Baffle filters vs Mesh filters

Both of these filters are designed to remove grease from the air intake going in through the air filtration system. The air filtration system itself is eliminating heat, smoke and smells from above the stoves. This provides a better working environment for workers in the kitchens. However, recent regulations from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), push commercial kitchens to implement baffle filters in their facilities, over their mesh counterparts, because of their better performance of removing grease from the air. Some companies go even a step further, adding a mesh filter behind the baffle filter to provide even greater filtration. Although this requires a more powerful fan to provide the needed airflow, it does prove effective and limits the costs of expensive ductwork cleaning. On top of all that, it prolongs the periods between the cleaning of the filters themselves.

What is a Baffle Filter

Stainless steel baffle filters are getting more and more popular and preferred for use in commercial and domestic kitchens alike. A big portion of their success is their appearance. However, a baffle filter also provides better grease filtration and a lower fire risk rate, because flames from the hobs can’t pass through the baffle filter and inside the intake.

Baffle grease filters are often created using aluminium or stainless steel. Usually, they come in a size of 2 inches and have two equally spaced roll formed baffles. The reason for the spacing in the baffle filter is to ensure an optimized airflow. This way, more grease is successfully captured in the filter. The grease is then able to travel down the baffles and fall into the collecting trough. Baffle filters are commercial extractor fan filters that prevent the risk of flames traveling through the filter baffles. Based on the expected temperatures, they’re created using different types of materials.

How Do Baffle Filters Work

Baffle filters are constructed by interlocking baffles with a tortuous route, through which the grease passes. The oil particles follow down the smooth surface of the filter’s vanes and collect within the canopy holding casings. This limits the chance of build-ups that will prevent the airflow.

Baffle Filter Maintenance

If you’ve selected baffle filters as your commercial kitchen extractor filters, it’s important to know how to properly take care of them over time to ensure they function to their full potential and don’t cause any problems. It’s best to rely on a professional kitchen filter cleaning specialist to handle the cleaning process. This will guarantee that the lifespan of your baffle filters is increased

It’s essential to regularly clean the filters to prevent hazards.

What is a Mesh Filter

Аnother popular kitchen fan filter is the mesh filter. Typically a filter made out of aluminium that constructs out of multiple layers of mesh. The layers of steel or aluminium mesh are held together by a frame of aluminium. This is a lightweight construction that is largely popular in kitchen induction systems.

In other words, mesh filters can be described as a network of metallic wires that create a filter cloth with specific, rigid pore openings. This makes them suitable for most filter systems like kitchen fan filters thanks to their flexibility. Commercial mesh grease filters are easy to clena, accurate, and durable. They come with a range of different benefits that we’ll look at in the next sections.

How Does a Mesh Filter Works

The greasy fumes generated from the cooking process are being trapped within the layers of mesh in so-called grease traps. However, if those filters are not cleaned on a regular basis, grease build-ups will form and block the airflow, leading to inefficient work of the extraction system.

Baffle Filter VS Mesh Filter

Let’s look at some Pros and Cons of both types of grease filters and see how they compare.

Baffle Filters Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Better grease filtration – they can function with a filter tray, which means that any grease leftovers are successfully trapped and collected.
• Greater fire and flame resistance – baffle filters can operate at high temperatures and are protected against risks of fire hazards.
• Aesthetic appearance – the sleek and beautiful design makes baffle filters a top choice for commercial kitchens.
• Resistance to corrosion (baffle filters stainless) – the high-quality materials used for the creation of baffle filters ensure that there are no risks of significant material deterioration or damage like corrosion.
• Durable – they’re a long lasting solution that you can rely on for years to come.
• Easy to clean by soaking or dishwasher – compared to mesh filters, baffle filters are easier to clean and take less time for maintenance.
• Cost-effective in long term operation – this solution reduces the costs of pricey ductwork cleaning.

Cons:

• Heavier than mesh filters – these kitchen fan filters are significantly heavier when compared to mesh filters, which could make them a bit harder to install.
• More expensive – the initial cost of buying and installing baffle filters is higher but in the long run, this solution offers significant savings.

Mesh Filters Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cheaper solution – the initial expense of buying mesh extractor filters is lower when compared to investing in baffle filters;
• Could be washed in a dishwasher;
• Lighter structure.

Cons:

• Noisier than baffle filters;
• Reduced fire safety;
• Not as durable against high temperatures.

In the past, Mesh Grease Filters have been used as primary filters in commercial kitchens, however current standards and guidance suggest that Stainless Steel Baffle Filters must be used as they offer a greater barrier to fire and flames. These filters should only be used as a primary filter in environments where grease production is low and there are less fire risks i.e. domestic kitchens. In commercial kitchen applications, the main reason mesh filters are still used are as secondary filters. They have a lower resistance to airflow but are very effective in removing grease from airflow through the ducts.

As always, our professional representatives are awaiting your questions. Trust them to help you figure out what kind of filter, or combination of filters and fan will best suit your specific needs. Give them a call at 01455 616444. You can go on our page for stainless steel baffle filters to see the standard sizes, but you can always order one custom made for you.