Residential Kitchen Ventilation Vs Commercial Kitchen Ventilation System
Introduction
Kitchen ventilation is important for a healthier indoor environment, odor control, fire prevention, moisture control, creating a comfortable cooking environment, and preserving indoor air quality. Moreover, building regulations in many areas require the installation of a kitchen ventilation system in residential and commercial properties. Residential kitchen ventilation systems are smaller and lighter than commercial ones. What are residential and commercial kitchen ventilation systems? What are their differences? Let’s dig in.
What Is A Residential Kitchen Ventilation System?
It is a system installed in homes to dispel airborne contaminants and remove excessive moisture, heat, and odors. It maintains a clean, safe, and healthy environment in your kitchen and home. The most common kitchen ventilation systems are an exhaust fan which pulls out air through a vent and an intake fan which sucks air into the kitchen through a vent.
What Is A Commercial Kitchen Ventilation System?
A commercial kitchen ventilation system is a main component of a restaurant as it is important not only for a pleasant cooking environment but also for the dining area. So, it is essential for the cooking staff and the customers. There are different types of commercial kitchen hood vents including single island, double island, and wall-mounted canopy.
Differences Between Residential And Commercial Kitchen Ventilation Systems
| Parameter | Residential | Commercial |
|---|---|---|
|
Airflow and ventilation rate requirements
Exhaust hood design and sizing Filtration and grease removal Noise levels and energy efficiency Compliance and regulations Maintenance and cleaning Cost considerations |
Residential kitchen ventilation systems have lower airflow requirements. The airflow requirements of a residential unit range from 100 to 1000 cubic feet per minute.
The ventilation rate differs depending on the size of the kitchen. A small kitchen of less than 100 square feet may need a ventilation rate of 100 CFM.
Residential kitchen hoods are smaller in size and are available in various styles. They are designed to fit over cooktops and stoves. Residential kitchen ventilation systems use filters like mesh filters and charcoal filters. They may have grease collection trays to capture grease. They are designed to operate quietly. They feature energy-efficient fans and lighting options to reduce energy consumption. Residential kitchen ventilation systems are subject to local building codes. The local codes provide guidelines for design, installation, and operation. They are easy to maintain and clean but filters need to be cleaned and replaced every few months depending on the usage. Residential systems have low installation, maintenance, and operating costs. |
Commercial kitchen ventilation systems need higher airflow rates because of large cooking equipment and higher cooking temperature. The airflow requirement is generally several thousand CFM.
The ventilation rate differs depending on the type of cooking equipment, volume of cooking, and occupancy load.
Commercial kitchen hoods are much larger and more complex in style. They are generally custom-designed to fit the layout of the commercial kitchen. Commercial systems use advanced filters like baffle filters and UV light systems. They use grease cups and troughs to capture grease. They produce more noise because of their large size. They focus more on efficient performance rather than energy efficiency. Commercial systems are subject to stricter regulations due to increased risks of fire hazards and impact on public health. They provide guidelines on grease removal, fire suppression, air quality, and hood design They need vigorous cleaning frequently due to higher volumes of cooking. Professional services are essential for kitchen hood cleaning in commercial settings. The costs are relatively higher in commercial kitchens. |
Conclusion
Are you planning to install a kitchen ventilation system in your home or commercial setting? If so, it is a wise decision as it will improve the air quality and safety of a kitchen. Are you confused about whom to contact? Have no second thoughts. Contact Kitchen Pro for kitchen hood installation and exhaust hood installation.
FAQ’S
Type 1 hood systems or grease hoods are generally used in commercial kitchens.
Ventilation with external exhaust is a better option as it vents to the exterior and prevents the smoke and odor from lingering indoors.
The ventilation rate for a commercial kitchen is generally between 30 to 40 ACH(air changes per hour).
CFM is calculated as follows: 100 CFM for every 12 inches of the width of the stove and 100 CFM for every 10,000 BTUs of heat capacity.