When it comes to food and beverage production, cleanliness is non-negotiable — and that includes the steam used in direct or indirect contact with food products. This is where culinary steam filtration comes into play. It ensures that steam used in processes like sterilisation, cooking, or humidification is free from contaminants that could compromise product quality, safety, or compliance.
In this blog, we’ll walk through what culinary steam is, why it must be filtered, and which filters are typically used — all in straightforward terms.
Culinary steam (sometimes called clean steam or food-grade steam) is steam that comes into direct contact with food, food-contact surfaces, or packaging materials. It’s commonly used in:
Because it touches the product or critical surfaces, culinary steam must meet food safety standards, such as those defined by the 3-A Sanitary Standards (3-A 609-03) or FDA/USDA guidelines.
While the boiler may generate "clean" steam, that steam travels through piping systems that can contain:
Unfiltered steam can result in:
That’s why inline filtration is essential — typically at the point of use, just before the steam enters the processing equipment.
Steam filtration isn’t just about removing large debris — it's about ensuring particulate-free, oil-free, and potentially microbe-free steam. Here's a breakdown of the main filter types used in culinary steam applications:
Purpose: Pre-filtration for large particles, scale, and pipe debris
Micron rating: Typically 2–20 µm
Placement: Installed close to the boiler or before the final culinary filter
Notes: Durable and cleanable; often the first line of defence
Purpose: Fine particulate removal
Micron rating: 1–5 µm
Notes: These depth media cartridges are designed for high-temperature environments and offer greater holding capacity than mesh screens.
Purpose: Used in systems requiring sterile steam
Notes: While rarely needed for culinary steam, sterile filters may be used in pharmaceutical-grade steam applications.
Filter housings must be:
Filters used for culinary steam should be inspected and changed regularly, based on:
Filters must also be compatible with CIP/SIP cycles, allowing in-situ cleaning or sterilisation.
Ensure your steam filtration system complies with:
Suppliers should provide documentation for traceability, including:
Choosing the right filter for culinary steam is not just about trapping particles — it’s about protecting your process, product, and reputation. Whether you're sterilising equipment or injecting steam into a food product, using the correct filtration system is essential to meet hygiene standards and ensure consistent product quality.
If you're unsure which filter is best for your system, consult with a filtration expert who understands steam applications in food-grade environments. Your products — and your customers — will thank you for it. We’re here to help - just give us a call or send us an email. And here you can see our full range of Gas Filter Housings and Stainless Steel Filters.
You can also read more in our blogs:
PoreFiltration – Making your filtration systems work harder