Fettfilter

Fettfilter (grease filters) are devices designed to capture fats, oils and grease from cooking vapors as air is drawn through a kitchen ventilation system. Their primary purpose is to prevent the buildup of flammable grease inside ducts and hoods, reduce duct cleaning costs, and improve air quality.

They are used in both residential range hoods and commercial kitchen hoods. In commercial settings, fettfilter are typically heavy-duty metal filters that withstand frequent cleaning. Some ductless or recirculating systems use charcoal filters to remove odors, but charcoal does not remove grease.

Most fettfilter are made from stainless steel or aluminum. The two common designs are baffle filters, which use angled metal channels to trap grease, and mesh or cup-style filters, which rely on a perforated surface or mesh to collect fats. Baffle filters are generally more durable and easier to clean in high-volume operations, while mesh filters are lighter and often less expensive.

Maintenance is essential. Filters should be cleaned regularly—daily or several times weekly in busy kitchens, and at least weekly in home settings. They can usually be washed with hot, soapy water or placed in a dishwasher if the manufacturer allows it. After cleaning, they must be completely dry before reinstallation. Damaged or worn filters should be replaced.

Fettfilter are part of fire safety and ventilation standards; in many jurisdictions they must be cleaned or replaced on a scheduled basis and inspected as part of kitchen fire-code compliance. Proper handling and maintenance help prevent grease buildup and improve overall kitchen safety.