Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher for a Commercial Kitchen
In a commercial kitchen, fire risks are higher and more complex than in a typical home. Between open flames, high heat, and flammable cooking oils, it’s essential to have the right type of fire extinguisher on-site—and not just any all-purpose model.
Restaurants and food service environments in Ottawa and across Ontario must meet specific fire code requirements. Choosing the wrong extinguisher could worsen a fire or lead to code violations. This guide outlines which extinguishers are suited for commercial kitchens and why.
Common Kitchen Fire Hazards
Commercial kitchens present unique fire risks, including:
Class K fires, caused by oils and fats used in deep fryers and stovetop cooking
Class B fires, from flammable liquids like grease, alcohol, or cleaning agents
Electrical fires, from overloaded appliances or wiring
Standard ABC extinguishers aren’t safe for grease fires and may not be approved for use in commercial kitchens. Understanding fire classifications is the first step toward proper protection. For a breakdown of fire classes, see this NFPA fire class chart.
Best Fire Extinguishers for Commercial Kitchens
1. Class K Fire Extinguisher (Wet Chemical)
These extinguishers are specifically designed for high-temperature grease fires. They work by spraying a fine mist of potassium acetate, which cools the surface and reacts with hot oils to form a non-flammable barrier (a process called saponification).
They’re required by code in kitchens with deep fryers or cooking oil systems. You can find details on this in the Canadian Fire Code, which outlines extinguisher requirements for commercial food prep areas.
2. CO₂ Fire Extinguisher
CO₂ extinguishers are ideal for electrical equipment, such as stoves, control panels, or powered food prep machines. They leave no residue and are safe to use around sensitive devices, which makes them a strong secondary unit in commercial kitchens.
Learn more about how CO₂ extinguishers work and where they should be placed in workplace settings.
3. Class ABC Dry Chemical (With Limitations)
While ABC extinguishers are versatile, they’re not appropriate for grease fires. The dry powder can splash burning oil and make the fire worse. However, they’re still useful for Class A or B fires away from cooking equipment, such as in storage or office areas connected to the kitchen.
Proper signage and training are important if ABC extinguishers are installed alongside Class K units.
Placement and Inspection Requirements
In Canada, fire extinguisher placement in commercial kitchens is governed by NFPA 10 and enforced through local fire codes. Extinguishers must be:
Within 30 feet of cooking appliances
Easily accessible and mounted at the correct height
Inspected monthly and serviced annually
Routine service also includes hydrostatic testing for pressurized extinguishers. If your kitchen uses CO₂ units or SCBA cylinders, these need to be tested according to CSA B339 standards.
Kitchen Safety Beyond Extinguishers
Having the right extinguisher is just one part of fire readiness. Commercial kitchens should also:
Train all staff in proper extinguisher use (PASS technique)
Install automatic fire suppression systems above cooking surfaces
Maintain clean ventilation systems to reduce grease buildup
Fire safety is a system—not a single device. Extinguishers must be type-appropriate, maintained, and part of a larger fire plan.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fire extinguisher for a commercial kitchen isn’t just about compliance—it’s about preventing damage, protecting staff, and ensuring business continuity. For Ottawa-based restaurants, cafes, and commercial food facilities, Class K extinguishers are typically required, supplemented by CO₂ and possibly ABC units depending on the layout.
Understanding your risks and matching them with the correct extinguishers can save lives—and your business.
About Rapid CO₂
Based in Ottawa, Ontario, Rapid CO₂ is a trusted local provider of fire protection equipment and services. We specialize in CO₂ fire extinguisher sales and service, ABC fire extinguisher sales and service, specialty fire extinguishers and pressurized water units. Whether you're protecting a home, business, or industrial site, our team ensures your fire safety equipment is up to code and ready to perform when it matters most.
For service, call 613.299.8412.
