Question 1

What is a commercial exhaust hood?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What types of exhaust hoods does Chefs Depot stock?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Should I choose a ducted or ductless hood for my kitchen?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How do I size a canopy hood for my cooking line?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Do combi ovens need a special ventilation hood?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Can I install an exhaust hood myself, or do I need a tradesperson?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

How often should I clean the filters in a commercial hood?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What maintenance does the hood body and duct require?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Are the brands at Chefs Depot suited to Australian kitchen conditions?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What do exhaust hoods and ventilation units cost at Chefs Depot?

Accepted Answer

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.

Exhaust Hoods & Ventilation

Simcohood DH1800 - Ductless Exhaust Hood System 620x1800x850mm

XtractAir Kitchen Exhaust Hood Canopy Return Air Kit Type 1 18" - Rigid Duct Horizontal suits External Flat Roof - Most Popular

Simcohood DH1500-750 - Ductless Exhaust Hood System 620x1500x750mm

Modular System Canopy range hood - CHOOD1200

Modular Systems HOOD1500A - Bench Top Filtered Hood - 1500mm

Simcohood DH1500-850 - Ductless Exhaust Hood System 1500mm

XtractAir Extraction Duct 4M Length 18" Rigid SPIRO GAL 457 x 1.2

Xtractair XST-C - Condensate Hood 1100W x 1100D - Dishwasher Canopy

Modular Systems HOOD750A - Bench Top Filtered Hood - 750mm

Primax KT4-44MS - Stainless Steel Hood with Motor & Speed Regulator

Woodson W.MVS850 Mobile Ventilated Station - 850mm

Woodson W.MVS Mobile Ventilated Station - 700mm

Xtractair XST - Condensate Hood 1400W x 1100D - Dishwasher Canopy

Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood Canopy Extraction Kit Ductwork With Fan MEK-15

Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood Canopy Extraction Kit Ductwork With Fan MEK-18

Ecocanopy Economist - Water Misting Exhaust Hood Canopy

GAM AFOCAPBAKERY3 - Bakery 3 Exhaust Hood Complete with 705 m/c Motor

Modular Systems HOOD1200A - Bench Top Filtered Hood - 1200mm

Modular Systems HOOD1000A - Bench Top Filtered Hood - 1000mm

Custom Commercial Canopy

GAM SCHP - Prince Self Condensate Hood

KPY9/18 Pyralis Circle Hood

Zanolli 0FC1M04-1 - Anemos 10 Electric Touch Exhaust Hood

Zanolli 0FC1M04-3 - Anemos 10 Electric EM Exhaust Hood

Zanolli 0PO5M37B - Polis 2 260mm Exhaust Hood

Zanolli 0PO5M48B - T POLIS 2S/TP Exhaust Hood

Zanolli 1COM019A-2 - Combi TAE101P3 Exhaust Hood

Zanolli 1COM019A-3 - Combi TAE61SH Exhaust Hood

Zanolli 1COM019A-4 - Combi TAE62SL Exhaust Hood

Zanolli 1COM019A -5 - Combi TAE101SL Exhaust Hood

Zanolli 1COM019A - Exhaust Hood

Zanolli SCHTAC-1 - Combi TAE62P3 Self-Condensate Hood

Zanolli SCHTAC-2 - Combi TAE101P3 Self-Condensate Hood

Zanolli SCHTAC-3 - Combi TAE61SH Self-Condensate Hood

Zanolli SCHTAC-4 - Combi TAE62SL Self-Condensate Hood

Zanolli SCHTAC-5 - Combi TAE101SL Self-Condensate Hood

Zanolli SCHTAC - Self-Condensate Hood

Zanolli SCHTP-1 - Polis 2 180mm Self Condensate Hood

Zanolli SCHTP - Self Condensate Hood

Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood Canopy Extraction Kit Ductwork With Fan MEK-12

Festive Somerset XCF12 Frame Canopy 1155mm

Festive Somerset XCF18 Frame Canopy 1805mm

Festive Somerset XCF21 Frame Canopy 2130mm

Festive Somerset XCFL12 Frameless Canopy 1155mm

Festive Somerset XCFL15 Frameless Canopy 1480mm

Festive Somerset XCFL18 Frameless Canopy 1805mm

Festive Somerset XCFL21 Frameless Canopy 2130mm

Festive Somerset XCR12 Radial Canopy 1155mm

Festive Somerset XCR15 Radial Canopy 1480mm

Festive Somerset XCR18 Radial Canopy 1805mm

Festive Somerset XCR21 Radial Canopy 2130mm

XtractAir Kitchen Exhaust Hood Canopy Return Air Kit Type 3 12" - Flexi Duct Horizontal suits Inside Roof Space with Fan in Ceiling Space

RATIONAL iHexagon UltraVent Plus 6-1/1

RATIONAL iHexagon UltraVent Plus Combi-Duo

Ecocanopy SACRA - Exhaust Hood Canopy

RATIONAL iHexagon UltraVent 6-1/1

RATIONAL iHexagon UltraVent Combi-Duo

GAM AFOCAPKING4 - King 4 / Azzurro 4 Exhaust Hood Complete with 705 m/c Motor

GAM AFOCAPBAKERY2 - Azzurro Bakery 2 Exhaust Hood Complete with 705 m/c Motor

GAM AFOCAPKING6G - King 6 / Azzurro 6 Exhaust Hood Complete with 705 m/c Motor

GAM AFOCAPKING9 - King 9 / Azzurro 9 Exhaust Hood Complete with 705 m/c Motor

GAM SCHAB - Self Condensate Hood

GAM SCHAP-1 - Azzurro 6G Self Condensate Hood

GAM SCHAP-2 - Azzurro 9 Self Condensate Hood

GAM SCHAP - Azzurro 4 Self Condensate Hood

GAM SCHKP-1 - King 6G Self Condensate Hood

GAM SCHKP-2 - King 9 Self Condensate Hood

Kitchen Exhaust Hood Canopy Extraction Kit suits XST & XST-C

GAM SCHKP - Self Condensate Hood

XtractAir Kitchen Exhaust Hood Canopy Return Air Kit Type 3 15" - Flexi Duct Horizontal suits Inside Roof Space with Fan in Ceiling Space

XtractAir Extraction Duct 4M Length 15" Rigid SPIRO GAL 381 x 1.2

ACE Filter GF-03 - Exhaust Hood Filter 622 x 391 x 50

Exhaust Hoods & Ventilation — Common Questions