Commercial Kitchen Hoods 101 

The best restaurant kitchens will deliver plenty of things to see, hear, and smell, but amidst this controlled chaos, numerous commercial hoods work endlessly behind the scenes. However, kitchen exhaust hoods aren’t just great for ventilation, but they’re also essential for better air quality, safety, and promoting a productive work environment. As such, choosing the right one is an important decision — here, we share everything you need to know about commercial kitchen hoods. 

What is a Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood?

Many agree that commercial kitchen hoods are the unsung heroes of busy kitchens; they work all day to remove steam, smoke, odors, and grease, keeping the area comfortable, compliant, and safe. A well-working exhaust system is vital to protect your staff, customers, and equipment, which is why it’s an essential investment for every restaurant owner. Having proper ventilation in your kitchen can help prevent fire and protect your kitchen staff while maintaining a good atmosphere. 

However, there are many different hood types available for you to choose from, so you will need to determine which is the best for your business and your needs. 

What’s the Difference Between Exhaust Fans and Range Hoods? 

While the terms range hood and exhaust fans are often used interchangeably, they actually serve different purposes; this is especially true inside commercial kitchens. Understanding what separates the two is essential when making the right choice for your needs and restaurant. The type of hood you’ll need should be strong enough to provide strong kitchen ventilation, remove smoke, heat, grease, and cooking odors. 

These components are all essential for a safe working environment since they can prevent grease fires while keeping your dining area clean and pleasant. On the other hand, an exhaust fan mostly deals with moisture and mainly removes excess humidity to prevent mildew and mold. As such, they are the ideal choice for laundry rooms and bathrooms — while some kitchens will use exhaust fans for ventilation, they don’t have the power and special features that rangehoods come with. 

Kitchen Exhaust Hood Types 

Choosing the right kitchen hood is important for all kinds of commercial kitchens and because there are different types, they each serve a specific purpose and cooking equipment. Below, we share the main types of kitchen exhaust hoods currently available in the market. 

Type I Hoods: For Smoke and Grease Removal 

These are kitchen workhorses that combat grease-laden vapors created from your charbroilers, griddles, ranges, and fryers. Type I hoods are crucial for the capture and removal of grease and smoke particles, which keep your kitchen air fresh while preventing buildup that may lead to fire hazards. Equipped with powerful fans and fitted with grease filters to trap grease, your exhaust systems will surely run smoothly and are a must for all commercial kitchens. 

Type II Hoods: For Odor and Steam Control 

Kitchens full of equipment that primarily generate odors and steam, such as steam tables and dishwashers, will highly benefit from a Type II hood. While they also come with upblast fans to get rid of moisture and heat, they don’t often come with grease filters and are easier to maintain, making them more affordable than Type I hoods. This type focuses on controlling odors, steam, and heat, providing a more efficient and comfortable working environment. 

Downdraft Ventilation

These types of hoods offer a modern and sleek approach to kitchen vents, and unlike traditional hoods, downdraft ventilation systems pull odors and smoke downwards from the cooking surface. As such, they are a popular choice for cooktops or islands located under windows where traditional hoods can’t fit. They’re also particularly great when you want to maintain a clean and minimalist design around your commercial kitchen and area also more affordable compared to traditional hoods. 

Insert Range Hoods

An insert range hood can give you an integrated and seamless look for your kitchen and is designed to be installed within enclosures such as custom cabinetry. This hides the fan and ductwork for a more streamlined look, making them a good choice for kitchens that prioritize aesthetics and a cohesive design. These also come with a good balance between quiet operation and power, making them a suitable choice for all kinds of cooking styles. 

Convertible Range Hoods

A convertible range hood provides the flexibility you need when it comes to kitchen ventilation since it can be installed with or without ducts, depending on your ventilation needs and kitchen layout. This adaptation makes it a great choice for kitchens with limited options for ductwork as well as those under renovation. When given ducts, they can vent odors and smoke outside, but can also use filters to circulate the air back into your kitchen when they come with ducts. 

Outdoor Range Hoods

While this may not be a suitable choice for commercial kitchens, it’s still worth mentioning that outdoor range hoods are available and work well for people who love to entertain and cook outdoors. These have been specifically designed to withstand harsh weather conditions while removing grease, odors, and smoke from your cooking area. They will often be made from durable materials such as stainless steel that resists corrosion and rust — you will also need to ensure a secure mounting and proper installation to protect it from wind and outdoor conditions. 

Commercial Kitchen Hood Features to Consider 

Choosing the correct exhaust hood for a commercial kitchen means understanding its key features, which we discuss below. 

Construction and Materials 

Durability is one of the most important things you need when building a commercial kitchen, so be sure to look for hoods made from stainless steel, which is the industry standard for withstanding high temperatures and corrosion resistance. Your hood must also comply with the specific requirements of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which outlines what is needed for construction and materials. You should also remember that your commercial kitchen hood needs to work with your fans and ductwork, so be sure to install everything according to local codes and the included instructions. 

Copper Range Hoods

A copper range hood can provide you with a unique blend of artistic flair and durability; it’s also naturally resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, making it practical for all commercial kitchens. They also have antimicrobial properties, which help build towards a clean kitchen environment while giving you a warm and inviting aesthetic. You can also customize it to match your kitchen’s current style, making it an investment that’s visually appealing and functional. 

Wood Range Hoods

When you want to bring character and warmth into your commercial kitchen, wood range hoods offer a wide range of customization options so you can create a look that’s uniquely yours. While this option is aesthetically pleasing, it will need proper maintenance since it’s susceptible to damage and warping from moisture and heat. Because of this, regular maintenance is required — cleaning and sealing your wooden range hood will protect it from the harsh conditions of a commercial kitchen. 

Filtration Systems

Grease filters serve as your first line of defense when dealing with grease buildup — among the most effective and common choices are baffle filters with overlapping metal plates. Just remember that regular cleaning of the exhaust hood, hood filters, and ductwork is vital in preventing a fire hazard and maintaining its efficiency. Some hoods will also come with additional filtration systems such as charcoal filters, which help to further control odors. 

Ductless Hood Limitations 

Ductless range hoods can offer a convenient option, especially if the installation of ductwork won’t work, but they do have limitations. These need filters to clean your air and will require filter replacement regularly to stay in top shape — their cost can accumulate and will potentially make it less cost-effective compared to ducted systems. While ductless options come with flexibility, it’s essential to weigh in the performance and long-term costs of this option before making a purchase. 

Customizing Exhaust Hoods

Apart from the basic designs, there are a plethora of customization options available when it comes to range hoods — you can customize their shape, size, and features to suit your needs. Some options can be customized to fit various settings, from food trucks to restaurants, and you can also get related equipment such as fire suppression systems and fans. But because there are so many options out there, you may still want to get the opinion of experienced professionals to assess your needs and provide you with accurate estimates. 

Maintenance and Cleaning 

Regular maintenance and cleaning are among the most vital parts of owning a commercial kitchen hood. While this can be handled by your kitchen staff and may not need specialized tools, daily cleaning is still essential. This involves wiping down surfaces, removing grease buildup, and paying attention to areas around where you cook. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right exhaust hood will depend on your specific needs and the type of cooking you plan to do inside your commercial kitchen. There’s no such thing as a solution that will work for everyone; the best option for you should answer to your kitchen’s layout and your requirements, whether that’s improving indoor air quality or eliminating grease buildup. Now that you understand the different kinds of commercial kitchen hoods, along with the key features of type I and type II hoods, you should be able to make a more informed decision. 

Sources 

• therestaurantwarehouse.com
• blog.hoodfilters.com
• alturascontractors.com