December can feel like a blur in the hospitality world. You're either fully booked with festive functions or slowing down for the holidays. But amid the chaos (or calm), this time of year presents a golden opportunity: reset your commercial kitchen for a safe, compliant, and cost-efficient 2026. While it might be tempting to coast into the new year, smart operators use December to get their house in order. From filter checks to documentation audits, this is your moment to catch up before January inspections roll in. Here's your practical, no-nonsense checklist to wrap up 2025 right.

 

 

Environmental Health Officers and insurers don’t just care about clean equipment; they want to see that it’s being maintained regularly. Are your RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements) up to date? Do you have cleaning certificates for filters and ductwork? Is your service log current? A 2023 survey by the Food Standards Agency revealed that nearly 30% of commercial kitchens had incomplete or inconsistent maintenance record, often resulting in lower hygiene ratings or even formal notices.

 

2. Deep clean ventilation and extraction units

Festive cooking means more grease, more heat, and more risk. Your extraction system takes the brunt of it, and clogged filters or ducting can quickly become a fire hazard.

> Inspect and clean baffle or mesh filters

> Book in your final grease trap service of the year

> Arrange for duct inspections if you haven’t done so in 6 months

 

The London Fire Brigade attends over 500 commercial kitchen fires annually, and grease build-up in extraction systems is one of the most common causes. 

 

Supply chain slowdowns over the holidays are common. Many filter and cleaning product suppliers reduce delivery slots in late December and early January. Now’s the time to:

- Reorder spare filters or have an exchange set ready

- Check you have enough degreasers and cleaning agents

- Store replacement parts safely and accessibly

 

While it may seem counterintuitive, January often sees a spike in unannounced EHO inspections for schools, care homes and public sector kitchens returning from the break.

 

Beat them to the punch:

- Ensure visible areas around vents are spotless

- Test airflow (a clogged system reduces efficiency and attracts complaints)

- Keep documentation accessible, digitally and on-site

 

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) places extra weight on food safety procedures and environment. A well-maintained ventilation system can be the difference between a 4 and a 5 rating.

 

December’s volume of cooking and seasonal deep-fat frying can push your system to its limits. A single blocked filter or neglected grease trap could create a serious hazard.

> Check that all fire-rated filters are in good condition

> Ensure staff are trained to identify when filters are due a change  

> Review fire safety drills or protocols related to kitchen equipment

 

 

December is a good time to gather your team for a quick refresher on kitchen safety and cleaning best practices. Topics to cover:  

- Correct filter handling

- FOG disposal

- Spotting signs of poor airflow or filter failure

 

According to Skills for Care, businesses that invest in consistent staff training see 21% less staff turnover and significantly higher performance outcomes.

 

Start 2026 on the front foot. Get your key service dates into the diary: regular grease trap cleaning, filter exchange service, duct inspections and kitchen deep cleaning. If you outsource services, check your provider offers a clear annual schedule with certificates included. It takes the pressure off and ensures nothing gets missed.

 

December is the ideal time to catch up on cleaning and compliance. EHOs value documentation as much as the cleaning itself. Don’t get caught without spares or miss fire safety red flags. Pre-schedule your 2026 maintenance and reduce January stress. A clean kitchen is a safe kitchen...start the new year like a pro.