Adequate ventilation plays a crucial role in any commercial kitchen, to be able to effectively control the odour, grease and smoke pollution that’s a standard in these areas. However, with a variety of commercial kitchen ventilation systems available on the market, how can you determine which one is best for your needs?
In this guide, you will find information which will help you to better understand the varying elements of kitchen ventilation systems, so that you can determine which system to invest in for your own kitchen and for the requirements set by the local authorities.
If you’re unsure about any of the information within this guide then please contact our team by visiting our contact page or calling 0113 347 1234. Our team will be more than happy to help.
Contact the local authorities
When it comes to investing in and installing a brand new kitchen ventilation system, your local authority your first port of call. Rules and regulations surrounding the requirements of a ventilation system can vary from one region to another, so it pays to speak to your local authority before handing over any money.
Speak to the department that handles planning and nuisance control. They will be able to offer an overview of what you can and cannot have as part of your ventilation system, which will prevent any problems with regulations further down the line.
Make a note of the equipment used in your kitchen
From griddles to ranges to open top fryers, it’s vital that you make a note of the type of equipment you will be using in your commercial kitchen, that will need to be covered by the ventilation canopy. Not only will this help to determine what type of ventilation system you will need, but what size it needs to be as well.
Make a note of the measurements for each of these pieces of equipment. Add the total width measurements together and add about 250mm to either side. Do the same with the depth measurement and add another 250mm to the front. Keep these measurements safe, as they will help to determine how large the ventilation canopy should be.
Contact extraction companies
The next step towards installing your kitchen ventilation is to find the best extraction company for the job. Like any other construction or installation work, it’s well worth calling a few different providers, finding out more about their previous work, looking for testimonials and gathering a list of quotes. Research such as this will help you to narrow down the choice of providers, to find a couple of extraction companies who best fit your needs and budget.
Your chosen extraction company will have to visit the premises to plan in extraction ducting and where the odour, oil and smoke pollution will exit the building. Working with the space you have, they will be able to recommend certain areas to create an exit for this pollution. They will look for the most obvious exit, one that’s closest to the fan and which won’t require any bends throughout the extraction route. They may also consider silencers and carbon filters as part of your ventilation system, depending on the noise and odour regulations set out by your local authority.
Consider the type of hood you wish to invest in
Ventilation hoods are available in a variety of different styles and the one choose is completely down to your own personal preferences and which will suit your commercial kitchen best.
Above all else, you should consider the quality, performance and appearance of your kitchen’s ventilation system, to make sure you’re investing in a system that will last you many years to come and in a way that your staff and customers will be happy with.
Think about air input
Replacing the air that the ventilation system takes out is a vital part of the planning and installation phase. Air input can either be introduced through the canopy itself or through grills installed into the kitchen ceiling. This is a legal requirement so it’s vital that you pay close attention to this aspect of the system.
Don’t forget about gas interlock systems
Gas interlock systems will prevent the gas from being switched on until the ventilation system is in operation. This helps to reduce the chances of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide from reaching dangerous levels, all whilst keeping staff and customers safe and healthy. Gas interlock systems are a requirement set in place by health and safety standards, so it’s vital that you bear this in mind when looking to install a new ventilation system.
This information should help you to get started in finding the best commercial ventilation system for your commercial kitchen. With plenty of research and consideration, you’ll soon find the best system for your needs, all whilst making sure your kitchen sticks to the rules and regulations set out for health, safety and peace of mind.