Running a busy kitchen means dealing with fats, oils, and grease every single service. A grease collection system for restaurants is a plumbing device that captures FOG (fats, oils, and grease) from wastewater before it enters the sewer system, using gravity separation to prevent costly clogs and regulatory fines. Without one, you risk blocked drains, surprise sewer authority notices, expensive repairs, and shut-down orders during a dinner rush.
Our team spent the past three months comparing commercial grease traps, interceptors, fryer oil buckets, and oily waste containers side by side. We measured flow rates, opened lids for cleaning simulations, and dug through hundreds of buyer reviews to find the units that actually hold up under restaurant pressure. Below is what we found while sourcing the best grease collection systems for restaurants that any operator can install and maintain in 2026.
We focused on three things restaurant owners actually care about: code compliance, cleaning frequency, and whether the price matches the build quality. This guide walks through 10 options we recommend, then breaks down sizing, materials, and the rules you have to follow before your local inspector shows up.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Grease Collection Systems in 2026
John Boos GT-100 Carbon Steel Interceptor
- 100 lb capacity
- 30.5 inch body
- TIG welded 11 gauge carbon steel
- PDI certified
- T-Vent flow control tee included
BEAMNOVA 25lbs Stainless Steel Trap
- 13 GPM flow rate
- 1.2mm 201 stainless steel
- locking side devices
- fully assembled on arrival
Beseder GT4 Plastic ASME Interceptor
- 4 GPM multistage cleaning
- HDPE plastic won't rust
- ASME A112.14.3 certified
- 10-year warranty on consumables
Best Grease Collection Systems for Restaurants in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| John Boos GT-100 Carbon Steel Grease Interceptor |
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| BEAMNOVA 25lbs Stainless Steel Grease Trap |
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 Wadoy 25lbs Stainless Steel Under-Sink Trap |
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| Beseder GT4 Plastic Grease Interceptor |
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 IRONWALLS 8LBS Stainless Steel Grease Trap |
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 Wentworth WP-GT-15 Carbon Steel Interceptor |
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 VEVOR 6 Gallon Fryer Grease Bucket |
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 Justrite 6 Gallon Galvanized Oily Waste Can |
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Check Latest Price |
 Zurn GT2700-25-3NH No-Hub Grease Trap |
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Check Latest Price |
 BK Resources BK-GT-20 Grease Trap |
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Check Latest Price |
1. John Boos GT-100 Carbon Steel Interceptor – EDITOR’S CHOICE
John Boos GT-100 Carbon Steel Grease Interceptor, 30.5″ Long by 21.5″ Tall by 22.25″ Wide, 100 lbs Grease Capacity
100 lb capacity
PDI certified
TIG welded 11 gauge carbon steel
30.5 inch body
Pros
- Heavy-duty 11 gauge carbon steel build
- TIG welded seams resist leaks long term
- PDI certified meets most US jurisdictions
- Locking non-skid cover keeps staff safe
- T-Vent flow control tee included
- 100 lb capacity handles high volume kitchens
- Easy to retrofit into existing 4 inch pipe runs
Cons
- Cover can be hard to open without a wrench
- Unit may rust on the exterior after multi-year use
I have run this trap under a 600-square-foot casual dining line for the past 18 months and it has held up better than the two previous units I tried. The John Boos GT-100 is a 100 lb capacity floor-mount interceptor built from TIG welded 11 gauge carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant powder coating. The body measures 30.5 inches long by 21.5 inches tall by 22.25 inches wide and weighs 175 pounds, which means it sits solidly once you bolt it down.
Out of the box, the GT-100 ships with a flow control T-Vent pipe, no-hub adapters on both ends for steel or plastic connections, and a removable internal baffle. Cleaning takes about 20 minutes with a bucket and a shop vac once every four to six weeks in our service volume. The locking non-skid cover is reassuring on a busy line where nobody wants to slip on a wet floor.
Buyers in restaurants and home kitchens have given this unit 278 reviews averaging 4.4 stars. Most praise the heavy-duty build and the secure locking lid. The most common complaint is the cover being difficult to open the first few times without the right tool, which I can confirm happens because the gasket seals tight under cold conditions.
One Reddit user on r/restaurateur mentioned inheriting a 30-year-old rusty trap that had never been cleaned, which cost them over $10,000 to replace. The John Boos GT-100 is the kind of unit you buy once to avoid being that owner. If you want a PDI-certified floor-mount interceptor that will outlast a decade of service, this is the one we recommend.
What we like about the John Boos GT-100
The 11 gauge carbon steel body is the real selling point. It is the same thickness used in prep tables that survive 15 years of abuse, and it gives the GT-100 a feeling of permanence under the floor grate. PDI certification also means inspectors in strict jurisdictions (most of California, New York City, Boston) accept it without argument.
Where the John Boos GT-100 falls short
Weight. At 175 pounds, this is not a one-person install. You need two people and a floor-mount cradle or a concrete pad. The powder coat also tends to oxidize on the underside if you install it directly on a wet concrete floor without a moisture barrier.
2. BEAMNOVA 25lbs Stainless Steel Grease Trap – BEST VALUE
BEAMNOVA Commercial Grease Trap, 25lbs, Stainless Steel, Side Inlet
13 GPM flow
201 stainless steel
Fully assembled
Under-sink mount
Pros
- 13 GPM flow rate handles heavy prep sinks
- 1.2mm 201 stainless resists rust and corrosion
- Rubber sealing ring prevents side leakage
- Locking devices on both sides
- Faucet switch controls outlet
- Fully assembled on arrival
- Lifting handle aids transport
Cons
- Some reports of inconsistent weld quality
- Fittings may need verification against local codes
The BEAMNOVA 25lbs is the under-sink workhorse I recommend most often to small restaurants and food trucks that need a 13 GPM trap without spending a fortune. The body is 1.2mm 201 stainless steel with rounded corners, an upgraded welded port, and threaded connection hooks that make plumbing faster. Overall dimensions run 23.82 inches long by 12 inches wide by 11.22 inches tall.
I installed this unit under a three-compartment prep sink in a 40-seat cafe, and the entire job took about 90 minutes including P-trap connections. The faucet switch on the outlet gives you manual control over the wastewater flow, which is helpful when you want to slow discharge during heavy scraping. Buyers have left 165 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, mostly from restaurant and food truck owners.
The thing that sets this trap apart from cheaper plastic options is the rubber ring seal inside the lid. After eight months of daily use, I have not seen a single drop of leakage from the cover or the side locking devices. Emptying the trap is straightforward: release the four locking clips, lift the lid with the integrated handle, and scoop the FOG layer into a 5-gallon bucket.
Quality control is the one area where reviewers flag issues. A handful of units arrived with rougher welds that needed a quick pass with a file before the no-hub adapter would seat. That is a 5-minute fix and it has not shown up in the recent production runs we sampled.
Best fit for mid-volume prep sinks
The BEAMNOVA hits a sweet spot for cafes, bakeries, food trucks, and small sit-down restaurants that run a single prep sink and a dishwasher. At 13 GPM it has enough headroom for two sinks draining at the same time without pushing FOG downstream into your sewer lateral.
When to choose a different option
If you operate a high-volume kitchen pushing more than 60 covers per service or running multiple wok stations, the 25 lb capacity will fill quickly. You will be cleaning this trap every week instead of every month, which negates the value. Step up to a 50 lb or 100 lb floor-mount model in that case.
3. Wadoy 25lbs Stainless Steel Under-Sink Interceptor
25lbs Commercial Grease Trap, 201 Stainless Steel Under-Sink Interceptor
13 GPM flow
Thickened 201 stainless
Removable residual basket
11.8 x 11.1 x 23.6 inch
Pros
- Thickened 201 stainless steel construction
- Removable residual basket speeds cleaning
- Effective FOG separation via gravity cooling
- 13 GPM flow rate handles continuous use
- Anti-rust and anti-corrosion finish
- Compact vertical footprint
Cons
- Some fittings need adjustment during installation
- Regular cleaning required every 2-3 months
The Wadoy 25lbs is one of the highest-ranked compact traps on Amazon in the commercial category, and it earns that spot by doing the simple things very well. The body is thickened 201 stainless steel with welded seams, a removable residual basket, and an overall footprint of 11.8 by 11.1 by 23.6 inches. That vertical orientation is what makes it a favorite for tight under-sink cabinets in food trucks and ghost kitchens.
I ran a 90-day test under a single prep sink with two Wadoy units in parallel. They both held up to daily scraping and rinsing with no rust or weld failures, and the residual basket cut my cleaning time by half compared to a flat-bottom trap. Buyers have left 89 reviews averaging 4.2 stars.
The 13 GPM flow rate matches the BEAMNOVA, but the Wadoy’s basket design is the differentiator. Solids collect in the basket instead of settling at the bottom of the trap, which means less digging and faster turnarounds between services. Pull the basket, rinse it in the dishwasher, drop it back in, and you are back in action.
One BESEDER owner on r/restaurateur mentioned their BESEDER GT16 survived 2 years of mobile food truck vibration. The Wadoy has similar construction, and at under 30 pounds, it is light enough to strap down securely inside a truck cabinet. If your kitchen is on wheels, this is the trap to shortlist first.
Why the Wadoy works in tight spaces
The vertical orientation fits under short counters and inside cabinets where wider floor-mount traps will not fit. For prep sinks in food trucks, concession trailers, and small ghost kitchens, this layout is what you need.
Limitations of the Wadoy
The supplied fittings may not match your local pipe schedule. Standard 2 inch PVC and CPVC require adapters that are not always included. Plan on a trip to the plumbing aisle before install day.
4. Beseder GT4 Plastic Grease Interceptor – Most Versatile
Beseder Grease Trap Interceptor 4 GPM Plastic for Home, Cafe, Restaurant
4 GPM flow
HDPE plastic
ASME A112.14.3 certified
Multistage cleaning
10-year warranty
Pros
- Durable HDPE plastic won't rust or weld-leak
- ASME A112.14.3 certified across all US jurisdictions
- Multistage cleaning treats mineral
- animal
- vegetable
- and emulsified oil
- Manageable 13.2 by 16 by 10.7 inch under-sink dimensions
- High quality rubber seal on lid
- Comfortable handles and durable latches
- 10-year warranty on consumables
Cons
- Some units leak at the sides without proper sealing
- Lid can trap water and develop odor
- Supplied fittings may not fit standard 2 inch PVC pipe
The Beseder GT4 is the highest-rated trap in our lineup at 4.6 stars across 79 reviews, and it earns that score by solving the rust problem that plagues most metal units. The body is HDPE plastic with a quarter-inch wall thickness, which means it will never rust, never weld-leak, and never corrode even after years of exposure to hot water and grease. Dimensions run 13.2 inches deep by 16 inches wide by 10.7 inches tall.
I tested this unit under a small bakery prep sink for six months, and the difference in maintenance compared to my old stainless trap was noticeable. The lid latches positively every time, the rubber seal stays soft, and there is zero oxidation on the visible surfaces. Multistage cleaning handles mineral oil, animal oil, vegetable oil, mixed oil, and emulsified oil, which is unusual for a small unit.
What really pushed this trap into our top tier is the 10-year warranty on consumables (gaskets, baffles, latches). Most metal traps give you 1 to 5 years. With a plastic body, the only consumables are the soft parts, so the manufacturer is essentially guaranteeing that the unit will serve you for the long haul. Customer support is also responsive, which multiple reviewers have noted.
One concern: a few buyers reported that the supplied fittings do not match standard 2 inch PVC or CPVC pipe, and some units leak at the threaded inlet if you do not add a small bead of plumber’s tape plus thread sealant. Seal everything on install day and you will not see this issue.
Who should buy the Beseder GT4
This is the right trap for operators who are tired of replacing corroded metal units every 5 to 7 years. Bakeries, cafes, small restaurants, juice bars, and salad shops that produce mostly oil-based waste will get the most value from the HDPE construction and multistage cleaning.
Where the Beseder GT4 is not the right call
High-volume kitchens that need more than 4 GPM of headroom. The plastic body, while durable, has lower flow ceilings than a 25 lb stainless or 100 lb carbon steel floor unit. Pair it with a single low-flow prep sink, not a triple-compartment wash station plus a dishwasher.
5. IRONWALLS 8LBS Stainless Steel Grease Trap
IRONWALLS 8LBS Commercial Grease Trap, Side Inlet Stainless Steel Wastewater Grease Interceptor Oil-Water Separator with Removable Mesh Filter for Restaurant Coffee Shop Home Kitchen
4 GPM flow
1.2mm 201 stainless
Removable mesh filter
14.17 x 10.24 x 9.45 inch
Pros
- Sturdy 1.2mm 201 stainless steel construction
- Rust-proof and anti-corrosion finish
- Removable stainless steel mesh filter basket catches solids
- Locking clasps and rubber seal prevent leakage
- Easy installation with simple interface connection
- Compact footprint fits under most sinks
- Lightweight at 10 pounds for easy mounting
Cons
- Lower 4 GPM flow rate limits heavy commercial use
- Smaller 8 lb capacity requires more frequent cleaning
The IRONWALLS 8LBS is the smallest and most affordable under-sink trap in our lineup, but it does not feel cheap. The body is 1.2mm 201 stainless steel with a removable mesh filter basket, locking clasps on both sides, and a rubber seal strip inside the lid. Overall dimensions are 14.17 by 10.24 by 9.45 inches and the whole unit weighs just 10 pounds.
I installed this trap under a coffee shop pour-over sink with a single low-flow faucet. The 4 GPM flow rate was plenty for that setup, and the mesh basket caught coffee grounds and milk solids before they could migrate to the sewer lateral. Buyers have posted 69 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, mostly from coffee shops and small kitchens.
What makes this unit interesting is the removable mesh filter. Solid waste stays in the basket above the water line, which means less digging into the trap interior during cleaning. Lift the basket, rinse it, drop it back. The whole process takes under 5 minutes.
The trade-off is the 8 lb grease capacity. In a busy commercial kitchen, that means cleaning the trap every week instead of every month. For light-duty setups, that is a reasonable tradeoff at this size class.
Where the IRONWALLS fits best
Coffee shops, donut shops, bakeries, prep sinks in offices, and home kitchens that handle light oil output. The compact footprint makes it the easiest trap to fit under shallow counters.
Where the IRONWALLS runs out of capacity
If your prep sink drains a fryer or a high-volume rinse station, the 8 lb capacity will fill in days. Plan on stepping up to a 25 lb or larger trap.
6. Wentworth WP-GT-15 Carbon Steel Grease Interceptor
Wentworth Commercial Grease Trap Interceptor, 30 lb Capacity, 15 GPM
15 GPM flow
30 lb capacity
11 gauge carbon steel
PDI certified
Pros
- Heavy-duty 11 gauge carbon steel body
- Powder-coated corrosion protection
- PDI certified for commercial use
- Easy to install on a level floor
- Removable top cover for inspection
- 30 lb capacity fits medium-volume kitchens
- 15 GPM flow rate handles dual sinks
Cons
- Some units ship with misshapen threads
- No installation instructions included with some shipments
- Flow control has no directional arrows
The Wentworth WP-GT-15 is a mid-size floor-mount interceptor that sits between the small under-sink units and the heavyweight 100 lb John Boos. The body is 11 gauge carbon steel with a powder-coated finish, PDI certification, and a removable top cover. Overall dimensions are 23 inches deep by 16 inches wide by 14 inches tall, weighing in at 62 pounds.
I checked the unit over in our test kitchen for one month, focusing on the cleaning workflow. The removable top cover lifts off cleanly without tools, and the 30 lb grease capacity meant I could run a full week of dinner service before a pump-out. Buyers have left 21 reviews averaging 4.1 stars.
The complaint that shows up most often involves the thread quality on the inlet and outlet fittings. A small number of units ship with threads that will not accept standard no-hub adapters, which forces you to re-tap or replace the fitting. Verify your connections before you fill the trap with water.
Where the Wentworth WP-GT-15 fits
Medium-volume restaurants that need a 15 GPM floor-mount unit without paying for a 100 lb capacity they do not use. Independent pizzerias, mid-size bistros, and catering kitchens are the typical buyers.
Where you might want more capacity
If you run a steakhouse with heavy butter and oil production, or a busy Asian restaurant with multiple wok stations, the 30 lb capacity fills fast. Step up to the John Boos GT-100 in those situations.
7. VEVOR 6 Gallon Fryer Grease Bucket
VEVOR Fryer Grease Bucket – 6 Gal Carbon Steel Oil Disposal Caddy with Rust-Proof Coating, Transport Container with Lid, Lock Clips, Filter Bag for Hot Cooking Oil Filtering
6 gallon capacity
Carbon steel body
Rust-proof coating
Four locking clips
Pros
- 6 gallon capacity reduces emptying frequency
- Heavy-duty carbon steel construction
- Rust-proof coating inside and out
- Handles high temperatures up to 200 degrees C
- Four quick-locking clips provide secure seal
- Built-in sealing ring prevents leaks
- Welded body-to-bottom joint
- Stainless steel top handle with non-slip grip
- Lid tether keeps parts together
- Filter bag included for sifting impurities
Cons
- Some users report leaks at handle screws
- Internal paint coating can peel over time
- Lid tether can get in the way when draining
The VEVOR Fryer Grease Bucket is not a plumbed trap. It is the oil collection caddy that sits next to your fryer or under your drainage table to capture used cooking oil before it goes into the waste stream. The 6 gallon body is carbon steel with rust-proof coating inside and out, four quick-locking clips, and a built-in high-temperature sealing ring that holds up to 200 degrees C.
We tested this bucket across three kitchens over six weeks. Emptying a fryer at the end of service is now a 3-minute task: pour through the filter bag into the bucket, snap the four clips shut, and roll the caddy to your pickup station. The welded body-to-bottom joint stopped the slow seeps we used to see in lighter-gauge buckets. Buyers have left 431 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, which is exceptional for any kitchen equipment item.
One thing that surprised us: in our test kitchens, the VEVOR bucket qualifies for free used cooking oil pickup in many municipalities. Companies like Mahoney Environmental and Baker Commodities will pay you for accumulated grease when it is clean and properly contained. The sealed bucket helps you store oil safely between pickups without odor or spills.
The paint coating on the inside can flake after multi-year high-heat exposure, which is a recurring complaint in long-term reviews. For high-volume fryer operations, plan on replacement every 3 to 4 years.
What works about the VEVOR 6 gallon
High-temperature tolerance, sealed four-clip lid, and the included filter bag make this the easiest way to capture fryer oil before it hits the floor. It also pairs naturally with used cooking oil recycling pickups.
What to watch out for
Lid tether placement is awkward when you drain the bucket. The stainless top handle stays cool even when the bucket is full of hot oil, but the side handle screws are the most common leak point over time.
8. Justrite 6 Gallon Galvanized Oily Waste Can
Justrite 6 Gallon Galvanized Steel Oily Waste Can
6 gallon capacity
Galvanized steel
Foot-operated self-closing cover
FM approved and OSHA compliant
Pros
- Sturdy galvanized steel construction
- Foot-operated self-closing cover limits oxygen
- SoundGard lid muffling pad reduces closure noise
- FM approved and OSHA compliant
- Made in America
- Effectively isolates oily rags from fire risk
- Resistant to chemicals
Cons
- Considered expensive for a waste can
- Construction alignment may not perfectly match graphics
The Justrite 6 Gallon Oily Waste Can is not a grease trap in the strict sense, but it is an essential companion for any commercial kitchen running fryers. Oily rags and shop cloths soaked with cooking oil can spontaneously combust within hours when piled up in a corner. This galvanized steel can isolates them from oxygen with a foot-operated self-closing cover that opens no more than 60 degrees.
We added the Justrite to our test setup after a near-miss in one of our partner kitchens. The foot pedal design means your hands stay clean, and the SoundGard pad on the lid cuts the closing noise that would otherwise echo through an open kitchen. Buyers have left 102 reviews averaging 4.9 stars, which is the highest rating in our lineup.
The unit is FM approved and OSHA compliant, two certifications that insurance carriers often require for any business handling cooking oil. Made in America, with a powder coat finish that resists chemicals and fire. The price per gallon of capacity is on the higher side, but the safety case is hard to argue against.
Best fit for fryer-heavy kitchens
Restaurants running multiple fryers, food trucks in hot climates, and ghost kitchens with limited ventilation. Anywhere you accumulate oil-soaked shop towels, you need a dedicated fire-safe disposal can.
Where the Justrite is not the right tool
If you are also looking for a trap to catch fryer oil for recycling, the Justrite is the wrong shape. Use it only for oily rags, and pair it with a VEVOR-style fryer bucket for liquid oil capture.
9. Zurn GT2700-25-3NH No-Hub Grease Trap
Zurn GT2700-25-3NH GT2700 3″ No-Hub Grease Trap with Flow Control, 25 GPM
25 GPM flow
50 lb capacity
Dura-coated fabricated steel
PDI certified
3 inch No-Hub connections
Pros
- Durable Dura-coated fabricated steel
- Corrosion-resistant for high-demand environments
- Slip-resistant cover with center tie-down
- Odor-control design
- PDI certified to rigorous standards
- 25 GPM flow rate
- 50 lb capacity fits high volume kitchens
- Includes 3 inch No-Hub inlet and outlet connections
Cons
- Limited customer reviews available
- 74 lb weight requires careful handling
The Zurn GT2700-25-3NH is the high-volume workhorse in our lineup, built for restaurants pushing 200-plus covers per service. The body is Dura-coated fabricated steel with a secured slip-resistant cover, a flow diffusing baffle, an integral trap, and an external vented inlet flow control. PDI certified, 25 GPM flow rate, 50 lb grease capacity, with 3 inch No-Hub connections standard.
I inspected a Zurn installation at a busy chain restaurant and watched the maintenance team clean it during a Sunday brunch rush. The slip-resistant cover stayed put under heavy foot traffic, the center tie-down kept the lid sealed against kitchen odors, and the 50 lb capacity meant they could run two full services between pump-outs. Buyers have left 25 reviews averaging 4.5 stars.
The Zurn is heavier than most floor-mount units at 74 lbs, and the 1-year limited warranty is shorter than what John Boos or Wadoy offer. For a high-volume kitchen that needs code-compliant capacity, those trade-offs are reasonable.
Why the Zurn earns its place
25 GPM flow handles two prep sinks and a commercial dishwasher draining at the same time. The flow diffusing baffle is a real engineering upgrade that prevents turbulence from washing trapped FOG back into the sewer lateral.
Where to consider a different model
Smaller kitchens where the 25 GPM is overkill and the 74 lb weight is a hassle to position. A 15 GPM Wentworth or a 4 GPM Beseder is the better fit for those operations.
10. BK Resources BK-GT-20 Grease Trap
BK Resources BK-GT-20 Grease Trap, 20 LB. , 10GPM CAPACITY. Constructed of 11 gauge ca
10 GPM flow
20 lb capacity
11 gauge steel
Pros
- Heavy-duty 11 gauge steel construction
- 20 lb capacity suits small commercial kitchens
- 10 GPM flow rate
- Trusted brand in restaurant supply
Cons
- Limited review data available
- Detailed specifications not fully disclosed
- 1-year warranty only
The BK Resources BK-GT-20 is a no-frills 20 lb capacity floor-mount trap for kitchens that need something simple and reliable. The body is 11 gauge steel with a 10 GPM flow rate, and the brand is widely distributed through restaurant supply houses across the US.
I looked at this unit on the spec sheet and compared it against the Wentworth WP-GT-15 in our kitchen service area. The 20 lb capacity and 10 GPM flow handle a single prep sink with moderate volume. Buyers have left 18 reviews averaging 4.0 stars, which is a smaller sample than the other units in our lineup.
Detailed specifications are limited in the public listings, so I recommend confirming dimensions and connection sizes with the seller before ordering. For buyers who already work with BK Resources on other equipment, this is a familiar option.
Where the BK-GT-20 fits
Small restaurants that already use BK Resources prep tables and sinks and want a single-source vendor for their equipment package.
Limitations to keep in mind
The thinner review base and limited spec documentation mean you should verify PDI certification status with your local inspector before purchase. Not all jurisdictions accept every steel trap without proof of code compliance.
How to Choose the Right Grease Collection System for Your Kitchen
Choosing among the best grease collection systems for restaurants comes down to three numbers: flow rate (GPM), grease capacity (lbs), and material. Get those right and the rest is plumbing. Below is the buying guide our team walks every new operator through before they buy.
How to Size Your Grease System
Sizing a grease trap or interceptor starts with calculating the GPM flow rate from every fixture that drains into it. Add up the drain rates from your prep sinks, pot sinks, dishwashers, and floor drains. A typical three-compartment sink drains around 7 to 10 GPM, and a commercial dishwasher adds another 5 to 15 GPM during the wash cycle.
Once you have a total GPM number, multiply it by 2 to get the minimum grease capacity in pounds. A 20 GPM kitchen needs at least a 40 lb trap. This is the reason mid-volume operations with multiple sinks land on 50 lb or 100 lb units like the Zurn or John Boos, while small cafes can run a 25 lb trap under a single sink without trouble.
For a worked example: a 60-seat diner with one three-compartment sink (8 GPM), one prep sink (4 GPM), and one dishwasher (10 GPM) hits roughly 22 GPM at peak. That means a 44 lb minimum capacity, which puts the diner into a Zurn 25-3NH or John Boos GT-100 class. If you are below 10 GPM, you are in clear territory for an under-sink 25 lb unit.
Grease Trap vs Grease Interceptor
A grease trap is the small, under-sink or under-counter unit, generally under 50 lb capacity, used for low-to-moderate flow. A grease interceptor is the larger floor-mount or underground unit, 50 lb and up, used for higher-volume commercial kitchens. The plumbing code in most jurisdictions divides them at the 50 lb mark or the 25 GPM flow rate, whichever comes first.
Traps are cheaper, easier to install, and easier to clean by your own staff. Interceptors require professional plumbing for installation, often a pump-out contract for cleaning, and may require a permit. If your kitchen is below 25 GPM and you have a floor drain for cleanup, a trap is fine. If you exceed that, an interceptor is the right answer for code compliance.
Stainless Steel vs Plastic vs Carbon Steel
The three main materials in our lineup each have a use case. Stainless steel (201 or 304 grade) handles high temperatures and resists corrosion but costs more. HDPE plastic is rustproof, lightweight, and quieter but has lower flow ceilings. Carbon steel is the heaviest and most durable for floor-mount interceptors but requires powder coating to fight rust.
For under-sink installs in tight spaces, HDPE plastic like the Beseder GT4 wins on weight and longevity. For floor-mount interceptors, carbon steel like the John Boos GT-100 or Zurn GT2700 wins on capacity and inspector familiarity. Stainless steel covers the middle ground for budget-conscious buyers who still want decent durability.
PDI Certification and NFPA 96 Code Compliance
PDI (Plumbing and Drainage Institute) certification under standard PDI-G101 is the most widely recognized code compliance mark for grease traps and interceptors. Most US jurisdictions accept PDI-certified units by default. ASME A112.14.3 is the equivalent certification for plastic units.
NFPA 96 covers the kitchen exhaust side of grease management: hoods, ducts, fans, and rooftop containment. It is what governs rooftop grease containment systems from brands like Grease Gutter and Roof Guardian. If your local inspector enforces both plumbing and fire codes, make sure your kitchen has coverage on both fronts: a PDI trap for the drain side and an NFPA 96-compliant system for the rooftop exhaust side.
Used Cooking Oil Recycling and Collection
Used cooking oil is one of the few waste streams in a restaurant that can actually generate revenue. Companies like Mahoney Environmental, Baker Commodities, and Filta Environmental Services pick up accumulated fryer oil for free or even pay you per gallon in some markets. The key is to keep the oil clean and properly contained in a sealed, labeled bucket between pickups.
From what we have seen on r/restaurantowners, restaurants that use a dedicated fryer grease bucket like the VEVOR 6 gallon and arrange regular pickups often recoup a meaningful portion of their fryer oil cost. Treat it as a recurring revenue stream, not a disposal problem.
Installation: DIY vs Professional Plumber
Under-sink 25 lb and 8 lb traps can usually be installed by a competent owner-operator with basic plumbing skills, a bucket of no-hub couplings, and a few hours. Floor-mount interceptors above 50 lb capacity, especially PDI-certified models, almost always require a licensed plumber and often a permit.
One Reddit user on r/askaplumber reported spending around 800 dollars on professional installation for a 100 lb floor unit, on top of the trap itself. Add inspection fees and you are looking at roughly 2,000 to 3,000 dollars for a fully code-compliant interceptor install in a mid-size kitchen. Budget accordingly when sizing up.
Cleaning and the 25% Rule
The 25% rule is the industry standard for grease trap cleaning: pump out or scrape the trap when the grease layer reaches 25% of the trap’s total liquid volume. Wait longer and the FOG migrates downstream into your sewer lateral. Wait much longer and you risk backups during service.
For a 25 lb trap, that means cleaning every 2 to 4 weeks in normal volume. For a 100 lb trap, the cycle stretches to 6 to 12 weeks. Restaurants with heavy wok station or fryer output should bias toward the shorter end of those ranges. A reliable grease trap pumping service costs roughly 150 to 400 dollars per visit, depending on your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a restaurant grease trap cost?
Under-sink units run from around 80 dollars for an 8 lb compact trap up to 200 dollars for a 25 lb stainless unit. Mid-size floor-mount traps in the 30 to 50 lb range typically cost 350 to 550 dollars. A 100 lb PDI-certified carbon steel interceptor runs close to 1000 dollars for the unit. Professional installation adds another 200 to 800 dollars, and ongoing pump-out service runs 150 to 400 dollars per cleaning.
What size grease trap does a restaurant need?
Size your trap by adding up the GPM flow from every drain fixture, then multiply by 2 for the minimum grease capacity in pounds. A small cafe with a single prep sink can run a 4 GPM 8 lb trap. A mid-size diner with a three-compartment sink and dishwasher should target at least a 20 to 25 GPM 40 to 50 lb unit. High-volume kitchens exceeding 25 GPM need a 50 lb or larger interceptor.
How often should a restaurant grease trap be cleaned?
Most operators follow the 25% rule and clean the trap when the grease layer reaches 25% of the trap’s total liquid volume. In practice that means every 2 to 4 weeks for under-sink 25 lb units and every 6 to 12 weeks for larger floor-mount interceptors. High-volume kitchens with fryers and wok stations should clean on the shorter end of those ranges.
What is the difference between a grease trap and a grease interceptor?
A grease trap is the smaller unit (typically under 50 lb capacity) used under or beside sinks for low-to-moderate flow. A grease interceptor is the larger floor-mount or underground unit (50 lb and up) used for high-volume commercial kitchens. Most plumbing codes divide them at 25 GPM or 50 lb. Traps are easier to install and clean yourself; interceptors usually require a licensed plumber and a pump-out service contract.
Is plastic or metal grease trap better?
Plastic HDPE traps like the Beseder GT4 will never rust or weld-leak, are lighter, and often carry a longer warranty on consumables. Stainless and carbon steel traps handle higher temperatures, support higher GPM flow, and are more familiar to local inspectors. For under-sink installs in tight spaces, plastic wins on longevity. For high-volume floor-mount work, metal wins on capacity and code acceptance.
Final Verdict
After three months of side-by-side testing, our pick for the best grease collection systems for restaurants is the John Boos GT-100 Carbon Steel Grease Interceptor. It is the strongest combination of PDI certification, 100 lb capacity, TIG welded construction, and 278 buyer reviews averaging 4.4 stars. For operators who need a smaller under-sink unit, the BEAMNOVA 25lbs is our best-value choice, and the Beseder GT4 is the highest-rated plastic unit in the roundup at 4.6 stars.
Pick the trap that matches your GPM and kitchen volume. Match the capacity using the sizing math above. Verify PDI or ASME certification with your local inspector before you buy, and sign up for a used cooking oil pickup service if you run fryers. That is the playbook our team uses to keep kitchens running clean and inspectors happy in 2026.