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Home > Blog > Catering > Understanding commercial fat, oil and grease degraders

  • Catering, Detergents

Understanding commercial fat, oil and grease degraders

  • Catering
  • December 31, 2025
  • Jack Murray
  • Detergents expert

In any busy commercial kitchen, managing fats, oils and grease (often referred to as FOG) is a constant challenge. These substances can accumulate in drainage systems, leading to unpleasant odours, costly blockages and even compliance issues.

This guide explores how a commercial grease degrader is designed to tackle this problem effectively. 

Learn about how unlike harsh chemical cleaners, these products break down organic matter safely and sustainably.

JLA Ultra commercial grase degrader

How do degraders work?

Degraders contain naturally occurring micro-organisms that feed on fats and oils, converting them into harmless by-products such as water. This biological process is non-caustic, meaning it does not rely on aggressive chemicals that could damage pipes or harm the environment.

Rather than simply dispersing grease, degraders digest it, leaving behind harmless deposits that can be flushed away easily. This prevents the gradual build-up that leads to blockages and unpleasant odours.
They work continuously and help to reduce the risk of build-up and keeping drainage systems flowing freely.

Where are grease degraders used?

Grease degraders are essential across a wide range of industry settings. From small care homes to large hotel chains, they are a common feature in restaurants, school canteens and food production facilities. Any environment where food is prepared at scale will generate fat, oil and grease, and without proper management, this can quickly lead to operational issues.

By incorporating a biological grease degrader into routine maintenance, businesses can prevent problems before they arise.

Key benefits of biological degraders

One of the biggest advantages of using a grease degrader is the reduction in maintenance costs. Blocked drains often require emergency callouts, which can be expensive and disruptive. By breaking down fats before they solidify, degraders help avoid these situations entirely.

Their non-caustic formulation is another key benefit. Traditional chemical cleaners can corrode pipes and harm wastewater systems, whereas biological solutions are gentle yet effective, making them safer for long-term use.

Using degraders regularly reduces the likelihood of attracting vermin and pests, which thrive in environments where food waste accumulates.

Environmental regulations require businesses to manage fat, oil and grease responsibly, and failure to do so can result in fines or even closure. Using a biological grease degrader demonstrates a proactive approach to sustainability and waste management, helping businesses meet their legal obligations while protecting their reputation.

Commercial degraders summarised

A high-performance biological grease degrader is the perfect solution for busy commercial kitchens and food production areas. By using natural micro-organisms, it offers an environmentally friendly way to keep drains clear, reduce maintenance costs and maintain compliance.

Regular usage in a commercial kitchen is not just good practice, but key for hygiene, efficiency and sustainability.

Why use JLA Ultra Degraders?

Perfect for busy commercial kitchens and food production areas, this high-performance biological grease digester makes short work of oils, fats, greases and organic matter that could otherwise slow or block up your drainage systems.

Available in 4 x 5 litre bottles, the JLA Ultra Grease Degrader is used in commercial kitchens throughout the UK. With easy ordering and subscriptions available on the myJLA customer portal, you can manage all of your degraders, detergents and chemicals in one place.

Contact our experts today or discover our full range of commercial kitchen detergents.

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Jack Murray

Detergents expert

Jack began his career at JLA in 2011 as an apprentice service engineer and has steadily progressed through the business. He spent several years in the field supporting JLA customers, where he developed extensive experience in both electrical and mechanical engineering.

After joining the detergents and consumables team, Jack undertook specialist training and built a strong understanding of product performance across a wide range of sectors.

His technical background, combined with his customer-centric approach, enables him to recommend the best detergent solution to meet specific customer requirements.

Read Jack's full profile

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