Vapor extractor for a warewasher

A vapor extraction apparatus for a warewasher includes a housing in which a water-steam separation media is mounted. The housing has an inlet for receiving hot, humid air, water vapor and steam from a washing chamber of a warewasher, a blower for drawing the hot, humid air, water vapor and steam into the housing across the water-steam separation media, and an outlet for air dehumidified and cooled by the water-steam separation media to exit the housing. A duct connects the inlet to a washing chamber of a warewasher, and a bypass damper can be connected to the duct. The bypass damper is operable in a first position to permit air, water vapor and steam from the washing chamber to be drawn into the housing and in a second position to permit ambient room air to be drawn into the housing for cooling the vapor extraction apparatus.