Big Dipper Case Studies
Big Dipper® automatic grease traps let restaurants and commercial kitchens operate almost anywhere — even in non-traditional spaces where buried interceptors aren’t an option. Compact and efficient, they install right in the kitchen and quietly handle grease removal around the clock.
Each unit features Advanced Odor Protection, sealing in smells that standard traps can’t contain. And because the system automatically skims grease into a separate collector, there’s no need for pump trucks or messy service calls. Staff can empty the container in under two minutes and get right back to work.
With Big Dipper, kitchens stay cleaner, operations run smoother, and compliance is effortless — all in a system built for performance and simplicity. Check out our case studies below for some real-world examples of Big Dipper in action.
Avaya Stadium Case Study
MLS Earthquakes open a stadium focused on its fans
Problem: MLS Earthquakes were building a new stadium, Avaya Stadium. The plan was to feature numerous concession stands with kitchens scattered around the stadium. These concession stands were to sell fan favorites such as pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, etc. These fan favorites were also high grease-producing foods. The engineering team was unsure on how to best accommodate the grease interceptor(s) to ensure the plumbing and sewage system was properly protected.
Solution: The engineering team heard about Big Dipper Automatic Grease Traps. With the variety of sizes and ability to install in the most space-constrained locations, it was determined these could be the perfect solution. Big Dipper is simple to service and maintain. The staff remove the grease collector, empty it into a rendering barrel, and put it back on, eliminating the need for pump trucks. This was ideal given the complexity of the kitchen arrangement at Avaya Stadium.
Result: Since the stadium was opened, there have been no complaints about the Big Dipper unit. Avaya Stadium can focus on delivering great concessions to its fans.
Life’s Kitchen Case Study
How a non-profit stays focused on their mission
Problem: “You could tell when they were cleaning the grease trap because of the smell,” said Tammy Johnson, Life’s Kitchen Executive Director. “It was pretty horrible.” Life’s Kitchen is a culinary training program focused on at-risk youth to gain the confidence and competencies needed to rebuild their lives. One of the most dreaded chores was cleaning out the grease trap.
Solution: Thermaco heard about this problem and donated a Big Dipper Automatic Grease Trap to support the program. The Big Dipper has an automatic skimming wheel that removes the grease from the tank and stores it in a separate grease collector. Emptying the grease collector eliminates the need to scoop the grease out of the tank. It also has Advanced Odor Protection, so you can’t smell anything inside of it.
Result: Life’s Kitchen can focus on preparing the at-risk youth with skills and experience that will provide employment and stability.


