Thinking about buying your first kitchen chimney but can’t decide between Glen and Elica?
You’re not alone—I’ve been exactly where you are, a few months ago.
I was drowning in specs I barely understood, bouncing between reviews, and wondering if I’d end up regretting my choice.
So I wrote the guide I wish someone had handed me back then.
This isn’t just a comparison. It’s a real, no-jargon, beginner-friendly walkthrough to help you pick the right chimney for your kitchen, without the confusion or guesswork.
Quick Verdict: Glen vs Elica Chimney? TL;DR If You’re in a Hurry
Feature | Glen | Elica | Winner |
---|---|---|---|
Filter Type | Baffle Filter + Filterless + Auto Clean | Baffle Filter + Filterless + Auto Clean | Elica |
Suction Power | 1000–1500 m³/hr | 1100-1600 m³/hr | Elica |
Noise Level | Moderate to loud | Quieter motor (especially Nero) | Elica |
Maintenance | Manual cleaning every 15–20 days | Oil tray cleaning monthly | Elica |
Service Availability | Better in smaller cities | Better in metros and towns | Tie |
Price Range | ₹5,800 – ₹17,000 | ₹7,000 – ₹16,500 | Glen (Budget) |
Smart Features | Basic models | Motion sensor, touch panel | Elica |
Honestly, both are good, but your best pick depends on your cooking habits, kitchen size, and whether you want to clean it often or not.
Let Me Simplify the Basics for You
Before diving into brand comparisons, let’s decode the stuff no one explains:
Suction power: It’s the chimney’s ability to pull in smoke and oil. For Indian cooking, aim for 1000 m³/hr or more.
Filterless vs Baffle filter:
- Filterless (like in Elica): Less maintenance, great for busy folks
- Baffle filter (like in the Glen Pyramid Chimneys): Effective but needs manual cleaning every couple of weeks
Auto-clean: No, it doesn’t magically clean everything. It helps by melting oil into a tray, but you’ll still wipe it now and then.
Duct vs ductless: Ducted chimneys work better. Ductless ones are ok for rental kitchens with space limitations.
Size: 60 cm for 2-3 burners, 90 cm for 4+ burners.
Chimney Size Guide (Based on Burner Count)
Burner Count | Ideal Chimney Size | Suggested Model Width |
---|---|---|
1–2 burners | 60 cm | Glen Senza 60, Elica MS NERO |
3 burners | 60–75 cm | Glen Slant 75, Elica Nero 90cm |
4+ burners | 90 cm | Glen 90cm , Elica WDFL 90 |
What Kind of Cooking Do You Do?
Because that’s the real question, right? Let’s break it down:
Light Cooking (mostly boiling, steaming, reheating)
Glen’s basic models will serve you well. No need for anything fancy. You can consider its Pyramid Chimneys with a baffle filter.
Moderate Cooking (some frying, weekly tadka)
Glen still works, but if cleaning isn’t your thing, Elica’s filterless models will make life easier.
To be specific, I would suggest you have at least 1200 m3/h suction with both brands with Filterless Technology
Heavy Indian Cooking (daily frying, tadka, masala-rich foods)
Go for Elica. The filterless tech handles grease and smoke better, and you won’t be scrubbing filters every week.
Elica 60cm 1500 m3/hr BLDC Filterless Kitchen Chimney is the one you must consider for heavy Cooking.
Noise Matters More Than You Think
When I first installed my chimney, I didn’t think noise would bug me—until I had to raise my voice while cooking.
I didn’t know this before, but if quiet operation is your priority, you should definitely look for a BLDC motor.
BLDC stands for Brushless DC Motor. It operates like an inverter, saving energy while ensuring silent performance.
Glen tends to be a bit louder, especially over time. Elica models like the Nero and WD series are noticeably quieter.
It may seem small now, but if your kitchen is near the living room or you cook at odd hours, you’ll really appreciate the silence.
Note: BLDC motors’ chimney costs you more than the traditional chimney.
Installation & Service: The Stuff Nobody Talks About
Here’s what surprised me:
- Installation isn’t always smooth. If you buy online, there might be delays.
- Elica has better service coverage in big cities.
- Glen is often easier to get installed in Tier 2 or smaller towns.
Either way, I recommend booking installation through the brand’s official support, not the seller, just to stay safe with warranty.
Oh, and yes, register your product right after installation. It helps a lot if anything goes wrong.
Electricity Use & Do You Need a Stabilizer?
Good news: Chimneys don’t eat up electricity. Most use about 1–2 units per month, depending on usage. That’s less than your mixer grinder.
But—and this is important—if you live in an area with voltage fluctuations, a stabilizer is a smart buy. Especially for Glen.
Your Region Might Change What You Need
Every home is different, and every region in India has its own kitchen quirks:
North India (Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab)
Lots of oil, ghee, and frying? Go for Elica. Filterless helps, and high suction matters. Choose the Elica 60cm 1500 m3/hr BLDC Filterless Kitchen Chimney
South India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka)
Cooking gets steamy here. Go for stainless steel models (Elica does well) to avoid corrosion.
West India (Mumbai, Pune, Gujarat)
Small flats, modular kitchens? Elica’s compact models fit better and work quietly. Consider the Elica’s BLDL Curved Glass chimney.
East India (Kolkata, Odisha, Bihar)
Mixed cooking and tighter budgets? Glen offers value and easier service availability. Either you look for the Glen Pyramid Chimney or the 1200m3/h Curved Glass chimney.
Avoid These Common Mistakes (Trust Me)
- Don’t buy a 60 cm chimney for a 4-burner stove. It won’t cover all the smoke.
- Don’t pick based only on looks. Features matter more.
- Don’t skip reading the warranty or checking service in your area.
- Don’t assume auto-clean = no cleaning. You still have to empty the oil tray!
FAQs on Glen vs Elica Chimney
Q. Is chimney really better than an exhaust fan?
Yes—chimneys remove smoke and oil particles, not just air.
Q. Can I install a chimney in a rented flat?
Yes, if the landlord agrees. Go ductless if wall drilling isn’t allowed.
Q. Do chimneys need a lot of maintenance?
Not really. Elica needs less. Glen needs regular filter cleaning.
Q. Which brand gives better service?
Elica in big cities. Glen in smaller towns.
Q. What if it breaks after a year?
Both have motor warranties (Elica = 15 years, Glen = up to 7 years). Just keep your bill and register the product.
So, Who Should Pick What?
You Are… | Choose This | Why |
---|---|---|
A budget-conscious first-time buyer | Glen | Solid, affordable, no-nonsense |
A daily deep-fryer or masala cook | Elica | Easier to clean, better smoke handling |
A renter in a compact kitchen | Elica | Ductless options, quieter models |
Living in a Tier 2 town | Glen | Easier to service, widely available |
Someone who hates cleaning | Elica | Filterless = less effort |
Final Word on Elica vs Glen Chimney
If you’re just starting out and want something that works without burning your wallet, Glen is a safe choice. If you’re okay spending a bit more for convenience and a quieter, easier experience, Elica will make your life simpler.
Remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Choose based on your needs, not just brand reputation or ads.
I hope you have liked our comprehensive guide on Elica vs Glen Chimney.
If you’ve got a question I didn’t answer, drop it in the comments. I’ve been there, and I’d love to help.
Also read our other brand comparisons: