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02/10/2025 • by Megan Downing
If you run a commercial kitchen, you’ll know that fire is a real risk. Hot oil, high flames, busy staff and powerful cooking equipment can all be potential hazards. And while standard fire extinguishers are essential, they’re not always enough to keep your kitchen (and business) safe around the clock.
That’s where kitchen fire suppression systems come in. These clever, automatic systems detect and put out fires before they can spread, often within seconds of activation.
In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions we receive: what kitchen fire suppression systems are, how they work, and which options are available for UK kitchens.
A kitchen fire suppression system is an automatic fire safety system created for use in commercial kitchens. Unlike a standard fire extinguisher, it offers full-time coverage that activates the moment a fire is detected.
Once activated, the system deploys a special extinguishing agent that rapidly smothers flames, cools the areas, and prevents reignition. The result? Fires are controlled before they become devastating. In turn, this reduces potential damage, keeps your staff safe, and often lowers insurance claims.
Kitchen fire suppression systems work by detecting heat and automatically releasing an extinguishing agent before the fire spreads.
In Ceasefire systems, heat-sensing tube runs along the top of the plenum and is designed to detect fire at a predetermined temperature (approximately 150 – 180 °C). When this temperature is reached, the tube bursts, releasing stored pressure and triggering the indirect low-pressure valve to open.
The extinguishing agent is then released, flowing through the distribution pipe network to strategically positioned nozzles. These nozzles deliver targeted suppression over the risk area. A foam blanket is discharged, covering the oil surface, smothering the flames, and cooling the oil below its ignition point.
To use a fire suppression system in your kitchen, you just need to get it installed by experts and have it serviced regularly. The system springs into action automatically when needed, so all you need to do is make sure it is appropriately fitted, maintained and ready to respond in an emergency.
A kitchen fire suppression system is not a legal requirement in the UK, but it is strongly recommended for any commercial kitchen. These systems provide 24/7 fire protection, can reduce insurance premiums, and significantly limit the damage if a fire breaks out. Many insurers and safety assessors now expect them as standard in busy kitchens.
The cost for a kitchen fire suppression system greatly varies depending on kitchen size, access, special requirements, and fire risk level. A reliable supplier will take the time to understand these factors and work with you to deliver a customised solution - ensuring your system is effective, within your budget and optimised to work with your space.
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Now we’ve discussed when and why you might need a kitchen fire suppression system, the question many people ask is how do they find the right system type for them. Different kitchens have different levels of risk, and systems can be designed to match your layout, cooking methods, and finances. Here are the main divisions:
If you run a hotel, school, hospital or a busy restaurant that has several cooking stations, then you will require a powerful system that can handle a number of appliances and extraction areas at once. Larger systems are designed to protect multiple hotspots without slowing down service.
Smaller kitchens, like food trucks, cafés, or compact commercial spaces, still have a significant fire risk from cooking appliances such as fryers and grills. A smaller customised system costs less and means you only pay for the amount of cover you require.
The extraction hood is a common place for a fire to start, more so when grease accumulates. Hood automatic suppression systems are designed to extinguish directly above the cooking line, smothering flames fast before they spread through ductwork.
There are also different extinguishing agents to keep in mind that kitchen fire suppression systems use, depending on the type of risk in your kitchen. The two most common options are:
Wet chemical systems are the most popular choice for commercial kitchens. They operate by reacting with burning oils and fats to form a soapy foam layer that cools off and suffocates the flames, preventing reignition. They prove very effective against grease fires on fryers, hobs and cooking ranges, although they need a cleanup after discharge.
Wet Chemical Fire Suppression Systems by Ceasefire are LPCB LPS 1223 certified and designed for Class A and F fires. They carry the Green Seal badge and are safe for use on electrical equipment. The agent is 99% biodegradable, PFAS and PFOA free, and dielectrically tested, ensuring both environmental responsibility and operational safety.
Discover Ceasefire Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
Water mist systems extinguish ultra-fine water droplets that quickly cool the flames and lower oxygen levels around the fire. Minimal water is dispersed, meaning kitchen equipment will sustain less damage, and the agent is safe, non-toxic and environmentally friendly. However, they are less effective on deep fat fryer fires compared to wet chemical systems.
Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems by CeaseFire are LPCB LPS 1223 certified and suitable for Class A, B, and F fires. They feature the Green Seal badge and are safe for use on electrical equipment. Water mist offers effective fire control with minimal residue, combining safety with environmental efficiency.
If you are looking for a kitchen fire suppression system in the UK, you will come across a few well-known brands. These include:
Ansul is one of the most recognised global brands for automatic fire suppression. Their systems are widely used in commercial kitchens and must be serviced every 12 months.
Amerex is another major manufacturer offering reliable and proven fire suppression solutions. Their systems also require servicing every 12 months.
At Fire Protection Shop, we proudly supply and install Ceasefire systems across the UK. These are fast-growing in popularity, highly effective for commercial kitchens and require servicing only every 6 months. Making them more cost-effective.
At Fire Protection Shop, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve complete fire safety. We design and install some of the best commercial kitchen fire suppression systems in the UK, giving you full protection where it matters most. Our bespoke systems are built around your layout and cooking equipment, so you can run your kitchen with confidence.
Find Out More About Commercial Kitchen Fire Suppression System Designs & Installations
While UK law does not make fire suppression systems mandatory in commercial kitchens, fire safety regulations do require that you assess risks and put the right protection in place. With the high fire risk from oils, fats and open flames, most insurers and safety assessors now expect suppression systems in busy kitchens.
That is why so many restaurants, cafés, hotels, schools and hospitals choose Fire Protection Shop. We design, install and service bespoke systems that keep you compliant, protected and confident your kitchen has 24/7 fire safety in place.
Contact our Kitchen Fire Suppression System Experts today to find the right solution for your business.
