Commercial Vent Hoods

Any commercial kitchen, whether it is a food truck or a four-star restaurant, requires a kitchen ventilation system. One of the most important parts of the restaurant hood system is the vent hood. There are many different styles of commercial vent hoods: wall-mount and back shelf are two very common configurations.

A wall-mount commercial hood vent is the most likely hood to be installed in a restaurant facility. The commercial vent hood is mounted to the wall above the cooking appliances and typically has a larger capture area than a back shelf hood. Back shelf hoods, also called proximity hoods, sit closer to the cooking equipment. The closer proximity allows for lower exhaust rates and thus, the commercial hood vents are smaller. This type of commercial vent hood is an ideal solution for smaller spaces such as food trucks and concession trailers.

There are two main categories of commercial vent hoods: Type 1 and Type 2 hoods. Type 1 hoods are designed to exhaust smoke as well as grease and oil vapor. They utilize baffle filters to help filter the air before it enters the ventilation duct work and upblast exhaust fan. They are required by the NFPA 96 Standard as well as many local codes, landlords, and insurance companies. A Type 1 commercial kitchen vent hood can be used over open flame cooktops, wood burning ovens, fryers, and other grease producing appliances. Type 1 commercial kitchen vent hoods can quickly become coated in grease and oil and therefore, often require very frequent cleanings.

A Type 2 commercial hood vent is only designed for use with non-grease producing kitchen appliances. This type of vent hood is used to exhaust condensation, moisture, heat, and odors. Hood filters are not used in Type 2 hoods and they generally require less frequent cleaning. Type 2 commercial vent hoods are typically required to be installed over dishwashing and cooking appliances that produce heat or steam. This includes dishwashers, steamers, kettles, pasta cookers, and some types of pizza ovens.

When selecting a new commercial vent hood for your kitchen or restaurant, you may want to buy the entire system all at the same time. Our commercial hood and fan packages typically include a canopy exhaust hood, an upblast exhaust fan, a fan motor, a roof curb, and a make-up air supply unit.

No two commercial kitchens are alike. The same exact equipment will have different needs based on what is being cooked, the frequency of use, and the physical space. Even the set up of your equipment can make a difference. When purchasing a commercial vent hood system, it’s important to choose one that’s right for your specific needs.

Whether you need a Type 1 or a Type 2 commercial hood vent, the experts at HoodFilters.com have the experience and knowledge necessary to help you. Choose from our wide selection of commercial vent hoods as well as other equipment such as upblast exhaust fans, hood filters, grease containment systems, hood cleaning supplies, and more. Call +1 877.394.9731 to speak with one of our product specialists, live chat online, or email us at info@HoodFilters.com.