A commercial kitchen’s ventilation system is one of its most critical safety components. Grease, smoke, heat, and airborne contaminants produced during cooking must be captured and removed efficiently. Two essential services that support this process are grease duct cleaning and hood cleaning. Although they are often mentioned together, they are not the same service and should never be treated as interchangeable.
Understanding the difference between grease duct cleaning and hood cleaning helps restaurant owners reduce fire risks, maintain compliance with safety regulations, and avoid costly shutdowns. Both services target grease buildup, but they focus on different areas, require different techniques, and serve different operational purposes. This guide breaks down each service in detail and explains why both are necessary for a safe commercial kitchen.
Overview of the Commercial Kitchen Exhaust System
A commercial kitchen exhaust system is designed to capture grease-laden vapors at the source and safely expel them outside the building. This system includes the hood, grease filters, ductwork, exhaust fans, and rooftop discharge points. Each component plays a specific role in controlling heat, smoke, and grease.
The hood captures grease first, while the ducts transport it away. Over time, grease accumulates throughout the system, not just in visible areas. If any part of the system is neglected, the entire ventilation process becomes inefficient and dangerous. This is why both hood cleaning and grease duct cleaning are essential parts of regular maintenance.
What Is Hood Cleaning?
Hood cleaning focuses on the visible portion of the exhaust system located above cooking equipment. This includes the hood canopy, grease filters, drip trays, and accessible fan components. The primary goal of hood cleaning is to remove surface grease before it spreads deeper into the system.
Because hoods are exposed directly to cooking vapors, grease accumulates quickly. If not cleaned regularly, grease can drip onto stoves or food preparation areas, creating hygiene and safety issues. Hood cleaning also improves airflow, reduces odors, and helps kitchens pass health inspections.
Areas Typically Cleaned During Hood Cleaning
- Interior and exterior hood canopy
- Grease and baffle filters
- Grease collection trays and cups
- Accessible fan housings
What Is Grease Duct Cleaning?
Grease duct cleaning targets the hidden ductwork that connects the hood to the exhaust outlet. These ducts often run through ceilings, walls, or rooftops, making them difficult to access and inspect. Over time, grease hardens inside the ducts, creating a highly flammable environment.
Unlike hood cleaning, grease duct cleaning is a specialized service that requires professional tools, access panels, and trained technicians. It removes thick grease deposits that cannot be reached during routine hood maintenance. This service is critical for fire prevention and compliance with fire safety codes such as NFPA 96.
Why Grease Duct Cleaning Is Critical
- Grease inside the ducts ignites easily
- Fires can spread rapidly through duct systems
- Blocked ducts reduce airflow efficiency
- Hidden buildup often goes unnoticed until inspection
Key Functional Differences Between Hood Cleaning and Grease Duct Cleaning
Although both services deal with grease removal, they serve different functions. Hood cleaning is preventive and hygiene-focused, while grease duct cleaning is safety-driven and structural.
Hood cleaning improves day-to-day kitchen cleanliness and air quality. Grease duct cleaning protects the building, staff, and customers from catastrophic fire risks. One service cannot replace the other, and relying on hood cleaning alone leaves hidden grease hazards behind.
Core Differences at a Glance
- Hood cleaning handles surface-level grease
- Grease duct cleaning removes internal, hardened grease
- Hood cleaning is more frequent
- Grease duct cleaning is more technical and regulated
Cleaning Frequency and Inspection Requirements
The frequency of hood and grease duct cleaning depends on kitchen type, cooking volume, and equipment used. High-grease operations require more frequent service than low-volume kitchens.
Hoods typically need cleaning monthly or quarterly, while grease ducts are cleaned every three to six months or according to inspection findings. Regular inspections help determine when professional grease duct cleaning is required and prevent excessive buildup.
Factors That Affect Cleaning Frequency
- Type of cooking (frying, grilling, wok cooking)
- Hours of daily operation
- Menu grease content
- Local fire code requirements
Cost Differences Between Grease Duct Cleaning and Hood Cleaning
Cost is one of the biggest differences between hood cleaning and grease duct cleaning. Hood cleaning is generally more affordable because it involves accessible surfaces and less labor. Grease duct cleaning costs more due to system complexity, safety requirements, and time-intensive processes.
While grease duct cleaning may seem expensive, it is a necessary investment. Skipping it can lead to fire damage, insurance claim denial, fines, or forced business closure. Proper budgeting for both services ensures long-term safety and compliance.
Cost Comparison Table
| Service Type | Average Cost Range | What’s Included | Cost Influencing Factors |
| Hood Cleaning | $150 – $500 per service | Hood canopy, filters, grease trays, visible fan parts | Hood size, grease level, and cleaning frequency |
| Grease Duct Cleaning | $400 – $1,500+ per service | Internal ductwork, access panels, and deep degreasing | Duct length, grease thickness, roof access, labor hours |
| Combined System Cleaning | $600 – $2,000+ | Hood + ducts + exhaust fan | Kitchen size, system layout, compliance requirements |
Investing in combined cleaning services often reduces long-term costs and ensures full system compliance.
Fire Safety, Insurance, and Code Compliance
Fire safety regulations prioritize grease duct cleaning because duct fires are among the most destructive kitchen incidents. NFPA 96 requires regular cleaning of the entire exhaust system, not just the hood.
Insurance companies often require proof of professional grease duct cleaning. Failure to comply may void coverage in the event of a fire. Hood cleaning alone does not meet fire code standards, making grease duct cleaning legally and financially essential.
Compliance Benefits
- Reduced fire risk
- Passed fire marshal inspections
- Valid insurance coverage
- Lower liability exposure
Why Hood Cleaning and Grease Duct Cleaning Must Work Together
A clean hood cannot protect a kitchen if grease-filled ducts remain untreated. Similarly, clean ducts will quickly become contaminated if hood maintenance is neglected. Both services must work together to maintain proper airflow and safety.
A complete cleaning approach:
- Prevents grease migration
- Improves ventilation efficiency
- Extends equipment lifespan
- Protects staff and customers
Professional service providers often recommend scheduling both services as part of a comprehensive exhaust system maintenance plan.
Conclusion
The difference between grease duct cleaning and hood cleaning lies in their purpose, complexity, and safety impact. Hood cleaning focuses on visible cleanliness and daily kitchen hygiene, while grease duct cleaning addresses hidden fire hazards within the ventilation system.
Both services are essential for maintaining a safe, compliant, and efficient commercial kitchen. Investing in regular hood and grease duct cleaning protects your business, ensures regulatory compliance, and significantly reduces the risk of costly fire incidents. A clean exhaust system is not optional—it is a critical operational requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is grease duct cleaning mandatory for all commercial kitchens?
Yes, grease duct cleaning is mandatory for most commercial kitchens that produce grease-laden vapors. Fire codes and local regulations require regular cleaning to reduce fire risks and maintain safe ventilation systems.
2. Can failing to clean grease ducts affect restaurant licensing?
Yes, neglected grease ducts can lead to failed inspections, which may impact your operating license. Health and fire authorities often require proof of proper exhaust system maintenance.
3. Does hood cleaning alone reduce the risk of grease duct fires?
No, hood cleaning alone cannot eliminate fire risks inside grease ducts. Fires usually start in hidden ductwork where grease accumulates beyond visible areas.
4. How long does professional grease duct cleaning usually take?
The duration depends on duct length, grease buildup, and system layout. Most professional grease duct cleaning services take several hours to complete thoroughly.
5. Are grease duct cleaning certificates important?
Yes, cleaning certificates are often required by fire marshals and insurance companies. They serve as proof that your kitchen meets fire safety and compliance standards.
6. What happens if grease ducts are not cleaned on schedule?
Delaying grease duct cleaning increases the risk of fires, ventilation failure, and regulatory penalties. Over time, hardened grease becomes harder and more expensive to remove.
7. Can grease duct cleaning improve kitchen energy efficiency?
Yes, clean grease ducts allow exhaust fans to work efficiently. Improved airflow reduces strain on ventilation equipment and helps lower energy costs.
8. Is grease duct cleaning required for food trucks and small kitchens?
Yes, food trucks and small commercial kitchens also generate grease vapors. Many local regulations require regular grease duct or exhaust system cleaning regardless of kitchen size.
9. How do I choose a reliable grease duct cleaning company?
Look for licensed, insured providers with experience in NFPA 96 compliance. A reputable company should offer inspection reports, before-and-after photos, and proper documentation.
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