Professional Kitchen Hood Fans: The Complete CF HP Range Guide — How to Choose, How to Size and Why Every Decision Matters

A complete guide for restaurant owners, architects, installation designers and contractors who want the right solution for commercial kitchen hood ventilation in Romania and across Europe

Why Hood Ventilation Is the Most Important Technical Decision in a Professional Kitchen

Every professional kitchen in a restaurant, hotel, canteen or dark kitchen generates, hour after hour, enormous quantities of heat, steam, grease vapours, smoke and odour. The hood captures all this polluted air — but without a correctly sized fan, the hood is nothing more than a decorative piece of stainless steel.

An undersized fan means: smoke escaping into the dining room, staff working in unbearable conditions, mould and grease deposits on walls, problems during health and safety inspections, and an energy bill higher than it needs to be. An oversized fan means excessive noise, unnecessary consumption and negative pressure in the kitchen that makes doors difficult to open.

The right solution lies in the middle — and it must be calculated. ventilation.ro offers the complete CF HP range of centrifugal fans for professional hoods, with all accessories needed for a complete, functional system that complies with applicable regulations.

What CF HP Means and Why It Is the Right Solution for Hoods

The CF HP designation describes the fan constructionally:

CF = Centrifugal fan with Fixed external motor — the motor does not come into contact with the polluted, hot, grease-laden air. This means a significantly longer service life compared to fans with an internal motor.

HP = Hood Professional — a ladle-type rotor with sparse blades, designed specifically for applications with air laden with grease vapours. Sparse blades prevent grease from depositing and accumulating on the rotor (partial self-cleaning effect), reduce maintenance intervals and maintain the declared airflow throughout the equipment's service life.

This combination makes the CF HP range the de facto standard for hood ventilation in commercial kitchens throughout Romania and Europe.

Technical Features Common to the Entire CF HP Range

Regardless of the model chosen, all fans in the CF HP range benefit from:

The Simotop Electric Motor — the Heart of the System

The latest-generation Simotop motor is the element that truly differentiates the CF HP range from cheap alternatives on the market. Designed and manufactured to international standards, it includes:

• IP55 protection class — completely protected against dust and against water jets from any direction. Essential in kitchens where cleaning is done with pressure water
• Class F insulation — withstands high temperatures without degradation of the winding insulation
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +150°C — operates without issues whether drawing hot air from a grill or cold air during preparation periods
• Variable speed, controllable by voltage and frequency — compatible with the speed controllers available on ventilation.ro; allows airflow reduction during low-activity periods (30–50% energy saving)
• Mounted on anti-vibration supports — significantly reduces noise and vibrations transmitted to the building structure, essential for restaurants with the dining room adjacent to the kitchen

The Rotor — Designed for Grease, Not Clean Air

Unlike standard centrifugal fans (with a dense rotor), the CF HP rotor is a ladle-type with sparse blades:

• Minimum contact surface with the polluted air → reduced grease deposits
• Easily accessible for cleaning → real maintenance interval doubles compared to a dense rotor
• Aerodynamically designed for medium pressure → overcomes the resistance of grease filters, bends and long ductwork

The Casing — Industrial Construction

• Standard: zinc-coated steel sheet, resistant to corrosion caused by steam and grease vapours in commercial kitchens
• Optional (CF INOX HP range): casing in AISI 304 stainless steel — for applications with marine products (fish, seafood), food acids or any environment with high corrosive potential

The Complete CF HP Range on ventilation.ro: All Models in Detail

Standard CF HP Range (zinc-coated casing)

CF 0.5 HP 200 M4 — For Cafés and Small Kitchens

Ideal applications: cafés, snack bars, small pizzerias with electric oven, small kitchens with light preparations (sandwiches, salads, steam cooking). Hoods up to 1.5 m long, short ductwork (under 5 m), no grill or fryers.

Why 230V? Single-phase models (M4) do not require a three-phase distribution board — they connect directly to any 230V industrial outlet. Simplifies installation and reduces costs in small spaces that do not have three-phase supply.

CF 1 HP 200 M4 and CF 1 HP 200 T4 — Higher Power, Same Diameter

When the 0.5 HP model's airflow is no longer sufficient but the existing ductwork diameter is Ø 200 mm. Suitable for small kitchens with more demanding preparations (small grill, fryer).

CF 1.5 HP 250 M4 — Small Restaurants, the Most Popular Single-Phase Model

Ideal applications: restaurants with 20–50 covers, small hotels, simplified canteens. Hoods 1.5–2.5 m long, occasional grill or fryers, medium-length ductwork (5–10 m).

The best-selling single-phase model in the HP range — the optimal balance between power, consumption and installation ease for small restaurants.

CF 1.5 HP 250 T4 — The Three-Phase Variant for the Same Power

Technically identical to the M4 model but with three-phase power supply (400V). Advantage: the three-phase motor has slightly superior efficiency and longer service life under intensive continuous operation.

CF 2 HP 300 T4 IE3 — The Standard for Medium-Sized Restaurants

Upgrade over the IE2 version: The CF 2 HP 300 T4 IE2 model has been discontinued (replaced by the IE3 version). The IE3 class consumes 8–15% less than IE2 at the same airflow — in a restaurant operating 12–16 hours daily, the difference is felt in the monthly energy bill.

Ideal applications: restaurants with 40–80 covers, hotel kitchens with breakfast and lunch service, corporate canteens. Hoods 2–3.5 m long, grill + fryers + professional range cooker, medium-to-long ductwork (8–15 m).

The best-selling three-phase model in the HP range — optimal performance and energy efficiency for the average Romanian restaurant.

CF 3 HP 300 T4 — For Intensive Kitchens with Long Hoods

When ductwork is longer (>15 m) with more bends, or when the hood is larger and the airflow requirement exceeds the 2 HP model's capacity. Also suitable for kitchens with charcoal or wood-fired grills (higher thermal and smoke emissions).

CF 5.5 HP 350 T4 — For Large Kitchens and Intensive Production

Ideal applications: restaurants with over 100 covers with an open kitchen, restaurants with charcoal grills, hotels with their own à la carte restaurant, catering and event production facilities with hundreds of daily portions, dark kitchens with continuous intensive production.

Important: at powers above 4 kW, the supply is 400/690V 50Hz three-phase — verify that the electrical distribution board can handle this load before ordering.

CF 7.5 HP 400 T4 and Larger Models — For Industrial Applications

High-power models (5.5 kW, 7.5 kW and above) for industrial food production kitchens, prepared food factories, canteens serving hundreds of meals daily or industrial applications (paint booths, chemical processes with large emissions).

CF INOX HP Range — For Corrosive Environments

The CF INOX HP version is constructionally identical to the standard range, the only essential difference being the AISI 304 stainless steel casing. Stainless steel resists the corrosive agents present in:

• Kitchens specialising in marine preparations (fish, seafood, crustaceans)
• Restaurants using large quantities of vinegar, citrus or food acids in preparation
• Industrial applications with acid vapours or alkaline solutions

Model available on ventilation.ro:

• CF INOX 3 HP 350 M4 —  AISI 304 stainless steel casing and rotor, 2.2 kW single-phase 230V motor, Ø 350 mm connection

BOX CF HP Range — Fans in Sound-Insulated Plenum Boxes

Fans in the BOX CF HP range are the same standard CF HP fans mounted in a sound-insulated plenum box — the solution for any situation where noise is a critical problem.

When Is the BOX Version Needed?

• The kitchen is adjacent to or below the restaurant dining room — fan noise propagates through the building structure and is distinctly audible in the dining room
• Hotel: the kitchen is on the same level or the floor below guest rooms or reception
• Office buildings with a canteen in the basement or ground floor
• Premium commercial spaces where acoustic comfort is part of the customer experience
• Any situation where noise regulations (maximum 40 dB daytime / 30 dB nighttime in adjacent residential spaces) must be respected

Construction of the BOX CF Plenum Box

The sound-insulated plenum box is designed with:

• Structure of 20 mm aluminium profiles with metal corner brackets
• Zinc-coated panels with polyurethane foam insulation — material with high acoustic absorption and fire resistance
• Fire resistance class A1 — non-combustible materials, compliance with fire safety standards
• All panels fixed with screws for rapid assembly and disassembly whenever necessary, for cleaning, maintenance or panel replacement — complete access to the fan without special tools

BOX CF HP Models Available on ventilation.ro

How to Correctly Size Your CF HP Fan

Step 1: Calculate the Required Hood Airflow

Basic formula:

Q (m³/h) = Hood area (m²) × Emission factor × 300–400 m³/h per m²

Emission factors by cooking type:

Concrete example: Hood 2 m × 1.2 m = 2.4 m², with cooker + fryer: Q = 2.4 × 550 m³/h/m² = 1,320 m³/h minimum

To this is added the ductwork pressure losses — the chosen fan must deliver this airflow at the actual system pressure, not in free air.

Step 2: Calculate Ductwork Pressure Loss

Use the pressure loss calculator on ventilation.ro — enter:

• Calculated airflow (m³/h)
• Total ductwork length (m)
• Duct diameter (mm)
• Number of 90° bends
• Number of grilles, dampers, grease filters

The calculator returns the total pressure loss in Pa — this is the pressure the chosen fan must overcome.

Practical rules for quick estimation:

• 1 × 90° bend = equivalent ~3 m straight duct
• 1 grease filter (clean) = 20–50 Pa resistance
• 1 external exhaust grille = 10–30 Pa resistance

Step 3: Verify on the Q-P Characteristic Curve

On every CF HP fan's technical datasheet, the Q-P characteristic curve (airflow vs. pressure) is shown. Intersect:

• The vertical line at the calculated airflow (e.g. 5,000 m³/h)
• The horizontal line at the calculated pressure (e.g. 150 Pa)

The chosen fan is correct if the intersection point falls below the Q-P curve (i.e. the fan can deliver the airflow at that pressure). Ideally, the operating point should be in the maximum efficiency zone — the middle of the curve.

Step 4: Verify the Existing Ductwork Diameter

Each CF HP model has a nominal connection diameter (Ø 200, 250, 300, 350, 400 mm). The existing ductwork diameter must match the chosen fan's diameter, or a reducer must be used.

Note: reducing ductwork diameter increases air velocity and consequently pressure loss — include reducers in the pressure calculation.

Quick Selection Guide: Which CF HP Model Suits Your Application?

Why Choose CF HP Fans from ventilation.ro Over Cheap Alternatives

1. Simotop Motor vs. Generic Motors

Generic Asian motors equipping cheap fans have a service life of 2–5 years under intensive operating conditions. The Simotop motor in the CF HP range is designed for continuous S1 operation (24/7), withstands temperatures up to +150°C and has bearings dimensioned for a minimum of 40,000 operating hours.

If a restaurant operates 12 hours/day, 300 days/year → 3,600 hours/year. At 40,000 hours → over 11 years of uninterrupted operation with standard maintenance. A generic motor that fails after 3 years costs, beyond replacement, business interruption and loss of customers.

2. ErP Compliance and European Standards

All new CF HP range models use IE3 Premium efficiency motors — the mandatory efficiency class in Europe for motors above 0.75 kW. Older IE2 models have been discontinued and are no longer available. An IE3 motor consumes 8–15% less than an IE2 at the same useful output.

3. Complete Technical Documentation

Every CF HP fan comes with: technical datasheet with Q-P curve, CE declaration of conformity, warranty. Documents are downloadable directly from the product page — essential for designers who need to document the installation for health and fire safety authorities.

4. Spare Parts and Service Availability

The CF HP range is manufactured in series — rotors, bearings and casings are available as spare parts. With unbranded cheap fans, if a bearing or rotor fails after 3 years, you typically replace the entire unit.

Essential Accessories Available on ventilation.ro for a Complete System

Anti-vibration flexible connectors — various diameters (Ø 100–400 mm), standard length, flexible material resistant to high temperatures. Mandatory between fan outlet and rigid ductwork.

SPIRO spiral ductwork — circular spiral-wound zinc-coated steel ductwork, in diameters from Ø 80 to Ø 1,250 mm, 3 m per bar. The lowest pressure loss per metre of all ductwork types.

Bends, reducers, T-pieces — for any ductwork routing configuration. 90° and 45° bends, concentric and eccentric reducers, T-pieces for branches.

Non-return dampers — zinc-coated steel with blades and return springs, various diameters. Mounted on the fan outlet.

External protection grilles — with rain deflector blades, optionally with insect mesh, available in anodised aluminium or zinc-coated steel.

Speed controllers — 36 linear models compatible with Simotop single-phase and three-phase motors. Allow airflow reduction to 30–100% of nominal speed.

Frequently Asked Questions from Restaurant Owners

Q: Can I install the CF HP fan myself or do I need a certified electrician? A: The electrical connection must be made by a certified electrician — three-phase models (T4) require a distribution board with appropriate protection (fuses, residual current device). Mechanical installation (fixing the fan, connecting to ductwork) can be carried out by any experienced installer.

Q: What happens if I don't provide fresh make-up air in the kitchen? A: The fan will work efficiently for a short time only. Without make-up air, a depression is created in the kitchen that dramatically reduces actual extracted airflow and can make gas burner ignition difficult. A balanced system — supply equal to extraction — is mandatory.

Q: Does the CF HP fan work outdoors, on the building roof? A: Yes — the IP55 motor is weather-protected. We recommend fitting a rain protection cap (available on ventilation.ro) and thermally insulating the ductwork in areas exposed to cold.

Q: How often should the rotor be cleaned? A: In a restaurant operating 12 hours/day with grill and fryers — monthly or every two months. In a café with light preparations — every 3–4 months. The ladle rotor with sparse blades is much easier to clean than any other rotor type.

Q: Can I use CF HP for a paint booth, not a kitchen? A: No directly — for paint booths, ATEX certification is required (potentially explosive environment). ventilation.ro offers separately the ATEX/antiex range (191 products) with fans certified for explosive atmospheres.

Q: What is the warranty on the CF HP fan? A: Standard warranty is 12 months from the date of purchase. The Simotop motor has a declared service life of at least 40,000 hours under normal operating conditions.

Free Technical Advice Before You Order

If you are unsure which model suits your application, the ventilation.ro team offers free technical advice. Call us at +40 722 667 239 — we answer any technical question before purchase, from airflow calculation to selecting all accessories for a fully functional system.

→ Browse the complete CF HP and BOX CF HP range on ventilation.ro

Conclusion

Choosing a hood fan is not a decision to be made based on price or the first Google result. It is a technical decision that affects staff safety, compliance with health and fire safety regulations, restaurant air quality and long-term operating costs.

The CF HP range on ventilation.ro covers every scenario — from the café with simple preparations to the restaurant with intensive production on a charcoal grill — with a documented, efficient solution backed by real technical expertise.