Vapor Extractor for a Warewasher

A vapor extraction apparatus for a warewasher includes a closed-wall, hollow housing in which a water-steam separation media is mounted above a water-tight base connecting to drainage piping. The housing also includes an inlet for receiving a flow of hot, humid air, water vapor and steam from a washing chamber of a warewasher, a blower located within the housing for drawing the hot, humid air, water vapor and steam into the housing and across the water-steam separation media, and an outlet adjacent the blower for air flowing through the housing and being dehumidified and cooled by the water-steam separation media to exit the housing to ambient room air. A duct can be used to connect 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 hot, humid air, water vapor and steam from the washing chamber to be drawn into the duct and housing and in a second position to permit ambient room air to be drawn into the duct and housing for purposes of cooling the vapor extraction apparatus. A warewasher having a vapor extractor and method of operating a warewasher are also disclosed.