Which Grease Trap Do You Need?
Answer 5 quick questions about your kitchen and we'll recommend the right grease trap type — whether that's a compact under-sink unit, a passive hydromechanical trap, an in-ground interceptor, or an automatic removal device.
Not every kitchen needs the same grease trap. A coffee shop with a single prep sink has completely different requirements than a 500-seat hotel banquet kitchen. Choosing the wrong type means either overspending on equipment you don't need or — worse — installing a unit that can't handle your FOG load and lands you in regulatory trouble.
This quiz factors in your kitchen type, meal volume, fixture count, available space, and budget to point you toward the right category. Once you know the type, use our sizing calculator to dial in the exact GPM and capacity you need.
Grease Trap Type Finder Quiz
Answer each question, then click Next. Your recommendation appears after step 5.
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How the Type Finder Works
Answer 5 quick questions about your kitchen and get a precise grease trap recommendation in under 60 seconds.
Answer 5 Questions
Tell us about your kitchen type, meal volume, fixtures, space, and budget. Takes about 60 seconds.
Get Your Match
Our recommendation engine weighs all five factors to identify the grease trap category that fits your operation.
Size It & Install It
Use the sizing calculator to get exact GPM specs, then find a licensed installer in your area through our directory.
Understanding the Four Main Grease Trap Types
The quiz recommends one of these four categories based on your kitchen’s size, volume, and budget.
Under-Sink Point-of-Use
Compact units that mount directly under a single fixture. Rated under 50 GPM with capacities from 8 to 40 lbs of grease. Ideal for low-volume kitchens like cafes, delis, and food trucks where space is tight and FOG production is modest.
$200 – $800Passive Hydromechanical (Indoor)
Floor-mounted units that handle 20–100 GPM. They use baffles and retention time to separate FOG from wastewater. The workhorse choice for mid-volume restaurants with indoor floor space and moderate budgets.
$800 – $3,000In-Ground Gravity Interceptor
Large-capacity concrete or fiberglass vaults buried outside. Rated at 50+ GPM and holding 500 to 2,000+ gallons. Required by many municipalities for high-volume operations like hotels, QSRs, and institutional kitchens.
$3,000 – $15,000Automatic Grease Removal Unit (AGRU)
Mechanized systems that skim and reheat grease on a timer, storing it in a separate container. Available in all sizes. Best for kitchens with tight space constraints and high FOG output, or operations that want minimal manual maintenance.
$4,000 – $20,000Frequently Asked Questions
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different equipment. A grease trap (hydromechanical grease interceptor, or HGI) is a smaller, indoor device rated by GPM flow rate — typically under 100 GPM. A grease interceptor (gravity grease interceptor, or GGI) is a large in-ground vault rated by liquid capacity, usually 500 gallons or more. Your local plumbing code determines which one you need based on your kitchen's total fixture drainage load.
Small under-sink units can sometimes be owner-installed, but most jurisdictions require a licensed plumber for any grease trap installation. In-ground interceptors always require professional installation, excavation, and a plumbing permit. Even if your local code allows self-installation of a small unit, you'll still need it inspected and approved by your local authority before putting it into service. Incorrect installation can void the manufacturer's warranty and put you out of compliance from day one.
Grease trap sizing is based on the flow rate (GPM) of all fixtures draining into the unit. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) each have specific formulas that factor in fixture drainage rates, retention time, and sometimes menu type. Our sizing calculator walks you through the math step by step. Your local code authority has the final say, so always confirm the calculated size with your plumbing inspector before purchasing.
AGRUs cost significantly more upfront ($4,000–$20,000 vs. $800–$3,000 for a passive unit), but they reduce pump-out frequency by 50–75% and require less manual cleaning. For high-volume kitchens spending $500+ per month on pump-outs, an AGRU can pay for itself in 2–3 years. They're also a strong choice when indoor space is limited because they handle more FOG in a smaller footprint. For low-volume operations, the payback period is usually too long to justify the investment.
Local FOG ordinances always override general recommendations. Many cities mandate in-ground gravity interceptors for any new construction or kitchen producing above a certain GPM threshold. Some jurisdictions have approved-equipment lists that limit your options to specific manufacturers or models. Before purchasing, contact your local sewer authority or plumbing inspector to confirm what's allowed. This quiz gives you a strong starting point, but the final word always comes from your local code authority.
Ready to Find a Verified Contractor?
Use our directory to find licensed, insured grease trap cleaning contractors in your area. Every listing includes service categories, coverage area, and contact details — so you can get a real quote, not just an estimate.