Running a commercial kitchen comes with its fair share of heat, literally. From sizzling fryers and open flames to the hustle and bustle of a packed service, commercial kitchens are high-risk environments for fires. One small flare-up can escalate into a dangerous, costly incident if your fire suppression system isn’t up to the task.
Where You’ll Find Commercial Kitchens
It’s easy to think of bustling restaurants when you hear the term commercial kitchen, but these high-risk cooking environments exist in far more places than most people realize. Hospitals, churches, schools, senior living communities, hotels, event centers, and even corporate campuses often have full-scale kitchens designed to serve large groups of people.
No matter the setting, these kitchens face the same fire risks: hot surfaces, flammable cooking oils, open flames, and fast-paced operations. Whether it’s a small café in a church fellowship hall or a high-volume kitchen in a healthcare facility, every commercial kitchen needs proper fire suppression and protection systems in place.
The good news? The right restaurant kitchen fire suppression system can protect your people, property, and reputation while keeping you compliant with local regulations—and even reducing your insurance premiums.
The right fire safety setup not only helps safeguard staff, guests, and property but also ensures compliance with local fire codes and insurance requirements. From restaurants serving hundreds of meals a day to schools preparing lunch for students, having an effective kitchen fire suppression system and the proper fire extinguishers is essential for safety and peace of mind across all industries.
In this guide, we’ll explore how commercial fire protection systems work, why Amerex is the preferred choice for Midwest Fire & Safety, a division of Tessiers, and how investing in the right system brings peace of mind.
Why Fire Suppression Systems Are Essential for Commercial Kitchens
Grease fires are one of the leading causes of commercial kitchen fires, and they can’t be extinguished with water. In a fast-paced environment where flames, oils, and high temperatures mix, it’s critical to have a suppression system designed specifically for commercial kitchens.
A commercial kitchen fire suppression system automatically detects fires and releases specialized suppression agents to quickly smother flames, cutting off fuel sources and minimizing damage. These systems:
- Meet fire codes and local regulations: Fire marshals and insurance providers often require restaurants and other commercial kitchens to have an approved suppression system. Staying compliant not only protects your business but also keeps your doors open.
- Reduce insurance costs: Many insurers offer lower premiums for businesses that install and maintain up-to-date fire suppression systems. It’s a smart investment that pays off in protection and savings.
Provide peace of mind: Knowing that your kitchen is equipped with the right system allows you to focus on running your business without worrying about what happens if a fire breaks out.
Amerex: Proven Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
Midwest Fire & Safety, a division of Tessiers, trusts Amerex as their preferred partner for fire suppression systems. With a range of flexible, reliable solutions, Amerex has been protecting commercial kitchens for decades (and many other businesses for that matter!). Here’s a closer look at the options available:
1. Mechanical Systems: The Heart of Simplicity
The Mechanical Release Module (MRM) is at the core of Amerex’s kitchen fire suppression system. Using a spring-loaded design, this module relies on mechanical inputs with electrical, mechanical, or pneumatic outputs, providing:
- Reliable, time-tested performance
- Manual or automatic activation options
- Low-maintenance operation
This mechanical approach ensures a straightforward and dependable response in the event of a fire, ideal for many commercial kitchen environments where simplicity and durability are key.
2. Pneumatic Systems: Superior Detection for Fast Response
For kitchens where detection speed is critical, Amerex offers the Pneumatic Release Module (PRM). Unlike systems that rely on fusible links, the PRM uses a continuous linear pneumatic detection system, which provides:
- Quicker detection across the cooking area
- Greater coverage for complex kitchen layouts
- Enhanced safety with fewer false alarms
This system’s superior detection technology ensures that fires are caught and suppressed before they escalate, making it an excellent choice for high-volume or open-concept kitchens.
3. Electronic Systems: Advanced Control for Critical Environments
When you need cutting-edge technology, the Amerex Strike Control Unit delivers. This electronic release system has evolved from rugged industries like mining and military applications, offering:
- Precise detection and actuation
- Flexibility for complex environments
- Integration with other safety systems
For larger kitchens or operations with integrated safety controls, the Strike Control Unit offers unmatched control and reliability.
4. Helix: A New Era of Fire Suppression
For restaurants seeking a modern, high-performance system, Amerex Helix brings together electric detection and actuation with the Strike Electronic Control System (ECS). This pre-engineered system offers:
- Rapid response with intelligent electronic detection
- Customizable setups for unique kitchen configurations
- Smooth integration with building management or alarm systems
Helix is ideal for contemporary kitchens that demand efficiency, precision, and seamless integration.
Don’t Forget Fire Extinguishers: The First Line of Defense
While commercial kitchen fire suppression systems provide automatic protection, fire extinguishers are your immediate, hands-on defense against flare-ups. Every commercial kitchen should be equipped with the right types of extinguishers to ensure quick response to different kinds of fires.
The most important extinguisher for any commercial kitchen is the Class K fire extinguisher. Designed specifically for fires involving cooking oils and fats, Class K extinguishers use a special wet chemical agent that:
- Suppresses high-temperature grease fires
- Cools the affected area to prevent re-ignition
- Creates a vapor-suppressing foam layer over the burning oil
Recommended Fire Extinguishers for Commercial Kitchens
- Class K extinguishers: Required in cooking areas where grease-laden vapors are present (e.g., near fryers, grills, or ovens).
- ABC extinguishers: For general-purpose use, covering fires involving trash, wood, paper (Class A), flammable liquids (Class B), and electrical equipment (Class C). These are typically placed in non-cooking areas like dining spaces or storage rooms.
Pairing Amerex kitchen suppression systems with the right fire extinguishers gives your kitchen comprehensive coverage: automatic suppression when you need it and manual control for quick-response situations.
Why Choose Midwest Fire & Safety for Your Kitchen Protection?
Midwest Fire & Safety understands that every commercial kitchen is different. Their team works closely with you to assess your needs, recommend the right system, and ensure professional installation and maintenance. As part of Tessiers, they bring decades of experience in fire protection and life safety systems for commercial, industrial, and specialty environments.
Peace of Mind Starts Here
Running a commercial kitchen is hard enough without worrying about what might happen in the event of a commercial kitchen fire. The right suppression system keeps your team and customers safe, meets legal requirements, and can even save you money on insurance.