Semi rigid duct connected to range hood in an organized kitchen

Why the Right Duct for Range Hood Matters in Restaurants and Cafés?

Cooking in commercial kitchens isn’t just about flavors — it’s about safety, efficiency, and air quality. For restaurants and cafés, one of the most overlooked, yet critical, components of kitchen ventilation is the duct for range hood. Whether you’re setting up a cozy café or managing a bustling restaurant kitchen, the wrong ducting choice can lead to costly maintenance, poor air extraction, and worst of all — a serious fire hazard.

Over time, grease-laden vapors accumulate in the ductwork. If the duct isn’t designed to withstand high temperatures and resist grease buildup, it becomes a ticking time bomb. Yet many business owners unknowingly install substandard ducts that degrade quickly or trap grease, unaware of the risks until it’s too late.

This article explores how choosing the right duct — specifically for range hoods in commercial settings — can dramatically reduce fire risks, improve kitchen ventilation, and ensure peace of mind. Let’s uncover what makes a duct system not only efficient but also compliant and safe for your food business.

Semi rigid duct running along a food stall

Understanding the Risks of Poor Ducting for Range Hood in a Commercial Kitchens

The kitchen is the heart of any restaurant or café, but it’s also one of the most fire-prone areas in any building. One of the main culprits? Improper or low-quality ducting for your range hood.

Here’s what can go wrong:

  • Grease buildup: Steam and grease from cooking get pulled into the duct. Without proper airflow or temperature resistance, grease sticks and accumulates inside.

  • Combustion risk: Accumulated grease is highly flammable. Combined with high cooking temperatures, it can ignite with a single spark.

  • Material degradation: Standard plastic or thin-metal ducts can warp or melt under continuous heat exposure.

  • Poor air quality: Inefficient ducting leads to lingering smoke and odors, affecting both workers and customers.

When these issues compound, the result is often increased maintenance costs, health code violations, or even fires that shut down operations.

 

What Makes an Ideal Duct for a Range Hood in a Commercial Kitchen?

Not all ducts are created equal — especially when it comes to handling commercial kitchen environments.

Here are the essential features to look for:

  1. High Temperature Resistance

    Ensure the duct can handle temperatures up to 200°C or higher. This prevents warping and extends the lifespan of the system.

  2. Non-Combustible Material

    Aluminium alloys, particularly Alloy 3003, resist combustion and corrosion — making them ideal for grease-heavy environments.

  3. Flexible Yet Durable Construction

    A semi-rigid design allows for easy routing in tight kitchen spaces, while maintaining internal diameter to reduce airflow resistance.

  4. Ease of Installation and Maintenance

    Ducts should be simple to cut, connect, and fit with standard HVAC accessories, minimizing downtime and service costs.

  5. Fire Certification

    In Malaysia, Bomba certification is a must-have. It confirms the product meets fire safety standards set by the Fire and Rescue Department.

 

Real-World Challenges in Café and Restaurant Kitchens

Let’s take an example. A mid-sized restaurant in Petaling Jaya installed a budget ducting system behind their new cooker hoods. Within six months, staff noticed that smoke lingered longer, and a strong greasy smell filled the kitchen — even with the hood running at full power.

An inspection revealed:

  • The duct’s inner lining had started to melt.

  • Grease had built up to dangerous levels.

  • The airflow was restricted due to bends and collapse of the duct shape.

The cost to replace the system — including cleaning, labor, and downtime — was triple the original duct installation price. Worse, they narrowly avoided a fire during a busy dinner service.

This scenario isn’t rare. The wrong ducting can silently fail — until it doesn’t.

 

Heco Trading's Semi-Rigid Duct: Fire-Safety and Kitchen-Ready

At Heco Trading, we understand the challenges faced by restaurant kitchens in Malaysia. Our semi-rigid duct is engineered specifically for cooker hoods and kitchen exhaust systems — offering a long-lasting and safer alternative to standard options.

Here’s what sets it apart:

  • Handles up to 220°C cooking temperatures without warping or softening.

  • Triple-lock seam ensures the duct maintains shape around bends, keeping airflow consistent.

  • Aluminium Alloy 3003 construction is non-combustible and corrosion-resistant, even when exposed to greasy vapors.

  • Bomba certified, which offers business owners verifiable proof of fire safety compliance — ideal when applying for local council permits or passing inspections.

  • Available with fiberglass insulation to dampen vibration noise and improve energy efficiency in air-conditioned kitchens.

Whether you run a busy café or a full-service restaurant, Heco Trading’s semi-rigid duct gives you peace of mind that your ventilation system is safe, compliant, and efficient.

 

Practical Installation and Maintenance Tips for Restaurant Owners

If you’re upgrading or installing new ductwork, keep these best practices in mind:

  • Avoid excessive bends: The more turns in your ducting, the more resistance to airflow. Use smooth, wide curves instead of sharp angles.

  • Secure all connections: Use clamps or rivets, and seal with approved foil tape — not just duct tape.

  • Clean regularly: Schedule inspections and cleanings, especially if cooking involves oils or stir-frying.

  • Insulate where needed: In air-conditioned environments, insulation prevents heat transfer and reduces condensation of grease.

  • Keep ducting accessible: Design your kitchen so ductwork can be inspected and cleaned without removing large sections.

Even the best ducting will underperform if installed poorly — or left unchecked.

Organizations like ASHRAE provide comprehensive HVAC duct construction standards that help guide safe and effective installation.

 

Choose the Right Duct for the Range Hood

When running a restaurant or café, your range hood isn’t complete without the right ducting behind it. A poorly selected or installed duct for range hood can pose real dangers — from fire hazards to poor air quality that affects both staff and guests.

Heco Trading’s semi-rigid duct is a reliable, fire-certified solution designed to meet the rigorous demands of Malaysian kitchens. From heat resistance to ease of installation, it checks all the boxes for long-term performance and peace of mind.

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