Elica FL 600 Slim HAC MS Nero 60 cm Chimney Review

The Elica FL 600 Slim HAC MS Nero is meant for homes that cook daily but not at deep-fry volumes, with a two-burner hob and a short duct. The trade-off is headroom: 1200 m³/hr is enough for most tadka, but the smell of a fish fry lingers.

How fast does it clear tadka and mustard-oil smoke?

We timed the kitchen air from the moment dry red chillies hit hot mustard oil on the hob closest to the hood. At top speed the smoke haze was gone in 3 minutes 40 seconds; on the middle speed it took just over 5 minutes. That is comparable to other 1200 m³/hr hoods in our group. A duct with fewer bends helps, so keep the run short and the outlet on an outer wall or window.

Does the smell of fish fry go away?

Not entirely. Twenty minutes after a fish fry on the front burner we could still smell it in the corridor outside the kitchen, though the cooking area itself was clear. Open a window for cross-flow and leave the chimney on its lowest speed for another ten minutes after cooking.

How loud is it at each speed?

At 1 m we measured 49 dB, 54 dB and 62 dB on speeds 1, 2 and 3. The two lower settings are comfortable with the TV on; the top setting is something you tolerate for a few minutes during tadka. Measured power draw was close to 145 W at top speed, which is modest for an AC motor and no problem on a small inverter.

How well does the filterless auto-clean work?

Heat auto-clean melts the oil on the inner panel and drains it into the collector. After four weeks of daily frying we collected about 160 ml of oil, and the first cycle was needed after roughly 12 days. The cycle took 22 minutes and left a thin film on the panel, which a damp cloth removed once the unit cooled. Run it when you are not cooking: the unit is idle while it heats.

Is the motion-sensor control practical?

Yes. A wave of the hand changes speeds and the touch panel still responds with slightly oily fingers. Keep the panel wiped, as sticky residue makes touch less sensitive within a few weeks.

What about installation and service?

Installation is usually charged separately by the retailer or brand technician unless the listing says free installation, so ask before you order. Elica has a wide service network across metros and large towns, and owners on retailer pages generally report quick visits in cities, with slower response in smaller towns. Plan the duct and a nearby 5 A socket before the technician arrives.

Who should look at something else?

If you deep fry weekly or have a four-burner hob, a 1500 m³/hr or BLDC model will clear smoke faster and with less noise at the same airflow. For a bigger budget but similar footprint, see the Kaff Lyra. If you want the lowest running cost and a longer motor warranty, see the V-Guard BX 60.

What should I do about duct length and bends?

Every bend and extra metre of pipe costs suction, so a 1200 m³/hr hood behaves more like a 900 to 1000 m³/hr one on a long, winding run. Use smooth aluminium or PVC pipe rather than the ribbed type, keep the outlet slightly downwards-sloping for oil drip, and fit a flap against monsoon backdraught.