Best Makeup Air for Commercial Kitchen Hoods: Efficient, Energy-Saving Kits
Choosing the right makeup air system is essential for maintaining temperature, air quality, and comfort in busy commercial kitchens. The following selection highlights complete hood systems and rooftop makeup air solutions designed to handle heat, smoke, and grease while improving energy efficiency. Use this guide to compare capabilities, installation requirements, and performance across popular options.
| Product | Makeup Air Type | Capacity (CFM or equivalent) | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOODMART 5′ Hood System | Exhaust + Makeup Air Supply | 1250 CFM exhaust / 1000 CFM supply | Compact 5-foot hood with heavy-duty steel for small to medium kitchens |
| HOODMART 8′ Hood System | Exhaust + Makeup Air Supply | 2000 CFM exhaust / 1600 CFM supply | Extended capacity for busier kitchens and longer hood runs |
| HOODMART 12′ Hood System | Exhaust + Makeup Air Supply | 3000 CFM exhaust / 2400 CFM supply | Large-capacity turnkey system for high-output kitchens |
| FICBXRA 16” Make-Up Air Fan | Rooftop Make-Up Air Fan | 2875 CFM | Durable rooftop solution with integral filtration |
| FICBXRA 14” Make-Up Air Fan | Rooftop Make-Up Air Fan | 2450 CFM | Compact rooftop option with robust filtration |
HOODMART 5′ Hood System for Restaurant
The HOODMART 5′ Hood System combines an exhaust fan and a low-profile makeup air supply with heavy-duty 18-gauge stainless steel construction. It includes a 1250 CFM exhaust fan at 115V and a 1000 CFM low-profile makeup air supply at 230V, providing a compact solution for smaller commercial kitchens. The system features a 304 stainless steel internal perforated supply plenum, mounting curb wall/roof, stainless steel grease baffle filters, grease cups, lighting, speed control, and hanging brackets. Built for durability with welded liquid-tight joints, this kit emphasizes efficiency and reliable performance in a tight footprint.
HOODMART 8′ Hood System for Restaurant
This 8-foot hood system expands capacity while maintaining energy efficiency. It includes a 2000 CFM exhaust fan and a low-profile 1600 CFM makeup air supply, both designed to manage heat, smoke, and grease from commercial cooking. The stainless steel internal plenums, filters, baffles, and lighting are integrated with mounting curb options and hanging hardware. The heavy-duty construction ensures long-term operation in busy kitchens, and the system’s integrated components support straightforward installation and maintenance.
HOODMART 12′ Hood System for Restaurant
The 12-foot kitchen hood system provides substantial capacity for larger kitchens, featuring a 3000 CFM exhaust fan at 115/230V and a 2400 CFM low-profile makeup air supply at 230V. It includes a 304 stainless IPS internal perforated supply plenum, double mounting curb options, stainless grease baffle filters, grease cups, lighting, speed control, and hanging brackets. Engineered for durability, this system supports extended hood runs and higher cooking loads, delivering reliable, efficient makeup air management in demanding settings.
FICBXRA Roof Centrifugal Make-Up Air Fan (16”)
The 16-inch FICBXRA rooftop makeup air fan features a galvanized steel housing for weather resistance and a heavy-duty insulated cabinet suitable for roof or sidewall mounting. It includes a removable aluminum mesh filter for easy daily cleaning and maintenance. With a 1 HP, 110V single-phase motor delivering 2875 CFM and ETL safety certification, this unit offers robust performance and straightforward upkeep for rooftop makeup air applications.
FICBXRA Rooftop Make-Up Air Fan (14”)
This 14-inch FICBXRA rooftop make-up air fan is designed for compact spaces while delivering strong airflow. It features a galvanized steel housing, a heavy-duty insulated cabinet, and a removable aluminum mesh filter for easy cleaning. The unit runs on a ¾ HP, 110V single-phase motor and provides 2450 CFM, with ETL certification for safety and reliability in rooftop installations.
Economy Make Up Air Unit (EMUA10)
The Economy Make-Up Air Unit (EMUA) is a non-motorized gravity vent ideal for economical fresh air intake and pressure relief needs. Suitable for commercial kitchens and other facilities, it provides up to 750 CFM against static resistance. This option offers a low-cost approach for passive makeup air where mechanical fans are not required or feasible.
HYITCL 5-Foot Commercial Kitchen Exhaust Hood
Note: This item is listed as a commercial exhaust hood rather than a standalone makeup air unit. It offers a robust stainless steel construction with three removable filters for easy maintenance. While primarily an exhaust hood, it can be integrated with compatible makeup air systems in larger installations to balance air flow and improve kitchen comfort in concession trailers or food trucks where a dedicated makeup air solution may be combined with exhaust capability.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations
- System type and footprint: Choose between complete hood systems with integrated makeup air (shorter installation, simpler maintenance) versus rooftop makeup air fans (more flexible placement, scalable capacity).
- Capacity and balance: Match exhaust and makeup air flow to cooking load. Look for clear CFM specs and balance between supply and exhaust to avoid negative or positive pressure issues.
- Construction and durability: Prioritize welded, seamless stainless steel components and corrosion-resistant materials for kitchens with high heat and grease exposure.
- Filtration and maintenance: Removable filters and accessible plenums simplify daily cleaning and long-term upkeep, reducing downtime and labor costs.
- Electrical requirements: Verify voltage, phase, and wiring needs for fans and blowers. Some units use 115V exhaust with 230V makeup air supplies, which affects installation strategy.
- Installation options: Consider curb-mounted, roof-mounted, or wall-mounted configurations. Curb options can simplify alignment with existing ductwork and vents.
- Energy efficiency: Look for energy-saving fans and variable-speed controls where available to reduce operating costs over time.
- Code and safety: Ensure ETL or UL listings and compliance with local codes for commercial kitchens and rooftop installations.
- Maintenance access: Choose designs with easy filter access and service panels to minimize downtime during routine maintenance.
- Versatility: For varying kitchen sizes, modular systems or multi-size hood options enable scalable upgrades as menus or volumes change.