Dehumidification Scheme for Restaurant Kitchen

Here's a structured dehumidification scheme for a restaurant kitchen. It is designed to handle high humidity, grease, and heat loads while maintaining a comfortable, hygienic, and energy-efficient environment.

Why Kitchens Need Dehumidification

Moisture from Cooking & Dishwashing

Steam buildup causes condensation on walls, ceilings, and ducts.

Grease & Odors

The grease and odors are mixed with humidity, creating hygiene and safety issues.

Comfort & Safety

Excess humidity makes kitchens hot and uncomfortable, while slippery floors increase risks.

Food Safety

High humidity fosters mold, bacteria, and pest problems.

Kitchen Dehumidification Methods

Exhaust & Make-Up Air Balance

Install high-capacity exhaust hoods with grease filters.

Supply conditioned make-up air (30–50% of exhaust volume) to maintain negative pressure and prevent humid air migration to dining areas.

Refrigerant Dehumidifiers

Apply refrigerant dehumidifiers integrated with HVAC systems.

Cool incoming make-up air to condense and remove moisture.

Reheat air after dehumidification to prevent overcooling.

Portable/Spot Dehumidifiers

Mobile dehumifiers are used in dish-washing zones or areas with seasonal humidity spikes.

Continuous draining of the dehumidifier with drain hose can prevent overflow.

Zoning Design

Cooking Zone (high steam/grease):
Strong exhaust with direct dehumidification of make-up air.

Dishwashing Zone:
This area is often the highest humidity source where we need to install localized refrigerant or desiccant units.

Dry Storage / Pantry:
Maintain RH < 60% to protect ingredients.

Dining Area Interface:
Maintain slight positive pressure in the dining area vs. the kitchen to block humid air leakage.

Features of a dehumidifier to Consider

Stainless steel, corrosion-resistant commercial quality dehumidifiers.

Washable filters to handle grease particles.

Heat recovery ventilators (HRV/ERV) for energy efficiency.

Smart humidity control (40–60% RH target).

Drainage system with grease traps to prevent clogging.

Example Scheme

Exhaust System: High-capacity hood, grease filters, ducted exhaust.

Make-Up Air System: the system inhales outdoor fresh air cleaned by the pre-filter, then the air goes through the cooling coil (refrigerant dehumidification), the dehumidified air passes through the reheater, and is supplied to the kitchen.

Supplementary Control:

Portable refrigerant dehumidifier in dishwashing room (RH < 55%).

Desiccant wheel integration if climate has high outdoor humidity year-round.