A commercial kitchen exhaust hood also known as a range hood, ventilation hood, or kitchen hood is the superhero of the kitchen. 

Basically, a range hood is there to keep the air clean, prevent the buildup of grease on surfaces, reduce the risk of fire hazards, and make sure the kitchen does not turn into a sauna.

These commercial kitchen hoods come in different sizes and shapes to fit your kitchen setup and cooking equipment. A range hood is a must-have in any commercial kitchen to meet safety regulations and keep everyone breathing easy.

In this article, we will dive into the details of different styles of kitchen hoods. Doing this will help you find the most suitable type for your commercial kitchen.

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Benefits of a Kitchen Exhaust Hood

It is essential to have a suitable commercial range hood for some key reasons:

• Safety: These exhaust hoods help to remove all the grease, smoke, and other funky stuff that flies around when you are cooking. This reduces the risk of fire hazards and improves your overall kitchen safety.

• Health: Cooking can produce fumes and odors that may be harmful to breathe in. A range hood helps to clear the air and create a healthier environment for the staff and customers.

• Compliance: Some rules and regulations require you to have a proper ventilation system in place, including a range hood. So having one keeps you out of trouble and away from potential fines or penalties.

• Comfort: A range hood helps to keep the kitchen from getting too hot and steamy by removing all the extra moisture and heat. This means a more comfortable working environment for you and your team.

• Cleanliness: Without suitable ventilation, cooking smells and grease can build up in the kitchen. Having regular and proper cleaning services and inspections helps you to keep your kitchen equipment and surfaces clean and germ-free.

Commercial-Grade Kitchen Exhaust Systems

Here is a detailed explanation of the components and functions of a typical commercial-grade kitchen exhaust system:

• Hood: This visible part hangs over the stove. It removes all the grease, smoke, smell, and heat in the air. Depending on the kitchen setup and cooking equipment and needs, the hoods come in different types.
• Grease Filters: They are installed in the hood to catch all the greasy bits and keep them from clogging up the pipes. To maintain optimal performance and prevent fire hazards, you need to clean or replace these filters regularly.

• Ductwork: It is a maze of metal pipes that connect the hood to the exhaust fan. It is crucial to properly size and insulate the ductwork.

• Exhaust Fan: It is the powerhouse, responsible for drawing air through the hood and ductwork. Commercial exhaust fans are powerful enough to handle high amounts of air and operate continuously in busy commercial kitchens.

• Make-Up Air System: A commercial kitchen exhaust system needs a make-up air system to bring in fresh air and keep things balanced.

• Fire Suppression System: Commercial kitchens are required to have a fire suppression system built into the exhaust system. This system normally has an automatic fire detection and suppression mechanism.

• Control Panel: To keep everything running smoothly, there is a control panel that lets you adjust settings and keep an eye on things. You can use it to control the fan speed, lighting, fire suppression system activation, and some other operations.

Types of Kitchen Range Hoods

 1. A Wall-Mounted Range Hood: 

Have you got your stove against the wall? So, a wall-mounted range hood is exactly what you need for that setup. This hood typically has a canopy that covers the filters and fans. It also has a chimney that extends up to the ceiling.

 The canopy hangs above the cooking area to keep the air clean and fresh while you cook. The canopy is usually made of stainless steel;         however, it can have other materials like glass or copper.

A wall-mounted range hood draws in the air through filters to capture grease and other particles. Then it either recirculates clean air back into the kitchen or sends it outside through ducts. 

 It usually comes with multiple fan speeds to adjust the airflow according to your needs. Moreover, most wall-mounted hoods have built-in lights to brighten up your cooking space. 

 Controlling this type of hood is a breeze with simple buttons on the front. You can adjust the fan speed, turn on/off the lights, and even set a timer for automatic shutoff.

To ensure the hood operates properly and efficiently, regular maintenance is needed. This maintenance involves cleaning or replacing filters, wiping down the exterior surfaces, and checking for any blockages in the ducts.

2. An Under-Cabinet Range Hood:

 It is a practical space-saving ventilation system that sits under a cabinet above your stove or cooktop. As the same as other hoods, it is used to remove heat, smells, grease, and smoke during cooking.

These hoods come in all shapes and sizes to fit your kitchen setup and cooking needs. They help to save space and provide efficient ventilation. They are like the cool compact cousin of those big range hoods you can see in fancy kitchens.

The same as a wall-mounted range hood, an under-cabinet range hood also has a metal canopy that houses a fan and filters. The fan captures whatever is needed and then gives out the clean fresh air back into the kitchen or sends it outside through ductwork.

You can control this range hood with simple buttons or touch controls on the front panel. Whenever you need more airflow, or some extra light over your stove, or you want to turn the fan on/off, just hit the button.

Remember! Proper maintenance is the key to ensuring the lifespan and optimal performance of your range hood. Regularly clean or replace the filters, wipe down the surface, and check for any clogs in the ducts.

3. An Island Range Hood:

This hood is not just a functional appliance, but also a touch of elegance to your kitchen. An island range hood hangs over your kitchen island and acts as the rock star of the kitchen.

These hoods are designed for kitchens with cooktops or ranges located on an island rather than against a wall. They typically hang from the ceiling above the cooking area, creating a focal point that is all about looking good and getting the job done.

Island range hoods have different shapes and sizes to match your kitchen decor and meet your ventilation needs. Some have a classic canopy design with inside fans and filters while others have a sleek glass or stainless steel finish.

The main function and also the maintenance of this type of range hood are exactly similar to the previously mentioned ones.

Control options for island range hoods can vary from simple buttons to touch screens or even remote controls. Many models also come with built-in lighting to brighten up your cooking area and set the mood.

4. A Downdraft Range Hood:

 This type of hood is a ventilation system that sits directly beside or behind your cooktop or stove. A downdraft hood pulls cooking odors, steam, and smoke downward and sends them out of your kitchen through some ductwork.

The cool thing about this kind of hood is that it does not take up a ton of space. It provides a clean and modern look for the kitchen. As a result, it is perfect for kitchen islands or open-concept setups with limited space.

There are two types of downdraft range hoods. Retractable ones can be hidden when not in use and can be raised whenever needed. Pop-up ones rise from the countertop at the touch of a button.

Remember! A space-saving downdraft range hood may not be as efficient and powerful as other big overhead hoods. Just ensure to choose the right size and install it properly to get its optimal performance.

5. A Ducted Range Hood:

This vented range hood captures air and odors through its powerful fan and then expels them outside through a duct. Its filters also capture grease and other particles.

A ducted range hood has a system of pipes or channels to connect the canopy, which is installed above the stove/cooktop, to the outside of your kitchen. This ductwork prevents the air from recirculating back into the kitchen.

A ducted range hood is highly efficient in removing all the cooking byproducts and preventing the build-up of grease and cooking smells in the kitchen. So, this makes it a popular choice for those who prioritize clean and odor-free kitchens.

For this superhero to work its magic, proper and professional installation, and regular maintenance are crucial.

6. A Ductless Range Hood: 

This one is a reliable sidekick for your kitchen. It battles your kitchen’s grease, and odors by recirculating the air back into the kitchen after filtering it.

The filters of the hood which are usually made of charcoal or carbon grab grease and smell as the air passes through. After the air gets filtered, a fan inside the hood kicks the clean and fresh air back into the kitchen.

A ductless range hood is most suitable for kitchens where setting up ductwork is impossible or too pricey. It is also more energy-efficient since they do not need to push air outside.

7. A Custom Range Hood:

 This type of hood is not only functional but also something unique and tailored to fit your kitchen’s style, layout, and needs.

When a custom range hood is your suitable choice, you have the freedom to choose every detail from the material to the shape and also size of the hood. You can decorate your range hood with fancy carvings, stylish trims, or even built-in lighting.

This highly efficient type of range hood also gives you the freedom to choose your most suitable ventilation system. You can pick the ducted type to blow air outside or the ductless type to recirculate clean air back into the kitchen with the help of its powerful filters.

In summary, a custom range hood is not just a boring appliance. It can be a standout piece that adds personality and style to your kitchen while making sure things stay fresh and clean.

Note that to bring your vision to life and create a custom range hood that is both awesome and efficient, you will need a skilled designer or contractor.

Get in touch with our hood specialists to save time in finding out your kitchen’s most suitable choice. Call Now.

Frequently Asked Questions about Commercial Kitchen Exhaust hoods:

1. How Can I Choose the Right Commercial Exhaust Hood?

You need to take some important factors into account. For example, you should consider the types of foods you cook, the size of the hood, its exhaust rate, and of course the design of the hood.

2. How Can I Know If My Kitchen Exhaust Hood Works Properly?

There are several ways to do it. You can check the rate of the suction and airflow, the noise level, the temperature of the kitchen, and the amount of lingering smells.

3. Do All Types of Range Hoods Have Fire Suppression Systems?

Residential exhaust hoods are not required to have fire suppression systems; however, commercial ones are supposed to have them.

4. How Often Should I Maintain My Exhaust Hood?

According to NFPA 96, the frequency of cleanings depends on the type and amount of food cooked, and the type of fuel used. This maintenance can range from monthly to quarterly, semi-annually, and annually.

Choose Your Most Suitable Commercial Kitchen Range Hood in Denver, CO.

Long story short, having a proper commercial kitchen range hood is essential for keeping your business safe, healthy, and in line with the rules.

As talked about before, there are various designs of range hoods, each with its unique features and benefits. The important point is that the type you choose should follow your kitchen setup and cooking needs and equipment.

If you have realized that this is the moment to choose the right range hood for your commercial kitchen, do not hesitate to join our team of professionals at Hood Builder.

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