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Do You Need an Exhaust Fan in the Kitchen?
When planning and building a commercial kitchen, it is extremely important to take into account the ventilation system. Not only does this affect your ability to get permits and pass inspections, failure to have one installed could mean having to go back later and put one in, which has the potential of creating delays and keeping you from opening your doors to patrons. Instead, it is always better to incorporate one from the very start. Here’s what you need to know about exhaust fan kitchen use and why it is so important.
Why Do You Need an Exhaust Fan in a Commercial Kitchen?
There are a variety of reasons why you might want to install an exhaust fan in a commercial kitchen, but perhaps the most important is that it is necessary by law. Most jurisdictions require the use of one to help keep the air clean and reduce the chance of a dangerous grease fire.
However, that isn’t the only thing to take into account. Proper ventilation also eliminates smoky or fried food smells, which makes the aroma much more pleasant for visitors in your dining room. In most instances, an industrial range hood will do the trick. But if that isn’t an option, there are alternatives you can consider like one of the various types of exhaust fans.
What Do You Do If Your Kitchen Won’t Accommodate a Range Hood?
In some cases, the layout of a commercial kitchen simply won’t accommodate a traditional industrial range hood. That’s when it becomes necessary to install a different type of ventilation equipment, commonly referred to as an exhaust fan.
There are several types to choose from. Utility ventilator exhaust fans for kitchen use are typically mounted on the ceiling and suck the polluted air up through a special vent while pushing it outside of the roof through ductwork. Multi-purpose inline fans for kitchens are similar, but are usually a bit smaller. Finally, kitchen shutter mounted wall exhaust fans provide the same level of ventilation, but offer the chance to install them to ductwork in a wall instead of in the ceiling.
What About Exhaust Fans in Residential Kitchens?
When it comes to residential kitchens, the rules regarding exhaust fans are a little bit different, but the need is still equally important. Homeowners in most cities and counties are still typically required to have an exhaust fan in the kitchen, but many builders and designers feel the traditional range hood can be unsightly. That’s why many opt to use a commercial grade kitchen exhaust fan tied to ductwork instead of the standard range hood unit. Not only does it look better, it actually removes the polluted air from the kitchen instead of just fanning it around.
As you can see, whether you own a restaurant or have a commercial kitchen, installing an exhaust fan is an integral part of proper cooking safety. For more information on various types of kitchen exhaust fans available, please contact Industrial Fans Direct today.