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Extraction Systems
Commercial Kitchen Extraction Fans Explained | Complete Buyer’s Guide
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By Khabo - Posted on
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By Commercial Kitchen Extraction Fans Explained: The Complete Buyer’s Guide
When people think about commercial kitchen ventilation, they often picture the large stainless steel extraction canopy positioned above the cooking equipment. While the canopy captures smoke, grease, heat, and steam, it is the extraction fan that powers the entire system.
Without a properly selected extraction fan, even the best-designed canopy and ducting system cannot effectively remove contaminated air from the kitchen.
Whether you’re planning a new commercial kitchen, upgrading your existing ventilation system, or replacing an ageing extraction fan, understanding how these fans work will help you choose a solution that delivers reliable performance, energy efficiency, and long-term value.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about commercial kitchen extraction fans, including the different types available, how they work, where they are installed, and how to choose the right fan for your business.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Commercial Kitchen Extraction Fan?
- How Does an Extraction Fan Work?
- Why Extraction Fans Are So Important
- Types of Commercial Kitchen Extraction Fans
- Centrifugal vs Axial Fans
- Roof-Mounted vs Internal Fans
- How to Choose the Right Extraction Fan
- Common Installation Mistakes
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Choose Wedoall
- Conclusion
What Is a Commercial Kitchen Extraction Fan?
A commercial kitchen extraction fan is a mechanical ventilation device designed to remove contaminated air from a commercial kitchen. Working together with the extraction canopy, grease filters, and ducting, the fan creates the airflow needed to extract smoke, grease particles, steam, heat, and cooking odours from the cooking area.
Think of the extraction fan as the engine of the ventilation system. While the canopy captures contaminated air, the fan generates the suction that moves that air through the ducting and safely outside the building.
Without sufficient airflow, smoke and grease can remain trapped inside the kitchen, leading to uncomfortable working conditions, increased grease build-up, and reduced system efficiency.
How Does a Commercial Kitchen Extraction Fan Work?
The process is straightforward but highly effective:
Step 1: Cooking Generates Contaminants
Cooking equipment such as fryers, grills, charbroilers, gas ranges, and ovens produce heat, grease vapours, smoke, and steam.
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Step 2: The Extraction Canopy Captures Rising Air
The canopy collects these contaminants before they spread throughout the kitchen.
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Step 3: Grease Filters Remove Grease Particles
Specialised filters capture grease to help protect the ductwork and extraction fan.
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Step 4: The Extraction Fan Creates Airflow
The fan draws the contaminated air through the ducting and pushes it towards the exhaust outlet.
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Step 5: Clean Air Is Replaced
Fresh make-up air enters the kitchen to replace the extracted air, helping maintain balanced ventilation.
Why Extraction Fans Are So Important
An extraction fan does much more than remove smoke.
A properly selected fan helps:
- Remove heat from the kitchen
- Improve air quality
- Reduce grease accumulation
- Remove cooking odours
- Improve staff comfort
- Support efficient ventilation
- Help protect kitchen equipment
- Improve overall kitchen efficiency
Without an appropriately sized extraction fan, the entire ventilation system may struggle to perform effectively.
Types of Commercial Kitchen Extraction Fans
Different kitchens require different fan designs depending on airflow requirements, duct length, and installation location.
Centrifugal Extraction Fans
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Centrifugal fans are among the most common fans used in commercial kitchen extraction systems.
Instead of pushing air straight through, centrifugal fans use an impeller to draw air into the centre of the fan before discharging it at a 90-degree angle.
Advantages
✔ High air pressure
✔ Excellent for long duct runs
✔ Performs well against airflow resistance
✔ Suitable for grease-laden air
✔ Reliable for demanding commercial kitchens
Best Applications
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Hospitals
- Bakeries
- Shopping centres
- Large commercial kitchens
Axial Extraction Fans
Axial fans move air in a straight line, similar to a household fan but on a much larger scale.
Advantages
✔ High airflow
✔ Lower cost
✔ Simple design
✔ Efficient where duct resistance is low
Best Applications
- General ventilation
- Short duct runs
- Warehouses
- Storage areas
- Some commercial ventilation systems
Because axial fans generate lower pressure than centrifugal fans, they are generally better suited to applications with shorter, less restrictive ductwork.
Centrifugal vs Axial Fans
| Feature | Centrifugal Fan | Axial Fan |
|---|---|---|
| Air Pressure | Excellent | Moderate |
| Air Volume | High | Very High |
| Long Duct Runs | Excellent | Limited |
| Grease Extraction | Excellent | Moderate |
| Noise | Moderate | Lower |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Best For | Commercial kitchens | General ventilation |
Roof-Mounted vs Internal Extraction Fans
Commercial kitchen extraction fans can be installed in different locations depending on the building layout.
Roof-Mounted Fans
Advantages
- Saves indoor space
- Reduces kitchen noise
- Easier discharge of extracted air
- Common in restaurants and hotels
Internal Fans
Internal fans are installed inside plant rooms or ceiling voids.
Advantages
- Better weather protection
- Easier servicing in some buildings
- Suitable where roof installation isn’t practical
How to Choose the Right Extraction Fan
Selecting the right extraction fan involves much more than simply choosing the biggest model.
Important factors include:
Kitchen Size
Larger kitchens generally require greater airflow capacity.
Cooking Equipment
Heavy-duty cooking appliances such as:
- Deep fryers
- Chargrills
- Wok burners
- Gas ranges
produce significantly more grease and heat than lighter cooking equipment.
Duct Length
Long duct runs increase resistance and often require higher-pressure fans.
Airflow Requirements
Professional airflow calculations ensure the fan is correctly matched to the kitchen’s ventilation needs.
Noise Levels
Quiet operation is particularly important where kitchens are close to customer dining areas or residential properties.
Energy Efficiency
Modern extraction fans often include variable speed controls that allow airflow to adjust according to kitchen demand, reducing energy consumption during quieter periods.
Common Mistakes When Choosing an Extraction Fan
Avoid these common mistakes:
❌ Buying the cheapest fan available.
❌ Choosing a fan based only on airflow without considering pressure.
❌ Ignoring future kitchen expansion.
❌ Using the wrong fan type.
❌ Poor installation location.
❌ Skipping routine maintenance.
A properly selected and professionally installed fan will usually provide better performance and lower operating costs over its lifespan.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Like every component of a commercial kitchen extraction system, extraction fans require routine maintenance.
Recommended maintenance includes:
Daily
- Observe for unusual noises or vibrations.
Weekly
- Check visible grease accumulation.
Monthly
- Inspect fan housing.
- Check electrical connections (by qualified personnel).
- Inspect belts if fitted.
Every 6–12 Months
- Professional servicing.
- Deep cleaning.
- Airflow testing.
- Motor inspection.
- Bearing lubrication where applicable.
Routine maintenance helps maximise efficiency and prolong the life of the fan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of extraction fan is best for a commercial kitchen?
For many commercial kitchens, centrifugal fans are preferred because they can handle higher pressure and longer duct runs. However, the best choice depends on the kitchen layout, airflow requirements, and ventilation system design.
Can one extraction fan serve multiple canopies?
Yes, if it is correctly sized and engineered for the combined airflow demand of the connected canopies.
How long do extraction fans last?
With proper installation and routine maintenance, commercial extraction fans can provide many years of reliable service. Lifespan depends on operating conditions, maintenance practices, and usage.
How often should an extraction fan be serviced?
Regular inspections should be carried out throughout the year, with professional servicing performed periodically based on the intensity of kitchen use and manufacturer recommendations.
Why Choose Wedoall?
At Wedoall, we supply commercial kitchen extraction fans as part of complete ventilation solutions for restaurants, hotels, bakeries, butcheries, fast-food outlets, supermarkets, schools, hospitals, and industrial food production facilities.
Our team can assist with:
- Fan selection
- Airflow calculations
- Complete ventilation system design
- Custom extraction solutions
- Installation guidance
- Nationwide supply across South Africa
Whether you need a replacement fan or a complete extraction system, we’ll help you choose a solution that delivers reliable performance and long-term value.
Conclusion
A commercial kitchen extraction fan is the driving force behind every effective ventilation system. By creating the airflow needed to remove smoke, grease, steam, and heat, it helps maintain a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable kitchen environment.
Choosing the right fan involves considering more than just airflow. Kitchen size, cooking equipment, duct design, installation location, and energy efficiency all play a role in determining the best solution.
By working with an experienced supplier such as Wedoall, you can ensure your extraction fan is correctly matched to your kitchen’s requirements, delivering dependable performance for years to come.
