In commercial kitchen ventilation, certifications aren’t optional—they’re essential. Dealers, installers, and foodservice operators rely on third-party testing to ensure their equipment is safe, compliant, and approved for use in commercial kitchens.
Two certifications appear most often in this industry: UL Certification and ETL Certification. Both are widely recognized by inspectors and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), but many buyers still ask: What’s the difference? This guide breaks it down in simple terms and explains how both certifications support the quality, safety, and reliability NAKS, Inc. has been known for since 1987.
What is UL Certification?
UL Solutions (formerly Underwriters Laboratories) is one of the most recognized safety testing organizations in the world. UL is an OSHA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), meaning its test data and safety evaluations meet strict national criteria.
A product that carries the UL Listed or UL Certified mark has been tested to meet specific safety and performance standards. For commercial kitchen ventilation products, these standards focus on:
- Electrical safety
- Fire resistance
- Construction quality
- Mechanical strength
- Temperature performance
- Material durability
For example, exhaust hoods are often tested under UL 710, the standard for commercial kitchen ventilation hoods. Equipment that passes UL standards gives contractors peace of mind during inspections and helps operators avoid costly delays.
Why UL Certification Matters in Commercial Kitchen Ventilation
UL Certification provides three major advantages:
1. Smooth Code Compliance
Every commercial kitchen project requires approval from inspectors, fire marshals, and building departments. UL Certification speeds that process because inspectors trust UL-approved equipment and understand the testing behind it.
2. Improved Fire Safety
Commercial kitchens are high-risk environments. UL tests are designed to reduce the dangers associated with grease-laden vapors, high temperatures, and heavy-duty operation. Using UL-Certified equipment helps reduce fire hazards and keeps cooking lines operational and safe.
3. Greater Credibility with Clients
UL is a globally trusted name. For contractors and dealers, specifying UL-Certified equipment makes it easier to win bids, justify recommendations, and demonstrate commitment to equipment safety and reliability.
ETL Certification: A Trusted Alternative to UL
ETL Certification comes from Intertek, another globally recognized NRTL. Like UL, Intertek tests equipment for safety, durability, and compliance with national standards.
The key point:
UL and ETL test to the same standards. The difference is simply the organization performing the testing.
For example:
- A hood tested by UL may display the UL Listed mark.
- A hood tested by Intertek may display the ETL Listed mark.
Both marks are accepted by inspectors across the United States and Canada, and both indicate that the equipment meets necessary safety requirements.
Some regions or inspectors may have a preference, but both certifications are valid and widely recognized throughout the commercial kitchen industry.
Why NAKS Uses Both UL and ETL Certifications
As a full-line manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation systems, NAKS, Inc. works with both UL and Intertek to ensure its equipment complies with all relevant industry standards, including:
- UL 710 for commercial kitchen hoods
- NFPA 96 fire safety requirements
- NSF sanitation standards
- All NAKS exhaust hood systems are:
- ETL Listed
- Built to UL 710 standards
- Constructed in the USA from heavy-gauge steel
- Guaranteed to pass state and local code inspections
Using both certifications allows NAKS to support regional requirements and provide greater flexibility to dealers and installers who need reliable, code-compliant systems—fast.
About NAKS, Inc.: Your Partner in Certified Ventilation Solutions
UL and ETL certifications are both essential indicators of safety and compliance in commercial kitchen ventilation equipment. Whether your project calls for UL, ETL, or both, NAKS, Inc. ensures every product meets the highest standards so dealers, installers, and operators can move forward with confidence.
For certified, code-compliant equipment—built in the USA and delivered faster than anyone in the industry—contact NAKS today at 1-855-853-6367 or get a personalized quote.
