The market for kitchen hobs and chimneys in India is evolving rapidly, driven by the rise of modular kitchens and increasing urbanisation. The market currently stands at Rs 22.4 billion and is expected to grow to Rs 64.2 billion by 2032.
India's luxury real estate sector is witnessing robust growth, projected to experience a CAGR of 21.81 per cent between 2024 and 2029. Additionally, the urbanisation rate in the country is set to rise significantly, from 36.50 per cent to 42.50 per cent over the next decade, signalling increased demand for housing and expansion in city landscapes.
With urban growth and rising incomes, Indian consumers, especially in cities, are prioritising kitchen appliances that merge functionality with style. Kitchens now reflect home design aesthetics, with buyers, especially women, seeking both visual appeal and efficiency. Popular hob features include auto-ignition, multiple burners and flame failure safety while smart chimneys with auto-clean, motion sensors and thermal sensors are trending. This demand for modern kitchens extends beyond metro areas, reaching Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as symbols of convenience and status.
India's chimney and hob market sees strong demand, especially for sleek, built-in gas hobs that enhance modular kitchens. While gas models dominate, hybrid and induction hobs are gaining popularity for energy efficiency. For chimneys, wall-mounted and straight-line designs with 1,000–1,500 m³/hr suction are preferred, given the heavy cooking styles. Baffle filters and ducted systems effectively capture smoke and oil. Sales are further driven by premium homes with modular kitchens, boosting high-end hob and chimney demand.
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, prioritise 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: Ecommerce, General Trade and Exclusive Brand Stores
Ecommerce 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 ecommerce while brand-exclusive stores cater to those seeking in-person consultations and demonstrations.
The rise of ecommerce 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 personalised experiences for consumers by offering product demonstrations and expert consultations. This omnichannel approach, where consumers research online but purchase in-store (or vice versa), has become the norm in this category.
Meeting the Growing Demand
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 urbanisation 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. Ecommerce 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 customise 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 prioritises 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 functional spaces; 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.
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