What cooking styles are there in catering enterprises? What kind of restaurants must install air purifiers?
With the booming development of the modern catering industry, various cooking techniques have emerged one after another, which not only satisfies the taste buds of diners, but also greatly enriches people's food culture.
However, the accompanying airborne pollution problem has become increasingly prominent. Data show that the amount of pollution generated by fumes in the catering industry has exceeded that of automobile exhaust.
In order to protect the environment and reduce the impact of oil fumes on air quality, relevant laws and regulations stipulate that restaurants that generate oil fumes must install oil Fume Purification facilities.
So, what types of catering companies are there according to cooking methods? What kind of restaurants must install fume purification facilities? Let's discuss it together.
Common Cooking Styles and Their Impact on Air Quality
Stir-Frying and Deep-Frying
Stir-frying and deep-frying are iconic high-oil cooking methods, commonly found in commercial kitchens and restaurants, especially in Asian cuisine. These methods include:
These cooking methods release significant pollutants that compromise air quality. When oils are heated to high temperatures, they break down and produce fine oil mist and particulate matter. These tiny particles, often invisible, are released as food components char or caramelize.
Fumes generated in the process carry harmful substances, including aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can irritate the respiratory system and contribute to indoor air pollution. Additionally, strong cooking odors, a combination of vaporized oils and food particles, linger and degrade air quality, making proper ventilation crucial.
Grilling and BBQ Operations
Cooking over wood or charcoal imparts a natural smoky flavor that conventional methods cannot replicate. However, the combustion of charcoal, sizzling fats, and sugar-laden condiments not only enhances taste but also releases harmful pollutants like carbon black, grease particles, smoke, and malodors.
Charcoal grilling and barbecue produce significant smoke and fine particulate matter. Dripping fats and marinades combust on heated surfaces, emitting carbon monoxide, VOCs, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which pose respiratory and long-term health risks. These emissions degrade both indoor and outdoor air quality, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
KLEANLAND commercial ESP systems effectively handle:
Steam and Boiling Methods
Steam and boiling are commonly used in large-scale catering and central kitchens. Although these methods are considered healthier and less oily, they still generate significant water vapor, heat, and odors, particularly in commercial-scale operations. While creating less oil mist, steam cooking areas still need air cleaning:
The release of heat and moisture increases indoor humidity levels, creating an environment conducive to mold and bacteria growth. As food boils, it emits steam carrying odors and vaporized particulates, including sulfur compounds from broths or stews. While the pollutants are less harmful than frying or grilling, they can still degrade air quality over time if not managed with proper ventilation.
Baking
Baking is a method frequently employed by bakeries, cake shops, and catering companies, involving dry heat to cook or brown food. While it may appear less intensive compared to frying or grilling, baking can still produce significant airborne emissions that impact air quality.
Baking emissions:
The breakdown of oils and sugars during the baking process releases smoke and fumes, including acrolein, a highly irritating compound. Flour dust, a common byproduct in baking, easily becomes airborne and poses respiratory risks if inhaled in large quantities. Additionally, burnt food odors and residual grease contribute to an accumulation of pollutants in the air, underscoring the need for efficient air filtration and ventilation systems.
Which Restaurants Must Install Air Purifiers?
Location-Based Requirements
Restaurants must install Air Purifiers if they are:
Near residential areas: Next to homes means exhaust emissions can directly affect the quality of life for nearby residents, making Air Purification essential to mitigate odors and pollutants.
Close to schools or hospitals: Sensitive populations, such as children and patients, require clean air. Restaurants near these facilities are often mandated to limit emissions to protect health and well-being.
In shopping malls or food courts: Enclosed spaces demand stricter air quality controls to prevent cooking fumes and odors from circulating among shoppers and diners.
Within government-designated zones: Some areas have specific air quality regulations due to high urban density, historical preservation, or environmental concerns.
Cooking Style Requirements
Installation is mandatory for restaurants that:
How Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) Solve Air Quality Issues
ESPs use high-voltage ionization to charge fine particles such as oil mist, dust, and smoke in polluted air. These charged particles are then drawn to oppositely charged collection plates, where they adhere and are removed from the airflow. This process captures even microscopic particles, as small as 0.3 microns, without significantly restricting airflow. Unlike traditional filters, ESPs are reusable, cost-effective, and highly efficient, making them ideal for maintaining clean air in environments with high particulate emissions.
KLEANLAND commercial ESP types:
The below video is a Cantonese Dianxin Kitchen Scene - Taotaoju, which is a downtown restaurant in Guangzhou that can serve 100-150 people. Their ESP facility is placed on the vent to tackle the oil fumes generated from steaming, frying, boiling, and stewing.
Real Performance Data
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KLEANLAND offers customized ESP solutions for all restaurant types. Contact us at:
Contact KLEANLAND today to ensure your restaurant meets air quality standards while providing the best environment for your staff and customers.