An open kitchen offers many advantages, but cooling it can be a challenge due to the extra heat from cooking appliances and the larger space that needs to be cooled. The best air conditioner for an open kitchen depends on the size of the room, the installation possibilities, and your budget. Monoblock air conditioners are often an excellent choice because they do not require an outdoor unit and are flexible to install.

Why does heat from cooking appliances lead to higher cooling costs?

Cooking appliances produce significantly more heat than you might think. A stovetop can easily emit 2000-3000 watts of heat, while an oven adds another 2500 watts. This extra heat production means your air conditioner has to work harder to reach the desired temperature, resulting in 20-30% higher energy costs compared to a typical living room. Therefore, choose an air conditioner with sufficient reserve capacity and consider a model with inverter technology that handles fluctuating heat loads more efficiently.

What does poor airflow mean for your cooking comfort?

An incorrectly placed air conditioner can cause unpleasant drafts while cooking or, conversely, hot spots where the cooling does not reach properly. This makes cooking uncomfortable and can even affect cooking results. Plan the placement of your air conditioner so that the airflow is not directed directly at the kitchen island or stove, but ensures an even temperature distribution throughout the entire open space.

What are the challenges of refrigeration in an open kitchen?

Open kitchens present specific challenges for air conditioning. The main challenge is the extra heat production from cooking appliances. Stoves, ovens, and other appliances generate significant amounts of heat that the air conditioner must compensate for.

Additionally, the open layout results in a larger space that needs to be cooled. Open kitchens are often part of a living-dining room combination, which increases the total surface area that needs to be cooled. Air circulation can also be challenging, as cooking odors and warm air can spread throughout the entire space.

Another point of attention is humidity. Cooking produces steam and increases humidity, which places an extra load on the air conditioner. Finally, the presence of an extractor hood can affect the airflow of the air conditioner.

Which types of air conditioners are suitable for open kitchens?

Various types of air conditioners are suitable for open kitchens, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

Split systems: Offer powerful cooling and are energy-efficient, but require an outdoor unit on the facade or roof.
Monoblock air conditioners: Ideal when an outdoor unit is not possible, such as in apartments or listed buildings.
Multi-split systems: Suitable for very large open spaces where multiple indoor units are required
Ceiling models: Offer discreet cooling without taking up wall space

Monoblock air conditioners deserve special attention for open kitchens. These systems have all components integrated into a single unit and require only two vents to the outside for air intake and exhaust. They are particularly suitable for situations where a conventional split system is not practical or possible.

For open kitchens, models with sufficient capacity are essential. The Innova 2.0 line offers various options, from compact models for smaller spaces to more powerful versions for larger open kitchens up to 48 m².

How do you calculate the correct cooling capacity for an open kitchen?

Calculating the correct cooling capacity for an open kitchen requires more than just the surface area. Start with the basic formula: surface area × ceiling height × 40-50 watts per m³. For an open kitchen of 30 m² with a ceiling height of 2,7 meters, you therefore need at least 3240-4050 watts.

Next, add extra capacity for cooking appliances:

Stove: add 1500-2000 watts
Oven: add 1000-1500 watts
Other appliances: add 500 watts per large appliance
Additional heat sources: calculate 10-20% extra for lighting and sunlight

Also take insulation and windows into account. Poorly insulated rooms or many windows require 20-30% extra capacity. When in doubt, it is better to choose slightly more capacity than too little, especially since modern air conditioners with inverter technology adjust their power to the demand.

Where is the best place to install an air conditioner in an open kitchen?

The placement of your air conditioner in an open kitchen is crucial for optimal performance and comfort. Avoid placing it directly above the kitchen island or stove, as this creates unpleasant drafts while cooking and causes the air conditioner to become dirty more quickly due to cooking fumes.

The ideal locations are:

On the wall opposite the kitchen: Ensures good air circulation without direct drafts
In the corner of the room: Provides optimal distribution throughout the open space
On the ceiling: Discreet solution that takes up no wall space
Between kitchen and living area: Effectively cools both zones

Ensure sufficient distance from heat sources. Keep a minimum distance of 1,5 meters from the stove and oven. Also ensure free space around the air conditioner: at least 6 cm from the wall and 12 cm from the floor or ceiling for optimal airflow.

For monoblock air conditioners, installation on an exterior wall is required for air intake and exhaust. The vertical models with a width of only 50 cm are ideal for narrow wall sections between windows.

How much does it cost to install an air conditioner in an open kitchen?

The costs for air conditioning system In an open kitchen, costs vary depending on the type of system and the complexity of the installation. For monoblock air conditioners, installation costs are more predictable because no outdoor unit needs to be installed.

Factors influencing installation costs:

Wall type: Installation in concrete walls is more complex than in stone walls.
Number of holes: Monoblock systems require two holes with a diameter of 16 cm.
Installation height: Installation on higher floors may entail additional costs.
Additional amenities: Condensate drainage is strongly recommended during high humidity.

In addition to installation costs, you must take into account the purchase price of the appliance itself. Entry-level models start around €1500-1700, while more powerful models suitable for larger open kitchens can go up to €2750 or more. ELEC models with extra heating capacity for the winter are in the higher price range.

For a complete system including installation, you can expect a total investment of approximately €2000-3000 for a standard setup. More complex installations can exceed that significantly.

How De Betonboorder helps with air conditioning installation in open kitchens

We specialize in the professional installation of monoblock air conditioners, perfectly suited for open kitchens. Our experienced professionals ensure an expert installation in which we:

Precisely drill two holes with a diameter of 16 cm through concrete or stone walls
Working with dust extraction in stone walls and water-cooled core drills in concrete
Use wooden templates for perfect alignment of your air conditioner
Installing steel gratings for a neat finish on the outside
Optionally drill a condensate drain for optimal comfort.
Leave the workplace neat and tidy

We can install your air conditioner within 10 working days of quote confirmation. We operate throughout the Netherlands and ensure you receive a response to your request within 24 hours. Contact us today. touch with Contact us for a no-obligation quote for your open kitchen.

Which air conditioner suits an open kitchen?