The market for kitchen hobs and chimneys in India is evolving rapidly, driven by the rise of modular kitchens and increasing urbanization. The market currently stands at INR 22.4 billion, and is expected to grow to INR 64.2 billion by 2032.
India’s luxury real estate sector is witnessing robust growth, projected to experience a CAGR of 21.81% between 2024 and 2029. Additionally, the urbanization rate in the country is set to rise significantly, from 36.50% to 42.50% over the next decade, signaling increased demand for housing and expansion in city landscapes.
Along with this excellent urban growth, higher disposable incomes and exposure to global design trends are shaping consumer preferences, especially in metropolitan areas. Modern Indian buyers now seek kitchen appliances that not only offer functionality but also complement the aesthetics of their interiors. The kitchen has now become an integral part of the overall home design, reflecting a desire for comfort, style, and technological innovation. Consumers, especially women, prioritize both aesthetic appeal and efficiency when purchasing kitchen hobs and chimneys. Features like auto-ignition, multiple burners, and flame failure safety devices are gaining popularity in hobs, while smart chimneys with auto-cleaning, motion sensors, and thermal sensors are becoming a must-have in many homes. This shift is not just limited to urban households but is also spreading across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where modern kitchens are becoming a symbol of status and convenience.
Currently, there are 10 prominent brands for chimneys and hobs in the country and many more players will continue to enter the market. Indian buyers often prefer built-in hobs that offer a sleek, integrated look with their countertops, enhancing the modular kitchen experience. Gas hobs dominate the market, although hybrid and induction hobs are slowly gaining traction due to their energy efficiency and ease of use. For chimneys, wall-mounted and straight-line models are the most common, with suction power ranging between 1,000 to 1,500 m³/hr being preferred for typical Indian cooking, which involves a lot of frying and heavy masalas. Baffle filters and ducted hood systems are also favored for their ability to effectively remove smoke and oil particles from the kitchen. The demand surge is also being further fuelled by premium apartments and villas that come with pre-installed modular kitchens, thus boosting sales of high-end hobs and chimneys.
Picture this, in a bustling urban neighborhood in Bangalore, Meera Raghavan starts her day in a newly renovated kitchen that has quickly become her sanctuary. As a working mother with two teenage kids, she loves the efficiency of her four-burner built-in gas hob, which allows her to prepare multiple dishes for breakfast, saving precious time. Above the hob, a sleek chimney with auto-clean features whirs quietly, keeping her kitchen free from oil and smoke. For Meera, it’s not just about cooking; it’s about doing it with ease and in style.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, Rishi and Kavita Gupta, a young couple living in a compact apartment, are delighted with their new modular kitchen. With space being a constraint, they opted for a straight-line chimney and a compact two-burner hob. The chimney’s baffle filter handles Kavita’s spicy curry experiments with ease, while the hob’s flame failure safety feature gives them peace of mind, especially since their toddler is often in the kitchen. For the Guptas, their kitchen reflects their modern, urban lifestyle—efficient, compact, and safe.
In contrast, in Ahmedabad, the Shah family recently upgraded their traditional kitchen to a more contemporary design. Neelam Shah, the matriarch, loves cooking for her large extended family, and the transition to a hybrid hob (gas and induction) has been seamless. The island chimney in her kitchen not only keeps it free from the smoke of her famous tandoori but also adds a chic, modern touch to the space. For the Shahs, the kitchen is the heart of their home, where tradition meets modernity.
These examples illustrate how the demand for hobs and chimneys in India is evolving as kitchens are no longer just utilitarian spaces but integral parts of kitchen & home design.
The Changing Role of the Kitchen in Indian Homes
The modern Indian kitchen is a far cry from its traditional roots. Today, it is seen as a space that reflects the homeowner’s style, convenience, and lifestyle choices. With the rise of nuclear families and urban living, the role of the kitchen has shifted from a closed, purely functional space to a more open, aesthetic, and multi-functional hub. This shift is particularly evident among women, who are not just seeking comfort and convenience in their kitchens but are also placing a premium on style and design.
This transformation in kitchen design has fuelled a surge in demand for built-in hobs and chimneys. As modular kitchens become more popular, especially in metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, Indian consumers are increasingly opting for sleek, integrated appliances that align with their desire for both efficiency and elegance.
Consumer Preferences: Style, Technology, and Safety
When it comes to kitchen hobs, Indian consumers are leaning towards built-in models, particularly gas hobs, which remain the dominant choice. The ability to control heat levels manually, coupled with the familiarity of gas cooking, makes gas hobs the preferred option for Indian households. However, there is a growing market for hybrid hobs that combine gas and induction, offering versatility and energy efficiency. Features like auto-ignition and flame failure safety devices are becoming standard, as consumers, especially those with young families, prioritize safety.
Chimneys, on the other hand, have become a staple in modern kitchens, primarily due to the nature of Indian cooking, which involves heavy frying and the use of aromatic spices. Wall-mounted and straight-line chimneys are the most popular types, with suction power ranging between 1,000 to 1,500 m³/hr being ideal for Indian households. The demand for auto-clean chimneys, which significantly reduce maintenance efforts, is also on the rise.
Technology is playing a crucial role in shaping consumer preferences. Smart chimneys equipped with motion sensors and thermal sensors are increasingly being adopted by urban families. These chimneys not only enhance convenience but also contribute to the aesthetic value of the kitchen, aligning with the broader trend of making kitchens stylish and technologically advanced.
Market Dynamics: E-commerce, General Trade, and Exclusive Brand Stores
E-commerce platforms, along with brand-exclusive stores and general trade channels, are also playing a pivotal role in meeting the rising demand from consumers, who now rely heavily on online reviews, comparison shopping, and offers provided by e-commerce, while brand-exclusive stores cater to those seeking in-person consultations and demonstrations.
The rise of e-commerce has dramatically reshaped how Indian consumers shop for kitchen appliances – platforms like Amazon and Flipkart offer a wide range of options, often with attractive discounts and offers, making it easier for consumers to compare products and read reviews before making a purchase. This is particularly appealing to urban consumers who are tech-savvy and prefer the convenience of online shopping.
However, traditional retail channels, including general trade and brand-exclusive stores, continue to hold significant sway in the Indian market. Many consumers still prefer visiting stores to get a hands-on feel of the products, especially for high-involvement purchases like kitchen hobs and chimneys. Brand-exclusive stores, in particular, have been successful in creating personalized experiences for consumers by offering product demonstrations and expert consultations. This omni-channel approach, where consumers research online but purchase in-store (or vice versa), has become the norm in this category.
Meeting the Growing Demand: The Role of Real Estate and Modular Kitchens
The increasing number of residential real estate projects is another key factor driving the demand for kitchen hobs and chimneys. Developers are now incorporating modular kitchens as a standard feature in new apartments, catering to the preferences of modern Indian families. This trend is particularly evident in luxury and premium apartments, where built-in hobs and chimneys are part of the overall package. The growing middle class, with its increasing purchasing power, is also driving the demand for these appliances in mid-segment housing.
Furthermore, as urbanization continues to rise, more consumers are moving towards compact, space-saving solutions. Modular kitchens, with their integrated appliances, are perfectly suited for smaller urban homes, where every square foot matters. This shift towards modular kitchens is expected to further boost the sales of built-in hobs and chimneys in the coming years.
Future Market Transition
In the next three years, the kitchen hob and chimney market will see a continued shift toward built-in appliances, particularly gas hobs and smart chimneys equipped with advanced features like motion sensors and auto-cleaning mechanisms. The demand will largely be driven by urban and semi-urban households upgrading to modular kitchens. E-commerce platforms will play an increasingly dominant role in sales, aided by the convenience of online research and comparison tools. Brands will focus on improving safety and energy efficiency features to meet evolving consumer expectations for both form and function.
Over the next five years, we will witness the integration of more smart technology into kitchen appliances, including IoT-enabled hobs and chimneys that can be controlled via mobile apps and voice assistants. Consumers will expect their kitchen appliances to integrate seamlessly with other smart home devices, reflecting broader lifestyle changes. Additionally, as sustainable living becomes a bigger focus, there will be a push for eco-friendly models with better energy and fuel efficiency, as well as materials that are easier to recycle.
Looking ten years ahead, the market is expected to transition to fully automated kitchens. Hobs and chimneys will likely feature artificial intelligence, learning user preferences, and adjusting settings for optimal performance. Consumers will be able to customize their cooking experiences based on individual preferences, and innovations in materials science will make appliances more durable and efficient. The kitchen will evolve into a multifunctional space that prioritizes sustainability, convenience, and cutting-edge design, with brands competing to offer the best blend of technology and eco-conscious features.
This gradual evolution is part of a broader movement toward smart homes and environmentally responsible living, with the kitchen serving as a key focal point for innovation.
The Indian market for kitchen hobs and chimneys is growing rapidly, driven by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing consumer preferences. Kitchens are no longer just a functional space; they are a reflection of style, comfort, and modernity. As consumers, especially women, seek more efficient and aesthetically pleasing appliances, the demand for built-in hobs and smart chimneys will continue to rise. E-commerce platforms, traditional trade channels, and brand-exclusive stores are all playing a pivotal role in shaping this demand, ensuring that consumers have access to the best options for their modern kitchens.
