When shopping for a kitchen exhaust hood system you may be overwhelmed by all of the different options. Makeup Air, Condensate Hoods, Type 1, Type 2… all terms you will more than likely see when shopping for a system. While it all may seem like gibberish each system and type pertains to a specific kitchen needs. Today we’re going to run through a quick crash course on the different between Type 1 and Type 2 Hood Systems.

Type 1 hoods are designed to be used with appliances that produce greasy by- products and smoke created while cooking.  Type 1 hoods primarily deal with the removal of grease particles from the air they are often referred to as Grease Hoods. Type 1 hoods are often located above deep fryers, cook tops, open-flame stoves, conveyor-pizza ovens, char broilers, and more – basically kitchen equipment that are used to cook greasy foods. Because of the grease and grease by-products that are captured by the Type 1 hoods it is suggested to perform more regular cleanings on the types of hoods to help prevent damage and fire risks that can occur due to grease build up.

Type 2 Hoods focus on other types of kitchen appliances and equipment that don’t have to pertain directly to cooking. This type of equipment includes dishwashers, ovens, pasta cookers, and other equipment that doesn’t produce any smoke or grease that would need to be extracted. Since Type 2 hoods particularly deal with the removal of heat and steam from the air they are often referred to as Condensate Hoods and Heat Hoods. The Type 2 Condensate Hood is designed with a full perimeter gutter and drain to capture the condensation from steam that is exhausted. These types of hoods are used to clear the air from excess heat and moisture and help to create a more comfortable work environment.

So to break it down as simple as possible – go with a Type 1 Hood for cooking equipment that can lead to grease and grease by-products, and go with a Type 2 Hood for other kitchen appliances and equipment that require removal of heat and moisture.  HoodMart provides our customers with a wide range of exhaust hood systems - from Compensating (Short Cycle) to Perforated Supply Plenum PSP - as well as all exhaust hood accessories such as hood filters, no weld Grease Duct, canopy hood lights, and curbs. If you still have questions regarding the purchase of your hood system, please feel free to contact one of our experts today by calling us at 1.800.715.1014 or by contacting us through our live chat system.