Stainless Steel Hood - A Lifetime Investment
Small, big, mobile, stationary, cloud – commercial kitchens now come in every size and shape. With the changing business scenario and increasing market competition, every business must adapt to fit into the varying needs while keeping a focus on minimizing expenses.
However, irrespective of the size, type, or style, if you enter a commercial kitchen, there are few things that you are sure to find. The gas cooktops are undoubtedly the first ones in the list. The cooktop can be of different type or specifications, but it must be there. Similarly, the hood is the other piece of equipment that you cannot miss. When it comes to exhausts for restaurants, stainless steel hood is most popular.
Kitchen hood – a long-term investment
Hoods are often the first piece of equipment to be installed in a commercial kitchen, and it will be in continuous use till the very last date of operation in the kitchen. For commercial kitchens, exhausts are mandated by the local authority because they play a critical role in ensuring fire safety in the cooking area.
A good quality canopy can serve you for years when maintained properly, and it is something that you will always need throughout the business. This is the reason an exhaust canopy is considered a lifetime investment for any restaurant owner, and it is always best suggested to invest in a piece that can give long service as expected.
Buying an expensive hood
Well, if you are into commercial cooking and catering business, investing in a good quality hood is a must. Still, it shouldn't cost a lot if you are buying from the right commercial kitchen equipment supplier and distributor. It is essential to understand that buying the most expensive canopy is not the requirement here; the need is to buy one that will serve your purpose efficiently and provide long service for minimum maintenance.
Any good quality canopy, from a reputed manufacturer, can serve the purpose. How to buy a good quality hood? Let's find out,
- Before buying the system, consider your requirements thoroughly.
- Keep in mind, if the device does not meet your needs, it is never worth spending your hard-earned money.
- Make sure that the hood has the right built and proper functionalities to serve the heavy load of your restaurant.
- Focus more on quality rather than the look or extra sophisticated features that you might not even need in daily use.
Benefits of a stainless-steel canopy
Stainless steel hoods are most popular in the commercial arena, and it is gaining quick popularity in the household market too.
- This alloy has a unique smart look, and a canopy made of it by a good manufacturer can undoubtedly add a charm to any cooking unit. However, the aesthetics are not the primary reason behind the popularity of this alloy for kitchen hoods.
- Good quality stainless steel is resilient and can survive the heavy-duty use in restaurants quite efficiently. It is resistant to corrosion which naturally adds to the longevity of the device. More to the point, it can be cleaned quickly and needs minimum maintenance.
However, you can expect all the benefits only from a piece made from type 304 stainless steel or a superior variety. 430 stainless steel made appliances lack the resilience and corrosion resistance properties of high-quality steel, and they are not suitable for use in any commercial environment though they are less expensive. Even using them in the household might lead to quick breakdown and replacement.
Apart from type 304, the other high quality, type 316 is quite expensive and hence not typically used in making kitchen equipment. To strike the right balance between price and efficiency, type 304 stainless steel made canopies are the best option for commercial setups.
Best specifications for a kitchen canopy
To make sure that the hood serves you well and serves you long, look for the following before spending your money on it,
Specifications set by the authority – The canopy plays a crucial role in the ventilation system of the cooking area. It has a direct role in minimizing fire and other health-related hazards for the chef and staffer working in the kitchen. Unlike other pieces of kitchen equipment, like the refrigeration, every local authority has its own rules and regulations for ventilation systems in a commercial kitchen. It will help if you consider these regulations minutely before investing.
Canopy type - Canopies are typically available in two types, the ducted and the ductless. Each of these has specific applications. The ducted variety sucks in the air with grease, heat, vapour, odour produced during cooking and expels it outside. The air is replaced by the Makeup Air system to ensure a healthy and hygienic indoor environment.
On the other hand, the ductless canopies are used over cooking appliances that produce vapour and heat but not grease during operation. Ductless canopies filter the air and throw it back into the room. It doesn't need a makeup air system. You need to choose a canopy according to the cooking you will perform.
CFM requirement – The power of the exhaust system required in a cooking unit depends on several factors. While the amount of food to be prepared is of primary consideration, other factors like the installation position of the hood, presence of other air sources, size of the appliance, etc. also play a crucial role in it. For deciding the right CFM, it is best to check out the mandates set by the authority and consult with your stainless steel hood supplier to ensure that you get the right appliance as per your needs.
Noise level – A branded system with a high-quality motor will produce minimum noise. The design of the canopy should make sure that there are no loose components that can create rattling noise when the motor is running. Spend on a device that has a quiet motor and produces minimum noise while in operation.
The above are the basic requirements that you need to consider before spending on a commercial kitchen canopy to ensure that it gives you service for long and is worth every penny spent on it.
