Range Hoods for Industrial Kitchens Heavy Duty Options for Tough Environments

October 14, 2023 7 min read

In the hustle and bustle of a busy commercial kitchen, it's essential to have a well-functioning ventilation system that can handle the pollutants that comes with cooking large amounts of food. A heavy-duty range hood is an indispensable component of any industrial kitchen in such a demanding environment. These range hoods are essential in maintaining a safe and comfortable environment by quickly eliminating smoke, steam, and grease from the air.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take an in-depth look at heavy-duty range hoods designed for industrial kitchens. We'll cover everything from the different range hoods available to the key factors to consider when selecting the right range hood for your kitchen.

So, without further delay, let's plunge into the brutal world of heavy-duty range hoods for industrial kitchens!

What are Industrial Range Hoods? 

Industrial range hoods are heavy-duty ventilation systems commonly used in commercial kitchens to effectively remove large quantities of smoke, steam, heat, and grease from the air. These ultra-durable systems are designed to meet heavy-duty cooking demands in a busy kitchen environment and are highly efficient in their operation.

Industrial range hoods typically have four main components: a canopy, filters, ductwork, and an exhaust fan. However, these systems can be tailored to suit specific kitchen environments by incorporating additional features such as fire suppression systems, adjustable airflow controls, and lighting.

Industrial range hoods are often subject to strict regulations and standards set by local building codes and fire departments. These regulations dictate the minimum airflow rates, the type and size of the exhaust fan, and the distance between the canopy and the cooking equipment.



Heavy-Duty Commercial Range Hood Options for Industrial Kitchens

Industrial kitchens require heavy-duty range hoods to remove large volumes of smoke, steam, and grease from the air. Let's look at these options and their features to help you choose the best commercial kitchen hood system.

Stainless Steel Range Hoods

Stainless steel range hoods are a durable, practical, and stylish heavy-duty range hood option for industrial kitchens. They offer excellent ventilation capabilities, are easy to clean and maintain, and can withstand the harsh conditions of a busy commercial kitchen.

Stainless steel range hoods are available in various sizes, shapes, and styles to suit multiple industrial kitchen needs. They are easy to install and maintain, making them a practical choice for many businesses. Additionally, stainless steel is an attractive material that can give an industrial kitchen a modern and sleek look.

Galvanized Steel Range Hoods

Galvanized steel range hoods are a top choice for industrial kitchens seeking a durable and corrosion-resistant ventilation system. Designed to withstand the harsh conditions of busy commercial kitchens, galvanized steel range hoods are a practical and cost-effective solution for many businesses.

These range hoods consist of galvanized steel sheets coated with a layer of zinc that shields them from rust and other chemical damage. The malleable nature of the material also allows for easy customization of the hood's size and shape to fit the kitchen's unique specifications. With exceptional ventilation capabilities, galvanized steel range hoods capture and expel smoke, steam, heat, and grease from the air, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for kitchen staff.

Copper Range Hoods

Copper range hoods are a unique and stylish heavy-duty range hood option for industrial kitchens. These hoods are made of solid copper, a material that is highly resistant to corrosion and very durable, making it ideal for use in high-heat cooking environments.

Copper range hoods offer excellent heat resistance, ventilation capabilities, and low-maintenance requirements, making them a practical and attractive choice for businesses. The material is naturally bacteria-resistant and easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for busy commercial kitchens.


Aluminum Range Hoods

Aluminum range hoods are a practical and cost-effective option for heavy-duty range hoods in industrial kitchens. They require less upfront investment than other materials like copper or stainless steel, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious commercial kitchen owners.

Aluminum hoods are made from high-quality aluminum; they are corrosion-resistant and have excellent thermal conductivity, allowing them to efficiently remove smoke, fumes, and heat from industrial kitchens. They are lightweight condensate hoods that can be easily installed in various configurations, making them versatile for different kitchen layouts and cooking equipment.

Titanium Range Hoods

Titanium range hoods are a top-of-the-line heavy-duty option for industrial kitchens, prized for their superior strength and durability. Made from titanium, these hoods are highly corrosion-resistant, ensuring they can withstand even the busiest kitchens.

While titanium range hoods come at a higher cost than other commercial-type materials like stainless steel or aluminum, their exceptional quality and longevity make them a worthwhile investment for high-end industrial kitchens. They have outstanding ventilation capabilities, effectively capturing and removing airborne contaminants to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for kitchen staff.

Proximity Hoods

Proximity hoods are a specialized heavy-duty range hood option designed to remove heat and smoke at the source in industrial kitchens. They are placed close to the cooking surface, making them ideal for high-heat cooking equipment like woks and grills.

These hoods use high-velocity airflow to capture smoke and heat directly from the cooking surface. By positioning the hood close to the equipment, contaminated air is captured before it can spread throughout the kitchen. They offer an efficient solution for capturing airborne contaminants at the source, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for kitchen staff. They are often made of durable materials like stainless steel, ensuring suitability for harsh industrial kitchen environments.

 

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Essential Features of Heavy-Duty Range Hoods for Industrial Kitchens

Here are some essential features of heavy-duty range hood:

Filtration System

A filtration system is a critical component of heavy-duty range hoods for industrial kitchens. It plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for kitchen staff. The filtration system's primary function is to capture and remove smoke, grease, and other airborne particles generated during cooking, preventing them from entering the ventilation system and causing damage or health hazards.

Different filters can be used in a filtration system, including baffle, mesh, and charcoal filters. Baffle filters are generally the most efficient at trapping grease, while charcoal filters effectively remove odors. Depending on the kitchen's specific needs, a combination of different filters may be used.

Fire Suppression System

A fire suppression system is a top feature designed to detect and extinguish fires that may occur in the cooking area, preventing them from spreading and causing significant damage or injuring kitchen staff.

A typical fire suppression system for a range hood consists of a series of sensors that detect smoke or heat in the cooking area, as well as a chemical extinguishing agent, such as wet chemical or carbon dioxide. It is crucial for the safety of kitchen staff and the protection of the kitchen itself because, in the event of a fire, the system can quickly and effectively extinguish the flames.

Lighting System

Lighting System for a heavy-duty range hood consists of one or more high-intensity light fixtures mounted underneath the hood. These fixtures are designed to provide bright and even lighting over the cooking surface, making it easier for kitchen staff to monitor food as it cooks, even in low-light conditions.

A well-designed lighting system not only provides adequate lighting for cooking but also adds to the overall safety of the kitchen. Good lighting can prevent accidents such as slips, trips, and falls resulting from poor visibility. Also, a well-lit kitchen can deter pests and rodents, ensuring a hygienic environment.

Noise Dampening System

A noise-dampening system is an essential feature of heavy-duty range hoods for industrial kitchens. It typically consists of insulation materials surrounding the range hood's motor and blower and additional baffles or sound-absorbing materials within the ductwork.

By reducing the noise level, a noise-dampening system ensures that the range hood operates quietly and efficiently, providing a more comfortable and productive working environment for kitchen staff. This can lead to increased productivity and efficiency in the kitchen.

Make-up Air System

When a commercial range hood operates, it also exhausts a significant amount of air from the kitchen, and this can create negative air pressure within the kitchen. This can cause problems such as backdrafts, drafts, and an uncomfortable working environment for kitchen staff.

To address this issue, make-up air units are used to pump clean air to replace the polluted air exhausted by the range hood. This helps maintain a balanced airflow within the kitchen. They can be installed in various configurations, including roof-mounted and wall-mounted, to fit different kitchen layouts and cooking equipment.

Importance of Range Hoods in Industrial Kitchens

Range hoods are a critical component in industrial kitchens, serving essential and sometimes lifesaving functions like:

  1. Industrial and commercial kitchens are prone to grease build-up and fires, which can be very destructive. Range hoods help reduce this risk by quickly removing smoke and airborne grease from the cooking area before it accumulates.
  2. Kitchens with heavy cooking can have poor air quality due to smoke, food odors, grease, and other pollutants. Range hoods help remove these pollutants, ensuring a safe and healthy working environment.
  3. Industrial and commercial kitchens must maintain high hygiene standards to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses. Range hoods help maintain a hygienic environment by removing pollutants and preventing the buildup of grease and bacteria.
  4. A properly sized and installed heavy-duty range hood can improve ventilation in the commercial kitchen, ensuring fresh air is circulating throughout the area and reducing heat buildup.
  5. Range hoods help prevent the buildup of grease and pollutants on kitchen appliances and surfaces but can cause damage over time, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
  6. By removing smoke and pollutants, range hoods can improve the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, reducing energy costs in the kitchen.
  7. By maintaining a clean and safe working environment, commercial range hoods help improve staff productivity, allowing them to focus on their tasks without worrying about air quality or safety hazards.

Conclusion

Heavy-duty range hoods are critical components of industrial kitchens that play a vital role in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for kitchen staff. A well-designed and properly installed heavy-duty range hood can help to prevent respiratory issues, boost productivity, reduce cost, and ensure a more comfortable working environment. Don't compromise on safety and quality; invest in a reliable and efficient heavy-duty range hood for your industrial kitchen.