The tasks of maintaining hygiene in the kitchen are especially acute, since the operation of this room is associated with the processes of cooking and eating food. One of the key factors in ensuring sanitation in this space is the organization of an air purification system. This problem can be solved in different ways, but in each case, you can not do without special equipment. So, owners of small city apartments are recommended to install an air purifier for the kitchen, which is small in size and is easily controlled using modern electronics.
Instrument Features
The principle of operation of the air purifier is not new and has long been used in domestic climatic equipment. Compact air washers are installed in residential premises, filtering air flows with varying degrees of intensity. Kitchen models, of course, have their own specifics. Such devices are more powerful, cover a large area and allow the use of several modes of recirculation.
In this case, do not confuse such devices with ventilation systems. What is the difference between a hood and an air purifier for a kitchen? In the first case, the equipment completely updates the air environment, diverting dirty streams to the street, and in the second case, filtering with the delay of harmful substances is implemented. This also implies a significant structural advantage of air purifiers - they do not require connection to ventilation shafts. Accordingly, the stove can also be placed anywhere without adapting to local engineering conditions.
Key selection criteria
Unit productivity will be the main operating parameter, since cleaning efficiency directly depends on it. For an average kitchen with an area of 15-20 m 2, a model that filters air flows at a speed of 500-600 m 3 / h will be enough. More accurate indicators are determined taking into account the nature of the operation of the stove, the presence of natural ventilation ducts and the height of the ceilings. You should also set the size boundaries in advance. The average dimensions of the air purifier for the kitchen can be represented as 40 x 60 cm in length and width, respectively. The height can be both 20 cm and 90 cm, which depends on the type of filtration system. It is important to consider the direction of return of air flows. It is advisable to purchase multifunctional equipment with the ability to change the position of the exhaust sash. Not only does the volume of air release depend on it, but also the path of its return.
Stationary models
It is such air purifiers that can be confused with a traditional range hood. Both in size and in design, stationary air washers resemble flow ventilation. But again, they do not provide any connection with mines that throw air into the street. A stationary air cleaner for the kitchen is mounted above the stove so that the work area directly captures the burning and soot emitted during the cooking process. By the type of design, different options are also distinguished. For example, there are built-in models that integrate into a sub-ceiling niche or in kitchen furniture. If there is no possibility for such an installation, then install a suspended air purifier, technically suitable for any installation conditions. It is enough to determine the optimal dimensions of the case.
Mobile air purifiers
This technique is more like portable air conditioners or indoor air washers. The design does not require special installation, so the device can be reinstalled at any time as needed. It can be desktop and floor models depending on the size. Obviously, additional space will be required for such an aggregate.
It is believed that mobile devices are less productive than stationary ones, but this also depends on the capabilities of a particular device. For example, the Bork air purifier in version A804 supports three modes of recirculation, cleaning the polluted environment in just 10 minutes. To this is also worth adding the possibility of fine purification from sulfur dioxide, bacteria and microbes. However, the dimensions of this model can hardly be called modest.
How to choose a filter for an air purifier?
If the main functional component of the hood is represented by a fan, then in this case it is a filtration system. The cleaning organ determines the effectiveness of the washing of air flows. Today you can choose from the following types of filters:
- Carbon membranes. Such filters absorb and retain harmful substances, eliminating most of the mechanical impurities. Suitable as a basic solution for rough cleaning.
- Nera filters. High-tech system, which is used in modern climate and cleaning equipment. In this configuration, the air purifier for the kitchen will eliminate the smallest particles of dust and fat, removing about 95% of the contaminants.
- Photocatalytic elements. This is a new generation of filtration tools that differ not only in the efficiency of air cleaning, but also in the principle of operation. If traditional washing systems only trap harmful substances, photocatalytic devices provide processes for the decomposition of contaminants into safe components. But such filters are more expensive than others.
Popular air purifier manufacturers
Decent quality entry-level models are offered by ORE. The Oliver series systems, in particular, are designed to clean evaporating fat and remove unpleasant odors. Even in a budget version, such devices are provided with several modes of operation (up to three speeds), backlighting and a stylish design. Once again, it is worth noting the Bork air purifier, which is also distinguished by the combined Antivirus filtration system and humidification function. However, the models of this manufacturer are expensive. As an average solution, Elikor Europa equipment can be recommended. This option has good functionality and installation flexibility. The air purifier can be used both as an extractor fan and as a recirculation tool.
Installing an air purifier in the kitchen
Installation is carried out using special mounting hardware, which is included in the package. Heavy structures are installed on a metal supporting crate or in parallel mounted profile elements-holders. For compact lightweight models, integration of brackets or anchor hardware into the ceiling or wall is sufficient. When overhanging the kitchen air purifier over the stove, the electrical connection should also be considered. A connection must be made to the place of operation or a 220 V outlet must be provided to turn on the equipment.
Air cleaner service
Like any filtering equipment, this unit needs regular maintenance. The device should be cleaned, its consumables replaced, and also remember to check the condition of the fasteners. Filters in most cases change completely. Their operational life may be several months, but there are also models with an indicator of pollution, which determine the time of updating, depending on the intensity of use of the equipment. In addition, regularly clean the housing surfaces, which are also covered with grease and soot. How to clean the air purifier in the kitchen? Experienced housewives recommend abandoning aggressive chemistry, since it negatively affects the metal surfaces of the device. The most effective, cheap and at the same time safe way to clean such contaminants is with soda. It is diluted in boiled water, and then using a sponge or rags with the resulting solution, wipe the surface of the air purifier.
Conclusion
Air recirculation technology as an alternative to a conventional exhaust hood is doubtful for many. They are connected with the fact that the equipment “drives” the same air through the kitchen, without fundamentally updating it. Against this background, ventilation systems seem more attractive. Nevertheless, the quality of the air cleaner for the kitchen from the point of view of eliminating pollution is no less high than that of the hood. Thanks to modern filters, the device provides multi-stage cleaning, supporting microclimatic characteristics. So, if ventilation inevitably ensures the supply of cold street air to replace displaced dirty flows, then the cleaner does not affect the temperature regime for the worse. On the contrary, some models allow the possibility of ozonation and regulation of the air humidity coefficient.