How Much Does Hood Cleaning Cost in NYC? (2026 Pricing Guide)
A detailed breakdown of commercial kitchen hood cleaning costs in New York City. Learn what affects pricing, average rates by kitchen size, and how to get the best value.
If you own or manage a commercial kitchen in New York City, hood cleaning is not optional — it is a fire safety requirement enforced by the FDNY and governed by NFPA 96. But what should you actually expect to pay? Pricing varies widely, and understanding the factors that drive cost will help you budget accurately and avoid overpaying.
This guide breaks down real-world hood cleaning pricing for NYC restaurants in 2026.
Average Hood Cleaning Costs in NYC
Here is what most NYC restaurant owners can expect to pay:
| Kitchen Size | Hood Count | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small (cafe, deli, food truck commissary) | 1 hood | $350 – $500 |
| Medium (full-service restaurant) | 1–2 hoods | $500 – $800 |
| Large (hotel kitchen, banquet hall) | 3+ hoods | $800 – $1,200+ |
| Extra large (hospital, institutional) | 4+ hoods with rooftop access | $1,200 – $2,000+ |
These ranges assume a standard quarterly cleaning. If your system has heavy buildup due to missed cleanings, expect to pay 30–50% more for the initial deep clean.
What Factors Affect Hood Cleaning Cost?
1. Kitchen Size and Number of Hoods
This is the biggest cost driver. Each hood has its own filters, ductwork, and fan connection. More hoods means more labor, more chemical solution, and more time on site. A single 4-foot hood over a flat-top grill is a very different job than three 12-foot hoods over a battery of woks and fryers.
2. Grease Buildup Level
Kitchens that cook with high volumes of oil — Chinese restaurants, fried chicken joints, pizzerias — accumulate grease faster. If you have been cleaning on schedule, the buildup is manageable. If you have skipped a cycle or two, the technician will spend significantly more time scraping, degreasing, and pressure-washing hardened grease deposits from the ductwork.
3. Ductwork Length and Complexity
Ductwork that runs 50 feet through walls and ceilings to a rooftop fan costs more to clean than a 10-foot straight shot. Older NYC buildings often have awkward duct routing — turns, vertical risers, and shared chase spaces that add time and difficulty.
4. Access Difficulty
Many Manhattan kitchens are in basements, have narrow stairways, or require rooftop access through locked hatches. If your fan is on a rooftop that requires a ladder or special access arrangements with the building, that adds to the cost. Some buildings charge a separate fee for after-hours roof access.
5. Cleaning Frequency
The more often you clean, the less grease accumulates, and the faster each cleaning goes. Monthly cleanings cost less per visit than quarterly cleanings because the work is lighter. Most companies offer discounted rates for maintenance contracts.
6. Time of Service
Most hood cleanings happen after hours — between 10 PM and 6 AM — so they do not disrupt kitchen operations. This is standard in NYC. However, same-day emergency cleanings (for example, before an unscheduled FDNY inspection) carry a premium, typically 25–50% above the regular rate.
What Should Be Included in the Price?
A professional hood cleaning service should include all of the following at no additional charge:
- Complete system cleaning: Hood interior and exterior, filters, ductwork, fan, and grease containment
- Chemical degreasing and pressure washing: Not just a wipe-down — the entire system should be cleaned to bare metal where accessible
- Before-and-after photo documentation: Essential for your compliance records
- NFPA 96 compliance certificate: A signed certificate confirming the cleaning meets national fire code standards
- Compliance sticker: Affixed to the hood with the date of cleaning and company information
- Technician report: Notes on system condition, any damage or wear observed, and recommendations
If a company does not provide documentation, walk away. The FDNY and your insurance company both require proof of cleaning.
How to Save on Hood Cleaning
Sign a Maintenance Contract
A quarterly or monthly maintenance agreement locks in a lower per-visit rate and keeps your kitchen consistently compliant. Most companies offer 10–20% discounts for annual contracts.
Keep Up with Daily Maintenance
Your kitchen staff should clean hood filters weekly — soak them in hot water with degreaser, scrub, and let them dry before reinstalling. This does not replace professional cleaning, but it reduces the buildup that drives up professional cleaning costs.
Bundle Services
If you also need grease trap cleaning or fire suppression system inspection, bundling services with the same provider usually saves money compared to hiring separate companies.
Do Not Skip Cleanings
The most expensive hood cleaning is the one that follows a missed cycle. Heavy grease buildup can double the labor time — and if the FDNY catches you with an overdue system, the fines start at $500 and can escalate quickly. The cost of consistent cleaning is always less than the cost of playing catch-up.
Red Flags in Hood Cleaning Quotes
Watch out for these warning signs when comparing quotes:
- Unusually low pricing ($150–$200 for a full system): This likely means they will only clean the visible hood surface and skip the ductwork entirely
- No mention of documentation: If they do not offer certificates and photos, you have no proof of compliance
- No FDNY certification: Always verify the company’s credentials. Ask for their Certificate of Fitness number
- Pressure to sign immediately: Reputable companies will give you time to compare quotes
- Per-filter pricing without a system total: This can be misleading — always get a total system price
NYC-Specific Considerations
New York City adds layers of complexity and cost that you will not find in most other markets:
- Building access: Many buildings require advance notice, security escort, or freight elevator booking for after-hours work
- FDNY compliance documentation: NYC restaurants must maintain cleaning records and produce them on demand during inspections
- Insurance requirements: Your commercial property insurance likely mandates cleaning at NFPA 96 frequencies — and your insurer may want to see certificates
- Labor costs: NYC’s cost of living means higher wages for certified technicians, which is reflected in pricing
Getting an Accurate Quote
The best way to get an accurate price is to have a company visit your kitchen for a walkthrough. They need to see your hood system, measure ductwork length, assess grease levels, and evaluate access. Phone quotes based on “how many hoods do you have?” are rough estimates at best.
At Empire Hoods, we provide free on-site estimates with no obligation. We assess your entire exhaust system and give you a fixed price — no surprises.
What Happens If You Do Not Clean Your Hoods?
The financial risks of skipping hood cleaning far outweigh the cost:
- FDNY fines: Starting at $500, escalating with repeat violations
- Insurance claim denial: If a grease fire occurs and your cleaning records are not current, your insurer can deny the claim
- Health department violations: The NYC Department of Health inspects kitchen cleanliness, and grease buildup on hoods is a deduction
- Fire risk: Grease-laden ductwork is the number one cause of commercial kitchen fires
For more details on cleaning frequency requirements, see our guide on how often kitchen hoods should be cleaned.
Bottom Line
Hood cleaning in NYC typically costs $350–$1,200+ depending on your kitchen size, system complexity, and grease levels. The smartest approach is to establish a regular maintenance schedule with a certified provider. You will pay less per cleaning, stay compliant, and avoid the financial risks of deferred maintenance.
Ready for a quote? Get a free estimate or call us at (212) 871-4663.
Written by Empire Hoods Team