Light-duty cafe scenario
Small cafe hood cost calculator
Use this cafe template when the menu is mostly ovens, warming, steam, or light prep and the hood classification is still being checked before lease or equipment decisions.
Scenario scope
| Typical hood | Shorter Type II heat or steam hood unless the menu adds grease-producing appliances. |
|---|---|
| Air balance risk | Fan and makeup-air pricing still matter even when fire suppression is not modeled by default. |
| Bid review focus | Confirm the quote explains hood classification, duct route, fan power, balancing, and final inspection support. |
Line-item estimate
Hood package
Heat or condensate hood package without Type I grease capture requirements.
$4,700 - $8,300
Welded ductwork
Welded grease duct or code-appropriate exhaust duct with access panels where required.
$3,050 - $8,200
Exhaust fan and curb
Upblast exhaust fan, roof curb, disconnect, and typical setting labor.
$2,000 - $6,500
Makeup air
No dedicated makeup-air allowance selected.
$0 - $0
Fire suppression
No wet-chemical suppression allowance selected.
$0 - $0
Electrical and mechanical labor
Electrical hookup, controls, gas interlock coordination, balancing, and mechanical labor.
$1,500 - $6,000
Permits, design, and inspection
Basic permit, final inspection, and limited drawing coordination.
$800 - $1,800
Planning contingency
14% planning contingency for existing shell conditions.
$1,700 - $4,300
Bid items to verify
- A cafe with a fryer, griddle, or charbroiler may need a Type I grease hood instead of this lighter Type II default.
- Landlord HVAC capacity can turn a modest hood into a larger makeup-air coordination item.
- A low equipment quote may omit electrical interlocks, balancing, permits, or roof penetration work.
Small cafe hood cost calculator FAQ
Can a small cafe use a Type II hood?
Possibly, if the equipment is limited to heat, steam, vapor, or condensate loads. Grease-producing appliances usually change the scope, so the final classification belongs with the licensed contractor and AHJ.
Why does a small cafe still need a hood budget?
Even a light-duty hood can require ductwork, fan power, roof or wall penetration work, electrical hookup, balancing, permit drawings, and inspection coordination.