How often do these typically need to get cleaned?

My Modernaire hood is 48". it appears to have 1 600 CFM motor. We've only used it since late October. No deep frying just sauteing or searing 3 or 4 meals a week.

I've noticed that grease leaks out of hte back corners and onto the range top. removing a baffle reveals a lot of grease.

Is it typical to need to clean baffle filters regularly? I assume so since the grease really has nowhere to go.

Yep - filters must be cleaned regularly. How regularly obviously depends on how much you use your range.

I figured as much once I realized that removing them is as simple as lift and shift. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't sitting on something defective.

Thanks!

Many of the ones I have seen advertise as 'dishwasher safe.' Yours may be too.

Just soak it in Oxiclean overnight and it will be as good as new. No need to scrub or put any elbow grease into it.