Baffle or Mesh Filters

The question is often asked what is the difference between baffle and mesh filters. Apart from the appearance baffle filters are more efficient than mesh filters because they permit the easier flow of air through the filter. When air passes through a baffle filter it must make 2 x180 degree turns and in so doing must speed up to make that turn - when the air speeds up it deposits the grease and moisture onto the bend in the filters. Baffle filters are also better at eliminating the posibility of a fire running up into the ductwork.

Baffle filter










Mesh filters on the other hand consist of anywhere from 3 to 6 layers of fine mesh laid one upon the other - so the air is forced to pass through tiny holes creating more noise and typically less efficient than baffle filters.

A Modern Aire Mesh Filter













Baffle and mesh filters are normally dishwasher safe and it is very important to wash them both on a regular basis to avoid not only a fire in the filter but also to ensure grease is not sucked through to the blower and inside of the hood.

Not all mesh filters are created equally - Modern Aire uses high quality stainless steel that has holes punched on the outside - this protects the finer mesh from damage. Most of the mesh filters on the market do not have this protective layer of stainlees steel and the finer aluminium mesh gets easily damaged when placing in the dishwasher.

Wood Hood Inserts and Liners

It may not be common knowledge that whenever you have a wooden hood over a range, especially a gas range, code requires that there may not be any exposed surfaces that can catch on fire....so typically wood hood manufacturers and cabinet manufacturers have to find a liner made out of metal, or non combustible material that bridges the space between the range hood insert and the edges of the wooden canopy - that bridging piece is call a liner and can cost upwards of $120 each.

Professional Liner/Insert (above)

Mesh Insert/Liner (below)

All Custom Range Hoods, supplied by Modern Aire Ventilating, fit the exact space and therefore no liner is required. On occasions a non standard size wooden hood is made and we make the insert/liner to the exact dimensions required to fit the space. This has huge cost savings for the end user and of course the installer as well because they do not have to install two separate items. We offer a standard insert/liner with full stainless steel mesh filters, unlike the imports that are aluminium with a stainless steel frame. We also over stainless steel baffle filters in all of our professional series hoods, as shown for use over semi professional ranges - these typically handle air flows from 600cfm all the way up to 1400cfm.

As can be seen in the picture of the professional insert/liner a custom depth has been made to accommodate what has become very popular with kitchen designers ....... mantel hoods.