Big Dipper Automatic Grease Trap FAQ's

Here are a few of the frequently asked questions we get for the Big Dipper Automatic Grease Trap...

How is your Big Dipper Automatic Grease Trap different from a traditional  "grease trap" or "grease interceptor?"

Traditional grease traps (grease interceptors) need to be manually cleaned. Large, in-ground traps/interceptors require a professional with a vacuum/pump truck to do the cleaning.  Small, passive grease traps require an individual do the cleaning by hand with a spoon or ladle.  A Big Dipper Automatic Grease & Oils Removal system does all the work itself, cleaning itself out on a daily basis.  It does not require manual cleaning.

How does the Big Dipper work?

Like a traditional grease trap or grease interceptor, free-floating grease and oils are trapped in a baffled chamber. Unlike traditional grease trap/interceptors, Big Dipper systems use a skimming wheel (which is controlled by a timer) to skim the grease and oils out of the baffled chamber. The grease and oils are scrubbed off of the wheel with a wiper blade and channeled out of the unit and into a collection container provided with the system.

How are the units hardwired?

All of our Big Dipper units plug into a grounded, 3 prong 120VAC (or 220-240 VAC if purchasing an metric version) outlet and come standard with a 8' cord and plug.

What happens to the food scraps that go down the drain?

In IS (Internal Strainer) Big Dipper systems, food scraps are captured in a strainer basket. This needs to be emptied into a garbage receptacle at least once a day, more often if you have a busy food preparation facility.  In AST (Automatic Solids Transfer) Big Dipper systems, incidental food scraps are trapped in a solids chamber and automatically removed.

What are the Big Dipper's maintenance requirements?

It takes about ten minutes a week to keep a Big Dipper operating properly. The wiper blades and grease trough should be cleaned at least once a week. The food scraps captured in the strainer basket included with IS systems needs emptying at least once a day.  The grease collection container provided with each Big Dipper system is translucent, so you can see when it needs emptying.  Periodically, you may want to shop-vac out the bottom of your Big Dipper as very fine solids may begin to accumulate.

What size Big Dipper do I need?

Use the GPM calculator below to determine the flow rate requirements.