Trapzilla

Trapzilla is a grease interceptor line manufactured by Thermaco, Inc., a wastewater separation technology company based in Asheboro, North Carolina. Thermaco has focused on oil and grease extraction from commercial kitchen wastewater for more than 40 years, building its reputation on the Big Dipper automatic grease recovery unit before introducing Trapzilla as a higher capacity option.

Trapzilla units are designed for larger commercial and institutional kitchens that need more grease retention capacity than a standard under sink interceptor can provide, while still fitting into a compact in ground footprint.

Product Lines

The Trapzilla lineup includes the TZ-160, rated for 35 GPM with 167 pounds of grease retention capacity and 3 inch inlet and outlet connections, the TZ-400, rated for 75 GPM with 405 pounds of capacity and 4 inch connections, and the TZ-525, rated for 50 GPM with 525 pounds of capacity, 4 inch connections, and a stated 99 percent grease removal efficiency.

Beyond the interceptor tanks themselves, Thermaco supplies solids separators, sample ports, replacement parts, and other accessories to round out a complete Trapzilla installation. Units are certified to UPC, PDI, and ASME standards.

Why Contractors Specify Trapzilla

Foodservice and institutional kitchen projects often call for a grease interceptor that delivers high capacity without consuming excess floor space, and Trapzilla's compact in ground design addresses that constraint directly.

Corrosion resistant construction and a track record of long service life, demonstrated by Thermaco's Big Dipper units still operating decades after installation, give contractors confidence when specifying Thermaco products for kitchens where interceptor failures would be costly to remediate.

Third party certification to UPC, PDI, and ASME standards also simplifies code compliance conversations with local plumbing inspectors.

How to Choose Trapzilla Products

Selecting the right Trapzilla model starts with matching flow rate. Kitchen wastewater discharge in gallons per minute should fall within the GPM rating of the chosen unit, whether that is the TZ-160, TZ-400, or TZ-525.

Grease retention capacity matters just as much as flow rate, particularly for high volume kitchens such as institutional cafeterias or multi unit foodservice operations that generate grease loads faster than a smaller interceptor can hold.

Inlet and outlet sizing, 3 inch on the TZ-160 versus 4 inch on the TZ-400 and TZ-525, should align with existing waste line diameter to avoid additional fittings or transitions.

Local plumbing code often dictates minimum interceptor capacity based on kitchen type and meal volume, so checking those requirements with the local authority having jurisdiction before finalizing a model helps avoid a failed inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Trapzilla and Thermaco's Big Dipper line?

Big Dipper is Thermaco's original automatic grease recovery unit line, while Trapzilla was introduced later as a higher capacity, compact in ground interceptor built for larger kitchens. Both lines share the same corrosion resistant construction approach and carry UPC, PDI, and ASME certification.

How is a Trapzilla unit sized for a commercial kitchen?

Sizing is based on the kitchen's wastewater flow rate in gallons per minute and its expected grease load in pounds, then matched against the GPM and capacity ratings of the TZ-160, TZ-400, or TZ-525.

Can Trapzilla interceptors be installed indoors as well as in ground?

The core Trapzilla tanks are designed for in ground installation; contractors working on interior mechanical room layouts should confirm space and installation requirements against Thermaco's technical documentation before finalizing a design.

What certifications do Trapzilla interceptors carry?

Trapzilla units are certified to UPC, PDI, and ASME standards, which plumbing inspectors commonly reference when approving grease interceptor installations.

Are replacement parts and accessories offered for Trapzilla systems?

Thermaco supplies solids separators, sample ports, and replacement parts to support ongoing maintenance of installed Trapzilla systems.