Type II hoods must be constructed of what minimum gauge stainless steel?

Type II hoods are designed for specific cooking applications that produce heat, moisture, and grease-laden vapors, such as steam cooking and other high-humidity cooking processes. For these hoods, it is essential to use durable materials that can withstand the conditions they are subjected to, including exposure to moisture and heat.

The minimum gauge for the construction of Type II hoods in the context of standards set by various building and mechanical codes is 24 gauge stainless steel. This thickness provides an adequate level of strength and durability necessary to ensure the hood can effectively manage the contaminants produced during cooking while maintaining structural integrity over time.

In contrast, gauges such as 20, 18, or 22 would be thicker than necessary for this application and may not be specified for Type II hoods. Hence, the requirement is strictly set at 24 gauge to balance performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.