interior or perfectly complement the brightest and most unusual design solution. The control system also depends on the selected model; it can be elementary with mechanical regulators or electronic with a display and touch interface.

The capabilities of the device directly depend on what filters it is equipped with. For example, almost all modern filters are equipped with the most primitive filters - mechanical ones. air purifiers for kitchen. They carry out preliminary cleaning of large dust particles. If the system has a built-in carbon or, as it is also called, carbon filter, then such a device will cope with unpleasant odors in your room. More expensive devices have photocatalytic filters. Here the process already takes place at the molecular level, the filter simply decomposes particles of debris, pathogenic bacteria, viruses and microbes.

The range of devices is quite large. If you decide to get air purifier for kitchen, go to our online catalog, experienced specialists of our company will help you make your choice and assist you in placing your order and its delivery.

Kitchen is a room in a house with an aggressive environment where it is necessary to provide good cleaning air, because it contains unpleasant odors and harmful gas decomposition products released during cooking. A kitchen air purifier does this job perfectly. What kind of device this is, how it is selected and installed, you can find out further.

Operating principle and difference from a classic hood

Conditionally kitchen cleaners can be divided into 2 types - hoods and air purifiers. The meaning of their work is the same - purification of polluted air masses, but the operating principle is different.

The air purifier assumes the following operating scheme:

  • The clogged air is sucked into the device via a fan.
  • In the exhaust pipe, the air is purified by passing through filter elements.
  • The purified mass of air returns to the kitchen.

Due to the fact that the air purifier recirculates air, it is called a recirculating hood.

Classic ones flow hoods work in this order:

  1. Polluted air is drawn into the purifier.
  2. Immediately discharged into the ventilation shaft.
  3. Throws in environment without returning to the premises.

In fact, we can say that conventional hoods completely remove contaminated air masses through a ventilation system or a special opening. Air purifiers return air after filtration. You can clearly see how the operating cycle of both types of devices differs in the following diagram:

It is worth noting that there are mixed hoods with two modes, which are set depending on the degree of air pollution. In the exhaust mode, contaminated air is completely removed from the kitchen through the air duct, and in the recirculation mode, it is taken in, passes through cleaning filters and returned to the room.

Filters for kitchen air purifiers

As noted above, air is drawn into the air purifier and forced through the filters. They can be following types:

  • Carbonic. The most common filter. It cleans the air well from various odors, but does not cope with carbon monoxide. Requires replacement on average once every 3 months.
  • Photocatalytic. This filter does not require cartridge replacement. He decomposes organic matter to simple components that do not harm the human body.
  • Mechanical. Represents metal mesh with tiny cells on which large particles, pet hair, grease, etc. settle. They are installed on almost every modern purifier. These filters need to be washed regularly warm water.
  • Air. Used to retain smaller solid particles. The filter has fibrous structure, in which smaller particles easily settle. Depending on the intensity of use of the device, on average it changes once every 3 months.
  • Electrostatic. Attracts dust, mechanical particles, soot, soot and toxic fumes by creating an electric field. It does not require replacement, but does require regular wet cleaning.

For effective cleansing air quality in the kitchen, it is better to purchase a model that has at least two filters installed.

Types of models

Air purifiers come in several types depending on the mounting method:

  • Flat or hanging. These are the most common and inexpensive options, which have a small height of 7-15 cm, which depends on the shape of the device. They are easily attached to furniture and have a small capacity - up to 300 cubic meters. m/hour, therefore suitable for small kitchens (8-9 sq. m). Such hoods often have a recirculation mode. They are preferable to devices with flow-through mode, since such air ducts remain visible, thereby spoiling the interior of the kitchen.
  • Built-in. This is an ideal, but expensive option, since it is bought immediately as a set with furniture. The advantage of the model is that it is almost completely hidden in the cabinet, so it is practically invisible (only the retractable front panel is visible). Of course, the built-in purifier looks harmonious with kitchen furniture, because they form one whole with it in color, texture, size. These models are more powerful flat type and larger in size.

  • Domed or fireplace. To get an air purifier, you need to purchase a fireplace hood with mixed mode. In appearance they resemble a chimney, since the wide base gradually narrows towards the top. They fit into almost any interior, but take up quite a lot of space. When choosing these purifiers, in addition to size and performance, you should also consider their appearance since they are completely open. They are usually equipped with two decorative boxes, under which the air ducts are hidden. They are made from stainless steel or painted metal, often combined with glass and wood. These are quite powerful purifiers - their productivity can reach up to 1000 cubic meters. m/hour.

Which is better: an air purifier or a regular hood?

It depends on the area of ​​the kitchen and the air circulation in it:

  • if the kitchen is large in area and very little time is required for cooking, then a recirculating air purifier above the stove will be sufficient;
  • If the kitchen is small and has a small window where ventilation is difficult, you should think about installing a hood.

Separately, it is worth taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of each option, which the following table will help with:

pros

Minuses

With recirculation (air purifier)

This mobile device, which can be installed anywhere. During the cold season, it will not remove heat from the room, and also does not affect the moisture circulation in the room. It purifies the air not only from small solid particles, but also retains a variety of odors and fats. Among the disadvantages, expensive maintenance (filter replacement) should be noted, but installing a device with washable filters will help reduce costs.

With bend ( regular hood)

This is a less expensive type in terms of maintenance, since it does not require replacement or reinstallation of filters. Guarantees high performance due to the complete removal of contaminated air into ventilation. It creates virtually no noise during operation. The main disadvantage is installation difficulties, since it is necessary to make ventilation passages to connect the hood to the shaft.

It should be borne in mind that the smoother the air duct runs, the more efficient its operation will be, since the power of the purifier drops by 10% with each turn of the corrugated hose.

How to choose an air purifier?

To buy suitable model, it is necessary to take into account the parameters of the kitchen. Only in this case will the purifier work effectively, and the air during the cooking process will remain fresh and clean. In general, the instructions for choosing an air purifier are as follows:

  1. Choose size work surface . The length of the air purifier should be slightly longer or the same as the width of the stove. In this case, all the “aromas” will immediately enter the hood and will not have time to spread throughout the apartment. There are four on the market standard sizes air purifier - 50, 60, 90 and 120 cm. The most popular are 50 and 60 cm air purifiers, which are chosen for small rooms. If the kitchen is large and the stoves have large size, you will have to choose devices with a length of 90 or 120 cm.
  2. Calculate device performance. You need to make the calculations yourself based on the size of your room. The calculation formula is as follows: multiply the volume of the kitchen by 12 and 1.3. Let's consider each parameter separately:
  • calculate the volume of the room by multiplying the height of the wall and the area;
  • 12 – air exchange rate, which shows how many times per hour the air in the room is completely renewed;
  • 1.3 is a coefficient that takes into account the pumping of air through ventilation in a multi-story building.

Let's look at an example. The kitchen has an area of ​​9 square meters, and the height of the walls is 2.5 m. Then the productivity will be equal to: 9x2.5x12x1.3 = 351 cubic meters. m/hour. So, you need to choose an air purifier whose characteristics indicate approximately the same performance.

  1. Understand the material. It largely determines the cost of the purifier. Decorated aluminum is optimal. It is resistant to corrosion, but dirt quickly settles on it, although it will not be difficult to wash it off. Do you want to give your hood a more “expensive” look? Then consider models made from tempered glass or of stainless steel.
  2. Take account noise level . It is worth choosing a model with a comfortable and acceptable noise level. As a rule, in modern purifiers this figure is within 55 decibels. If it is larger, then the sound of the operating device can cause significant discomfort.

Having understood these parameters, you can choose the optimal air purifier of any type - suspended, built-in or dome-shaped. As for the appropriate type, you should proceed from your own preferences and financial capabilities.

Basic installation rules

Before installing any type of cleaning device, there are two recommendations to consider:

  • Take care of the outlet. Ideally, it should be located at the level of the hood, and the cable should be hidden in the wall, since neither the socket nor the wire should be exposed to steam and heat. It is recommended not to use an extension cord that has extreme tension or sagging in the cord, as this is unsafe.
  • Determine the installation location above the stove at a height of 75 cm. This way, the air purifier will capture all fumes and will not be affected by heat and steam.

The installation of a recirculation and flow device differs from each other. To understand the differences in detail, it is worth considering the installation principle of each device:

  • Air purifier with recirculation mode. This model is easy to install yourself, since everything necessary components for installation are included in the kit along with a cleaner, installation instructions and a sheet with markings for fastening. All markings are checked using building level. After the device is secured, it is plugged into the outlet. It's ready to go.
  • Hood with “outlet” mode. Installation of these models is more labor-intensive, since it is necessary to connect the corrugated hose to the ventilation. They adhere to this order: markings are made on the wall and screws are screwed in, on which the hood is hung. Next, they begin to install the air duct, for which they use an adapter. A corrugated hose is attached to it, and then tightened with a clamp. The second end of the corrugated hose is connected using a clamp to ventilation hole, on which a grille with an adapter is pre-installed.

Air purifiers are devices that help cope with the smell of fat and burning, soot, gas combustion products, dust, hair, unpleasant odors and toxic substances. When purchasing them, you need to take into account the size of your own kitchen and stove, as well as financial capabilities. Whatever air purifier you choose, do not forget that it needs regular care and timely change of filters.

In contact with

This is a device with special fans that push out air, and with it bad smells through tubular air ducts to the street. Installation of any hood involves competent device air paths. The smoother it is, the more efficient the device will work. In the case of a crooked outlet pipe device, the air flow, or rather its power, will be weak. And the more various irregularities in these pipes, the less efficiently the hood works.

Recirculation type air purifiers

Such air purifiers for the kitchen usually have several (sometimes one) filters, which clean the air from unpleasant odors. The main difference between these devices and hoods is their ability to return purified air back into the room. In addition, such devices provide for the use of several filters at once: carbon and conventional mechanical, which is necessary for filtering air from various large suspended particles.

The main disadvantage of air purifiers for the kitchen similar type- high cost and expenses for Consumables, that is, special filters. The latter need to be changed approximately every few months (depending on specific model device).

What should you choose?

In order to decide on the most suitable type air purifier for the kitchen, first of all, carefully analyze all the features of the room where you want to install it. If installing an air duct in your kitchen requires large quantity the cost of paying specialists, as well as related materials, and on top of that, the path for the air mass to escape cannot be made smooth and holes will be required in several walls at once, the best option In this case, a recirculating air purifier will be your solution.

In addition, before purchasing such a device, be sure to take measurements of your own slab above which it will be located.

Mounting type

Air purifiers for the kitchen can also differ from each other in the type of mounting:

1. Hanging hoods are installed directly above the kitchen stove and attached to the furniture.

2. Built-in - attached or built into pieces of kitchen furniture and completely merge with it. For example, you can purchase air purifiers for the kitchen, made in the same style as the furniture, then they will become almost invisible to the eye.

3. Dome or fireplace - they are of the outlet type and resemble in their shape the chimneys of fireplaces, and most importantly, they fit perfectly into almost any interior.

And of course, it is best to choose air purifiers for the kitchen only from trusted manufacturers who have proven themselves well in our country.

It's no secret that even with regular and thorough cleaning of the house, the air in the apartment is saturated various contaminants: bacteria, microscopic particles of epithelium, plant pollen, combustion products formed as a result of operation kitchen stoves. The only one the right decision in the current situation is to install a modern “heavy” air purifier for the kitchen.

Installation of such modern devices allows you to significantly increase the comfort of living indoors, get rid of various types ailments: increased fatigue, headaches, allergic reactions, respiratory diseases and so on.

Many products, one principle

Each specialized supermarket is replete with a variety of household appliances. Qualified employees will be able to tell you quite accurately about all the advantages and disadvantages of each model, the specifics of production, work, manufacturer, and justify the cost of the product.

However, despite the large flow of information, choosing an air purifier is much more banal and simpler. A large assortment Modern air purifiers are based on only 2 basic operating principles: exhaust and recirculation.

It follows from this that devices are divided by type of operation.

  • Exhaust type air purifiers. The operation of products of this type is based on the irreversible removal of various impurities and odors from the kitchen into the ventilation shaft, and then into the environment.
  • Air purifiers are recirculation type. The operation of products of this type is based on the forced emission of air through filters. It should be noted that the air itself does not disappear anywhere, but is only cleansed of odors and dust harmful substances, leaving them in the structure of the filters themselves.
  • Mixed type air purifiers. The operation of mixed type products suggests the possibility of using general functions depending on need and appropriateness.

Range

For recirculating kitchen air purifiers, there are several of the most common types of replacement filters used, including:

  1. Mechanical. Installed to trap debris large size and pet hair. Such filters are usually a mesh with small cells. Mechanical filters coarse cleaning units are installed on almost all models of modern air purifiers. To filter the air from smaller particles of pollen, cement or asbestos dust, the installations use more sensitive fiber filters.
  2. Electrostatic. Captures most microscopic particles floating in the air. Such filters work according to the law of attraction of electrical charges of different polarities. The filter operates by creating an appropriate stable electric field around it, which attracts dust particles. Although electrostatic air purifiers do not require regular replacement, they do require periodic wet cleaning.
  3. Photocatalytic. Such filters effectively decompose the smallest particles, the size of a large molecule, regardless of its production. The action of such filters is carried out using photocatalysis technology, that is, harmful impurities of organic origin are decomposed to the level of absolutely harmless air components.
  4. Coal. Such filters are used to purify air from household pollutants. gas pollution and unpleasant odors. It should be noted that such a filter cannot absorb all gaseous compounds harmful to humans, in particular carbon monoxide.

Important! To achieve maximum cleansing kitchen space from harmful substances, a combination of several filters is often used.

Advantages

Every modern technical device has its advantages and disadvantages, knowing about which will make it much easier to make a purchase. So let's get started.

Advantages of a recirculation hood system:

  1. Ease of installation. Such Appliances does not require the installation of additional ventilation shafts and complex systems for removing polluted air. The operation of the device begins immediately after the purifier is installed above the stove and connected to the electrical network.
  2. Valuable heat will not leave the walls of the kitchen during the cold season.
  3. It perfectly cleans the air, trapping all odors, fumes and fats.

Advantages exhaust system kitchen ventilation:

  1. The silent operation of the device is due to the easy and unhindered removal of “heavy” air masses through special ventilation shafts.
  2. Saving on accompanying materials. In such systems there is no need to periodically change and install new filters, which are by no means cheap.
  3. The high efficiency factor is based on the principle of absolute elimination of “heavy” air and moisture in the air.

Installation of the unit in accordance with individual parameters

To make the right choice of the required household equipment for the kitchen, you should decide on several important criteria. Having decided on the parameters, it will be much easier for you to not only right choice, but also avoid unnecessary costs. So let's get started.

  • We define right size working surface. Length working area the hood should be equal to or slightly larger than the working surface of the stove. This condition must be met so that all odors generated go directly into the hood and do not spread throughout the kitchen. Today there are 3 standard sizes of hoods: 60, 90 and 120 cm. There are cases when the stove is placed in the center of the kitchen. Then a hood is required custom sizes working surface.
  • We calculate productivity. Productivity is determined by the volume of air that the air purifier is able to process in 1 hour. There are 2 productivity: declared and calculated.

Important! The performance indicated in the technical data sheet must always be greater than the calculated one.

To determine the estimated productivity, you should calculate the volume of the kitchen, then multiply this number by 12 and 1.3.

12 is the air exchange rate for kitchen room. 1.3 is the coefficient for pumping air through ventilation in multi-storey buildings. In private one-story residential premises, the coefficient of 1.3 can be neglected.

  • We choose the most comfortable and acceptable noise level. The noise level of modern air purifiers is within 55 dB. Although such noise cannot be ignored.

Equipment installation

For correct installation equipment must always be followed general rules, which are indicated in the technical documentation.

The process of installing equipment must be taken with full responsibility. That is why the markings of all fasteners must be additionally checked using a building level. The correct horizontal installation location is not only an aesthetic issue, but also a guarantee of rational functionality.

If for installation it is necessary to lay outlet channels, then preference should be given to channels made of PVC material.

Beauty requires care

For the manufacture of hoods, metal is most often used, which is quite easy to care for. It should be noted that filters used in recirculating air purifiers are not subject to such care.

The filter can be cleaned either independently or by dishwasher. However, if you clean it in the car, you must first wash its walls to remove food debris. Otherwise, the damaged filter can simply be thrown away.

Choosing an air purifier is a delicate matter

For optimal selection When installing an air purifier in the kitchen, you should take into account all the features of the room and the possibility of laying ventilation shaft equipment for an exhaust type device. If you decide that you want to install a recirculation type hood, then questions regarding the air duct and its installation are not affected in principle.

The best option for purchasing a hood is to purchase it together with kitchen furniture. However, not everyone can afford such luxury today. Much more often all components kitchen set purchased at different times or different places. After which the installation and adjustment of the containers is carried out.

Let's consider perfect option purchases when you have the opportunity to purchase kitchen furniture with built-in household appliances. In this case, specialists furniture showroom will carry out a professional selection of the model of the air purifying device, taking into account the size of the kitchen, work surface and furniture.

When choosing an air-purifying device, you are required to decide only on the type of desired placement of the hood on the kitchen furniture.

Accommodation types:

  1. Hanging. The main advantage of this model is its simple installation directly to the furniture installation. Devices with this type of mounting often have small sizes work deeply and efficiently when using several air purification filters.
  2. Built-in. Such devices are built into kitchen furniture using high-quality fastening. They blend perfectly with it (in color and texture). As a rule, such hoods are made in the same style as kitchen furniture and are almost invisible.
  3. Fireplace (in the shape of a dome). Appearance This device resembles a fireplace chimney, which fits perfectly into any interior style of the room. Such air purifiers can be of only ventilation or mixed types.

Nowadays, combining a kitchen with a living space, forming a studio, is especially popular. Thus, on the one hand, there is visual increase space, and, on the other hand, the spread of odors from the stove throughout the entire territory.

To prevent the latter, experts recommend installing a high-quality air purifier for the kitchen, which will be selected according to the size common area and personal wishes of the owner.

Undoubtedly, modern models Air purifiers for the kitchen are technically advanced devices that today purify the air much more effectively than their predecessors. In addition, modern models have perfect designs, allowing only to complement and favorably emphasize the interior details of the kitchen space.