Ventilation in kitchens, tips to improve smoke extraction

The extraction of smoke is absolutely necessary in kitchens. Being one of the places with the highest smoke generation problems, the areas where we prepare food - whether in our homes or in industrial kitchens - require a smoke outlet to the outside. Ventilation in kitchens must be approached in a comprehensive manner. This way, we can avoid smoke contamination.

In the case of industrial or commercial activities, it is mandatory to install a smoke outlet system to the outside. The regulations on smoke extraction clearly explain it; there must be a smoke extraction installation to guarantee air quality indoors.

This industrial regulation specifies that the air flow of extraction from service rooms must be at least 2 dm3/s per m2 of floor area. Kitchens or parking lots are categorized as very high levels of pollution for their extraction air.

In ventilation in kitchens, the solution to problems of grease, smoke, and odors in the environment is paramount. This is especially sensitive, as in other parts of the home or in different industrial locations, we do not have these added issues.

What should kitchen ventilation systems and extractors achieve?

• They must eliminate the smoke produced during cooking right in front of the source of that smoke. The closer the extractor is to the cooking area, the better.
• The extractor must be at least the size of the burner where the food that emits smoke is prepared.
• Ventilation in kitchens must eliminate excess hot air and introduce clean and fresh air. This is necessary to maintain a healthy environment.
• The ventilation system must also be capable of eliminating the stress and lack of comfort that arise in a poorly ventilated area, as well as the risks that this entails.
• The movement of air should create comfort and not a feeling of discomfort.
• It must eliminate accumulations of carbon monoxide and prevent unwanted combustions.
• Additionally, it should be easy to clean. A blocked extraction system will lead to inefficiency, as well as increasing the risk of unexpected fire.
• To make it more comfortable, it should be free of annoying vibrations and noises that hinder us.

In our homes, we can consider a number of actions to improve the ventilation of our kitchens:

1. As we said before, the extraction area must be larger than the cooking area. Otherwise, it will not be able to absorb the amount of smoke generated.
2. There must be an air renewal. Many kitchens have a window nearby, and if there are no ventilation systems, opening that window can be a solution.
3. We can cover pots and pans to prevent them from releasing air outside.
4. Induction cooktops are faster and also safer than electric resistance or gas ones.
5. The smoke extraction must have a very short path from the extractor to the outside.
6. The kitchen is considered a humid space. It is essential to keep its space in perfect condition and avoid humidity problems

Both for home situations and in industry, the best option for this is double flow ventilation. Thanks to this, it is possible to automatically eliminate smoke and stale air from all rooms and the kitchen. The same system is also responsible for reintroducing quality air, filtered and fresher, to renew the environment in each space.

As we have mentioned, ventilation in kitchens is crucial, as it is a humid space where smoke and pollution are generated. To ensure the health of the people who work or live there, we need to be able to eliminate smoke and stale air. In addition to renewing the air, which will also prevent unpleasant odors and uncomfortable situations, at home or at work.