UK SPECIALIST IN CATERING EQUIPMENT SPARE PARTS

Commercial Canopy Filters – Baffle Filters vs Mesh Filters

Commercial Canopy Filters are your main form of defence in the prevention of airborne grease penetrating your extraction systems. A well-maintained grease filter will reduce grease build-up in duct work, reduce the frequency of ductwork cleaning, and help to reduce the risk of fire. But which type of grease filter should you be using in your commercial kitchen set up?  

Baffle Filters Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Better grease filtration – Commercial Canopy Baffle filters can function with a filter tray, which means that any grease leftovers are trapped and collected.
  • Greater fire and flame resistance – Baffle filters can operate at high temperatures and are protected against risks of fire hazards.
  • Resistance to corrosion (baffle filters stainless) – the use of high-quality materials in the production of baffle filters ensures that there is little risk of corrosion.
  • Increased efficiency and durability – this method of filtration reduces grease buildup within the range hood itself, making the appliance both efficient and durable.
  • Appearance – the sleek, low-profile stainless steel designs make baffle filters a top choice for commercial kitchens.
  • Easy to clean by soaking or dishwasher – Baffle filters can be easily cleaned by soaking or placing in a dishwasher/utensil washer.
  • Cost-effective in long-term operation – the efficiency of Baffle filters reduces the costs of potentially pricey ductwork cleaning.

Cons:

  • Heavier than mesh filters – these baffle canopy filters are significantly heavier when compared to mesh filters, which could make them more difficult to install.
  • More expensive – the initial cost of buying and installing baffle filters is higher but in the long run, this solution offers significant savings due to its superior performance.


Mesh Filters Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Cheaper solution – the initial expense of buying mesh extractor filters is lower when compared to investing in baffle filters.
  • Easy to clean.
  • Lightweight.

Cons:

  • Noisier than baffle filters.
  • Prone to grease buildup.
  • Reduced fire safety.
  • Not as durable against high temperatures.


The BESA DW/172 Specification for commercial kitchen ventilation systems states that Baffle Style Grease Filters should be your primary filter.  This is due to their high grease removal efficiency, fire/flame protection properties and easy-to-clean style. A mesh-style grease filter can be installed after the baffle to offer additional grease removal, but should only be used as a secondary filter.

Some of our commercial catering spares customers choose to stock spare filters in some instances and we can even supply filters as part of van stock as in many cases they can be the same size, although, please do bare in mind commercial canopy plenums can be made to many different specs and sizes.

If you need help working out which type of filter, or combination of filters you need, you can always call us on 01706 353 633, or visit our page for stainless steel baffle filters to see the standard sizes.