Grease filters
Grease filters are the first line of grease capture in your canopy. Here is how baffle and mesh filters differ, how to clean them safely, and what to check before buying replacements.
· 5 min read
Grease filters
Grease Filter Exchange vs In-House Filter Cleaning: Which Suits Your Kitchen?
Grease filters need the most frequent attention of any part of your exhaust system. Should your staff clean them, or should clean filters simply arrive on a schedule? Here is how the two options compare.
By Apex Commercial Exhaust · · 5 min read
Key takeaways
- Grease filters capture part of the airborne grease before it reaches the ducts, so they need frequent care.
- In-house cleaning suits kitchens with light cooking, trained staff and suitable cleaning facilities.
- A filter exchange swaps dirty filters for clean compatible ones on a set schedule, reducing staff workload.
- Blocked or heavily soiled filters can restrict airflow and let more grease into the system.
- Exchange depends on finding compatible replacement filters for your canopy.
Grease filters sit at the front line of your kitchen exhaust system. Keeping them clean is one of the simplest ways to manage grease, but it is also a messy, time-consuming job. Here is how in-house filter cleaning compares with a scheduled grease filter exchange.
Why grease filters matter
Food premises in Australia need ventilation that removes fumes, smoke, steam and vapours, and equipment that can be easily and effectively cleaned (Food Standards Code, Standard 3.2.3). Commercial kitchen grease filters, usually stainless steel baffle filters, capture a portion of airborne grease before it travels into the plenum and ductwork. When filters become blocked or heavily soiled, they can restrict airflow, reduce grease capture and contribute to faster build-up further along the system.
The two options side by side
| In-house cleaning | Filter exchange | |
|---|---|---|
| Staff time | Staff remove, soak and scrub filters | Dirty filters are swapped for clean ones |
| Consistency | Depends on busy shifts and training | Set schedule agreed in advance |
| Facilities | Needs suitable sinks, products and space | Filters are cleaned off site |
| Records | Kept by your team | Visits can be recorded as part of the service |
| Best for | Light cooking, smaller kitchens | Busy, high-grease and multi-site kitchens |
How a filter exchange works
- Assessment: filter type, size, quantity and condition are checked.
- Planning: an exchange schedule is agreed based on cooking volume and build-up.
- Exchange: dirty filters are swapped for clean, compatible filters.
- Cleaning: removed reusable filters are cleaned for later use.
- Repeat: visits continue on the agreed schedule.
See our grease filter exchange service for details.
If you clean filters in-house
Read practical tips for in-house filter cleaning
- Follow the filter manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
- Only remove filters when the equipment is off and cool.
- Use degreasers according to their safety data sheet; Safe Work Australia’s hazardous chemicals code of practice explains how to manage chemical risks at work.
- Inspect filters for damage; replace damaged or ill-fitting filters with compatible ones.
- Refit filters correctly so grease is not bypassing them.
- Keep a simple log of when filters were cleaned.
Filters are only one part of the system. The canopy, plenum, ducts and fan still need periodic professional cleaning. Within the agreed scope, Apex cleans all accessible and reachable areas of the kitchen exhaust system.
Frequently asked questions
Can stainless steel baffle filters be cleaned and reused?
Many stainless steel baffle filters are designed to be cleaned and reused. Inspect them for damage and clean them according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
How often should restaurant grease filters be exchanged?
It depends on cooking volume, grease production, filter condition and site requirements. Busy frying or grilling kitchens may need more frequent exchange.
What is the difference between filter cleaning and replacement?
Cleaning removes grease from reusable filters. Replacement installs another suitable filter when the existing one is damaged or no longer serviceable. Exchange is a maintenance arrangement using compatible clean filters.
References & further reading
Government, regulator and Standards sources mentioned in this guide (links checked November 2026; requirements can change, so check the current version):
- Vero Insurance (AAI Limited), RM Insight: Cleaning of ducts and flues
- Safe Work Australia, Understanding safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals (fact sheet)
- Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, ACT Fire Brigade and ACT Rural Fire Service, Restaurant fire safety
Need help with your kitchen exhaust? Apex Commercial Exhaust cleans canopies, exhaust ducts, rooftop fans and grease filters for commercial kitchens across Melbourne and Victoria.
This article is general information only and is not legal, insurance or compliance advice. Requirements for your kitchen depend on your system, building and obligations.
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