Micromesh filter or baffle filter: which is more effective?

Whether a range hood uses one or the other, their role remains the same: to trap grease and impurities in the air being drawn in, allowing heat, smoke and odours to be expelled to the outside. However, baffle filters are much more common in commercial establishments and in many high-end range hoods. Here’s why.

Baffle Filters

What is a Baffle Filter?

Baffle filters are generally made of interleaved sections of aluminium or stainless steel. This is what gives them their characteristic appearance. Their assembly naturally creates a wavy path for the air to follow as it is drawn in. The grease then slides down the walls and accumulates in the cavities.

Advantages of a baffle filter

Thanks to the design of this type of filter, grease build-up does not obstruct the airflow. It is therefore not necessary to clean the filter as often to maintain a high level of performance of the range hood.

As long as a baffle filter is cleaned on a regular basis (usually just soaking or putting it in the dishwasher), it captures grease more effectively than a micromesh filter and minimizes its accumulation inside the ventilation duct. If you do a lot of sautéing and frying, a hood using baffle filters may better meet your needs.

It is also a much more robust system, able to withstand very high temperatures and offering increased protection in the event of a fire. This type of filter also has a luxurious design, which is associated with the restaurant industry and high-performance equipment for experienced chefs.

Disadvantage of a baffle filter

Due to its greater weight and the amount of metal used, this type of filter is more expensive than a micromesh model.

Micromesh filters

What is a micromesh filter?

This type of filter is made up of multiple layers of fine braided metal — usually stainless steel or aluminum — in an aluminum frame. This creates a porous surface of metal wires that traps larger particles such as grease and dirt, while allowing air to circulate.

Advantages of a micromesh filter

Because they are simple and lightweight parts, micromesh filters are inexpensive, which is also reflected in the price of the range hood. They usually meet residential needs well.

Disadvantages of a micromesh filter

By letting air through, a micromesh filter also lets motor and fan noise through. As a result, a range hood using this type of filter is usually noisier than a similar model with baffle filters. In the event of a fire in the kitchen, this type of filter is less resistant to extreme temperatures, and flames could spread more easily than with a baffle filter, which acts more like a barrier.

The accumulation of grease particles can quickly block the air from passing through. Over time, this obstruction affects the efficiency of the range hood. Frequent cleaning is therefore required for this type of filter.