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What are the Types of Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hoods? - Ventto Manufacturer
2025-05-12
Exhaust hoods play a vital role in the operation of commercial kitchens. They affect not only the air quality and sanitation of the kitchen but also the safety and health of kitchen staff.
This article will explore in depth the various design types, functional advantages, and how to choose the exhaust hood that best suits your kitchen, aiming to help catering practitioners create an efficient, safe, and compliant kitchen environment.
I.The Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Commercial Range Hoods
According to the NFPA 96 standard, commercial range hoods are divided into two categories:
1. Type 1 Range Hoods
(1) Functional Positioning
Designed to handle high-temperature smoke containing grease, suitable for cooking equipment that produces a large amount of grease particles, such as frying, grilling, and teppanyaki.
(2) Technical Characteristics
Use a multi-layer maze (Baffle) or metal mesh (Mesh) grease filter, and the filtration efficiency must reach more than 95%.
For forced external exhaust design, the exhaust duct must be made of 304 stainless steel, with a thickness of ≥1.2mm;
An automatic fire extinguishing system (such as Ansul R-102) must be integrated, and the fire extinguishing agent coverage radius must be ≥1.5 meters.
(3) Typical Applications
Fast food restaurant fryer area, steak house open grill, Asian restaurant stir-fry stove.
2. Type 2 Commercial Range Hoods
(1) Functional Positioning
For steam, water mist, and odor control, suitable for low-grease equipment such as steamers, electric ovens, dishwashers, etc.
(2) Technical Characteristics
Use activated carbon or a HEPA filter for air purification.
Circulation exhaust mode is allowed, but the air changes per hour (ACH) must be ≥15 times.
Galvanized steel plates can be used for exhaust ducts with a thickness of ≥0.8mm.
(3) Typical Applications
The fermentation room of a bakery, the dish washing area of a central kitchen, and above the espresso machine in a cafe.
II. Types of Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hoods
1. Wall-mounted Exhaust Hoods
Wall-mounted exhaust hoods are one of the most common types and are particularly suitable for kitchen layouts where the stove is installed against the wall. Its main features are as follows:
(1) Structural Composition
Hood
Usually made of stainless steel, this material has good corrosion resistance and is easy to clean, with a smooth surface and is not easily contaminated by grease. Some high-end models also use glass or copper. Glass has a unique visual effect and can add a modern feel to the kitchen; copper has a more retro charm and is suitable for some theme restaurants or kitchens with unique decorative styles.
Filtration System
Built-in grease filters can effectively intercept grease particles in the air and prevent them from entering the pipe system. Metal mesh filters are generally used, and the multi-layer mesh structure increases the filtration area and improves the filtration efficiency.
Exhaust Duct
Connects the exhaust fan and the hood to exhaust the filtered air outdoors. The size and direction of the duct need to be designed according to the specific space and exhaust volume of the kitchen to ensure smooth air circulation.
(2) Functional Advantages
Efficient Exhaust
The powerful exhaust system can quickly exhaust the smoke, odor, and heat generated by cooking out of the kitchen, keeping the air in the kitchen fresh.
Energy-saving Design
Many wall-mounted exhaust hoods are equipped with intelligent control devices that can automatically adjust the exhaust volume according to the air quality in the kitchen to avoid energy waste. For example, when the fume concentration in the kitchen is low, the exhaust volume will automatically decrease; while during the peak cooking period, the exhaust volume will automatically increase.
Lighting Assistance
Most wall-mounted exhaust hoods have built-in lighting fixtures to provide sufficient light for the cooking area, facilitate the chef's operation, and reduce safety accidents caused by poor visibility.
(3) Applicable Scenarios
Fast Food Restaurants
The cooking methods of fast food restaurants are usually fried and deep-fried, which will produce a lot of oil smoke. Wall-mounted exhaust hoods can effectively deal with these situations, exhaust the oil smoke in time, and keep the kitchen environment clean.
Chinese Restaurant
The cooking process in Chinese restaurants produces a lot of oil smoke and a strong odor. The large suction characteristics of the wall-mounted exhaust hood can quickly exhaust the oil smoke and prevent the odor from spreading in the kitchen and restaurant.
2. Under-cabinet Exhaust Hood
Under-cabinet exhaust hood is a space-saving ventilation solution suitable for installation under the cabinet above the stove or cooktop, especially for small kitchens or cooking areas with limited space.
(1) Structural Composition
Appearance Design
The overall shape is flat, fitting tightly to the bottom of the cabinet without taking up additional vertical space. Its appearance is usually coordinated with the style of the cabinet. The material is mostly stainless steel or aluminum alloy, and the surface is finely treated to have good anti-oil performance.
Internal Structure
It contains a small centrifugal fan and a multi-layer grease filter. Although the fan is small in size, it can generate sufficient suction by optimizing the blade design and motor performance.
Control System
Equipped with a simple control panel, usually located on the side or front of the cabinet, for easy use by the operator. The control panel is equipped with switches, wind speed adjustment buttons, and lighting control functions.
(2) Functional Advantages
Appearance Design
The overall shape is flat, fitting tightly to the bottom of the cabinet without taking up additional vertical space. Its appearance is usually coordinated with the style of the cabinet. The material is mostly stainless steel or aluminum alloy, and the surface is finely treated to have good anti-oil performance.
Internal Structure
It contains a small centrifugal fan and a multi-layer grease filter. Although the fan is small in size, it can generate sufficient suction by optimizing the blade design and motor performance.
Control System
Equipped with a simple control panel, usually located on the side or front of the cabinet, for easy use by the operator. The control panel is equipped with switches, wind speed adjustment buttons, and lighting control functions.
(3) Applicable Scenarios
Small Cafes
The kitchen area of cafes is usually small, and the cooking methods are relatively simple, mainly making coffee and baking snacks. Under-counter exhaust hoods can provide effective ventilation in a limited space.
Dessert Shops
The dessert-making process will produce a certain odor and a small amount of steam. Under-counter exhaust hoods can well meet their ventilation needs without affecting the overall layout and appearance of the shop.
3. Island Exhaust Hood
The island exhaust hood is a ventilation device tailored for the kitchen island layout. It not only has a powerful exhaust function, but also can become the visual focus of the kitchen.
(1) Structural Composition
Hood Shape
The shapes are diverse, and the most common ones are arc, rectangle, square, etc. The arc hood has smooth lines, giving people an elegant feeling; the rectangular and square hoods are more atmospheric and stable. In terms of materials, in addition to stainless steel, glass, wood, and other materials are also used for decoration to adapt to different decoration styles.
Support Structure
Since it is suspended above the ceiling, a sturdy support structure is required. Usually, a metal frame is used as the skeleton, and the frame and the ceiling are connected by a professional hanging device to ensure the stability of the entire hood.
Exhaust System
The built-in high-power centrifugal fan, combined with an efficient grease filtration system, can quickly capture and exhaust a large amount of oil smoke, steam, and odor generated by the island stove.
(2) Functional Advantages
Decorative Effect
The unique design and diverse material selection make it a decorative highlight of the kitchen, which can enhance the grade and aesthetics of the entire kitchen.
Wide coverage
The hood has a large area and can effectively cover multiple cooking areas on the kitchen island, ensuring that harmful gases generated at each cooking point can be discharged in time.
Intelligent Control
Some high-end island exhaust hoods are equipped with a touch screen control system, which can not only adjust the exhaust volume and lighting brightness, but also realize linkage control with other kitchen equipment, such as connecting with the fire power adjustment system of the stove to adjust the exhaust volume according to the fire power automatically.
（3）Applicable Scenarios
Luxury Hotel Restaurants
The kitchens of hotel restaurants often adopt an open design. The island exhaust hood can be well integrated into this modern and high-end kitchen environment, which can not only meet the ventilation needs but also play a decorative role.
High-end Western Restaurants
The kitchens of Western restaurants usually focus on the beauty and practicality of the overall layout. The island exhaust hood can be installed above the central cooking area to provide a good working environment for the chef, and also add visual enjoyment for customers to show the cooking process.
4. Downdraft Exhaust Hood
The downdraft exhaust hood is an innovative ventilation device that changes the suction direction of the traditional exhaust hood and sucks in and discharges the pollutants generated by cooking from below.
(1) Structural Composition
The Suction Port Position
The suction port is set at the side or back of the stove or cooktop close to the ground, usually flush with the countertop or slightly raised, so that the oil smoke can be captured in time during the sinking process.
Exhaust Channel
A special guide channel is provided inside to guide the inhaled air to the filtration system and the exhaust fan. The design of the guide channel is optimized to reduce the resistance of air flow and improve the exhaust efficiency.
Control Device
The control panel is usually integrated on the edge or side of the countertop for easy operation. Some models also have an automatic cleaning function, which can regularly rinse the filter to maintain the filtering effect.
(2) Functional Advantages
Space Saving
Since the suction port is located below, no additional vertical space is required above the stove, making the kitchen space more efficient. It is particularly suitable for installation in kitchen islands or open kitchens with limited space.
Highly Concealed
The exterior design is simple, and the air intake is highly integrated with the countertop. When not in use, there is almost no obvious exhaust equipment, which maintains the overall beauty of the kitchen.
High Efficiency in Capturing Oil Smoke
The downdraft design is more in line with the natural sinking law of oil smoke, which can more effectively capture oil smoke and reduce the diffusion of oil smoke in the air. Especially in the early stage of cooking, when the oil smoke is just generated, it can be quickly inhaled.
(3) Applicable Scenarios
Modern Minimalist Style Restaurant
This type of restaurant focuses on the openness of the space and the simplicity of the vision. The concealment and space-saving characteristics of the downdraft exhaust hood make it an ideal choice.
Residential Kitchen with Kitchen Island Layout
In a residential kitchen, if the owner wants to create an open kitchen island that integrates cooking, dining, and socializing, the downdraft exhaust hood can be perfectly integrated into this layout, which does not affect the function of the kitchen island while maintaining its beauty.
5. Ducted Exhaust Hood
The ducted exhaust hood is a traditional ventilation device that exhausts the air in the kitchen to the outside through a duct. It is the preferred exhaust method for many commercial kitchens.
(1) Structural Composition
Hood Body and Duct Connection
The hood body is installed above the stove and connected to the outdoor exhaust port through a vertical or horizontal duct. The duct is usually made of metal, such as galvanized iron or stainless steel, with good air tightness and corrosion resistance.
Filter System
Equipped with a high-efficiency grease filter and an air purification filter. The grease filter is used to intercept grease particles in the air to prevent duct blockage; the air purification filter can further remove odors and other harmful substances in the air to ensure that the exhausted air is clean and pollution-free.
Exhaust Fan
Installed at the end or middle of the duct, it provides powerful power to exhaust the air to the outside. The power of the fan is selected according to the area of the kitchen and the exhaust volume requirements. Generally, large commercial kitchens will use multiple fans in parallel to meet the requirements of large exhaust volume.
(2) Functional Advantages
Powerful Exhaust Capacity
It can directly exhaust the fume, odor, heat, and other pollutants in the kitchen to the outside, completely solving the problem of kitchen air pollution and keeping the air in the kitchen fresh.
Thorough Air Purification
Through the multiple filtration system, it can effectively remove grease, odor, and other harmful substances in the air, meet environmental protection requirements, and reduce pollution to the surrounding environment.
Stable and Reliable Performance
The ducted exhaust hood has mature technology and a relatively simple structure. As long as it is properly installed and maintained, it can operate stably for a long time and provide continuous ventilation guarantee for the kitchen.
(3) Applicable Scenarios
Large Chain Restaurants
The kitchens of these restaurants are large in scale, with many cooking equipment, and the amount of fume and odor generated is large. The ducted exhaust hood can meet their large exhaust volume requirements and ensure that the air quality in the kitchen meets the hygiene standards.
Restaurants in Commercial Complexes
Commercial complexes have strict requirements for the exhaust system of catering stores. The ducted exhaust hood can exhaust air to the outside through a dedicated exhaust channel to avoid mixing with the air of other stores, which complies with the management regulations of the commercial complex.
6. Ductless Exhaust Hood
A ductless exhaust hood is a ventilation device that does not rely on external ducts. It purifies the air through an internal filtration system and then recirculates it into the kitchen.
(1) Structural Composition
Filter Device
The core component is a high-efficiency activated carbon filter or a similar adsorbent filter. These filters can absorb grease, odor, and other harmful substances in the air. The filter has a strong adsorption capacity and can be reused many times, but it needs to be replaced regularly to ensure the filtering effect.
Internal Circulation System
The built-in fan draws air from the kitchen, purifies it through the filter device, and then circulates it into the kitchen through the air outlet. The whole process is carried out in a closed circulation system, and the air is not discharged to the outside.
Appearance Design
The appearance is diverse, including wall-mounted, tabletop, and other styles. You can choose according to the decoration style and space layout of the kitchen. Some models also have a silent design to reduce the impact of operating noise on the kitchen environment.
(2) Functional Advantages
Easy Installation
No need to lay a complex duct system, just install the exhaust hood in a suitable position to use it, which greatly shortens the installation time and cost. It is especially suitable for rental kitchens or places where the kitchen ventilation system needs to be quickly modified.
Energy Saving and Environmental Protection
Since the air is recycled in the kitchen, the heat exchange between the kitchen and the outside world is reduced, and the energy consumption of the air conditioning system is reduced. At the same time, the energy consumption of the ductless exhaust hood itself is relatively low, and long-term use can save energy costs.
High Flexibility
The position of the exhaust hood can be easily moved or adjusted according to the changes in the kitchen layout and cooking equipment, and it is more adaptable.
(3) Applicable Scenarios
Fast Food Takeaway Restaurants
The kitchen area of this type of store is small, and it mainly focuses on simple cooking, which produces relatively less fumes and odors. Ductless exhaust hoods can meet their basic ventilation needs while saving space and installation costs.
Residential Kitchen Renovation
For some residential kitchens without reserved exhaust ducts, ductless exhaust hoods are a practical solution that can effectively improve kitchen air quality and reduce cooking pollution to the indoor environment.
7. Customized Exhaust Hoods
Customized exhaust hoods are exhaust equipment tailored to the customer's special needs and kitchen layout, which can perfectly meet personalized requirements.
(1) Structural Composition
Material Selection
Customers can choose from a variety of materials, such as stainless steel, copper, iron, glass, etc. Different materials have different textures and decorative effects. For example, copper has a unique metallic luster and retro style, while glass is more modern and transparent.
Shape and Size
According to the spatial layout and design requirements of the kitchen, customized exhaust hoods can be designed in various shapes and sizes. Whether it is an irregular polygon, a circle, or an oversized hood, it can be achieved through customization.
Function Integration
In addition to the basic exhaust function, various additional functions can be integrated according to customer needs. For example, a built-in intelligent control system can realize remote control, air quality monitoring, automatic cleaning reminder, and other functions; add decorative lamps to create a unique kitchen atmosphere; install a sound system to provide background music for kitchen staff, etc.
(2) Functional Advantages
Full of Personalization
It can be designed completely according to the customer's aesthetics and kitchen style, making the exhaust hood a part of the kitchen decoration and enhancing the overall beauty and uniqueness of the kitchen.
Highly Adaptable
Accurately adapt to the layout of the kitchen and the placement of cooking equipment to ensure the best exhaust effect. For example, for kitchen islands with special shapes or kitchens with complex layouts of multiple cooking areas, customized exhaust hoods can achieve full coverage and efficient exhaust.
Superior Overall Performance
Through reasonable selection of materials, optimized structural design, and integrated advanced functions, customized exhaust hoods can achieve the best balance in exhaust efficiency, noise control, maintenance convenience, etc., meeting customers' high standards.
(3) Applicable Scenarios
Theme Restaurants
The decoration style of theme restaurants is unique, and the appearance and decorativeness of kitchen equipment are required to be high. Customized exhaust hoods can be designed according to the theme style of the restaurant, complementing the overall decoration.
Customized Kitchens
The kitchens of some high-end residential or commercial places adopt customized designs, pursuing personalization and a perfect layout. Customized exhaust hoods can meet this customized demand and become an important part of the overall kitchen design.
Conclusion
Commercial kitchen exhaust hoods are key facilities that integrate safety, efficiency, and compliance. Model selection should be based on equipment characteristics, spatial layout, and regional regulations, while operation and maintenance rely on intelligent monitoring and preventive maintenance.
Through scientific planning and technological innovation, risk control, energy consumption reduction, and long-term cost optimization can be achieved simultaneously. For more knowledge, please pay attention to the next blog, "Comprehensive Guide to Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hoods: Design and Selection Strategies.