Ductless Exhaust Canopies

Ductless exhaust canopies perform the same function as standard air extractors, however, the key difference is that you won’t need to have an air vent that leads outside of the kitchen or building to remove that air. Instead, they use a series of grease and carbon filters that operate internally to remove steam, grease and odours - including smoke particles.

The effect is you’ll have a more moderate ambient air temperature, while also removing odours and smoke from the kitchen space. After the filters have removed the particles from the air, it’s then recirculated back out into the kitchen. They’re an essential piece of equipment. While the regulations can vary from state to state within Australia, generally, any appliance outputting 8kW or more requires an exhaust hood. This applies to both cooking equipment and dishwashers.

While the air is filtered through the filters, it helps to remove debris from the air, which not only helps to keep the kitchen cleaner, but is also important for your staff’s comfort and safety. It works by using multi-stage filtration to remove particulates from the air that would otherwise linger or settle on surfaces. Depending on the brand and model of ductless canopy you opt for, you may have a combination of grease filters and activated carbon (or charcoal) filters that work to trap visible grime like oil and smoke, along with odours. Especially high-powered models incorporate HEPA filters to catch finer particles, giving you potentially three means of filtering the air for the best possible working conditions.

Absolutely, in fact, that’s one of their main benefits. The installation of ducted commercial exhaust canopies requires drilling and piping to be installed, as they draw the air out of the kitchen entirely rather than filtering it. Not only are these useful for areas where adding ducting isn’t feasible, but they can also be installed in less practical spots, giving you the ability to set up your kitchen’s footprint the way you want. They give you the flexibility you need to run everything from restaurants in enclosed food courts, to pop-up kitchens, and even heritage buildings where adjusting the structure isn’t feasible.

Ductless exhaust systems achieve the same result, though in a slightly different way and one of the key benefits they offer is the fact that they can be installed in locations where ductwork isn’t possible. Not only is this useful in kitchens that share a common wall, or don’t have easy access to the outdoors, but it also reduces the installation costs and time taken to set them up.

They’re also typically easier to reposition or remove, making them ideal for leased or temporary spaces, along with giving the ability to adjust your kitchen if and when you need to. Ductless exhaust canopies can also improve the general indoor climate, meaning they’re useful in keeping your staff cool and comfortable, even when it’s rush hour in the kitchen.

Before ordering a kitchen exhaust canopy, you’ll need to consider two things. The first thing is to check the amount of space you have to install a ductless canopy into. The second is that you’ll need to account for how much power, and therefore airborne particulate matter, your appliances will generate. You need to make sure that you match the canopy’s extraction rate (usually measured in cubic metres per hour) with your kitchen’s needs. If you’re using a large scale or high volume cooking appliances for example, a more powerful system will likely be necessary. If you’re unsure, the team at REO can help. Please contact us for more information and we’ll be able to analyse your kitchen and find the right model for you.

Depending on the size, model, and capacity of your ductless exhaust canopy, they can be more energy efficient than ducted models. The reason is that, instead of expelling air outside, they filter and recirculate indoor air which can result in less strain on heating and cooling systems. In order to maintain their efficiency, you will need to account for the frequency of use and upkeep good filter maintenance. Regular servicing is key to optimal performance and keeping your operational costs down in the long term.

The frequency with which you’ll need to replace your filters will depend on a few things. These include the type of canopy you have, the volume of cooking you’re doing, what you’re cooking (grease and smoke will clog filters more rapidly) and the manufacturer recommendations. Generally, grease filters may need cleaning or replacing every few weeks, while carbon or HEPA filters might require replacement every three to six months. Monitoring air quality and following the manufacturer’s guidelines will help maintain effective filtration and performance.

Maintenance for ductless kitchen ventilation systems usually involves regular cleaning, particularly when it comes to the replacement of filters. Grease filters should be washed or replaced frequently to prevent clogging and ensure airflow. Carbon and HEPA filters should be checked and swapped out as needed to give you the best possible odour and smoke removal effectiveness. It’s also important to inspect the overall unit for blockages and ensure the fan and internal components are functioning properly.

We offer a range of models to suit a wide range of kitchen setups, requirements and dimensions. The key types we stock are benchtop ventilation systems and worktop systems. None of them require ducting, making them easier to install in those difficult spots of the kitchen. Benchtop ventilation systems are convenient options that come in a range of sizes, allowing you to get rapid and efficient ventilation above your cooking space. They can be used over your commercial oven, making for an easy and convenient means to keep your air clear and free from cooking odours. Some are also suitable for above appliances like deep fryers, though individual specifications will vary. Our worktop ductless exhaust canopies include a workspace for your cooking, capable of housing up to four benchtop cooking appliances. They also feature storage underneath, all while serving to whisk away oil, steam and smoke from anything you’re cooking. Between our ducted and ductless ranges, we have different types of exhaust hood to suit different venues, including ductless standing filters for sites where external ventilation can’t be brought in at all.

Our ductless exhaust canopies are made from stainless steel, ensuring that they’re capable of withstanding steam, oil and high-intensity heat. This also makes them resilient against rust, as well as being far easier to clean and maintain. Most of the air extraction goes through carbon filters, HEPA filters and polyester filters. Many filters can be washed in the dishwasher to ensure you get the most use from them possible before they need changing.

While the team at REO don’t offer installation ourselves, we have installation partners who can take care of everything for you. If you’re setting up a ductless exhaust canopy at the same time as something like a deep fryer or Bratt pan, they can take care of that, too.