A grease filter system for use in connection with retaining viscous products of combustion in commercial food preparation environments includes a receptacle and a filter element removably supported within the receptacle. The receptacle has a lid covering one end thereof and a bottom. The lid includes an opening through which grease, condensed steam, water and other products of combustion enter the system. The receptacle further includes a plurality of apertures disposed spaced from the bottom about the perimeter of the receptacle such that the filter system retains grease and other viscous fluids while allowing condensed steam, water and other products of combustion to pass through the filter element and the receptacle out through the apertures.