Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Equipment Key Terms

Learn commercial kitchen ventilation equipment key terms prior to purchasing ventilation equipment

Learning commercial kitchen ventilation equipment key terms is critical when purchasing ventilation equipment. Without knowing the names of individual parts and how they function, it's impossible to ensure you're outfitting your commercial kitchen with the proper system.

Law requires ventilation systems in all commercial kitchens. These systems protect workers and the building by removing potentially dangerous smoke, cooking grease, odors and harmful particles. A ventilation system is a combination of parts that function together to remove and replace air. When learning kitchen ventilation jargon, consider the following:

1. Find examples of commercial ventilation hoods to determine the right hood for your kitchen.

2. Know that exhaust fans are inside ventilation hoods, but purchased separately.

3. Learn the difference between a kitchen exhaust ventilation system and a kitchen air cleaning emissions system.

 

View examples of commercial kitchen hoods

Exhaust hoods are professional kitchen equipment that begin the process of removing smoke, grease and odors from the air. These hoods, also referred to as canopies, are often galvanized or stainless steel and come in designs ranging from industrial and boxy to sleek and low profile. Exhaust hoods often work in conjunction with vents, but ventless technology is also available.
Try: To view a ventless exhaust hood, visit American Hood Systems. In addition to a photograph of a ventless hood, the website provides scenarios where a ventless hood would be ideal. See an illustration and photograph of a standard box exhaust hood at Monroe Kitchen Equipment.

Know the features of various commercial kitchen ventilation equipment fans

Commercial kitchen ventilation fans are within the exhaust hood. When purchasing an exhaust fan, consider the size of the hood and the power needed to keep the kitchen's air pure. Typically, the product specifications on an exhaust fan include a recommended hood length.
Try: Fantech offers technical data and illustrations of its kitchen ventilation equipment fans. Click on "Product Information" for product features and photographs. See a photograph of a commercial kitchen exhaust fan at Ultimate Aire Hoods. The various links on the page provide you with parts drawings and measurements for the company's exhaust fans.

Learn the components of an exhaust restaurant ventilation system

An exhaust ventilation system provides the necessary fire-safety measures within a restaurant kitchen. The commercial kitchen equipment in an exhaust ventilation system typically includes an exhaust hood, fan system, ducts and vents that draw in outside air to replace the air sucked into the hood. This system is adequate for meeting safety codes, but provides less fire protection than an emissions air cleaning system.
Try: To see a photograph of a rooftop ventilation system as well as a clearly labeled drawing of the same model, visit J&R Sales. Notice the ventilation system's make-up air fan, which replaces the ventilated air with new air. To see various individual components and a complete exhaust ventilation system, visit United Kitchen Systems.

See how an emissions air cleaning system works in kitchen restaurant ventilation

While an exhaust ventilation system draws harmful pollutants out of a kitchen, an emissions air cleaning system eliminates the pollutants so they're not released into the environment. Not only does an emissions system make your restaurant greener, it prevents grease build-up on the outside of the building, which can be a fire hazard.
Try: View two illustrations of kitchen air cleaning emissions systems at BPA Air Quality Solutions. The company provides a concise explanation and diagram of both an indoor and outdoor emissions system works. Air Quality Engineering offers parts for a restaurant kitchen emissions system. View photographs of air cleaners at the bottom of the page.

 

• When setting up a restaurant ventilation system, purchase the kitchen hood before the ventilation fan to ensure the fan fits properly inside the hood.

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