Improving ventilation in industrial-sized or professional kitchens and bakeries is no small feat, and more often than not, the building’s existing HVAC system won’t be powerful enough to circulate a sufficient amount of air.

Some signs that a commercial kitchen may be lacking in proper ventilation include slow-to-dissipate smoke or steam, unbearably high temperatures during busy rushes, and frequent use of heavy-duty equipment, such as broilers or large ranges. If you notice any of those conditions in your kitchen, it may be time for new ventilation techniques.

Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to improve your kitchen’s ventilation and cool down your staff to create optimal cooking conditions that will help ensure that the food you produce is the best it can be! The first step to take is to install a make-up air unit for your kitchen’s exhaust system, which works by replacing the hot, steamy air that’s expelled through the exhaust with clean, cool air. You can also add side panels to your exhaust hoods to help direct cross drafts to the exhaust systems.

Another good option in many kitchens is a simple solution – pushing appliances against the wall to close air gaps between the appliance and the wall to improve ventilation. This ensures the flow of air is being drawn in one direction instead of trapping warm air between the unit and the wall, and can help your exhaust system do its job. You should also try to install dedicated hoods with higher exhaust rates for any heavy-duty or heavy-use equipment, like broilers, if possible.

Finally, and most importantly, clean your kitchen’s ventilation systems regularly to prevent dirt and grime from building up. As warm air blows through your exhaust, it carries with it moisture and small particles of dirt and grime, which can accumulate over time and cause the systems to be less efficient at keeping conditions tolerable. You can also schedule an annual or semi-annual cleaning with a professional service to remove excess dirt and grime from locations deep in the vents that you can’t reach.

A cooler kitchen is a calmer kitchen, both for your staff and for your machinery. Proper ventilation takes some planning and maintenance, but will help keep your machinery running more smoothly and keep your team happier. At Empire Bakery Equipment, we offer a full line of high-quality baking and commercial cooking equipment and can work with you to find the most effective equipment for your kitchen. Whether updating your design or planning a whole new kitchen area, let us help. For more information on our store planning services or help picking the right equipment for you, contact us today!