Selecting and Sizing Exhaust Hoods

Canopies are one of the commercial kitchen equipment that most probably generates the maximum debates regarding the ‘best-fit’ for a commercial kitchen. The many variations of commercial exhaust hood canopy make the task even more complicated. The exhaust system of a commercial kitchen is a serious factor that needs proper planning and installation not only to meet the regulatory norms but also to ensure the proper functioning of the cookery and a hygienic environment for the kitchen staff.

Selecting and sizing of commercial kitchen canopy depends on multiple factors. In this article, we will discuss these factors in detail, so that business owners can make the right choice depending on their requirements. This article will also help kitchen owners to understand the reasons that can affect the efficiency of canopies negatively.

What makes kitchen exhaust complicated?

The heat produced from the cooking equipment can be removed mostly by an exhaust fan because the hot air naturally rises to the top. But when grease, smoke, vapour, and other organic volatile particles mix with the hot air, a simple exhaust fan becomes quite ineffective. This is where the exhaust hood canopy comes into the play.   However, to get the right results, the right power of the canopy is paramount and here are the top factors to consider,

The Cooking

The menu of foods to be cooked under the canopy and also the type of cooking appliances to be used under it are the major considerations, because the amount of heat, smoke, grease required to be cleared out by the vent system depends on these factors.

Depending on the amount of grease, smoke, vapour, heat, and the strength of thermal plume produced, appliances are categorised into different types. While the light or medium-duty appliances produce less of all these elements, for heavy and extra heavy-duty appliances the amount is much higher, and hence higher power is needed.  

The strength of thermal plume varies considerably depending on the cooking process as well. Many appliances, like the ovens, have minimum thermal plume strength until they are opened. While non-thermostatically controlled open flames show steady and strong thermal plume, the same is much lesser for thermostatically controlled cooking appliances like fryers and griddles.

The high plume should be captured by the vent system and removed immediately to mitigate any chance of heat build-up or fire incidents. Foods with a high amount of fat produce more grease and smoke than the ones with less fat, so what you are cooking is also a major consideration.

The Hood

The style and features of the hood directly impact its vent rate. The installation also has a considerable effect. The different types of hoods have different capture areas and are installed at different positions and distances from the appliances.

It has been shown that a single island hood needs more power than a wall mounted hood for removing an equal amount of grease, smoke, heat, and other elements generated during cooking. At the same time, it was also demonstrated that the same task can be done by a proximity hood with an even lesser exhaust rate.

This drop in performance for different types of exhaust hood canopy Sydney, Melbourne, Perth can be explained by their design and installation. Even when the proximity vent is installed at a gap from the appliance, efficiency reduces considerably and for clearing heat and grease of the same amount, a higher power is required.

Side panels are quite effective to improve the efficiency of kitchen vents. The efficacy can also be increased by adding features like angles or low flow jets. The cross draft is another factor to consider as it can reduce the effectiveness. The effect of the cross draft is maximum in island canopies.      

The Makeup Air

The layout and positioning of the air-controlling systems in the area including the makeup air supply system have a direct impact on the exhaust rate of the canopy. Outlets of air-conditioners and makeup air supply can disrupt the thermal plume thus making the canopy ineffective or less effective.

The air removed by the exhaust system should be replaced through transfer air, diffusers, internal supply, or any combination of these three. Improper working of the makeup air system can take a serious toll on the capacity of the canopy. Also, proper placement of the air outlets and inlets with respect to the hood is important.

Commercial canopy for sale

So, now you have a clear idea about the factors you need to keep in mind for selecting and sizing vents. For more guidance, you can contact a specialist of the field or the top canopy suppliers might also be able to help you with proper technical information. For the best effectiveness always spend on high quality kitchen vent systems. You can also buy the exhaust hood canopy for sale to save on budget. For a commercial kitchen, proper equipment and appliances are necessary. Quality tools are expensive but for smooth functioning, they are essential because they do not only give long service but also ensure better workability.