Types of Grease Traps Melbourne | Which One Suits Your Kitchen

Not every kitchen needs the same grease trap. Pick the wrong one and you’re either paying for something oversized, or copping blockages every few weeks. Here’s a plain-English rundown of the main types and which businesses they suit.

The Problem

A lot of business owners just get whatever grease trap the builder installed and never question if it’s actually right for their kitchen. Wrong size or wrong type usually means:

• Constant blockages even with regular pump outs
• Paying for a bigger system than you actually need
• Grease trap can’t keep up with a busy kitchen at peak times
• Failing council requirements because the unit’s undersized for your food business

Getting the right type sorted from the start saves you money and headaches down the track.

Passive Grease Traps (Gravity Traps)

The most common type, especially for smaller setups.

• Sits under the sink or just outside the kitchen
• Uses gravity to separate fat, oil and grease from wastewater — no power needed
• Cheaper to install and simple to maintain
• Needs regular manual pump outs

Best for: Cafes, small takeaway shops, low-volume kitchens that don’t run heavy fryers all day.

Automatic Grease Recovery Units (GRUs)

A step up — mechanical unit that separates and removes grease automatically, usually on a timer.

• Removes grease continuously, doesn’t rely on manual pump outs as often
• Takes up less space than a big underground pit
• Good where floor space is tight
• Higher upfront cost, needs power and more servicing know-how

Best for: Busy restaurants, commercial kitchens with high oil and grease output, kitchens with limited outdoor space for an in-ground trap.

In-Ground Concrete Grease Traps

The big option — built underground, outside the building.

• Handles large volumes of wastewater, suited to high-output kitchens
• Needs professional pump out access (truck access required)
• More expensive to install but built for the long haul
• Standard for hotels, function centres, large restaurants

Best for: Hotels, function centres, large-scale commercial kitchens, food courts.

Which One Do You Actually Need?

Depends on three things: how much oil and grease your kitchen puts through, how much space you’ve got, and council requirements for your business size. A small cafe running a passive trap is usually fine. A busy restaurant frying non-stop probably needs a GRU or a bigger in-ground system. Best way to know for sure — get a plumber to look at your kitchen setup and wastewater output.

Not Sure Which Grease Trap Is Right for You?

Housecare Plumbing installs, services and maintains all types of grease traps for restaurants, cafes and hotels across Melbourne. We’ll look at your kitchen and tell you straight what actually suits your setup.

✔ Grease trap installation and upgrades

✔ Pump outs for all trap types

✔ System inspection and sizing advice

✔ Regular maintenance contracts

Housecare Plumbing Services Pty Ltd
Fully Licensed & Insured

 Melbourne
Phone: 0466 820 789
Website: housecareplumbing.com.au
Facebook: Housecare Plumbing