Restaurant hood and fan systems are available in many different types and styles. The one you choose for your commercial kitchen or restaurant will depend on your intended use. The two most common types of restaurant hood and fan systems are Type I and Type II ventilation hoods. All restaurant ventilation systems have the same basic parts: the ventilation hood, the exhaust duct, and the exhaust fan. But let’s have a closer look at what makes these two types of exhaust systems different from each other.
Type I Restaurant Hood and Fan Systems
Type I vent hoods are designed to be used with cooking appliances that produce grease and smoke. This includes equipment such as fryers, broilers, conveyor pizza ovens, and woks. The hood and fan work together to keep grease-laden vapors from accumulating in your exhaust system. Typically, they are installed with a make-up air system to bring fresh air in to replace the grease-laden air that is being exhausted out. Removing grease vapors from your kitchen with a Type I restaurant hood and fan system helps you avoid fire risk as well as sanitation and cleanliness issues such as pest or rodent infestation.
Grease hood filters are an important part of a Type I hood system and are installed in the ventilation hood. They help reduce the amount of grease that enters the duct system and exhaust fan. They are also the first line of defense in keeping your ventilation system clean. That’s why it is also very important to regularly inspect and clean your hood filters in addition to both the hood and exhaust fan. If your entire restaurant hood and fan system is not kept clean, it is not only a fire hazard, it can cause the system to work less efficiently and less effectively. For more information on NFPA fire safety recommendations and how often you should clean your grease filters, check out our blog on how to know when it’s time to clean your restaurant hood and fan system.
What is the Best Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood Filter Material?
Learn more in this video!
Type II Restaurant Hood and Fan Systems
Type II hood and fan systems are also commonly called condensate hoods. They are designed to collect and remove steam, vapor, heat and odors only. These ventilation systems are used with commercial kitchen equipment that produce moisture, such as a pasta station or a dishwasher. But they are not approved for use with any grease-producing appliances. They are great at helping remove excess heat and help provide a much more comfortable work environment for kitchen staff. A grease filter is not required in a Type II restaurant hood and fan system and there is generally a less frequent need for cleaning.
Which Type of Restaurant Hood and Fan System to Choose?
Both types of hood and fans systems will remove moisture and heat. The main difference between a Type I and Type II hood and fan system is that a Type I hood is designed to also remove grease. If you need assistance in determining which restaurant hood and fan system is right for you, let the experts at HoodFilters.com help you. We can also assist you in figuring out which style of hood you need: wall mounted hood, backshelf hood, single or double island canopy hood.
We can also help you figure out which upblast exhaust fan is right for your needs. We carry food truck exhaust fans, exhaust fan utility sets, downblast HVAC exhaust fans, and make-up air units as well. Our handy online Hood and Fan Builder is an easy way to get an idea of what you’ll need. But if you still have questions, our helpful product specialists are always here to help!
Have questions about adding a new hood system or other restaurant ventilation components to your kitchen or food truck? Let the experts at HoodFilters.com lend you a helping hand! Just give us a call at 877-394-9731 or email us at customerservice@hoodfilters.com.