Type 1 vs. Type 2 Hoods

Type 1 hoods remove grease, heat, smoke, and moisture generated by cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors, such as fryers and ranges. Type 2 hoods remove only heat, steam, and moisture from appliances that don't produce grease vapors, including dishwashers, steamers, and certain ovens. Shop commercial kitchen hoods to find the right ventilation system for your operation.

Key Takeaways

  • Type 1 hoods filter grease and remove heat, smoke, and moisture
  • Type 1 hoods are required wherever grease-laden vapors are produced, reducing fire risk
  • Type 2 hoods remove only heat, moisture, and odor
  • Type 2 hoods are used for general ventilation when grease removal isn't required

What's a Type 1 Commercial Kitchen Hood?

Type 1 commercial kitchen hoods are designed to remove grease-laden vapors, smoke, heat, and moisture produced by cooking equipment such as fryers, grills, and ranges. These hoods protect against fire hazards by capturing and containing airborne grease before it reaches ductwork or other surfaces. Type 1 hoods are essential for maintaining air quality, kitchen safety, and compliance with fire and health regulations in any operation that cooks with grease or oil on commercial appliances.

Type 1 Hood Key Features

  • Built-in fire suppression system for grease fire protection
  • Baffle-style grease filters capture and contain grease particles
  • Makeup air system balances airflow and maintains ventilation efficiency
  • Meets NFPA and local fire safety regulations for grease-producing equipment

Best Used For

  • Commercial kitchens using fryers, grills, or cooktop ranges
  • Pizzerias with high-heat or grease-producing ovens
  • Restaurants with heavy sautéing, frying, or grilling applications
  • Facilities cooking with solid fuel or open-flame equipment
  • Ultimately, any environment producing grease-laden vapors that require fire protection

What's a Type 2 Commercial Kitchen Hood?

Type 2 commercial kitchen hoods are designed to remove heat, steam, and moisture from non-grease-producing appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, and steam tables. These hoods help maintain a comfortable working environment by improving air circulation and reducing humidity and heat buildup. Type 2 hoods are ideal for operations that require ventilation but don't need grease filtration or fire suppression.

Type 2 Hood Key Features

  • Promotes airflow and temperature control
  • Simple design, often ductless or with minimal ductwork
  • Easier and more affordable to install and maintain
  • Designed for non-grease-producing appliances and general ventilation

Best Used For

  • Commercial dishwashers and warewashing areas
  • Coffee and espresso equipment
  • Steam tables, rice cookers, and pasta cookers
  • Light-duty or non-conveying pizza ovens
  • Any food prep zone that needs heat and moisture control without grease removal

Choosing the Right Commercial Kitchen Hood System

Selecting the right commercial kitchen hoods depends on your equipment lineup, cooking intensity, and overall kitchen layout. Type 1 hoods are required wherever grease, smoke, or combustion byproducts are generated, while Type 2 hoods are suited for areas that only produce heat and moisture. Understanding how each system functions helps ensure proper ventilation, safety, and compliance with local building and fire codes.

Explore the key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 hood systems in the below chart:

Feature Type 1 Hood Type 2 Hood
Primary Function Removes grease, smoke, heat, and moisture Removes heat, steam, odor, and moisture
Used Over Fryers, grills, ranges, and pizza ovens Dishwashers, steam tables, and coffee machines
Fire Suppression Required Not required
Grease Filters Included (interlocking baffles) Not included
Makeup Air Required for airflow balance Often minimal or optional
Construction Heavy-duty, fully welded stainless steel Lightweight galvanized steel or aluminum
Installation Complexity Code-driven, custom designs Easier to install and maintain
Best For Grease-producing equipment Non-grease, moisture-producing equipment

Shop Commercial Kitchen Vent Hoods at KaTom

Find the right ventilation solution for your operation with KaTom's wide selection of commercial kitchen hoods and accessories. With Type 1 hoods designed for grease-producing equipment and Type 2 hoods for heat and moisture control, KaTom offers hoods and filters built for performance, safety, and code compliance.