It can be surprising to learn all that goes into running a successful restaurant. There are a number of jobs that must be filled in order for everything to run smoothly, and a host of machines and pieces of equipment are part of the essentials. The heart of the restaurant is the kitchen, where the food is prepared. A typical kitchen will have sinks, countertops, ovens, grills, and hundreds of utensils. One of the most essential items in the kitchen is the exhaust fan.

Historically, fans were invented to give a breeze of cool air for people in hot climates. We use them during hot weather and in stuffy environments. Later, fans were invented to pull air out of a room or building.

Exhaust fans, as mentioned above, play a huge role in the every-day operations of a well-run kitchen. An exhaust fan pulls steam, air, smells, and smoke out of the kitchen and vents it outside. Without a good exhaust fan, the kitchen would fill up with smoke and steam, and likely overwhelm the patrons out in the dining area. Furthermore, without a good commercial exhaust fan removing heat from the kitchen, it would quickly become unbearably hot and moist for the cooks.

Now you know how important it is to have a properly working exhaust fan, you need to consider how much you know about choosing the right fan for your needs.

1. Your Stove

The fan you select depends on the type of stove you have in your kitchen. Is it gas or electric? How large is it?

2. Exhaust Rate

The exhaust rate of fans is measured in CFM, or cubic feet per minute. The exhaust rate you require will depend on the type of stove you have; a gas stove needs a fan with a higher CFM than one for over an electric stove.

3. Hood Design

The exhaust hood can vary according to the stove you will be using, as well as the overall design of your kitchen. The options include a wall-mounted canopy hood, a proximity hood, or an island canopy hood. Proximity hoods will need a lower CFM fan.

4. Fan Size

The commercial exhaust fan you purchase should be the same width as the surface of your stove. If the exhaust fan is too small, it won’t work well at removing grease, odors, heat, and smoke. If it’s too big for your needs, it won’t be energy efficient and will likely be too loud, too.

5. Fire Suppression

If you fry, grill, and broil food in your commercial kitchen, you probably need a fan with a fire suppression system, in a Type 1 exhaust hood. If you don’t do any of the above, but steam and bake, you need a Type 2 hood with no fire suppression system.

6. Ease of Cleaning

No matter what type of commercial exhaust hood you choose, it should be easy to clean on a nightly basis. Choose one that won’t get damaged; stainless steel models will look good for years to come, even after daily cleanings.

7. Noise

Ideally, the commercial fan you choose should not produce a lot of decibels. Just because a fan is powerful doesn’t mean it needs to be loud. You want your fan to be quiet, which means everyone working in the kitchen will appreciate a quieter work environment.

8. Smart Ventilation System

A commercial exhaust fan system that only switches on when required, and turns off when not needed, will help you save a lot of money over the course of a year.