Commercial Kitchen Odour Control
Effective odour control is a common requirement of any commercial kitchen ventilation system. We provide solutions for owners who need to address odour nuisance at the planning stage of opening a new restaurant or catering establishment, in order to obtain the necessary planning permissions.
DEFRA Guidance on the Control of Odours
When a commercial kitchen opens up for the first time, it is subject to the environmental criteria that no odours should be noticed at the exhaust. As for what’s deemed as acceptable for sufficient odour control, most local authorities use the ‘DEFRA: Guidance on nuisance smells‘ as an acceptable benchmark. We follow these guidelines to design the correct solution for each application, making your commercial kitchen safe, clean and compliant.
Why Odour Control Matters in Commercial Kitchens
Strong cooking smells might seem harmless, but without the right extraction and filtration setup, they can cause serious issues:
Customer experience – Persistent odours in dining areas put people off returning.
Neighbour complaints – Strong smells escaping into residential or business areas often lead to disputes.
Regulatory compliance – Local councils can issue fines or force closures if your kitchen doesn’t meet environmental health standards.
Workplace comfort – A build-up of grease and smells creates unpleasant conditions for your staff.
How Are Odours Removed?
Commercial kitchens produce airborne grease, smoke, and microscopic particles that carry strong smells. To tackle these effectively, a ventilation system must capture, filter, and treat the air before releasing it outside. At Corsair Engineering, we design systems tailored to your kitchen’s size, layout, and cooking style.
The most common methods we use include:
Mechanical Filtration
Grease and particulate filters capture larger particles from the air before they travel further through the ductwork. This prevents build-up and reduces odour at the source.
Activated Carbon Filters
These filters absorb odour molecules using a highly porous carbon surface. They’re especially effective for kitchens producing heavy smells like fried foods, curries, or grilled meats.
Ozone and UV Systems
In some cases, advanced systems like ozone injection or ultraviolet (UV) treatment are used to break down odour-causing compounds at a molecular level. These are ideal for high output kitchens or sites with strict environmental controls.
Do You Legally Need Odour Control?
In many cases, yes. UK environmental health regulations require commercial kitchens to manage noise, smoke, and odour emissions to avoid creating a nuisance for nearby residents and businesses. Local councils frequently require proof that your extraction system includes suitable odour mitigation measures, especially in densely populated areas.
If you’re setting up a new kitchen, it’s important to speak to the experts early!
Tailored Solutions for Every Kitchen
No two commercial kitchens are the same – the right odour control setup depends on your cooking methods, extraction rates, and local surroundings. For example:
Restaurants & Takeaways – Often need carbon filtration and advanced treatment for high smell menus.
Hotel Kitchens – Require discreet systems to avoid affecting guest rooms and communal spaces.
Food Production Sites – Larger, high output facilities may need multi-stage odour treatment solutions.
Our team takes the time to understand your business, your building, and your challenges before designing a system that delivers reliable, long term results.
Ongoing Maintenance and Servicing
Installing an odour control system is only part of the solution. Without regular maintenance, filters become clogged, airflow is reduced, and efficiency drops. At Corsair, we provide scheduled servicing to keep your equipment performing at its best.
This typically includes:
– Inspecting and replacing carbon filters
– Cleaning ductwork to remove grease build-up
– Testing airflow and extraction performance
– Checking ozone or UV systems for consistent operation
Talk To Us Today
Don’t let unpleasant smells put your business or reputation at risk. Simply get in touch with us today on 01295 267021 or email us at sales@corsairengineering.co.uk
We’ll answer your questions, offer advice, and provide a no-obligation quote tailored to your needs.