Complete Grease Trap Sizing Guide for UAE Kitchens
Choosing the wrong grease trap size is one of the most expensive mistakes a restaurant owner can make. Too small means frequent overflows, municipality fines, and blocked drains. Too large means wasted money and space. This guide explains exactly how to size a grease trap for your UAE kitchen.
The Dubai Municipality Sizing Formula
Dubai Municipality uses a standard formula based on your kitchen’s wastewater flow rate:
Grease Trap Size (liters) = Flow Rate (L/min) × Retention Time (minutes)
The minimum retention time required by DM is 4-5 minutes. Here’s how it works in practice:
- A kitchen with 2 sinks producing 20 L/min needs: 20 × 5 = 100-liter trap minimum
- A kitchen with 4 sinks producing 40 L/min needs: 40 × 5 = 200-liter trap minimum
Which Grease Trap Size Do You Need?
| Model | Capacity | Best For | Kitchen Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AG1 | 30-40L | 1 sink | Small cafes, kiosks, juice bars |
| AG1.5 | 50-60L | 1-2 sinks | Small restaurants, bakeries |
| AG1 Twin | 40L dual | 2 sinks | Dual-sink setups, prep areas |
| AG2 | 80-100L | 2-3 sinks | Medium restaurants, cafeterias |
| AG3 | 150-200L | 3-4 sinks | Large restaurants, hotel kitchens |
| AG3K | 200L+ | 4+ sinks | High-volume commercial kitchens |
| AG4 | 300-400L | Multiple areas | Large hotels, food processing |
| AG5 | 500L+ | Industrial | Food factories, central kitchens |
| C-Type | 1000L+ | Underground | Malls, hotel complexes, food courts |
Factors That Affect Your Sizing Decision
1. Number of Meals Per Day
- Under 100 meals: AG1 or AG1.5
- 100-300 meals: AG2 or AG3
- 300-500 meals: AG3K or AG4
- 500+ meals: AG5 or C-Type
2. Type of Cooking
Deep frying produces 3-5x more FOG than grilling or steaming. Fast food and Asian restaurants typically need larger traps than Mediterranean or salad-focused establishments.
3. Number of Kitchen Fixtures
Count all sinks, dishwashers, and floor drains connected to the grease trap. Each fixture adds to the flow rate calculation.
4. Available Space
Under-sink traps (AG1-AG3) fit inside the kitchen. Larger units (AG4, AG5) need a dedicated utility area. C-Type traps require outdoor excavation.
Above-Ground vs Underground Installation
| Feature | Above-Ground (AG/B-Type) | Underground (C-Type) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation cost | AED 500-3,000 | AED 5,000-15,000+ |
| Cleaning access | Easy — open lid | Requires pump truck |
| Space impact | Takes kitchen space | No visible footprint |
| Best for | Individual restaurants | Malls, hotels, food courts |
| Material options | Stainless steel, PVC | Concrete, fiberglass |
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
- Undersizing to save money — leads to frequent cleaning costs that exceed the price difference
- Ignoring future expansion — if you plan to add kitchen equipment, size up now
- Not accounting for dishwashers — dishwashers add significant hot water flow that melts grease
- Choosing the wrong material — PVC is cheaper but stainless steel lasts 3-5x longer
Free Sizing Consultation
Not sure which size you need? GTC offers free sizing consultations for all UAE kitchens. Our technicians will assess your kitchen setup, calculate the flow rate, and recommend the right trap size and model.
We supply and install all grease trap types across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and all 7 emirates.
Call +971 58 570 7110 or contact us for a free assessment.
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