The Secret Life of Pies: Grease, Ovens, and Compliance
National Pie Week is Here, so Let’s Talk Pastry and Protection
National Pie Week is a celebration of pastry craftsmanship, comfort food, and busy commercial kitchens working at full tilt. From favourites such as steak and ale to apple crumble pie, to the more unusual pie fillings of chickpea tikka masala or chocolate avocado pie, ovens will be running non-stop – and that means extraction systems are under increased load.
With higher production volumes comes increased grease aerosolisation. That’s where compliance with the TR19® Grease Specification becomes critical.
Fun pie facts, while the pies are in the oven:
• The first pies date back to Ancient Egypt, but the crust wasn’t eaten, it was just a baking vessel.
• The word “pie” is believed to come from the magpie, a bird known for collecting assorted items, just like pie fillings.
• The UK eats millions of pies every year, with steak & kidney consistently ranking as a favourite.
All that delicious production means your kitchen extract is under pressure too. More baking = more grease in the ductwork.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) sets out the TR19® Grease Specification as the recognised industry standard for managing fire risk within commercial kitchen extract systems. It provides:
• Defined maximum grease thickness levels (measured in microns)
• Guidance on inspection frequency based on cooking volume
• Requirements for access panels and cleanability
• Post-clean verification and certification
Why does this matter during National Pie Week?
Solid fuel and high-fat cooking increase combustible deposits in ductwork. This higher level of grease accumulation significantly elevates fire load within extraction systems. Non-compliance may invalidate insurance and breach Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order obligations.
A pie-filled week means peak demand, but it should never mean peak risk.
If your kitchen is producing high volumes, now is the time to confirm your extract system is inspected and / or cleaned in accordance with TR19® Grease.
Why not use our free compliance checked to start your kitchen compliance journey today.
