A ventilation hood is just as important in a food truck as it is in any other commercial kitchen - learn more from the experts at Hoodmart!

Selecting an Exhaust Hood Your Food Truck is Important

A ventilation or exhaust hood is an essential piece of equipment in any kitchen, but it is crucial in the confined space of a food truck. A food truck's small size means that pollutants generated during cooking, such as heat, smoke, and grease, can quickly build up and create an unhealthy environment.

Without proper ventilation, these pollutants can linger in the air and cause health problems for anyone working in the food truck or consuming the food. The buildup of grease can also create a fire hazard, which is particularly dangerous in the close quarters of a food truck.

An exhaust hood serves two purposes in a food truck. The first is to remove pollutants from the air. The hood captures smoke, steam, and grease particles and directs them out of the truck through a vent.

The second purpose of an exhaust hood is to prevent the buildup of grease and other flammable materials. As mentioned earlier, the buildup of grease can pose a significant fire hazard. The hood's ventilation system removes excess heat and ensures that flammable materials are directed outside the truck, reducing the fire risk. In many areas, ventilation hoods are necessary to meet health and safety codes, including United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. Your local health department may have specific requirements for ventilation equipment in food trucks, so be sure you understand your local codes before making a purchase.

So, what kind of exhaust hood do you need for a food truck? There are several factors to consider when making a selection, including size, ventilation requirements and more.

Exhaust Hood Size

First and foremost, you must ensure that the exhaust hood you choose is the right size for your food truck. The size of your hood will largely depend on the size of your cooking equipment. Generally speaking, your exhaust hood should be at least as wide as your cooking surface and extend at least six inches beyond the edges of the cooking surface on either side. You'll also need to ensure that the hood height is tall enough to capture all the smoke and grease generated by your cooking equipment. It’s important to work with a professional to ensure that your selection will be adequate and efficient.

Ventilation Requirements and Installation Considerations

When choosing an exhaust hood for your food truck, you'll need to consider the ventilation requirements. Some hoods may require a higher airflow rate than others to remove pollutants effectively, so sharing your specifications with the manufacturers’ representative to ensure the ventilation system suits your specific needs is essential.

Once you have and idea of what size hood you’ll need and what the appropriate ventilation requirements are in your area, you must ensure that your equipment is properly installed and that the ductwork is designed to effectively and safely remove grease-laden particles from the air. It is essential to work with certified professionals for your ductwork needs. 

Conclusion

In summary, when it comes to choosing an exhaust hood for your food truck, you need to consider the size, ventilation requirements, noise level, design, and safety and health codes. With these factors in mind, you’ll be prepared to meet with a Hoodmart representative and find the perfect piece of equipment for your food truck! Happy cooking!