Choosing the best grease trap for a commercial kitchen starts with matching its flow rate and grease capacity to the sinks and equipment that drain into it. Connection size, installation space, cleaning access, and local plumbing requirements matter too. The options below range from compact under-sink units to higher-capacity steel interceptors, so you can compare their listed specifications before choosing one for your setup.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Listed capacity and flow | Material | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express KitchQuip 40 lb / 20 GPM Interceptor | 40 lb / 20 GPM | 11-gauge carbon steel | PDI certified; removable baffles; no-hub connections |
| Wentworth 70 lb / 35 GPM Interceptor | 70 lb / 35 GPM | 11-gauge carbon steel | PDI certified; powder-coated finish; removable cover |
| BEAMNOVA 25 lb Stainless Steel Grease Trap | 25 lb / up to 13 GPM | 201 stainless steel | Side inlet; assembled design; outlet pipe and accessories included |
| Zedfire 50 lb / 25 GPM Steel Interceptor | 50 lb / 25 GPM | Steel | PDI certified; 3-inch non-threaded connections; removable baffle |
| Express KitchQuip 40 lb / 20 GPM Carbon Steel Trap | 40 lb / 20 GPM | Coated carbon steel | NSF certified and PDI approved; removable cover and baffle |
Our Picks: Best Grease Traps For Commercial Kitchens reviews
Express KitchQuip 40 lb Interceptor: A Compact PDI-Certified Option
This under-sink interceptor is rated for a flow of 20 gallons per minute and a grease capacity of 40 pounds. Its 11-gauge carbon steel body is designed for commercial use, while no-hub connections provide a way to connect the inlet and outlet to compatible plumbing.
Service access is a useful part of the design. The unit has a removable cover and baffles, plus a non-skid deck plate. The included T-vent is another detail to account for when planning the installation. As with any interceptor, the listed flow rate should be checked against the combined flow from the fixtures that will drain into it.
This model may suit a kitchen that needs a medium-capacity, under-sink unit with PDI certification. Its specifications are less suited to a high-flow setup than the Wentworth 35 GPM or Zedfire 25 GPM options. The supplied listing data marks this item unavailable, so confirm that it can be ordered before relying on it for a project.
Pros:
- 40-pound grease capacity and 20 GPM flow rating
- 11-gauge carbon steel construction
- PDI certified
- Removable baffles and non-skid deck plate for service access
Cons:
- Lower listed flow rate than the 25 and 35 GPM alternatives
- Supplied listing status indicates it may be unavailable
Verdict: Consider this interceptor if its 20 GPM rating fits your fixtures and you can confirm availability; choose a higher-flow model for a heavier drain load.
Wentworth 70 lb Interceptor: The Highest Listed Capacity
The Wentworth interceptor has the highest listed flow rate and grease capacity in this group: 35 GPM and 70 pounds. It is designed for commercial kitchen wastewater and is described as suitable for compatible prep sinks, pot sinks, and other food-service fixtures.
The body is made from 11-gauge carbon steel and has a powder-coated finish intended to help protect against corrosion and everyday wear. A removable top cover provides access for inspection and cleaning. The unit is designed for floor installation under or near a compatible sink, so check the dimensions and service clearance before choosing a location.
Its higher capacity makes it a strong candidate for kitchens with greater flow demands, but capacity alone does not confirm that it is right for every installation. Confirm the required sizing and connection details with your plumbing professional or local authority. Compared with the 40-pound Express KitchQuip models, this unit offers substantially higher listed capacity and flow, though it may be more than a smaller setup needs.
Pros:
- 70-pound capacity and 35 GPM flow rating
- 11-gauge carbon steel construction
- Powder-coated finish
- PDI certified, with a removable cover for access
Cons:
- Its higher capacity may be unnecessary for low-flow kitchens
- Installation location and service access need careful planning
Verdict: Choose the Wentworth if your verified flow requirements call for a higher-capacity floor interceptor and its installation layout works for your kitchen.
BEAMNOVA 25 lb Trap: Stainless Steel with a Side Inlet
The BEAMNOVA is a smaller stainless-steel trap with a listed flow rate of up to 13 GPM and a 25-pound capacity. It is made from 1.2 mm 201 stainless steel and measures 23.82 by 12 by 11.22 inches. Its side inlet and included outlet pipe are important details to compare with your existing drain layout.
The product is described as arriving assembled with accessories and a user manual. Its design includes locking devices, a top handle, and a faucet switch for controlling the outlet. The manufacturer also describes a rubber ring inside the cover and at the faucet connection. Those features may make handling and setup more straightforward, but the connection arrangement still needs to match your plumbing.
At 13 GPM, this is the lowest-flow option in the comparison. It may fit a smaller commercial setup if its capacity meets the required sizing and local rules. The supplied product details specifically advise checking local regulations, so do not assume that its size or installation style will be accepted for every kitchen.
Pros:
- Stainless steel construction with a listed 13 GPM flow rate
- Assembled design with outlet pipe and accessories included
- Side inlet may suit compatible plumbing layouts
- Specified dimensions help with space planning
Cons:
- Lower flow rate and capacity than the other listed options
- Side-inlet placement and connection style may not fit every installation
Verdict: The BEAMNOVA is worth considering for a smaller, compatible setup where its 13 GPM rating and side inlet meet the plumbing plan and local requirements.
Zedfire 50 lb Interceptor: Midrange Capacity with 3-Inch Connections
The Zedfire is listed at 50 pounds and 25 GPM, placing it between the smaller 20 GPM models and the 35 GPM Wentworth. Its product details describe it as a steel interceptor for commercial kitchens, including higher-flow applications such as prep sinks, pot sinks, and compatible commercial dishwashers.
One of its most important installation details is the pair of 3-inch non-threaded inlet and outlet connections. The unit also includes an external flow-control fitting, a removable internal baffle, and a lid with two pull handles. These features provide access for cleaning and inspection, but the connection size and fitting must match the planned drain system.
The listing identifies this model as PDI certified and describes it as a larger-capacity option. The supplied details do not specify the steel gauge or provide dimensions, so get those details before planning a tight installation. Compared with the Wentworth, it has a lower listed flow rate and capacity; compared with the BEAMNOVA, it has a substantially higher listed flow rate.
Pros:
- Listed 50-pound capacity and 25 GPM flow rate
- PDI certified
- 3-inch non-threaded inlet and outlet connections
- Removable baffle and lid handles for access
Cons:
- 3-inch connections may not suit existing plumbing
- Dimensions and steel gauge are not specified in the supplied details
Verdict: Consider the Zedfire when a 25 GPM rating and 3-inch non-threaded connections suit your system, but confirm dimensions and fit before ordering.
Express KitchQuip 40 lb Carbon Steel Trap: NSF and PDI Credentials
This Express KitchQuip model is rated for 40 pounds of grease and a 20 GPM flow rate. Its black-coated carbon steel body is designed for commercial kitchen use. The product details also identify it as NSF certified and PDI approved, which may be relevant when checking equipment requirements for your operation.
The removable cover and baffle are intended to make inspection and routine cleaning more accessible. The product description also stresses sizing the interceptor to the combined flow from connected sinks and dishwashers. That is a practical point: a 20 GPM rating may not fit a setup whose fixtures can exceed that flow.
Its listed capacity and flow match the other Express KitchQuip option in this group, but the supplied descriptions differ in the details they emphasize. This one highlights NSF certification and a black finish, while the other lists no-hub connections, a T-vent, and a non-skid deck plate. The supplied listing data marks this model unavailable, so verify availability before comparing it as a purchase option.
Pros:
- 40-pound capacity and 20 GPM flow rate
- NSF certified and PDI approved, according to the listing
- Coated carbon steel construction
- Removable cover and baffle for service access
Cons:
- 20 GPM may be too low for a higher-flow fixture group
- Supplied listing status indicates it may be unavailable
Verdict: This is a reasonable specification match for a 20 GPM setup if its certifications meet your needs and you can confirm that the listing is available.
How to Choose a Grease Trap for a Commercial Kitchen
Size the trap to your actual flow
Start with the combined flow from the sinks and equipment that will drain into the interceptor. Compare that requirement with the product’s listed GPM rating, rather than choosing by capacity or body size alone. A trap that is too small for the connected fixtures may not provide the separation your system requires. Ask a qualified plumbing professional to help calculate the load if you are unsure.
Check grease capacity as well as GPM
Flow rate and grease capacity describe different aspects of a trap. The GPM rating relates to the wastewater flow it is designed to handle, while the pound rating indicates its stated grease-retention capacity. Consider both when comparing models, and follow the service schedule required for your kitchen and local rules.
Confirm local requirements and certifications
Grease interceptor rules can vary by location and installation. Check with your local plumbing authority before buying, and verify the required certification, sizing, and installation method for your project. The listings here identify certain products as PDI certified, PDI approved, or NSF certified; confirm that the specific credentials meet your local requirements.
Match the connections to your plumbing
Connection type and size can determine whether installation is straightforward or requires changes to the drain line. These options include no-hub connections, a side inlet, and 3-inch non-threaded connections. Compare the product’s connection details with your existing pipes and planned layout, and ask an installer to confirm compatibility.
Plan for cleaning and inspection
Grease traps need routine service. Look for access features such as a removable lid, cover, or baffle, and leave enough room around the unit to open it and remove accumulated material. A trap that is difficult to reach can make regular maintenance harder, even if its capacity and connections are otherwise suitable.
Choose a material and installation location that fit
The products in this comparison use carbon steel, coated carbon steel, or 201 stainless steel. Consider the installation environment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care. Also check the unit’s dimensions, whether it is intended for under-sink or floor installation, and the space needed for piping and service access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GPM mean on a grease trap?
GPM means gallons per minute. It is the product’s listed flow rate. Compare that rating with the combined flow of the fixtures connected to the trap, and get professional guidance if you are unsure how to calculate your kitchen’s requirements.
Is grease capacity the same as flow rate?
No. Flow rate is listed in gallons per minute, while grease capacity is listed in pounds. Both are useful when comparing models, but neither should replace proper sizing for your specific fixtures and local requirements.
Which option has the highest listed capacity?
The Wentworth is listed at 70 pounds and 35 GPM, the highest capacity and flow figures among these five products. Whether it is the right choice depends on your kitchen’s calculated needs, installation space, and applicable requirements.
Can I install a commercial grease trap myself?
Installation depends on the unit, the existing plumbing, and local rules. Connection types, venting, placement, and required approvals can all matter. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and consult a qualified plumbing professional or local authority before installation.
How often does a grease trap need cleaning?
Cleaning frequency depends on the trap, the amount of grease and solids entering it, how heavily the kitchen is used, and local requirements. Follow the manufacturer’s service guidance and any applicable local schedule, and make sure the unit remains accessible for routine cleaning.
Are these models all suitable for an under-sink installation?
No. The first Express KitchQuip model is described as an under-sink interceptor, and the BEAMNOVA is described as an above-ground, under-sink style unit. The Wentworth is described for floor installation under or near compatible sinks. Check each product’s installation instructions and dimensions before choosing a location.
What should I do if a listed model is unavailable?
The supplied listing data marks both Express KitchQuip products as unavailable. Check the product page for current ordering status, and do not plan an installation around a model until you confirm it can be purchased and meets your project requirements.
Final Recommendation
For a kitchen with higher verified flow needs, the Wentworth offers the highest listed capacity and flow in this group. The Zedfire is a midrange alternative if its 25 GPM rating and 3-inch connections fit your system. For smaller setups, compare the BEAMNOVA and 20 GPM Express KitchQuip models against your actual fixture flow, connection layout, and local rules. Confirm availability, sizing, and installation requirements before buying any interceptor.