When it comes to kitchens, keeping exhausts clean in one of the biggest challenges. Joel Anthony, CEO – Support Services, Compass Group India and Chirag D Kareliaya, Director Sales & Marketing, Cura Solution, share insights into the latest innovations specifically tailored for grease removal in kitchen exhaust systems.
Cooking operation with fats, oils, or meat is sure to release grease into the exhaust airstream. Hood-installed grease filters are the first line of defense against grease buildup in the kitchen ventilation system. Quoting from a white paper published in 2020, most high efficiency kitchen hood filters can remove the majority of large (>8 micron) grease particles generated through cooking. However, most appliances will be producing particles with a wide range of sizes, anywhere from submicron to 10 microns or larger. The size distribution of these particles generated during cooking is highly dependent on the appliance used and the food being cooked. Higher temperature appliances not only produce higher amounts of particulate, but a greater percentage of smaller particles. Hood filter efficiency however, decreases when subjected to smaller grease particles. While typical high efficiency hood filters remove upwards of 90% of particles at 8 microns or larger, they may only capture around 10% of grease at 1 micron and below, according to the study.
Grease removal is no longer just a task; it’s a seamless and integral part of a technologically advanced and environmentally conscious kitchen ecosystem.
Joel Anthony
Robotic Duct Cleaners
Joel Anthony opines navigating the intricate landscape of kitchen cleanliness is an ongoing endeavour for professionals in the culinary and facility management industry. As kitchen exhaust systems accumulate large amounts of grease and debris, the need for advanced cleaning technologies becomes imperative. Traditional manual methods often fall short in reaching every nook and cranny of exhaust ducts. This is where robotic duct cleaners take centre stage, offering a precise and efficient solution. Unlike manual methods that involve technicians descending into ducts, robotic cleaners navigate these spaces with precision. This not only ensures thorough cleaning but also eliminates the need for intrusive measures like installing access panels. The result is a grease-free exhaust system, meeting compliance standards and significantly reducing fire hazards.
Smart Cleaning Devices
In the quest for optimal cleanliness, the integration of smart cleaning devices plays a pivotal role. Robotic vacuum cleaners are equipped to navigate kitchen floors with a focus on grease-prone areas, complementing the targeted efforts of exhaust system cleaning. These devices not only save time but also enhance the overall efficiency of kitchen clean-up.
Eco-Friendly Solutions
Considering the environmental impact of traditional cleaning agents used for grease removal, the industry is now shifting towards biodegradable alternatives. Natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils are gaining prominence as powerful yet environmentally conscious tools in the fight against grease build-up.
We have successfully achieved the best chemical formulation for commercial kitchen deep cleaning and we have started deep cleaning services for clients who are unable balance kitchen cleaning tasks.
Chirag D Kareliaya
High-Tech Appliances
Modern kitchen appliances are now designed with features specifically aimed at simplifying grease management. Self-cleaning mechanisms in ovens and dishwashers equipped with advanced sanitization settings are transforming kitchen maintenance. Additionally, the incorporation of antimicrobial surfaces and materials actively inhibits the growth of bacteria, creating a healthier and safer kitchen environment.
Maintaining Optimal Performance
Chirag D Kareliaya recommends daily cleaning as it hardly takes 15 to 30 minutes. Hoods need to be cleaned at least once in two weeks. To ensure optimal performance of grease removal solution, there are efficient chemicals that can be either sprayed and wiped or poured into tanks for dipping. Today there are many chemicals for oil and fat removal. Cooking oils and fats have changed due to increasing self-life of the products. There are, however, solutions which can work in ambient temperature. Different types of solutions for grease removal like solvent chemical and neutral cleaning products are available which are biodegradable.
Smoke and Odour Removal
As per the study, grease is not the only thing produced when cooking, smoke and odour are also given off from the appliances. Smoke is released as very fine particles, well below 1 micron in size. Because those smoke particles are so fine, they can pass more readily through mechanical filters of pollution control units. Odour is almost always produced as a byproduct of cooking and exists at even smaller particle sizes than smoke. While odour levels are generally reduced as grease is removed, residual odorous molecules will still stay in the airstream, or reside as vapour. Carbon filters uniquely remove odour from the air stream through the process of adsorption. Molecules are pulled from the air and rest on the surface of an adsorbent, such as carbon in this instance. As the carbon pores fill up, odour reduction will decline, and that filter will eventually need to be replaced.
Time-Saving Strategies
In the fast-paced environment of commercial kitchens, time-saving strategies are essential. Developing a systematic cleaning schedule that includes daily, weekly, and monthly tasks ensures that grease build-up is consistently addressed. Incorporating quick and effective cleaning rituals into routine practices, utilizing the power of microfiber cloths, steam cleaners, and other innovative tools, guarantees that grease removal is not only efficient but also seamlessly integrated into kitchen operations.
