7 essential tips for choosing a commercial stainless steel hood
A proper exhaust system is an essential part of every commercial kitchen. It is not only mandatory to have an effective exhaust system installed in your commercial establishment but also vital to maintain a proper and hygienic environment in and around the cooking area. High-quality stainless steel hoods are always a great option to ensure maximum efficiency while adding a smart look to the cooking area.
But before you spend on it, it is important to consider a few more things apart from the look. Here are the 7 essential tips for choosing the right commercial stainless steel hood for your commercial kitchen.
- Check out the norms
Before you take any decision regarding the exhaust system to be installed in the cooking area, consult the standard codes for restaurants or hotels in your area to make sure that you are spending on commercial kitchen equipment that will meet all the statutory needs.
Depending on the size of your kitchen and the amount of cooking expected to be carried out during a full working day, the specifications regarding the size and type of the canopy will vary.
So, first get the specifications, if any, and then move to the next step. The prominent stainless steel hood supplier of your area might also be able to give you a good idea about the size and type you will need for your kitchen.
- Decide the type you need
There are different types of hood exhaust systems and you need to buy one according to your requirements. If your commercial kitchen area is larger and divided into different segments for cooking, baking, grilling or other types of preparations, you might need more than one type of exhaust canopy as per your needs.
Type 1 exhaust canopies are ideal for the main kitchen area where frying and searing is carried out. This type of system is installed over grease-producing appliances like fryers, grills, and griddles. Type 2 exhausts on the other hand are suitable for installation over appliances that primarily produce vapour and heat.
There are also ductless and with duct canopies. While the ones with ducts take the air with the grease and smoke out of the room, the canopies without a duct particularly depend on advanced air filtration and they push back the air after removing any grease or smoke from it.
So, when you are looking for stainless steel exhaust hood consider the type of canopy you need.
- Know the equipment that goes under your canopy
Keep in mind that the canopy is only a part of the total exhaust system. To make it functional and effective you need to install other equipment with it. However, for ductless exhausts, you might not need any of them. But if you are using one with a duct, you will need other accessories as well.
You will need an exhaust fan to draw out the air and fumes. You might also need to install a supply air fan or makeup fan to put air back into the cooking area so that a proper and airy environment is maintained within the establishment. You might also consider installing a fire suppression system, if needed. If you are in melbourne or perth it is best to check out if there is any code already set by the authorities for commercial kitchens.
- Always opt for quality
Once you know the type of exhaust hood canopy you need for your kitchen, it is time to focus on the quality. Keep in mind, every stainless steel hood is not the same and even all stainless steel is not of the same quality.
While a canopy made with a thicker steel plate might be preferred generally, it is important to keep in mind that the higher thickness of the plate naturally adds to the weight of the equipment. So, it is important to consider both the factors and strike the right balance.
Check out if the equipage has fully welded corners as well as the right design and built to ensure maximum longevity. The top brands from melbourne always manufacture quality products and hence when purchasing a stainless steel hood Sydney, opt for a renowned brand with a good reputation in the market.
- Don’t miss out the filters
The filters make an essential part of every commercial kitchen canopy. So, the equipment must come with filters. If not, then it is not the right product to spend your money on. Taking a sincere look at the quality of the filters is vital as well.
Most of the time, standard honey comb filers are used but it is important to make sure that they are built with material that will provide service for long for minimum maintenance. The proper thickness of the filter material is also desirable.
- Consider the features
Canopies for commercial cooking areas are not characteristically very feature-rich, but they should have some basic features for ease of use. The grease drain tray should be easily removable and must have sufficient holding capacity so that it doesn’t need frequent clearing.
The canopy should be fitted with LED lights that will not change the food colour drastically but will efficiently compensate for any light loss under the canopy. Vapour proof toughened glass panel lights are best as far as effectiveness and longevity are concerned.
If you are buying stainless steel hood sydney, also make sure that it is designed to make cleaning and maintenance simple.
- Buy from a trusted supplier
When you are spending on commercial kitchen equipment, it should be worth every penny spent. Be it the quality, the built or the features, everything should justify the price point. Buying the stainless steel canopy from a trusted stainless steel hood supplier from Australia is important because it ensures that you get the best product for the best price.
If you are concerned about the price, you can always grab stainless steel hood for sale by the top commercial kitchen equipment suppliers of Sydney. A trusted business is always the best place to spend your money as it gives you the best value.
