Why Kitchen Exhaust Systems Are So Important
While great food is the goal, maintaining air quality, preventing fires, and adhering to safety codes are the responsibilities of every restaurant owner. A properly designed and installed kitchen exhaust system is critical for:
- Fire Prevention: Grease is highly combustible, making proper ventilation and grease removal essential to prevent dangerous fires.
- Air Quality: From smoke and fumes to heat and odors, an effective exhaust system keeps employees comfortable and safe.
- Compliance: Kitchen exhaust systems must meet strict NFPA and UL requirements to ensure safety, protect the building and its occupants, and maintain operational compliance.
Types of Commercial Kitchen Hoods
Not all exhaust systems are created equal. Macy Industries installs two types of exhaust hoods to meet the needs of commercial kitchens:
- Type 1 Hoods: These hoods are designed to remove grease, heat, smoke, and moisture. They are essential for cooking lines where grease accumulation is a concern. Built from 304 stainless steel with a #4 polish for easy cleaning, Type 1 hoods require thick, 16-gauge steel grease ducts with welded seams to contain fire risks.
- Type 2 Hoods: Used for applications like dishwashers, pizza ovens, and lab fume exhaust, Type 2 hoods handle steam, heat, and fumes. Since combustibility isn’t an issue, these hoods can be made from lighter materials, such as galvanized or stainless steel. They prioritize rust resistance over grease containment.
Taking on Complex Projects With Confidence
At Macy Industries, we’ve seen it all—and solved it all.
One standout commercial kitchen project we completed was for a mixed-use space in Salem, NH. Our task was to future-proof the building for eventual restaurant tenants while ensuring the systems met current safety and compliance standards. To achieve this, we installed three massive grease duct shafts—each 80 feet tall and measuring 4 feet wide by 2 feet deep—to accommodate the needs of future kitchens.
We started by fabricating the exhaust ducts in 20-foot sections at our shop, carefully welding each piece to create a fire-safe, leak-proof system. Once on-site, our team used cranes to position the sections and completed the final welds within the tight confines of the shafts. Even though these ducts weren’t immediately connected to kitchen equipment, we designed them with flexibility in mind to ensure they’d easily adapt to the needs of future tenants.
This project required meticulous planning to meet NFPA standards, incorporate fire-rated insulation in the ductwork, and ensure long-term reliability—all while accommodating the space’s unique challenges. It’s a great example of how we take a proactive, problem-solving approach to delivering solutions that are safe, functional, and built to last.
The Macy Approach to Kitchen Exhaust Systems
At Macy Industries, our process takes your project from concept to completion with efficiency, precision, and care. Whether you’re starting from scratch with a new build or upgrading an outdated system, our team handles every detail to ensure the kitchen exhaust system is up to code, functions flawlessly, and fits well into the space.
Designing for Safety and Performance
Every project begins with a deep dive into the kitchen’s unique needs. We conduct a thorough site walk, take detailed measurements, and ask the right questions:
- Where will the hood be installed?
- What equipment will it support?
- What are the building’s structural constraints—such as ceiling height, wall material, and available duct routes?
Throughout this process, we work closely with local inspectors and secure the necessary permits to ensure compliance from the very beginning. Using advanced CAD software, we create 3D models tailored to every detail, from hood placement to duct routing, guaranteeing a precise, custom fit.
This careful planning was especially important at a nearby mountain vacation resort, where aesthetic design mattered as much as functionality. The project required concealing ductwork within a small dormer to achieve a sleek, polished exterior. Tight structural constraints made the job challenging, but our team delivered a solution that looks great and performs even better.
Turning Plans Into Reality
Once the design is finalized, our in-house team gets to work fabricating the components of the exhaust system. Using advanced tools like CNC plasma cutters and press brakes, we transform steel sheets into round or rectangular ductwork, welding each piece to create a fire-safe, leak-proof solution.
The choice between round or rectangular ductwork depends on the building’s layout and structural constraints. For example, we fabricated rectangular ducting at the mountain vacation resort to navigate tight spaces without compromising airflow. This adaptability allows us to overcome even the most complex challenges, ensuring a system that fits perfectly and performs as intended.
Expert Installation for Long-Term Reliability
Installation is where all the planning and fabrication come together. Our team starts by hanging the hood and carefully fitting the exhaust ducts section by section. Each grease duct seam is fully welded to meet NFPA standards, creating a fire-safe and leak-proof system. Wherever ducting passes through combustible materials, we apply fire-rated insulation to meet code requirements and provide added safety.
We collaborate closely with town officials at every stage, conducting leak or smoke tests to verify the system performs exactly as designed. Attention to detail is critical—every joint, weld, and fitting must meet the highest safety and performance standards.
By the time we finish, you’ll have a system that is fully installed, tested, inspected, and ready to support the success of your kitchen.
Your Trusted Partner for Kitchen Exhaust Solutions
At Macy Industries, we understand that a reliable, compliant kitchen exhaust system is essential for your business’s safety and success. From designing systems that overcome unique challenges to fabricating precision components and completing flawless installations, we’re with you every step of the way.
Ready to get started? Contact Macy Industries today to discuss your project and learn how we can make your kitchen safer, more efficient, and fully compliant.