Commercial Kitchen Extraction & Ventilation Services
Every commercial kitchen relies on its extraction system to remove heat, steam, smoke and grease-laden air safely from the cooking area. When that system isn't properly maintained, the consequences go well beyond a smoky kitchen, grease build-up in ductwork is one of the leading causes of commercial kitchen fires, and a poorly maintained system can put your insurance cover, your compliance status and your staff's safety at risk.
GMSE provides commercial kitchen extraction and ventilation services across Kent and the South East, covering TR19 compliant grease cleaning and gas interlock systems. Whether you need a one-off deep clean, a scheduled maintenance programme, or a new interlock system installed, our team will assess your kitchen and recommend the right level of service for your operation.
Why Extraction and Ventilation Maintenance Matters
Kitchen extraction systems accumulate grease over time as cooking by-products pass through ductwork, filters and extraction canopies. Left unchecked, this build-up significantly increases fire risk; it's one of the most common causes of fires in commercial catering premises in the UK.
Regular cleaning to TR19 standards, the recognised industry guidance for the hygiene of ventilation systems, helps reduce that risk and keeps your kitchen compliant with fire safety regulations. Many insurance policies also require documented evidence of regular extraction cleaning, and failure to provide it can affect your cover in the event of a claim.
Beyond fire safety, a clean and properly functioning extraction system improves air quality for kitchen staff, reduces odours, and helps your ventilation equipment run more efficiently for longer.
👉 Here’s our guide to commercial kitchen extraction cleaning.
Our Services
We offer two core services to help keep your kitchen extraction and ventilation system safe and compliant:
TR19 Grease Cleaning
Professional cleaning of ductwork, canopies and filters to TR19 standards, helping reduce fire risk and keep your kitchen compliant.
Gas Interlock Systems
Safety devices that restrict gas flow to cooking appliances until your extraction system is running correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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TR19 is the recognised industry guidance for the cleanliness of ventilation systems, produced by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). It sets out the standards commercial kitchen extraction systems should be cleaned to in order to reduce fire risk and maintain good air quality.
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This depends on how heavily your kitchen is used. High-use kitchens cooking with oil and fat daily may need cleaning every three months, while lower-use kitchens may only need an annual clean. We can assess your system and recommend a suitable schedule.
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Gas interlock systems are widely required under British Standards (BS 6173) for commercial gas catering equipment, since ventilation must be confirmed as working before gas appliances can safely operate. Requirements can vary by site and insurer, so it's worth checking with your local authority, insurer or fire risk assessor for your specific obligations.
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Many commercial insurance policies require evidence of regular extraction cleaning as a condition of cover. We can provide documentation following each clean to support your compliance and insurance records.
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We currently provide kitchen extraction and ventilation services across Kent and the South East. Get in touch if you're unsure whether your location is covered.