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What You’ll Learn in This Blog

In this post, we’ll explore why ventless cooking has become one of the fastest-growing trends in foodservice, the benefits it provides operators across all segments, and the innovative solutions offered by our manufacturers. From high-speed ovens to mobile serving systems, we’ll highlight ventless equipment from ACP, XpressChef, Antunes, Cadco, CresCor, Jackson, and Lakeside — and show you how these tools can help you unlock new opportunities in your operation. Finally, we’ll share how you can see these solutions in action at the FHW Expo this December.

Why Ventless Cooking Matters

Ventless technology is transforming kitchens, cafés, and serving spaces. By removing the need for traditional hoods and expensive ventilation systems, ventless equipment opens the door to cooking in spaces that were once off-limits.

This means:

• Lower construction costs: no need to install or retrofit hoods.
• More menu flexibility: cook where your customers are.
• Faster service: add capacity without adding complexity.
• Compliance peace of mind: built-in filtration keeps operations safe and up to code.

For operators in schools, healthcare, restaurants, convenience stores, or non-traditional venues like breweries and event spaces, ventless solutions make it possible to meet demand without breaking budgets.

Featured Ventless Lines

ACP & XpressChef

ACP’s XpressChef ovens are designed for ventless, on-demand cooking. The XpressChef 3i (MRX series) offers compact speed and consistency with a touchscreen interface and ventless catalytic filtration — perfect for front- or back-of-house use. For operations needing more capacity, the XpressChef 4i (MXP) provides a larger cavity, batch-cooking versatility, and accelerated cooking technologies, all in a hoodless footprint.

Antunes

Antunes specializes in compact, ventless countertop cooking. The Egg Station Mini (ESM-600) allows operators to cook eggs, omelets, and scrambles without a hood, while their ventless grills and toasters provide flexibility to expand menus anywhere. Antunes’ durability and ease of use make them a smart choice for high-volume, fast-paced environments.

Cadco

Cadco’s Bakerlux BLS-4FTD-1H convection oven comes paired with a ventless hood system, bringing professional baking and roasting power to compact spaces. With digital controls, programmable features, and reliable performance, this half-size oven is a flexible choice for schools, catering programs, and retail foodservice operations where traditional hooded ventilation isn’t an option.

CresCor

CresCor’s RO Series Retherm Ovens combine power, precision, and true ventless design. The QuikTherm™ technology allows operators to rethermalize prepared meals, slow roast, bake, air fry, and hold — all without requiring a hood. With up to 12,000 watts of power, programmable controls, and options for humidity, these ovens deliver consistent results while maintaining food quality. Heavy-duty stainless steel construction, antimicrobial latches, and mobile design make them a reliable solution for schools, healthcare, and large-scale foodservice.

Jackson

Jackson’s ventless warewashing solutions simplify dishroom design while saving energy. The TempStar VER delivers high-capacity performance with built-in energy recovery, eliminating the need for a hood and reducing installation costs. For operations looking for next-level efficiency, the DynaTemp combines ventless energy recovery with ultra-low water consumption, making it one of the most sustainable dishwashing solutions available.

Lakeside

Lakeside empowers foodservice teams to serve anywhere with their mobile carts and serving systems. From vending-style carts to heated meal delivery systems, such as the SuzyQ cart, Lakeside makes it possible to serve meals safely in front-of-house, healthcare, or education settings — all without the limitations of traditional ventilation. Their Creation Station Mobile Cooking Station takes things further, offering two induction stoves and a chilled eutectic bin in a mobile, durable design that enables interactive, made-to-order service directly in the dining space.

Experience Ventless at the FHW Expo

Ventless is more than a buzzword — it’s a solution to some of the biggest challenges facing foodservice operators today. At the FHW Expo this December, you’ll have the chance to see all of these ventless solutions in person. From ACP and XpressChef ovens to Jackson’s dishmachines and Lakeside’s mobile units, the Expo is your one-stop opportunity to discover which solutions fit your operation best.

Join us and experience firsthand how ventless innovation can transform your business.

Forbes Hever & Wallace

Experience you can trust. Contemporary thinking you demand.