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Explore our newest colors - free samples available
June 03, 2023 5 min read
Kitchen range hoods are one of the kitchen appliances that genuinely make the kitchen's cooking environment clean and efficient. They either vent the foul kitchen air outside or recycle it through filters that remove pollutants.
Range hoods use three filters to clean pollutants: baffle, mesh, and activated charcoal-based filters, although the baffle filter is the most popular type. The baffle is becoming more popular because of their effectiveness and a recent push from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to install them, especially in commercial kitchens.
So, what exactly are baffle filters? How do they work, and are they any good? Those questions are dealt with below, so read on and find out.
A baffle filter is an air filter commonly used in range hoods to remove smoke, grease, and other airborne particles generated during cooking. Their design is characterized by curved or angled panels or baffles made from stainless steel or polished aluminum. These filters capture and trap airborne particles, preventing them from circulating back into your kitchen and helping keep indoor air clean and healthy. Baffle filters are standard in commercial kitchens where hot, regular, greasy, or oil-based cooking is done.
Baffle filters are designed to separate oil droplets and grease generated when cooking from the air in the kitchen. They work based on the principle that pollutants are much heavier than air and will therefore move much slower.
Grease-laden air is drawn into the range hood at a relatively fast speed based on the negative pressure pull of the range hood fan. As air and smoke pass through the filter, the baffles cause the air to change direction multiple times. Because grease or oil particles weigh more than air, they cannot keep up with the air's fast direction changes which help to separate the particles and grease. The grease and other contaminants then collect on the surfaces of the baffles, while the clean air is allowed to pass through and be exhausted outside.
Different baffle filters are available, each with unique features and benefits. Some of the most common types include:
Traditional baffle filters are the most commonly used baffles in range hood units. They are typically made of stainless steel and are designed to fit into standard range hood models. They are easily identified by their angled panels or baffles which help trap pollutants. As air and smoke pass through the filter, the angled baffles cause the air to change direction which helps to separate the particles and grease.
High-performance baffle filters have baffle designs with grooves and flame barrier protection to provide better performance. These filters capture and trap airborne particles more efficiently and with considerably less noise. They are often made of more advanced materials like high-grade stainless steel or carbon fiber. These filters are often used in commercial kitchens or home kitchens with heavy use where noise is also an issue.
Hybrid baffle filters combine traditional baffle filters and other types of filters, such as mesh or charcoal filters. They are very good at removing grease particles before they settle on the range hood. They provide additional filtration and odor reduction while maintaining the benefits of baffle filters. They are a good choice for home kitchens that require further odor reduction.
Removable baffle filters are designed with baffles that have non-stick coatings which makes them easily cleanable. The baffle coating and design stops contaminants and rather than sticking to the baffle it rolls off easily. They are excellent for home cooks or commercial chefs who want to ensure their range hood filters are always clean and functioning properly. Removable baffle filters are commonly made from durable stainless steel or aluminum and can be washed with soap and water.
Custom baffle filters are designed to fit unique or non-standard range hood models. These filters are often made of custom materials designed to meet specific filtration requirements. Custom baffle filters are a good choice for home cooks with a unique range hood or requiring specialized filtration.
Baffle filters are popular, especially in industrial-styled kitchens, and they offer several advantages over other types of filters. Some of the notable ones are:
Baffle filters are made with stainless steel or galvanized aluminum coated with zinc, which makes them very durable. They are strong, corrosion-resistant, and do not react with chemicals released during cooking. There is a reduced risk of filter degradation or damage due to exposure to kitchen chemicals. For example, stainless steel baffle filters are reusable if appropriately maintained and even outlast high-grade aluminum mesh filters.
Because baffle filters are made from durable base materials like steel and aluminum, which are flame and fire-resistant, most baffle filters can withstand very high temperatures without melting or cracking. This feature makes them the top-recommended filters for industrial use, as they eliminate the fire risk from your range hood filter.
Baffle filters are exceptionally good at separating grease and oil from the kitchen air. They use a series of angled or curved panels to force the air to change direction multiple times, which causes the particles to separate and stick to the filter. Also, installing a grease trap will effectively recover most grease filtered from the kitchen air.
Compared to mesh or charcoal-based filters, baffle filters are easy to clean and maintain. They don’t get clogged easily and do not require frequent cleaning or replacement. Most baffle filters are also made with composite metal materials, which are relatively easy to clean. They can be easily removed from the range hood, washed with soap and water, or placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
Baffle filters are known for their quiet operation. They do not create much noise when the range hood is in use, making them an ideal choice for open-plan kitchens or homes where noise levels must be minimal.
Baffle, mesh, and charcoal filters are the three main types of filters used in range hoods. With all the unique uses and features of the baffle filter listed above, how do baffle filters fare when pitted against a mesh or charcoal filter? Let's breakdown each against the baffle.
Mesh filters are a type of kitchen vent filter made of multiple layers of woven fine mesh of metal or plastic strands. The woven mesh forms a network of pores that capture airborne particles by trapping them in the openings in the mesh. They are relatively inexpensive and are effective at removing kitchen air particles. However, they have a lower filtration efficiency compared to baffle filters and are prone to clogging. This reduces their effectiveness over time which makes cleaning mesh filters challenging and time-consuming.
In contrast, baffle filters are highly efficient at capturing and trapping airborne particles like grease and soot. They are easier to maintain than mesh filters as they can be removed from the range hood easily. Baffle filters are also more durable than mesh filters which makes them a better choice for commercial kitchens and homeowners who frequently cook with high-heat methods.
Charcoal filters are made of activated carbon, which absorbs and traps airborne particles. They effectively capture odors and fumes generated when cooking. However, charcoal filters are really not good at capturing grease and other heavy particles generated during cooking. They are relatively expensive and less durable compared to baffle filters. This often means they must be replaced more frequently which increases the cost of using them.
Baffle filters are widely regarded as one of the best options for range hood filters. They are durable, easy to clean, and very good at catching grease and oil, which makes them an excellent choice for any range hood. For a better comparison with other range hood filter types check out our comparison article on baffle, mesh, and charcoal filters.