Restaurant Grease Traps & Interceptors for FOG Compliance
Restaurant grease traps and interceptors capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from wastewater produced by commercial dishwashing equipment and sinks before discharge enters sewer lines. This process protects plumbing infrastructure, prevents drain blockages, and helps restaurants, hotels, schools, and healthcare kitchens stay in compliance with municipal FOG regulations.
Selecting The Best Grease Traps & Interceptors for Commercial Kitchens
Restaurant grease traps and interceptors vary by separator design, flow rate, draw-off method, grease capacity, inlet diameter, special features, and certifications. These specifications determine wastewater processing performance, installation compatibility, maintenance workload, and compliance with local plumbing and environmental regulations.
- Separator: Separator selection determines how the grease trap separates fats, oils, and grease from wastewater. Standard separators use internal baffles to slow water flow and separate grease layers. Automatic separators remove grease by using skimming mechanisms, reducing manual maintenance.
- Flow Rate: The flow rate measures the volume of wastewater a grease trap processes in gallons per minute (GPM). Models are available with up to 500 GPM (1,892.705 L/min). A 10 GPM (37.854 L/min) unit supports a grease capacity of nearly 20 lb (9.071 kg), which suits moderate dishwashing stations.
- Draw-Off: Draw-off systems determine how operators remove accumulated grease from the trap. Restaurant grease traps and interceptors with draw-off systems skim grease into collection containers, reducing labor requirements.
- Grease Capacity: Grease capacity is the amount of FOD a restaurant's grease trap & interceptor holds before maintenance is necessary. Small under-sink units store 6 lb (2.721 kg) to 60 lb (27.215 kg), while large interceptors hold over 1,000 lb (453.592 kg).
- Inlet Diameter: Standard commercial kitchen traps range from 1.5 in (3.81 cm) to 3 in (7.62 cm) in diameter. Larger interceptors accommodate pipes up to 6 in (15.24 cm) to handle higher wastewater discharge volumes.
- Special Features: Look for features that enhance performance and operational control. Removable baffles simplify cleaning, while carbon-steel construction improves durability in high-temperature, high-moisture operations.
- Certifications: CSA certification verifies construction quality, and NSF certification confirms the safety of materials for commercial kitchen environments. PDI (Plumbing & Drainage Institute) validates grease-separation efficiency through standardized testing procedures.
Chef's Deal supplies restaurant grease traps and interceptors from trusted brands, such as Dormont, GSW USA, John Boos, Thermaco, and more. Browse more complementary equipment, including commercial dishwashers, dish tables, booster heaters, waste pulpers, and garbage disposals to maintain efficient kitchen sanitation and drainage systems.