8 Best Degreasers for Commercial Kitchens 2025

Food-safe doesn’t mean weak, and the Apter Industries Grease Zone shatters that myth with a highly concentrated formula that tackles fat, protein residue, and baked-on grease without compromising safety. What sets it apart is its dual-role functionality—it’s engineered to handle fryer boil-outs and act as an all-purpose cleaner across food prep zones, making it a lifesaver during rush-hour cleanups. For operators needing a non-toxic, NSF-compliant solution that won’t risk contaminating food contact surfaces, this degreaser delivers peace of mind alongside serious cleaning power.

In real-world testing, the concentrate diluted efficiently—just a small amount in warm water created a potent solution that cut through grease-laden hood filters and sticky prep tables with minimal scrubbing. It performed exceptionally well on stainless steel and ceramic tiles but required a longer dwell time on carbonized fryer baskets. While it rinses cleanly and leaves no film, users should be mindful of ventilation as the citrus-based scent, though not overpowering, lingers slightly. It struggles a bit on motorized equipment grime, where stronger alkaline formulas tend to dominate.

When stacked against the Dawn Professional or Zep Citrus, Grease Zone trades raw grease-cutting speed for safety and versatility, making it ideal for cafes, delis, and fast-casual kitchens prioritizing food-safe sanitation. It’s not the fastest on carbon-heavy buildup, but its multi-surface compatibility—including bathrooms—gives it an edge in streamlined operations. For kitchens already using separate cleaners for different zones, switching to Grease Zone could reduce chemical inventory while maintaining compliance.

Don’t let the compact size fool you—Spray Nine packs a triple-threat punch of degreasing, cleaning, and disinfecting power that makes it a workhorse across commercial environments. With professional-strength surfactants and rapid sanitization claims—bacteria killed in 45 seconds, viruses in 30—it’s a go-to for kitchens needing quick turnover between shifts. Its standout feature? Unmatched versatility, effortlessly shifting from stainless steel backsplashes to grease-caked tools, making it a must-have in multi-area operations where cross-contamination and time are critical concerns.

Field testing revealed that Spray Nine cuts through light to medium kitchen grease with ease, especially when given a minute to dwell. It excels on non-porous surfaces like tile, metal, and plastic, lifting grime without residue. However, on heavy grease buildup near exhaust hoods or in fryer areas, it requires multiple applications and scrubbing, unlike concentrated alkaline alternatives. The 10-second sanitization claim holds true on clean surfaces, but soil load reduces efficacy, meaning it’s best used after degreasing, not during. It’s not NSF-certified for food contact surfaces, so post-clean rinsing is mandatory in prep zones.

Compared to Dawn Professional or Diversey Break-Up, Spray Nine isn’t the strongest degreaser, but its disinfectant edge and low price point make it ideal for small kitchens, food trucks, or auxiliary cleaning tasks. It’s a jack-of-all-trades—not the deepest cleaner for grease pits, but unmatched for daily wipe-downs, bathrooms, and equipment maintenance. For operations needing a budget-friendly, multi-role cleaner that bridges kitchen and mechanical areas, Spray Nine offers unrivaled value per ounce.

When grease fights back, Dawn Professional fights harder—this degreaser lives up to its “3x kitchen grease cleaning power” claim with a professional-strength alkaline formula that liquefies oil on contact. Designed specifically for commercial fryers, range hoods, and stainless steel, it delivers fast-acting penetration that reduces scrubbing time, a game-changer during end-of-day cleanups. Its proven performance in high-volume kitchens makes it a favorite among line cooks and sanitation managers who need reliability without reapplication.

In real-world use, Dawn Professional dissolves thick grease layers within minutes, especially when applied warm. It effortlessly cleaned grease-choked exhaust filters and carbon-streaked stovetops with a single pass, outperforming diluted consumer-grade sprays. The formula is safe on most kitchen metals and rinses cleanly, but caution is needed near aluminum components or painted trims, where prolonged exposure may cause dulling. While it’s not a disinfectant, its targeted grease-fighting chemistry ensures surfaces are truly clean before sanitizing—a crucial step many all-in-ones skip.

Stacked against Apter Grease Zone or Diversey Break-Up, Dawn Professional is faster on fresh and baked-on grease, though it lacks food-safe certification for direct food contact. It’s the gold standard for grease removal, making it ideal for high-turnover restaurants, diners, and catering kitchens. Compared to Zep’s citrus-based formulas, Dawn delivers more consistent performance on protein-based soils and oily residues, offering superior cleaning efficiency for kitchens that run hot and fast.

NSF certification meets brute-force cleaning in the Diversey SUMA Break-Up, a super-concentrated degreaser built for kitchens under health inspection pressure. Its alkaline-based formula penetrates, lifts, and dissolves fats, oils, and protein soils with minimal scrubbing, making it a top pick for butcher shops, supermarkets, and full-service restaurants with complex cleaning demands. The fact that it’s Kosher and EcoLogo certified adds environmental and compliance value, appealing to eco-conscious operators without sacrificing power.

Testing showed that even a 1:64 dilution cut through dried grease on floors and walls with ease, producing long-lasting suds that cling to vertical surfaces—a major advantage for hood cleaning. It performed exceptionally on stainless steel, tile, and concrete, rinsing cleanly without residue. However, on highly polymerized grease near ovens, it required a longer dwell time than Dawn Professional. While it’s safe for food contact surfaces after rinsing, it’s not recommended for aluminum or painted finishes, limiting its use on certain equipment.

Compared to Apter Industries or Procare, SUMA Break-Up strikes a balance between regulatory compliance and industrial strength, making it ideal for inspectors, safety managers, and large food service operations. It’s not the fastest degreaser, but its NSF certification and eco-credentials give it a clear edge over non-certified competitors. For kitchens needing a trustworthy, inspector-approved cleaner that handles daily and deep cleaning, it outperforms in long-term reliability and compliance assurance.

When you need a quick, no-fuss blast against grease, the Easy-Off Heavy Duty Degreaser steps up with immediate penetration and visible results. Its aerosol spray delivers thick foam that clings to vertical surfaces like backsplashes and oven doors, breaking down overnight grease buildup in under 10 minutes—a real time-saver during closing routines. While not formulated for fryers or floor cleaning, it excels at spot-treating stubborn kitchen hotspots where grime accumulates fastest.

In practical use, the spray worked well on stovetops, microwave interiors, and greasy cabinet fronts, lifting residue with light wiping. However, on carbonized or layered grease, it required multiple applications and elbow grease, unlike concentrated liquid degreasers. The non-porous surface restriction means it can’t be used on wood or unsealed stone, and the warning against aluminum use limits its range. It lacks disinfecting properties and leaves a slight residue if not rinsed, making it better for maintenance than deep sanitization.

Compared to Spray Nine or Zep Orange Plus, Easy-Off is less versatile but faster for targeted jobs. It’s not a full-kitchen solution, but for small kitchens, home-based caterers, or quick touch-ups, it offers affordable, accessible grease removal without dilution or mixing. While Dawn or Diversey dominate in commercial depth, Easy-Off wins on immediate usability and low entry cost, making it a smart secondary cleaner for light-duty tasks.

Citrus power meets industrial demand in the Zep Heavy-Duty Citrus Degreaser, a restaurant-grade concentrate that leverages d-limonene from orange peel to dissolve oil, grease, and adhesives with remarkable efficiency. Its natural solvent base cuts through sticky residues and baked-on grime without harsh fumes, making it a favorite in kitchens prioritizing worker safety and environmental impact. The 4-gallon case size signals its role as a high-volume workhorse, ideal for chains or facilities with daily deep-cleaning protocols.

Field testing confirmed its superior performance on adhesive labels, exhaust grease, and appliance gunk, especially when allowed a 5–10 minute dwell time. It worked flawlessly on stainless steel, aluminum, and enamel, a rare win for citrus-based formulas that often corrode metal. The low-odor profile improved staff compliance during prolonged use, though ventilation is still recommended. However, it’s less effective on protein-based soils compared to alkaline degreasers like Dawn, requiring a follow-up clean in food prep zones.

Against Dawn Professional or Procare, Zep Citrus trades some raw grease-cutting speed for material safety and eco-friendliness. It’s not the best for fryer boil-outs, but its compatibility with aluminum and sensitive surfaces makes it indispensable for appliance maintenance and hood cleaning. For large operations needing a sustainable, high-capacity degreaser that won’t damage equipment, Zep offers long-term value and operational safety over sheer aggression.

This isn’t just a kitchen cleaner—it’s a industrial beast with cationic technology that delivers extreme degreasing action on the toughest oil and grime. Engineered for mechanics, engine bays, and commercial kitchen exhaust systems, Procare’s formula doesn’t just clean—it obliterates buildup on concrete floors, metal ducts, and parking garage stains. Its waterborne concentrate is highly potent, requiring only small dilutions, making it a top-tier choice for facilities with mixed cleaning needs**.

In real use, it dissolved decades of grease in exhaust fans with minimal agitation, outperforming most kitchen-specific degreasers. It worked well on masonry, stainless steel, and tools, rinsing cleanly with pressure washing. However, its industrial strength means it’s overkill for light-duty surfaces like countertops or food prep zones, and not NSF-certified, so it’s unsuitable for direct food contact areas. The low odor is a plus, but users must wear gloves—this is not a gentle formula.

Compared to Zep Citrus or Apter Grease Zone, Procare is in a different league of intensity, better suited for monthly deep cleans or mechanical maintenance than daily use. It’s not a food-safe option, but for kitchens with heavy exhaust systems or shared utility spaces, it’s unmatched in penetration and durability. When Dawn handles daily grease, Procare steps in for the jobs that require brute force.

Nature meets performance in the Zep Home Pro Orange Plus, a d-limonene-powered degreaser that leverages orange peel extract to dissolve grease without synthetic harshness. Its family-friendly formula is a standout for small kitchens, catering vans, or eco-conscious operators who want professional cleaning without toxic residues. The refreshing citrus scent masks kitchen odors while cutting through light to medium oil buildup on cabinets, stovetops, and fixtures—making cleanup feel less like a chore.

Testing showed it works well on fresh grease and adhesive films, especially when sprayed and wiped within minutes. However, on baked-on or layered grime, it required longer dwell times and repeated efforts, falling short of concentrated alkaline degreasers. It’s safe on most surfaces, including aluminum, but not recommended for unsealed stone. While it’s not NSF-certified, its natural base reduces health risks during frequent use, appealing to organic or green-certified kitchens.

Against Spray Nine or Easy-Off, Zep Orange Plus is gentler but less aggressive, making it better for routine maintenance than deep cleaning. It’s not the choice for fryer pits or hood filters, but as a daily wipe-down solution for visible surfaces, it balances safety, scent, and effectiveness. For kitchens already using heavy-duty degreasers weekly, this serves as a perfect daily companion—natural, pleasant, and efficient for light-duty tasks.