Extraction duct is a vital component in commercial kitchens that helps to remove and pass airborne impurities from the cooking area to an external vent in a roof or wall. It is a requirement to have your commercial kitchen canopy hood, extractor fan and extraction duct cleaned on a regular basis to minimise fire risk in addition to ensuring hygiene standards are maintained in order to protect employees, customers and visitors.

There are many different types of extraction fans available and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are designed to be used in a wide range of domestic settings whereas others are specifically designed for use in commercial kitchens. In each case the fan must be correctly sized and installed to ensure the correct air flow rate is achieved.

Ensuring Safety: Cleaning and Maintaining Extraction Ducts

It is also important that the ducting is correctly insulated. Where ducts are exposed to cold environments they will tend to condense if not properly insulated. This can lead to moisture and damp issues inside the building which could require costly remedial works.

The most common material for extraction duct is galvanized steel although there are other options such as PVC, stainless steel and fiberglass. It is advisable to have the ducting coated as this will make it easier to clean and reduce the potential for contamination. Coating also reduces the need for chemical cleaners which can damage the environment or create a health and safety issue.