Grease is one of the most common types of soil found in restaurant kitchens. Depending on the area and equipment, grease may be a fresh layer generated during daily cooking, a buildup accumulated over time, or a combination of grease, food residue and high temperatures that creates stubborn deposits on grills, grates and ovens.
For this reason, not every degreaser is suitable for every cleaning task. The right product should be selected based on the type of soil, equipment, surface to be cleaned and cleaning method.
The guide below helps restaurants and professional kitchens distinguish between common degreasing needs and select a more suitable cleaning chemical for each area.
What Is an Industrial Degreaser?
Industrial degreasers are cleaning chemicals used to remove grease, oils and related soils in professional operating environments.
In restaurant kitchens, degreasing is not limited to a single area. Grease can accumulate on floors, walls, food preparation equipment, exhaust hoods, cooking equipment, grills, grates, ovens and surrounding areas.
In high-volume kitchens such as BBQ restaurants, grill restaurants and kitchens serving large numbers of meals, grease can accumulate quickly and become increasingly difficult to remove if it is not cleaned regularly.
Rather than choosing one product for the entire kitchen, first identify the area to be cleaned, type of soil and equipment surface, then select a chemical designed for the appropriate application.
How to Choose a Degreaser by Area and Equipment
Hi-Clean Express offers a range of products for different degreasing applications in professional kitchens. The table below provides a general overview of commonly used products:
| Cleaning Need | Area / Equipment | Product to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy grease and stubborn soil removal | Floors, utensils and other suitable kitchen cleaning areas | SUMA BREAK UP HD |
| Degreasing kitchen equipment, including suitable soft-metal surfaces | Stovetops, ovens, walls, exhaust hoods, filters, boiling pans and industrial bratt pans | SUMA EXTEND |
| Removing grease and deposits from cooking equipment | Ovens, grills and fryers | SUMA GRILL |
| Cleaning grilling equipment while the surface remains hot | Grills, toasters and panini presses | SUMA GRILL HI-TEMP CLEANER |
| Convenient spray-on grease cleaning | Ovens and other suitable surfaces | SUMABRITE Oven Cleaner & Degreaser |
Note: The table above is intended as an initial product-selection guide. Before use, check the instructions for each product regarding surface compatibility, temperature, concentration and application method.
SUMA BREAK UP HD – for Heavy Grease and Multiple Kitchen Cleaning Applications
SUMA BREAK UP HD 5L is a concentrated degreaser suitable for removing heavy grease and stubborn soil from multiple areas in the kitchen.
SUMA BREAK UP HD has a broad range of applications. It can be used for floor cleaning, soaking suitable utensils or spray cleaning. For floor cleaning and soaking applications, the product is diluted with water according to the level of soil (1–10 mL per 100 mL of water).
Note: Do not allow the solution to dry on glass or aluminium. Rinse with clean water according to the product instructions. Appropriate protective equipment, such as rubber gloves, must be worn when using the product.
→ View SUMA BREAK UP HD Industrial Degreaser
SUMA EXTEND – for Kitchen Equipment and Soft-Metal Surfaces
SUMA EXTEND 5L is a degreaser for a range of kitchen equipment and areas, including stovetops, ovens, walls, exhaust hoods, filters, boiling pans and industrial bratt pans.
The product is suitable for soft-metal surfaces such as aluminium and cast iron. When cleaning stovetops and ovens, the surface should be below 70°C, with a contact time of 10–30 minutes depending on the level of soil.
→ View SUMA EXTEND Degreaser for Commercial Kitchens and Aluminium Surfaces
SUMA GRILL – for Ovens, Grills and Fryers
SUMA GRILL 5L is a specialised cleaner for removing grease and deposits from ovens, grills and fryers.
When cleaning ovens or grills, the product can be used neat or diluted at 1:10–1:20 on surfaces at 60–80°C, with a contact time of 5–30 minutes depending on the level of soil. The product also has a separate cleaning procedure for fryers.
Note: Do not use on soft metals such as aluminium, copper or cast iron, or on surfaces above 93.3°C.
→ View SUMA GRILL Cleaner for Ovens, Grills and Stainless-Steel Surfaces
SUMA GRILL HI-TEMP CLEANER – for Cleaning Hot Grilling Equipment
SUMA GRILL HI-TEMP 750ml is a specialised cleaner designed for cleaning grills while the surface is still hot, at a minimum surface temperature of 100°C.
For grills, the recommended amount is 60–100 mL, with a contact time of 10–30 minutes. The product also includes application instructions for toasters and panini presses.
→ View SUMA GRILL HI-TEMP CLEANER for High-Temperature Grill Cleaning
SUMABRITE Oven Cleaner & Degreaser – Convenient Spray-On Oven Cleaning
SUMABRITE Oven Cleaner & Degreaser 500ml is a ready-to-spray degreaser suitable for cleaning ovens and other appropriate surfaces.
Spray the product directly onto the surface, leave for 1–3 minutes, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Food-contact surfaces must be rinsed with water after cleaning.
→ View SUMABRITE Oven Cleaner & Degreaser
How Should Built-Up Grease in a Commercial Kitchen Be Removed?
Grease that has accumulated over time is generally more difficult to remove than fresh grease. However, this does not mean that the highest chemical concentration should automatically be used or that a product should be selected simply because it appears to be the “strongest” cleaner.
Before cleaning, consider three main factors.
Identify the Type and Level of Soil
Fresh grease, long-term grease buildup, and grease combined with baked-on deposits on cooking equipment do not necessarily require the same cleaning method.
Identifying the condition of the soil helps you select a more appropriate product and cleaning method.
Check the Surface Material
Identify the material of the surface or equipment before choosing a chemical, particularly when working with aluminium, copper, cast iron and other soft metals.
Compatibility varies between products, so always check the instructions before cleaning to avoid using a chemical that is unsuitable for the material.
Follow the Product Instructions
Once a product has been selected, follow the technical instructions specified for that product, including dilution ratio where applicable, application temperature, contact time and any required post-cleaning steps.
Do not increase the concentration or mix chemicals outside the manufacturer's instructions.
Important Considerations When Using Degreasers in Professional Kitchens
In a restaurant environment, cleaning performance is only one part of choosing a degreaser. The product must also be suitable for the kitchen's surfaces, equipment and actual cleaning procedures.
Before use, check:
- Surface compatibility: identify the material being cleaned and confirm that the product is suitable for that surface.
- Dilution ratio: use the recommended concentration rather than increasing the amount of chemical without guidance.
- Temperature: follow the temperature limits or operating range specified for each product.
- Contact time: follow the recommended contact time and adjust within the permitted range according to the level of soil.
- Rinsing after cleaning: follow the instructions for each product, particularly for surfaces and equipment associated with food.
- Safe use: read the product label and SDS, wear appropriate personal protective equipment and follow the manufacturer's safety precautions.
Choosing the Right Degreaser for Your Kitchen
No single degreaser is suitable for every area and piece of equipment in a restaurant kitchen. When selecting a product, consider the level of grease, cleaning area, surface material, equipment temperature and cleaning method.
For accumulated grease or stubborn deposits, selecting the appropriate product and using the correct concentration, temperature and contact time can improve cleaning effectiveness without automatically resorting to the highest chemical concentration.
Explore professional kitchen cleaning chemicals at Hi-Clean Express.
If you are unsure which product is suitable for your equipment, surface or grease condition, contact Hi-Clean Express for assistance in selecting a product for your restaurant's cleaning requirements.
