The air purifier removes unpleasant odors that appear during cooking, eliminates gas combustion products and purifies the air. The range of cleaners is diverse, all devices differ in their functionality, operating principle, installation method.
The difference between an air purifier and a hood and the principle of operation
To clean air masses of grease, soot, odors, several types of devices are used, including hoods and air purifiers. Their differences are in the principle of action and design features.
The air cleaner draws in dirty air, passes it through a group of filters and returns it back to the room. Most hoods, on the contrary, take it out or into the ventilation. Only a recirculating kitchen air purifier cleans incoming flows and returns them.
The design is characterized by the degree of mobility of each product. The range hood is a stationary appliance that is placed above the hob. An additional pipe installation is required to remove contaminants, which complicates installation. The kitchen filter above the stove instead of the hood is in turn more mobile, so it can be installed in any room in a suitable place. But the maintenance of such a device is more expensive than a hood.
Also, the devices are distinguished by their performance (hoods clean more air), cost, noise level, options.
Types of Air Purifiers
Classification of air purifiers for the kitchen above the stove is made according to different parameters. This is the principle of operation, installation method, functionality.
Functional classification
Three groups of devices can be distinguished:
- Exhaust and flow. These are devices that, when turned on, suck in the air flow due to the operation of the fan. Together with the air, fat, soot, dust, small debris, odors and gas combustion products are released to the outside. For the operation of such devices, it is necessary to organize the flow of fresh air instead of the removed contaminated air masses.
- Recirculating. The principle of operation is based on drawing in dirty air. It passes through the cleaning filters and is returned to the kitchen. Inside there is a coarse filter that removes large contaminants and deep to remove the smallest particles. Periodically, replacement of filters with new ones is required. Often devices have the function of ionization and humidification.
- Mixed type. Products operate in the mode of re-circulation of air masses or take them to the street. These are universal models of air purifiers suitable for any room. Their price is higher than that of flowing and recirculating devices.
The most optimal are products of a mixed type. They can be used in any kitchen with any stove.
Installation Classification
According to the installation method, they distinguish:
- Outboard. Placed above the stove by hanging on furniture. These are the most common models due to their versatility, low price and ease of installation.
- Recessed. Hoods that are installed in furniture and sets usually have a mixed operating principle. They are invisible to the eye, so they fit into any interior. Often have sliding panels that are needed for more efficient cleaning.
- Fireplace. Mounted over a gas stove. Bring air to the street or ventilation system.It is used in large rooms, restaurants and cafes with professional kitchen equipment due to high power. The most common types are dome-like appliances, but there may be a different shape.
- Mobile These are devices that can be freely moved around the kitchen. They can be mounted on a table, floor, wall. Only recirculating.
The choice largely depends on the size of the room and its interior.
Filter Type Classification
Recirculation models have several purification filters.
- Mechanical. These are coarse filters, which are a grid with cells. Dirt, soot, pile and other debris settles on the grate. Requires regular cleaning.
- Photocatalytic. Break down organic compounds to safe substances. They have a long service life and do not adversely affect people's health.
- Coal. Activated carbon absorbs pollution and an unpleasant odor. It is used only in combination with other filters.
- Electrostatic. The smallest particles are removed, which ensures the best cleaning of air masses. Dust enters the chamber, acquires a positive charge in it, after which it is attracted and settles on negatively charged plates. Do not require replacement. Rinse regularly with water.
- HEPA filters. They consist of fiberglass and allow high-quality air purification. Able to capture the smallest particles. Have a high price, periodically require replacement.
To maximize the degree of purification, several filters are used at once. Typically, air first passes through a grate that stops large debris, and then unpleasant odors and small particles are removed.
Additional options
Functional differences affect the cost of the device. The model can be equipped with an atmosphere control sensor, due to which the air purifier is automatically switched on if necessary. A timer can also be set, with which you can set the operation mode. The filter indicator informs the owner of contamination and the need for a quick change. More expensive models have a remote control.
Selection recommendations
To choose the right air purifier for the kitchen, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
- The volume of the room. The device should have a commensurate area of work with the kitchen.
- Air pollution level. The greater the degree of contamination, the more powerful the model will be and the more often it will be necessary to change the filters.
- Functionality. The average throughput of the device should be 150-700 cubic meters / hour.
The noise factor should also be considered when choosing a technique. The quieter it works, the higher the quality.
Air cleaner installation
Installation Algorithm:
- Selection and preparation of the installation site. All household appliances should be mounted before the assembly and installation of furniture.
- Bringing the outlet to the installation site. It is better not to use an extension cord, as this is unsafe in the kitchen. The socket should be placed on a level with the device and, if possible, hidden in a cabinet.
- Product Installation. Depends on the model. The built-in is installed in the cabinet after hanging it or in front, it all depends on the convenience. Hanging fasteners are fixed to furniture.
Flow models require a connection to the ventilation duct. The circulation ones are independent of the ventilation system; they can be hung on any wall.
