SOLID FUEL
Why wood and charcoal are different
Kitchens that cook with wood, charcoal or other solid fuel produce creosote and soot along with grease. Creosote is a hard, tarry deposit that builds up in the flue and is more combustible than ordinary grease film. Sparks and embers can also travel into the exhaust.
For that reason NFPA 96, the national standard for commercial kitchen exhaust, puts solid fuel cooking on a monthly inspection schedule, the most frequent category. See cleaning frequency and requirements in Pasadena for the full table.
KitchenGuard Pasadena is a marketing and referral website. We do not perform cleaning, inspection or repair. Independent providers do the work, set their own pricing and scope, and contract with you directly. Verify any license, insurance or certification your project requires before hiring.
EQUIPMENT
What counts as solid fuel cooking
- Wood-fired pizza ovens and hearth ovens
- Wood and charcoal grills, including live-fire and parrilla-style cooking
- Smokers and barbecue pits
- Charcoal-fired tandoors and robata grills
Solid fuel appliances are often expected to have their own exhaust system, separate from the hood over gas or electric equipment. If you are not sure how yours is set up, say so in your request and a provider can look.
THE REQUEST
Details that help a provider quote
- The appliance type and how many hours a day it burns
- Whether it shares a hood or duct with other equipment
- Whether there is a spark arrestor and when it was last cleaned
- How the flue or duct exits the building
- When the system was last inspected and cleaned
Ask the provider whether they have experience with solid fuel systems specifically. Not every hood cleaning company takes that work.
FAQ
Common questions
How often does a wood-fired oven exhaust need cleaning?
NFPA 96 calls for monthly inspection of systems serving solid fuel cooking, with cleaning when buildup is found. Confirm what applies to your kitchen with a qualified professional and the Pasadena Fire Department.
Is creosote the same as grease?
No. Creosote is a byproduct of burning wood and is harder and more combustible than typical cooking grease, so it can need different cleaning methods.
Do all hood cleaners handle solid fuel systems?
No. Ask each provider about their experience with wood-fired and charcoal systems before you hire.
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