“Can I install an AC unit in a commercial kitchen?”. That’s a question from many of our hotel and resort clients giving to us at the beginning of winter on Gold Coast.
This time, the air outside was crisp and cool. In the evening, sometimes, it can go down to 15 degree Celsius. However, inside the kitchen, it was a completely different story. The ovens were roaring, the grills were on, and the steam from the dishwasher hung heavy in the air. Despite it being May, the kitchen felt extremely hot, like it was summer.
Thus, the appearance of an AC unit in a commercial kitchen during this period is not just possible, it’s essential. But doing it right takes smart planning, the right system, and careful installation.
Why it’s OK to put an AC unit in a commercial kitchen
Let’s be real: staying cool in kitchen environments is never easy. You’ve got multiple heat sources running at once, little to no airflow, and staff working back-to-back during busy service hours. And when it comes to commercial kitchens, such as those in hotels and resorts, the pressure is even higher. Comfort, consistency, and safety all depend on having the right indoor climate.
That’s why more and more venues are asking us about installing an AC unit in a commercial kitchen. And the good news is yes, it can be done, and yes, it works.
Modern air conditioning systems are designed to handle tough conditions, including high humidity, grease-laden air, and fluctuating temperatures. As long as it’s installed properly, away from direct heat sources, an AC unit can become part of an effective kitchen cooling strategy, even in the most fast-paced commercial kitchens.
What you need to consider
Not every AC is built for the kitchen. While you can put an AC unit in a commercial kitchen, it’s not as simple as just picking one off the shelf. Here are a few things we always advise our clients to keep in mind:
Keep AC unit away from the heat source
This might seem obvious, but we’ve seen it too often: an AC mounted right above a grill or next to a deep fryer. That’s a recipe for disaster. Placing an AC too close to cooking appliances can pull in steam, grease, and smoke, which strains the filters and shortens the unit’s lifespan.
Instead, opt for positions that allow the unit to circulate air efficiently without working against the stove or oven.
Consider safety first
Plastic vents and housings can warp or even melt if they’re exposed to intense, direct heat. And while it’s rare, kitchen fires can spread quickly. That’s why placement matters. Your AC should never be in a spot where flames or flare-ups could reach it.
We’ve worked with many air conditioning clients on Gold Coast, and the smartest kitchens always factor in fire safety when planning installations.
Watch out for airflow disruption
One thing people often overlook is how an AC unit in a commercial kitchen might interfere with your existing ventilation. A poorly positioned unit can interrupt the path of exhaust fans or range hoods, and in worst cases, contribute to the buildup of carbon monoxide or steam.
That’s why ventilation and air conditioning must work hand-in-hand. You want to improve air quality, not make it worse.
Ready to cool things down?
If the heat in your kitchen is creeping up even in winter, you’re not alone. We’ve seen it across hotel kitchens, resort restaurants, and bustling cafés all over the Gold Coast. And the truth is no ventilation fan alone can keep up when the pass is full, and the stoves are running non-stop.
That’s where we come in.
At DEEPCHILL, we don’t just install AC systems, we partner with hospitality teams to build smarter, safer, and more comfortable kitchen environments. Whether you’re looking to stay cool in kitchen environments, improve air circulation, or set up a system that works with your team’s routine, we get the challenges of running a commercial kitchen.
We’ve helped venues across Gold Coast – from Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise and JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa to The Star, Sofitel, and Hilton – stay open, stay efficient, with the right AC unit in a commercial kitchen all year round. And we’d love to help you do the same.
Let’s talk about your kitchen. Whether you’re upgrading or starting fresh, we’ll make sure you get a system that works – no smoke, no guesswork, just effective kitchen cooling methods backed by real experience in air conditioning on Gold Coast.
