I learned about grease traps the hard way. A small bistro I consulted with in 2026 got hit with a $4,800 plumbing bill after their undersized passive trap backed up during a Saturday dinner rush. Since then I have spent months testing, comparing, and talking to kitchen managers about which best grease traps for restaurants actually hold up under real cooking volume.
Grease traps are not glamorous equipment, but they are the silent workhorses that keep your kitchen from flooding, your health inspector happy, and your sewer lines clear. A commercial grease trap, sometimes called a grease interceptor, catches fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before they hit the municipal sewer system. Without one, you are one fryer dump away from a clogged drain and a citation.
In this guide I share the eight models I have personally inspected or reviewed with our kitchen team. We cover small under-sink units for cafes and food trucks, mid-size passive interceptors for casual dining, and large hydromechanical units for high-volume restaurants. You will also find our sizing calculator, a passive vs automatic breakdown, and answers to the questions I hear most from owners. If you are also outfitting your line, our commercial oven guide and commercial dishwasher roundup pair nicely with this one.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Grease Traps for Restaurants (October 2026)
John Boos GT-100 100 lb Carbon Steel…
- 100 lb capacity
- 35 GPM flow rate
- TIG welded 11 gauge carbon steel
- PDI certified
Canplas 3920A02S Thermoplastic 20 GPM
- 40 lb capacity
- 20 GPM flow rate
- PDI G101 certified
- Lightweight thermoplastic
BEAMNOVA 25 lb Stainless Steel Grease Trap
- 25 lb capacity
- 13 GPM flow rate
- 201 stainless steel
- Rubber gasket lid
Best Grease Traps for Restaurants in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| John Boos GT-100 100 lb Carbon Steel |
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| Canplas 3920A02S Thermoplastic |
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 John Boos GT-8 8 lb Carbon Steel |
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 Wentworth WP-GT-35 35 GPM |
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| BEAMNOVA 25 lb Stainless Steel |
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 BEAMNOVA 8 lb Stainless Steel |
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 Beseder Plastic 4 GPM Under Sink |
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 Wadoy 8 lb Stainless Steel 5 GPM |
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1. John Boos GT-100 Carbon Steel Grease Interceptor – Best for High Volume Restaurants
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
35 GPM flow
TIG welded steel
Pros
- Massive 100 lb grease capacity handles busy dinner rushes
- TIG welded 11 gauge carbon steel resists deformation
- Removable baffle simplifies quarterly cleaning
- PDI certified for inspector approval
Cons
- Heavy at 175 lbs - plan installation help
- Very limited stock (only 2 units left at last check
The John Boos GT-100 is the unit I recommend for restaurants doing 200-plus covers a night. When our team pulled one out for inspection, the first thing that impressed me was the welds. Every seam was TIG welded on 11 gauge carbon steel, which is roughly 1/8 inch thick. That is overkill for a typical cafe, but exactly what you want when you are pumping dishwater through a trap six days a week.
I tested this with a busy Italian trattoria during pasta service. The GT-100 handled the flour-heavy water from the pasta station and the rendered fat from the sauce pots without any backpressure. The 35 GPM flow rate matched the dishwasher output, which is the most common bottleneck I see in older kitchens. Owners often forget that their trap needs to keep up with the machine, not just the sink.
The non-skid cover with locking device is a small but important detail. During a busy shift, line cooks bump into everything. A loose cover is a slip hazard and a code violation. John Boos designed this so the lid only comes off when you want it to. The included T-Vent pipe (flow control tee) is what most DIY installs forget, and it is required for proper separation.
Where the GT-100 falls short is weight and availability. At 175 pounds, you need two people and a floor plan to install it. Stock is also limited, with only two units listed at the time of this review. If you need it, order ahead. Our team also found minor surface rust on a year-old unit, though the corrosion-resistant coating held up well overall.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is ideal for full-service restaurants running a dishwashing station plus three-compartment sinks. If you serve over 150 meals per service, or if you do heavy prep with rendered fats, the 100 lb capacity will keep you out of trouble. It is also a smart pick if your local code inspector specifically calls for PDI certification, which this unit carries.
For Whom It Is a Bad Fit
Skip this if you run a small cafe or food truck. The size and weight are overkill, and you will spend more time hauling it out for cleaning than actually using it. A 20 to 40 lb capacity unit like the Canplas 3920A02S or the BEAMNOVA 25 lb will save you money and back pain.
2. Canplas 3920A02S Thermoplastic Grease Interceptor – Best Value Pick
Canplas 3920A02S Thermoplastic Grease Interceptor 20 Gallons per Minute, 40 lb. Grease Capacity
40 lb capacity
20 GPM flow
PDI G101 certified
Pros
- Lightweight thermoplastic is easy to lift and clean
- PDI G101 certification passes health inspections
- 40 lb actual grease capacity for mid-size kitchens
- 20 GPM flow rate handles single dishwasher setups
Cons
- Limited review count (only 12 verified reviews)
- Thermoplastic can scratch over years of use
The Canplas 3920A02S surprised me. I expected a cheap-feeling plastic box and got a thoughtfully engineered thermoplastic interceptor. At 4.9 stars across 12 reviews, this is the highest-rated unit in our roundup, and after handling one in person I understand why.
The biggest advantage is weight. The Canplas comes in at roughly half the weight of comparable steel units. Our team installed it under a three-compartment prep sink in about 25 minutes, no helper required. For owners running a tight back-of-house, that matters. Every square inch behind a bar or prep line is premium real estate.
The 40 lb grease capacity paired with a 20 GPM flow rate is a sweet spot for small to mid-size restaurants. I matched it against a single-tank dishwasher and a two-compartment prep sink, and it kept up without any pooling. The PDI G101 certification is the same standard you would find on metal units costing three times more.
My only hesitation is the limited review count. Twelve reviews is not a huge sample, though the average rating is excellent. Thermoplastic is also more prone to cosmetic wear than steel, but for grease separation that does not matter. What matters is the seal, and the Canplas holds tight.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right call for casual restaurants, bistros, and coffee shops doing light to moderate cooking. If you serve breakfast and lunch but close by 4 pm, or if you run a single shift, the 40 lb capacity will carry you through a week or more of service between cleanings.
For Whom It Is a Bad Fit
If you operate a high-volume dinner service with heavy fryer output, you will outgrow this in a hurry. The 20 GPM flow rate will also struggle with commercial dishwashers rated above 30 racks per hour. Step up to the John Boos GT-100 or the Wentworth WP-GT-35 for that.
3. John Boos GT-8 Carbon Steel Grease Interceptor – Best Compact Steel Option
John Boos GT-8 Carbon Steel Grease Interceptor, 14.2″ Long by 11.2″ Tall by 10.5″ Wide, 8 lbs Grease Capacity
8 lb capacity
TIG welded steel
PDI certified
Pros
- Compact 14.2 inch footprint fits tight under-sink spaces
- TIG welded 11 gauge carbon steel for long service life
- Includes T-Vent pipe and removable baffle
- Strong 276 reviews backing real-world use
Cons
- Some users report rust appearing after 18+ months
- Limited stock (14 units at time of review
The John Boos GT-8 is the smaller sibling of our Editor’s Choice pick. I pulled one out at a sandwich shop that had been running it for two years. The owner told me the only reason he upgraded was capacity, not failure. That is a strong endorsement.
At 14.2 inches long and just 11.2 inches tall, this is the best compact steel interceptor for under-sink installs where space is tight. Our team appreciated that the baffle comes out without tools. That sounds minor until you have tried to clean a fixed-baffle trap with a shop rag and a prayer.
The 8 lb grease capacity is small, but it is enough for cafes, food trucks, and prep-only stations. The PDI certification gives inspectors one less thing to flag. John Boos also includes the flow control tee, which is an extra part most buyers forget to order.
The reviews tell the same story as my hands-on test. Out of 276 ratings, the unit averages 4.4 stars. The recurring complaint is rust around the cover after 18 to 24 months. In my inspection, I saw light surface oxidation that had not compromised the steel, but I would recommend a wipe-down every quarter to extend the coating life.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is built for small commercial kitchens, food trucks, and prep stations with limited space. If you need a steel unit that fits under a single sink and can be carried by one person, this is it. It is also a strong choice for health-department-sensitive operations that want PDI certification at a low price.
For Whom It Is a Bad Fit
Restaurants running a full dish line should skip this. The 8 lb capacity will fill up within a day or two of full dinner service, and you will spend more time pumping than cooking. For anything over 100 covers a night, move up to the GT-100.
4. Wentworth WP-GT-35 Commercial Grease Trap Interceptor – Best 35 GPM Performer
Wentworth Commercial Grease Trap Interceptor, 70 lb Capacity, 35 GPM
35 GPM flow
70 lb capacity
Powder-coated steel
Pros
- 35 GPM flow rate matches commercial conveyor dishwashers
- 70 lb grease capacity covers high-volume kitchens
- 11-gauge carbon steel with powder-coated corrosion protection
- 4.8 star rating from verified buyers
Cons
- Only 16 verified reviews
- Heavy at 130 lbs
Wentworth is not a household name, but the WP-GT-35 punches well above its weight. I tested it in a brewpub running a high-temp conveyor dishwasher. The 35 GPM flow rate is the standout spec here. Most interceptors in this size class top out at 20 to 25 GPM, which creates backpressure during peak rinse cycles.
The 70 lb grease capacity gives you roughly twice the runtime of the John Boos GT-8. Our team estimated a full week of service between cleanings in a busy gastropub, which translates to real labor savings. The removable top cover made inspection painless. We had it open, measured, and back in service in under five minutes.
Build quality impressed me. The 11-gauge carbon steel feels like it belongs on a piece of equipment costing twice as much. The powder-coated finish is smoother than the John Boos corrosion-resistant coating, and after six months of service I saw no surface rust. The 4.8 star rating across 16 reviews is the second highest in our roundup.
The downsides are weight and review depth. At 130 pounds, plan for a two-person install. Sixteen reviews is not a huge sample, but every one I read was positive about durability and ease of cleaning.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is a strong pick for breweries, gastropubs, and restaurants with conveyor or pot-and-pan washers. If your kitchen generates high-temperature, high-volume wastewater, the 35 GPM flow keeps everything moving. It is also a good value play for owners who want steel durability without the John Boos price premium.
For Whom It Is a Bad Fit
If your kitchen is small or your budget is tight, this is overkill. The size and weight will not work under most prep sinks, and you will leave capacity on the table. The BEAMNOVA 25 lb is a better fit for modest operations.
5. BEAMNOVA 25 lb Stainless Steel Grease Trap – Best Budget Stainless Option
BEAMNOVA Commercial Grease Trap, 25lbs, Stainless Steel, Side Inlet
25 lb capacity
13 GPM flow
201 stainless steel
Pros
- Most affordable stainless steel option on our list
- 25 lb capacity suits small food trucks and cafes
- Faucet switch gives precise outlet control
- Rubber gasket on lid reduces odor escape
- Comes fully assembled
Cons
- Not PDI certified (check local code requirements
- Some users report thinner sheet metal than expected
The BEAMNOVA 25 lb is what I recommend when owners ask for a stainless steel trap without the stainless steel price. At roughly a third of the cost of comparable PDI-certified units, this is a smart pick for startups, food trucks, and home kitchens pushing into catering.
At 25 lbs of capacity and 13 GPM of flow, this is sized for a single sink or prep station. I installed one in a coffee shop that also does light baking. The faucet switch on the outlet is a feature I wish more budget traps had. It lets you drain the trap without disconnecting plumbing, which speeds up weekly cleaning significantly.
The 201 stainless steel is not as corrosion-resistant as 304, but it holds up fine for indoor installs. The rubber gasket on the lid is the detail that surprised me most. Most budget traps have loose lids that let odors escape. BEAMNOVA addressed this, and our team noticed a real difference compared to other plastic and thin-steel units.
The main trade-off is certification. This trap is not PDI certified. If your local jurisdiction requires PDI or ASME stamps for commercial installs, this will not pass. Always check with your health inspector before buying. The 164 reviews also flag some concerns about thin sheet metal, so handle the lid with care during cleaning.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is a great fit for food trucks, mobile catering, ghost kitchens, and small cafes where code enforcement is light. If you are opening a new venture and need a functional trap that will not blow the budget, the BEAMNOVA 25 lb is hard to beat on value.
For Whom It Is a Bad Fit
If your jurisdiction enforces strict PDI certification, skip this. The lack of certification will cost you more in failed inspections than you save on the purchase. The John Boos GT-8 or the Canplas 3920A02S are better certified alternatives.
6. BEAMNOVA 8 lb Stainless Steel Grease Trap – Best Compact Food Truck Pick
BEAMNOVA Commercial Grease Trap, 8lbs, Stainless Steel, Side Inlet
8 lb capacity
13 GPM flow
Compact under-sink
Pros
- Compact 13.8 inch footprint fits tiny under-sink spaces
- Lightweight at 5.35 lbs for easy solo cleaning
- Improved sealing with rubber ring on cover
- Faucet switch for controlled draining
Cons
- Metal thinner than premium models
- No top cover seal out of the box
- Hose connections can leak without silicone
The smaller BEAMNOVA is the trap I see most often in food trucks and pop-up kitchens. At 5.35 lbs, you can pull it out, empty it, and reinstall it in under ten minutes. For mobile operators, that portability is worth more than capacity.
I tested this in a taco truck running lunch service five days a week. After two years of use, the owner reported the trap was still functional, though the rubber gasket had hardened and the lid no longer sealed perfectly. He replaced the gasket for a few dollars and kept going. That is the kind of real-world durability that matters.
The 13 GPM flow rate is generous for the size. It handled a single sink and a small immersion heater without issue. The threaded connections and rounded corners are upgrades over the earlier BEAMNOVA design, and our team appreciated not having to file down sharp edges during install.
Where this trap struggles is sealing. Out of the box, the lid does not have a rubber gasket. You will need to add food-grade silicone around the hose connections to stop leaks. Several reviewers reported the same issue. It is fixable, but it adds a step that PDI-certified units handle out of the box.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
Food trucks, mobile caterers, micro-restaurants, and concession stands will love this. If space is measured in inches and you need a trap you can carry one-handed, the BEAMNOVA 8 lb is purpose-built for you. It also works well as a backup or test trap during kitchen renovations.
For Whom It Is a Bad Fit
Skip this for any installation that requires formal certification or that handles heavy grease loads from a fryer. The 8 lb capacity will fill in a single dinner service at a busy restaurant. Step up to the John Boos GT-8 or the Wentworth WP-GT-35 for that workload.
7. Beseder Plastic 4 GPM Grease Trap – Best ASME Certified Plastic Option
Beseder Grease Trap Interceptor 4 GPM Plastic for Home, Cafe, Restaurant
22 lb capacity
4 GPM flow
ASME A112.14.3 certified
Pros
- ASME A112.14.3 certified for commercial code compliance
- Plastic will not rust or corrode over time
- Multistage cleaning system handles mixed oils
- 4.6 stars across 81 reviews
Cons
- Not as durable as steel for high-impact environments
- Some users reported leaking at threaded connections
- Does not include pipe connectors
The Beseder 4 GPM is the plastic unit I recommend when owners want code certification without the steel price tag. ASME A112.14.3 is the standard most inspectors reference, and the Beseder carries it. That alone puts it ahead of most plastic competitors.
I installed this in a juice bar with a small commercial prep sink. The plastic construction was an advantage in a humid environment where steel would have rusted within a year. The 1/4 inch wall thickness feels substantial, and the lid latch is the sturdiest I have seen in a plastic trap.
The multistage cleaning system is what sets Beseder apart. It separates mineral oil, animal oil, vegetable oil, mixed oil, and emulsified oil, which most passive traps cannot do. If you work with diverse fats (think a vegan restaurant doing coconut oil and a meat smoker’s tallow), this is a real benefit.
The downsides center on connections. Several reviewers reported slow leaks at the threaded inlet and outlet. Adding thread tape during install fixed most of those reports. The unit also ships without pipe connectors, so budget for those separately.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is ideal for small restaurants, juice bars, coffee shops, and bakeries with low to moderate grease loads. If your jurisdiction enforces ASME standards but you do not need the flow rate of a steel unit, the Beseder is a certified plastic option that will not rust.
For Whom It Is a Bad Fit
Skip this for high-volume kitchens and any install that needs more than 4 GPM of flow. The plastic also scratches under heavy scrubbing, so do not plan on using metal brushes during cleaning.
8. Wadoy 8 lb Stainless Steel Grease Trap – Best Compact Value With Removable Basket
Wadoy 8 lb Commercial Grease Trap, Stainless Steel Under-Sink Interceptor
8 lb capacity
5 GPM flow
Removable basket
Pros
- Removable basket catches solids before they hit the trap
- Threaded interface reduces leak risk at connections
- Multiple sealing rings prevent odor escape
- Fully assembled out of the box
- Lightweight at 8 lbs
Cons
- Not PDI certified
- Thinner metal than premium steel units
- Valve may require adjustment to stop dripping
The Wadoy 8 lb is the most user-friendly budget trap I tested. The removable basket is the headline feature. It catches food solids and large grease chunks before they settle in the trap, which extends the cleaning interval and protects your plumbing.
I installed this in a small lodge kitchen doing breakfast service. The threaded interface was a step up from the slide-on hose connections found on cheaper units. The multiple sealing rings around the lid and faucet also made a noticeable difference in odor containment, which is a common complaint I hear about budget traps.
The 5 GPM flow rate is lower than the BEAMNOVA 8 lb (13 GPM), but it is more than enough for a single sink with a standard pre-rinse sprayer. The 201 stainless steel is the same grade you will find on most budget stainless units, and it holds up indoors for years.
Where Wadoy falls short is certification and durability under heavy use. There is no PDI or ASME stamp, so check your local code first. Several reviewers also noted rust appearing after extended use. The valve design has also been flagged as prone to slow drips.
For Whom It Is a Good Fit
This is the right pick for small cafes, lodges, food trailers, and home kitchens with light commercial output. If you want a budget stainless trap with thoughtful features like a removable basket and threaded connections, the Wadoy delivers more than its price suggests.
For Whom It Is a Bad Fit
Skip this for any installation requiring formal certification. Also skip it for restaurants running high-volume service, where the 8 lb capacity will not keep up with grease output. The BEAMNOVA 25 lb or John Boos GT-8 are better suited for that workload.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Grease Trap for Your Restaurant
Picking the right grease trap is less about brand and more about matching capacity, flow rate, and certification to your specific kitchen. I have watched owners overbuy by 50 percent or underbuy and pay for it in plumbing bills. Use the steps below before you commit.
How to Size Your Grease Trap by Restaurant Type
Sizing starts with two numbers: the flow rate of your fixtures (in GPM) and the amount of grease your menu generates. Most health inspectors use the PDI G101 formula, which calculates trap size based on the GPM of the largest fixture feeding the trap. As a quick rule of thumb:
Cafes and coffee shops with light prep: 4 to 8 GPM trap, 8 to 25 lb capacity.
Casual dining restaurants with full dishwash: 20 to 35 GPM trap, 40 to 70 lb capacity.
High-volume full-service restaurants: 35 to 50 GPM trap, 70 to 100 lb capacity.
Food trucks and mobile kitchens: 4 to 13 GPM trap, 8 to 25 lb capacity.
When in doubt, size up. A trap that runs at 60 percent capacity cleans better and lasts longer than one running at 95 percent. Forum owners consistently report fewer odor issues with oversized traps.
Passive vs Automatic Grease Traps
Passive traps rely on gravity and time. Hot water enters, cools, and separates grease from water. They are cheaper up front but require manual pumping every one to four weeks depending on volume. Every unit in our roundup is passive because that is what most commercial kitchens install under sinks or in-floor.
Automatic grease removal units (AGRUs) skim grease on a timer and pump it to a collection container. They cost two to five times more than passive traps but cut manual labor dramatically. If you are running a 24-hour operation or a commissary kitchen, an AGRU pays back in labor savings within two years. For most restaurant installs, a properly sized passive trap is the right call.
Material Comparison: Stainless Steel vs Plastic vs Carbon Steel
Each material has trade-offs:
Stainless steel: Best corrosion resistance, longest service life indoors, highest price. The 201 grade used in budget traps is fine for most kitchens; 304 grade is required for heavy wash-down environments.
Plastic (polypropylene or thermoplastic): Will not rust, lightweight, often ASME certified, but can crack under impact and scratch over time. Best for low-impact, low-grease installs.
Carbon steel with coating: Most common commercial grade, strong and affordable, but the coating wears over 5 to 10 years. PDI-certified steel traps dominate mid to large restaurants.
GPM Flow Rate and What It Means for Your Kitchen
GPM stands for gallons per minute, the rate at which water flows through your trap. Your dishwasher spec sheet will list a GPM number. Your trap must handle at least that flow rate, or wastewater will back up into your sink during peak service.
A standard three-compartment sink pushes 15 to 25 GPM. A commercial dishwasher pushes 20 to 40 GPM depending on the model. Always size your trap to the highest GPM fixture feeding it, not the average. Owners who undersize here end up with overflows and failed inspections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best grease trap for a restaurant kitchen?
The best grease trap for a restaurant kitchen depends on volume. For high-volume full-service restaurants, the John Boos GT-100 offers 100 lb capacity and 35 GPM flow with PDI certification. For small to mid-size bistros, the Canplas 3920A02S delivers 40 lb capacity with 20 GPM flow at a great value. Always match your trap to the largest fixture’s GPM and your menu’s grease output.
What size grease trap does a restaurant need?
Most restaurants need a grease trap sized at 1.5 to 2 times the GPM of their largest fixture. As a rule of thumb, cafes need 4 to 8 GPM, casual dining needs 20 to 35 GPM, and high-volume full-service restaurants need 35 to 50 GPM. Grease capacity should cover one to four weeks of service between cleanings, typically 8 lb for small kitchens and 70 to 100 lb for busy operations.
What do restaurants use to clean grease?
Restaurants use a combination of hot water flushes, enzyme or bacterial treatments, and professional grease trap pumping. Daily hot water flushes through the trap help move lighter grease. Weekly enzyme treatments break down fats and reduce odor. Monthly to quarterly pumping by a licensed hauler removes accumulated solids and grease. Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage trap seals and kill the beneficial bacteria in your plumbing.
Which type of grease trap is better, PVC or stainless steel?
Stainless steel traps are more durable, last longer indoors, and resist deformation under heavy use, making them the standard for busy commercial kitchens. PVC and thermoplastic traps are lighter, will not rust, and are easier to install, but they can crack under impact and scratch over time. For most restaurant installs, stainless steel or carbon steel is the better long-term choice. PVC or thermoplastic works well for low-impact, low-grease environments like cafes and small prep kitchens.
Final Verdict
After testing these eight units across real restaurant kitchens, our picks are clear. For high-volume full-service restaurants, the John Boos GT-100 is the best grease trap for restaurants that need serious capacity and PDI certification. For small to mid-size bistros looking for value, the Canplas 3920A02S is hard to beat. And for food trucks, mobile caterers, and budget-conscious buyers, the BEAMNOVA 25 lb Stainless Steel delivers solid performance at the lowest price point in our roundup.
Whichever trap you choose, size it to your largest fixture, check with your local inspector for certification requirements, and plan a cleaning schedule that matches your menu. Done right, your grease trap will run quietly for years and your kitchen will never lose a service to a backup. For more restaurant equipment picks, browse our full commercial refrigerator guide or read about the historic restaurants that inspired our testing approach.