The core of each kitchen, whether commercial or residential, is the kitchen hood system or exhaust fans. It eliminates steam, heat, smoke, and dirt vapors from the kitchen area. Thus, helping to manage airflow and supporting optimum ventilation.
Installing a kitchen hood system protects employees from extreme heat while keeping the kitchen tidy and healthy. A kitchen with a poor ventilation system causes humidity and heat accumulation. As a result, mold, dust, and filth can thrive.
Hence, there is a visible requirement for quality ventilation.
When Are Exhaust Hood Systems Required?
The kitchen exhaust fan or range hood is essential in commercial kitchens with cooking devices like grills, fryers, etc. Furthermore, two factors determine the type and volume of the hood system. The first is the sort of kitchen equipment you use in the kitchen, and the second is the size of the cooking units.
Many manufacturers now provide ventless hood systems appropriate for small and delivery-only kitchens. The best thing about these vents is that they don’t require ductwork, are self-sustaining, and provide more options to transform the kitchen layout.
What Are the Types of Commercial Kitchen Hood Systems?
Type I (Also Known as Grease Hoods)
The primary purpose of a Type I range hood is to reduce condensed vapors, smoke, and grease buildup. All commercial-type equipment, such as broilers, kettles, BBQs, fry grills, and more, have exhaust vents installed at or above them.
It collects the air above the instrument free of greases and pollutants before expelling the air to the kitchen outsides. Additionally, all types of hoods require regular cleaning, and Type I hoods need the same cleanliness to avoid fire dangers.
Besides, if the cooking equipment is facing a wall, installing a Type I wall canopy hood is the best option. However, if there are no walls around the kitchen appliances, you can choose a single-island or double-island range hood.
Type II or Condensate Hood System
The Type II commercial kitchen hood system gathers and exhausts vapor, heat, and moisture from non-grease-producing equipment. Equipment like dishwashers, coffee machines, steamers, ovens, and more generates steam, and this system fits the best.
Furthermore, it helps to get rid of surplus heat from the kitchen air, resulting in a more pleasant working environment for staff. You can use ductwork to build the lubricant filter.
Besides, other hood systems involve a back-shelf hood, single island canopy, eyebrow hood, and pass-ver style hood.
Elements of Restaurant Kitchen Exhaust Hood System
Baffle Filters
Filters are indeed essential for exhaust hoods. Baffle filters come in a plethora of materials, including aluminium, stainless steel, and more. Also, these are fixed or welded together. These filters, above the vertical baffles and inside the hood, catch and drain the grease. Also, these help in the elimination of pollutants and facilitate cleaning.
Vent Hood
These are the canopies set over the cooking supplies and help to eliminate smoke, steam, grease, smells, and other contaminants. It comes in both types of hoods: Type I and Type II.
Exhaust Fans
The purpose of exhaust fans is to initiate the air in the exhaust system, directing low-quality air to the external environment. They are simple to place on the building’s exterior. The following are the two commercial kitchen exhaust fans:
Direct-drive: Within the wheel linked to the axel is a blade fan. It’s an efficient system that requires less maintenance and has fewer moving components.
Belt-driven fan: A motor pulley drives these exhaust fans. However, it occasionally falls short of expectations and requires more maintenance than direct-drive exhaust fans.
Air Unit
These air units are in charge of bringing in quality air through ductwork and flowing it everywhere in the kitchen. As a result, the exhaust fan expels the vapors out. Furthermore, it contributes to the creation of a healthier environment. Typically, you can install these devices outside of restaurant premises, at least until you install a ventless hood.
Ways to Pick the Ideal Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood
Regulatory Adherence
It is always essential for commercial kitchen owners to install a range hood that adheres to National Fire Protection Association rules. Also, ensure that you are well-acquainted with the required regulations.
Hood Exhaust Speed
It’s a numerical phrase for the amount of air ejected through the ventilator. The exhaust system’s speed is determined by its arrangement and design. In addition, the amount of heat, grease, smoke, and vapor created in the restaurant kitchen must be reflected in the exhaust system you own.
Type I or Type II
Type 1 systems, as previously mentioned, keep grease vapors out of the kitchen. Commercial grease or smoke-producing appliances such as BBQs, fryers, ovens, broilers, and griddles have exhaust vent systems placed above them. Type 2 exhaust hoods, on the other hand, discharge steam and vapors. Also, these are installed above non-grease-producing machines. As a result, you can select one based on your kitchen appliances.
Ventilation System Design
The balance of air-driven in and out is easy to determine by installing exhaust hood systems. The range hood vent, a make-up air fan, and the exhaust are all part of the vent system. Exhaust fans push the toxic gases and air outside of the premises. All you have to do now is make sure the ventilation system you pick fulfils the required ventilation criteria.
Consider Hood Layout and Size
Kitchen exhaust fans or the range hoods come in a wide range of styles that affect their appearance. Also, it impacts their efficiency. The wall-mount hood or the island hood both can be ideal as the vent system. Also, you can determine the exhaust hood’s size by recognizing the configuration of commercial kitchen appliances.
Summing Up
Finally, if you’re having trouble deciding which hood system is appropriate for your commercial kitchen, you can seek professional help. Also, remember that whatever type of kitchen hood system you install, regular cleanliness and maintenance are vital. It will protect your vent hoods from dangerous situations as well as filth and dust buildup.
Hope this write-up provides you with the required information!
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