With net zero and energy efficiency high on the agenda for commercial kitchen operators, Elta, a pioneering manufacturer of fans and ventilation equipment, has launched its latest range of Qube inline ducted box fans. The new EC versions are energy efficient and suitable for high-temperature commercial kitchen ventilation applications, as well as for general ambient temperature building ventilation.
The upgraded models of the Qube, which are available in AC as well as EC, are Elta’s most popular set of centrifugal box fans and come with significant design enhancements that make them easier to install and maintain. The new EC variants offer better energy efficiency and performance, as well as control and integration into building management systems.
Lumina Intelligence’s Operator Data Index
The UK restaurant market reached a valuation of £18.6bn in 2023, with a 4.4% growth rate
Elta’s launch coincides with restaurant brands and hotels looking at making their facilities and kitchens more eco-friendly, an example being the £500,000 sustainability-focused refurb at the Llandudno’s Esplanade Hotel.
Meanwhile, the restaurant market is showcasing signs of resilience against the widely expected post-pandemic downturn, and new ventures and smaller venues are being planned by big restaurant chains. According to Lumina Intelligence’s Operator Data Index, the UK restaurant market reached a valuation of £18.6bn in 2023, with a 4.4% growth rate in the same period.
Qube centrifugal box fans
David Millward, Group Product Manager at Elta Group, parent company of Elta, said: “We’ve been listening to feedback from our customers and also looking closely into the hospitality and restaurant market, and can see that there is a gap for high-quality, long-lasting, energy-efficient ventilation equipment in the commercial kitchen space."
“That’s why we’ve honed the design and features of our already well-received Qube centrifugal box fans. Our newest models are designed to meet the needs of specifiers and contractors working on designing and fitting new commercial kitchens, able to fit into ever-tighter footprints while still being able to offer the high extraction and performance expected from our fans.”
Key feature of the new Qube range
Key feature of the new Qube range is that they now have redesigned links to join the fans
The Qube fans are suitable for extracting air up to 120°C in temperature. They come in various box sizes of 500, 670, 820, and 1,020 mm. The fan’s box panels are double-skinned with an infill to reduce noise transfer, and the panels are interchangeable to support quicker, simpler installation and to access the fan components inside for maintenance. The units as a whole are lighter and balanced to also help contractors with carrying and fitting the fans.
A key feature of the new Qube range is that they now have redesigned connections to connect the fans to other ventilation ancillaries, such as bolt-on filter boxes, making them more adaptable and flexible. Meanwhile, all the fan’s components are now enclosed within the box, whereas previous models of the Qube had the fan motor outside of the box. This further helps with space and kitchen configurations where space might be limited.
New gas interlock systems
The Qube fans can also be used in general buildings and ventilation extraction
Elta has also introduced new gas interlock systems alongside the Qube. Gas interlock systems provide a failsafe by limiting the gas flow to appliances until the ventilation system is on, and is a mandatory requirement in commercial kitchens.
Besides being ideal solutions for commercial kitchens, the Qube fans can also be used in general buildings and ventilation extraction, such as in offices, schools, and industrial buildings.
Customize the Qube fans
David said: “We know everybody is paying a much closer eye to reducing energy usage in a bid to be more sustainable and lower their operational expenses. Our EC versions of our Qube fans help with this objective, allowing operators to commission the fans so they move and extract air efficiently."
“Besides our standard versions, being a UK manufacturer with our various plants and factories across the country, we are well positioned to provide a quick turnaround on our fans, and for those specifying ventilation systems for kitchens, we provide everything under one roof to simplify the purchasing process. We can also customize the Qube fans, ancillaries, and controls to suit bespoke needs. Simply talk to us and we can come up with a solution to fit the project.”
