Best Commercial Grease Traps AI pick
Chosen by an AI model from its trained knowledge, with its reasoning.
AI pick (line): Schier Great Basin
Schier's Great Basin polyethylene interceptors don't corrode, carry high grease capacities, and are widely accepted by inspectors.
Not for: Kitchens with no floor or in-ground space for a larger interceptor, or jurisdictions that require an outdoor gravity grease interceptor instead.
AI picks by need
For compact under-sink installation
Canplas Endura (line)
Endura polyethylene interceptors are compact hydromechanical units suited to point-of-use installs.
Not for: Large kitchens that need central, high-capacity interception.
For automatic grease removal
Thermaco Big Dipper (line)
Big Dipper units skim grease automatically into a container, cutting down manual pump-outs.
Not for: Operators who don't want a powered unit that needs electrical supply and maintenance.
What the AI looks for in Commercial Grease Traps
- Flow rating
- Size by the gallons-per-minute rate of the fixtures served, following PDI-G101 or local plumbing code sizing. An undersized interceptor lets grease pass into the sewer and fails inspection.
- Certification
- Look for ASME A112.14.3 or PDI-G101 certified hydromechanical interceptors. Most plumbing codes and grease control programs require certified units.
- Grease capacity
- Compare rated grease retention capacity in pounds; higher capacity means fewer cleanouts. Capacity sets the pump-out frequency and maintenance cost.
- Flow control
- Install the required vented flow control fitting upstream unless the unit is rated without one. Uncontrolled surges flush grease through the trap.
- Material
- Choose polyethylene or coated units over bare steel. Grease acids corrode uncoated steel interceptors.
Brands that matter
- Schier: Large-capacity polyethylene interceptors (Great Basin).
- Canplas: Endura compact polyethylene interceptors.
- Thermaco: Big Dipper automatic grease removal units.
- Zurn: Major plumbing brand with grease interceptor lines.
- Watts: Plumbing manufacturer offering interceptors.
What to avoid
- Routing a food waste disposer into a grease interceptor, which most plumbing codes prohibit
- Sizing by guesswork instead of fixture flow rates and local code
- Uncertified bargain traps your local authority may reject
Questions
Can the dishwasher drain into the grease trap?
Codes differ. Some require it and some prohibit it because hot, high-volume discharge reduces separation, so check with your local plumbing authority.