Plain-English guides from the Cool Stream Ventilation team on kitchen extraction regulations, planning, make-up air, gas interlocks, ductwork, air conditioning and maintenance.

The regulations and standards that apply to commercial kitchen extraction in the UK: HSE CAIS10, BS 6173, DW/172, TR/19, gas safety and planning, explained plainly.
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Do you need planning permission for a kitchen extract flue? How UK councils judge odour, noise and discharge height, and what to submit.
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What a gas interlock does, why it's a legal requirement for commercial kitchens, and how it actually protects your business.
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What the HVCA DW/172 specification actually covers, and why it matters for fire safety and cleaning access.
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How is commercial kitchen extraction airflow calculated? Appliance data, canopy size, air change rates and DW/172 explained in plain English for restaurant owners.
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What affects the cost of a commercial kitchen extraction system in the UK: canopy size, duct route, make-up air, odour control, planning and access. A buyer's guide.
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Wall, island, L-shaped, box or dishwasher canopy — how to pick the right fit for your cooking line and floor plan.
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Make-up air replaces what your extract fan removes. Why kitchens without it spill fumes and run hot, and how to supply fresh air in line with HSE guidance.
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Planning a new restaurant or takeaway? A step-by-step ventilation checklist covering extraction, make-up air, gas safety, planning, air conditioning and maintenance.
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How to plan air conditioning for a UK restaurant: system types, layout, working with kitchen extraction, noise, F-gas and maintenance. A practical guide for owners.
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VRF (VRV), multi-split or single split? Compare commercial air conditioning systems by zones, efficiency, installation, noise and maintenance. UK buyer's guide.
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Refrigerant leak limits, BS EN378 testing and what happens when your air conditioning falls out of compliance.
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Recovering up to 50% of extract energy — what heat recovery actually does and what it means for running costs.
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Wall-mounted or island canopy? How each captures fumes, where each works, and what to check before you choose, for UK commercial kitchens.
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Standard extraction canopy depths and lengths, how canopies are sized to the cooking line, and when you need a bespoke size. UK commercial kitchen guide.
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Why commercial extraction canopies are made from 304 stainless steel, what 20 gauge (1mm) means, and when another grade may be worth discussing.
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How a commercial extraction canopy goes from survey to commissioning: measuring, fabrication, fixing, ductwork connection, make-up air, testing and hand-over.
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Thinking of reusing or buying a second-hand kitchen extraction canopy? What to inspect, what to measure and when a new canopy is the safer choice.
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Canopy or ventilated ceiling? How each captures cooking fumes, where each suits, and why HSE advises specialist design when canopies are not used.
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Solid-fuel and charcoal cooking need careful extraction. HSE advice on overnight ventilation, carbon monoxide, make-up air and canopy design for UK kitchens.
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Theatre canopies let customers watch the cooking while the extraction does its job. How they work, where they suit and what to plan for in an open kitchen.
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What to look for in a commercial ventilation supplier or installer: survey, design, standards, accreditation, commissioning, records and after-sales support.
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Should you buy kitchen extraction equipment on its own or have it designed, installed and commissioned? Pros, cons and who is responsible in each case.
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Centrifugal, axial, inline and roof fans: how commercial extract fans differ, what decides the right type, and why kitchen extract needs particular care.
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What happens at a ventilation or kitchen extraction site survey, what to prepare, what you receive afterwards and how it leads to a design and quotation.
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Opening or refitting a takeaway? What extraction, make-up air, odour control and planning conditions you should expect, and how to prepare.
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Ventilation and air conditioning for pubs and hotels: kitchen extraction, bar and dining comfort, make-up air, noise and maintenance across long trading hours.
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Kitchen extraction and ventilation for schools, colleges and care homes: planning around term time and residents, make-up air, noise and maintenance.
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Employers must provide effective ventilation in every enclosed workplace. What that means for offices and shops, and how ventilation fits with air conditioning.
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Why commercial kitchen ductwork needs cleaning, what TR/19 is, how often specialist cleaning is carried out and what you can do between cleans. UK guide.
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From grease build-up to noisy fans — the warning signs commercial kitchens shouldn't ignore.
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Getting your commercial kitchen ready for the Christmas rush: extraction, filters, make-up air, gas interlock and air conditioning checks to do before peak trading.
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