How we Compare – The Choice is Yours

February 23, 2023

Still not 100% convinced that the Shepherd Filters solution is the right fit for your commercial kitchen? Let’s take a look at how we compare!

We compare two types of commercial hood filters as they are the first line of defense when it comes to fire safety, making them one of the most important parts of your kitchen exhaust system. As kitchen exhaust filters are regularly checked and enforced by fire and health inspectors, routine maintenance to keep them running efficiently is crucial.

The table below covers key factors when considering how to best protect your hood:

	METAL KITCHEN GREASE FILTERS	SHEPHERD FILTERS
GREASE COLLECTION RATE	20 - 40%	98%*
EXHAUST SYSTEM BUILD-UP OVER TIME	60 - 80%	<10%
CLEANING METHOD	Filter exchange / in-house	In-house
ADDITIONAL CLEANING IN PEAK PERIODS	Yes (in-house/additional exchange)	No
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT	Water wastage & potentially harsh chemicals	100% bio-degradable & fire-retardant
CHANGE FREQUENCY	Too often ($) / not enough (contamination)	When filter is actually due
ROUTINE DUCT CLEANING	Monthly/Quarterly/Semi/Annual (Deep)	Semi/Annual (Inspection or mini-clean)
FIRE RISK BETWEEN CLEANS	Increases over time	Minimal
*Up to 98% when used according to the Filter Change Guide provided on install

Of all the factors listed, the main reason we compare goods is undoubtedly costs. One of the most critical metrics to understand and track as a foodservice operator is your profit margin.

There are two main ways to make a foodservice outlet more profitable:
– Increasing revenue relative to expenses
– Decreasing costs relative to sales

The former is covered at length in this blog post and the latter is our focus today.

Decreasing Costs Relative to Sales

Fact – filter exchange and duct cleaning costs are not relevant to sales (trade). These contracted services are done at a pre-arranged time during which some filters are:

Exchanged too frequently ($$$)
Not exchanged enough (hood contamination, increasing duct cleaning frequency = $$$)
Contractors may arrive during service times (can be disruptive)
In-house staff sometimes still need to wash filters in between exchanges

Filter exchange services can be expensive, especially for smaller commercial kitchens, so the option of cleaning kitchen grease filters in-house can seem like an attractive alternative. Should you install kitchen grease filters incorrectly however, it can lead to duct-work contamination. This can result in a higher risk of fire and/or repair & maintenance issues. Kitchen exhaust cleaning with hot water and chemicals can also create an unsafe work environment for your staff and used without correct procedures, can even result in injury and damage to equipment. If the staff are not trained with the correct procedures, you risk the potential for your insurance claims to be denied.

Shepherd filters costs are relevant to trade.

Busy day? Shepherd Filters will work three times harder without compromise!

Trading slower? Shepherd Filters will still do the same amount of work and will last longer!

Shepherd Filters stop up to 98% of airborne grease to protect the kitchen exhaust ventilation system. As the vast majority of grease is prevented from building up inside the hood system, routine duct cleaning costs are also reduced and the load on vital equipment such as the fan is minimised, ensuring that your system has a long life.