Exhaust Hoods & Ventilation

A commercial exhaust hood is a ventilation unit mounted above cooking equipment to capture heat, steam, grease particles and combustion gases before they spread through the kitchen. Most units draw air through filters into a plenum chamber, then exhaust it either through external ductwork or, in ductless models, through a recirculating filtration system. They are a standard requirement in any commercial kitchen fit-out.

The range covers canopy hoods for wall and island positions, condensate hoods designed for high-moisture combi oven exhausts, ductless recirculating systems for sites where external ducting is not possible, and purpose-built ventilation units matched to specific combi oven models. Brands include Xtractair, Culinaire, Invoq, Xtracta, Zanolli, Gresilva and Wexiodisk, so there is a fit for most kitchen configurations.

Ducted hoods vent grease-laden air outside the building and are the preferred choice for high-volume cooking. Ductless models filter and recirculate air internally, making them practical where cutting through walls or ceilings is not feasible. Your choice will depend on your building's construction, your local council requirements and the volume and type of cooking your team does each service.

A hood should overhang the cooking equipment on all exposed sides, typically by around 150 to 200 mm per side, so the capture area is wider and deeper than the appliance below it. Taller ceilings and heavier cooking loads generally call for greater overhang. Always check the hood manufacturer's sizing guide against your actual equipment footprint before ordering, as undersized hoods reduce capture efficiency noticeably.

Many combi ovens produce significant steam and condensate that standard canopy hoods are not designed to handle efficiently. Condensate hoods, such as those in the Invoq range, attach directly to the oven and manage moisture at the source before it enters the broader ventilation path. If you run a RATIONAL or similar combi oven, check whether a purpose-matched condensate or UltraVent-style hood is available for your specific model.

Ducted exhaust hoods require connection to mechanical exhaust ductwork and, in most cases, a licensed electrician for the fan motor wiring. Make-up air systems may also require an HVAC contractor. Ductless recirculating models are generally simpler to position, but electrical connection still needs to be carried out by a qualified tradesperson. Always check your local council and building code requirements before proceeding with any installation.

Grease filters in a busy kitchen typically need cleaning every one to two weeks, though high-volume frying operations may need more frequent attention. Blocked filters reduce airflow, put extra load on the fan motor and create a fire risk. Most baffle and mesh filters can be removed and run through a commercial dishwasher. Ductless models with carbon or HEPA filters follow a replacement schedule set by the manufacturer rather than a wash cycle.

The stainless steel canopy interior should be wiped down regularly to prevent grease build-up on surfaces. Internal ductwork should be professionally degreased at intervals that reflect your cooking volume — high-output kitchens may need this quarterly. Fan blades and motors benefit from an annual inspection to catch bearing wear early. Keeping a maintenance log helps you schedule service before a failure disrupts a busy service period.

Xtractair and Xtracta are designed and built for the Australian market. Culinaire, Invoq and Wexiodisk are established commercial brands with strong track records in high-demand kitchen environments across Australia and internationally. Zanolli and Gresilva round out the range with European-built quality. All products we stock are intended for commercial use and are sold as part of a working kitchen fit-out, not for domestic applications.

Pricing varies considerably across the 95 products in this category, from compact ductless units at the lower end through to large island canopies and combi-oven condensate systems at the higher end. Members save off RRP on the full range. Browse the product grid above to see current pricing, and reach out to the team if you need help matching a unit to your budget and kitchen layout.