Baffle or Mesh Filters

The question is often asked what is the difference between baffle and mesh filters. Apart from the appearance baffle filters are more efficient than mesh filters because they permit the easier flow of air through the filter. When air passes through a baffle filter it must make 2 x180 degree turns and in so doing must speed up to make that turn - when the air speeds up it deposits the grease and moisture onto the bend in the filters. Baffle filters are also better at eliminating the posibility of a fire running up into the ductwork.

Baffle filter










Mesh filters on the other hand consist of anywhere from 3 to 6 layers of fine mesh laid one upon the other - so the air is forced to pass through tiny holes creating more noise and typically less efficient than baffle filters.

A Modern Aire Mesh Filter













Baffle and mesh filters are normally dishwasher safe and it is very important to wash them both on a regular basis to avoid not only a fire in the filter but also to ensure grease is not sucked through to the blower and inside of the hood.

Not all mesh filters are created equally - Modern Aire uses high quality stainless steel that has holes punched on the outside - this protects the finer mesh from damage. Most of the mesh filters on the market do not have this protective layer of stainlees steel and the finer aluminium mesh gets easily damaged when placing in the dishwasher.