A faulty extraction system can bring a busy kitchen to a standstill in no time. However, most problems can be identified before they become a serious issue.
Grease Build-Up on Canopy Surfaces
Check the surfaces of your canopies for any grease buildup. Run your finger over the underside of the canopy and along the joints where the duct work connects. Normally there will be a thin layer of grease on these surfaces but if there is a large amount of grease pooling on the surfaces or dripping off then the system is not removing the grease efficiently and this can also pose a fire risk.
Weak or Uneven Airflow at the Cooking Line
Stand at the range with your hand near the canopy edge. In good extraction systems you can feel a constant draw on all parts of the cooking line. Blockages in filters or ductwork will result in weak or uneven extraction from some parts of the range.
Smoke or Fumes Hanging in the Kitchen
When your extraction system is working properly it will remove all cooking fumes as quickly as they are created. Smoke hanging around extraction systems or strong smells coming from around them can create a health hazard to those in the kitchen and contravenes the health and safety requirements for catering kitchens with regards to air quality. Persistent fumes could also mean that you are contravening your compliance requirements.
Unusual Noise From the Fan Motor
Rattling, grinding or increased noise from your fan motor can indicate serious mechanical problems. As bearings wear or fan blades come loose, motor failure can occur at the worst possible time – during a busy service.
Odours Drifting Back Through the Duct
Stale kitchen odours re-circulating in the kitchen after the exhaust system has been switched off. Grease depositing in the ductwork is the most common cause for this type of problem. e. every 6 – 12 months depending upon the volume of cooking undertaken in the kitchen. A useful reference for Commercial Kitchen Extraction is https://www.targetcatering.co.uk/kitchen-extraction/commercial-kitchen-extraction.
Recognising early the signs and symptoms to enable a kitchen to be kept safe to operate without an unexpected shutdown.
