Abstract: A grease filtering method and apparatus for kitchen ventilating systems which is readily interchangeable with conventional mesh-type filters. The filter has substantially the same external dimensions as a mesh-type filter and produces substantially the same pressure drop as a mesh-type filter, so that it can be readily interchanged with the mesh-type filter without changing the requirements on the blower which draws the exhaust stream through the ventilating system. The filter uses a series of baffles to direct the exhaust stream in a tortuous path as it passes through the filter, thereby removing the condensable greases and oils by depositing them on the internal surfaces of the filter by centrifugal and ram action. The filter is completely self draining, since the extracted liquids continuously run down over the interior surfaces of the filter and then drain out of the filter through a plurality of drain holes provided along the front edge of the bottom wall.