Named one of 2006's top innovations by Popular Science magazine.
www.Oreck.com
Quality ventilation packages Total kitchen ventilation needs
www.ventilationdirect.com
Dual-Centrifugal Fans Quietly Move Up to 600 cu. ft. of Air per Minute
ElectroluxAppliances.com
Grease & odor filtration system for commercial kitchen emissions
www.air-quality-eng.com
Shop & compare ventilation systems including ceiling & wall units.
www.panasonic.com
Certified Industrial Hygienist: air & noise testing; OSHA consultant
www.GoldSafety.net
Save On Oscillating Pedestal Fans Many Types, Quick Ship, Order Now!
www.GLOBALindustrial.com
Premium inline exhaust systems Complete kits, expert advice
www.HVACquick.com/Fantech
Shop from Under Cabinet, Wall Mount Island, and Insert Hoods Now!
www.VentingDirect.com/
America's Leading Manufacturer Commercial Kitchen Ventilation
www.CaptiveAire.com
Ventilation Fans, Ducting, SALE Blowers, Venturi-Style Air Horn
www.urbanhart.com
Software for the Lift Truck & Material Handling Industry
www.Equip-Soft.com
Premier manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation and utility distribution for foodservice operations.
www.carrollmi.com
Dealer for commercial kitchen equipment such as ventilation hoods.
www.econokool.com
A premiere source for Hand-Carved Limestone Kitchen Hoods, mantel pieces, fine hand-crafted Scagliola Stone™ mantels, and architectural accents.
www.francoisandco.com(Paid)
Manufacturer of a complete line of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and associated equipment.
www.gaylordusa.com
Distributor of a complete line of professional-style cooking, ventilation, kitchen cleanup, and refrigeration equipment.
www.vikingrange.com
Named one of 2006's top innovations by Popular Science magazine.
www.Oreck.com
Quality ventilation packages Total kitchen ventilation needs
www.ventilationdirect.com
Dual-Centrifugal Fans Quietly Move Up to 600 cu. ft. of Air per Minute
ElectroluxAppliances.com
Guide to Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Equipment
Smoke and grease threaten your kitchen. Restaurant ventilation systems stand guard.There are many different styles of commercial kitchen ventilation equipment to meet a variety of needs and configurations. Prices for commercial kitchen equipment can run anywhere from $5,000 for a simple gas range to $100,000 or more for an entire kitchen ventilation system.
Before shopping for commercial ventilation equipment, you need to:
- Estimate the size hood you will need. This is determined by the number of stoves, ranges, grills, etc. that make up your cooking line.
- Visit your local fire code marshal, who can tell you the specific requirements for commercial kitchen ventilation and fire safety.
- Contact a local electrician to find out the project specs. An electrician can give you a ballpark estimate of the work that needs to be done.
- Consult a mechanical engineer, if necessary, to review your commercial kitchen space for the best location for equipment, and make recommendations regarding the type of ventilation system you should purchase.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Size up your commercial kitchen equipment
There are many different kinds of commercial ventilation hoods and exhaust fans available. Kitchen ventilation equipment comes in both standard and custom sizes, depending on your layout.
I recommend:
Greenheck can help you plan and equip your commercial kitchen with their kitchen ventilation application and design guide. You can also contact Ventilation Direct, a leading manufacturer of stainless steel hoods. They carry both canopy and island mounted hoods, ideal for commercial kitchens.
Make safety the No. 1 priority
Two critical elements of commercial kitchen ventilation equipment are fire extinguishing and grease extraction. With any cooking equipment, there is a chance of accident or fire. However, restaurant kitchens, because they are operating all day and night, need to be extra cautious where safety is concerned. Grease buildup, a common problem of many restaurant kitchens, presents a potential fire hazard.
I recommend:
APS Hoods offers both installation and fire safety checks for commercial kitchens. They also work with your HVAC system, installing, repairing and servicing every type of rooftop unit. Safety First Services offers hood cleaning to remove dangerous buildup of grease and other debris. Along with cleaning restaurant ventilation systems, Safety First Services also does general commercial kitchen maintenance.
Used professional kitchen equipment is a tight budget's best friend
One of the best ways to save money when outfitting your commercial kitchen is to buy used equipment. You can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars by purchasing 'gently used' commercial equipment. Whole distributors are another place to look for steeply discounted prices on commercial ventilation
I recommend:
Jean's Restaurant Supply offers both new and used kitchen ventilation systems. ACityDiscount.com offers a large number of used and new kitchen ventilation equipment at wholesale prices.
Soup to nuts (and bolts): Installing commercial ventilation hoods
Many companies that make commercial kitchen hoods also offer installation. Unless you have experience installing ventilation systems, it is best to leave it to a professional. If the manufacturer does not provide installation, you should contact a fire safety company or a heating company, both of which should have staff trained in the proper installation of commercial kitchen hoods.
I recommend:
Ventilation Technology is an expert in installation of commercial ventilation hoods. BPA is another vendor of commercial restaurant hoods who also specializes in installation. They can walk you through setting up your kitchen and suggest which ventilation systems are right for you.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide- A used kitchen hood may have some dings and scratches, but that shouldn't affect its performance. Unless you plan to have an open kitchen in your restaurant, purchasing a hood with a little wear and tear is fine, since customers won't see it.
- Get familiar with your local building and safety codes. The local fire marshal and code enforcement officer can walk you through the type of ventilation needed for a particular building, as well as the type of fire suppression system that is needed.
