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There’s room for clean air even in the smallest space – exhaust air purification for the bistro

Odorless cooking – even without a large technical room or outdoor chimney

Small bistros, cafés, and snack bars often lack the space for traditional exhaust air systems. Access to shafts or roof ducts is also frequently unavailable. Nevertheless, building authorities, neighbors, and operators demand an odor-free and hygienic solution for kitchen exhaust air.

With oxytec plasma technology, kitchen exhaust air can be cleaned safely and compactly even in the smallest of spaces – without odors, without activated carbon, and without the need for large technical centers.

What would you like to know?

Simply put your question to our AI. They will answer you individually:

Typical emission sources in bistro operations

emission source Typical pollutants Special features
Hotplates, grills, pans Grease mist, smoke, odors Local, dense emission source
Deep fryer Oil aerosols, VOCs Very strong odors, heated fats
Preparation & cleaning Cleaning chemicals, moisture Varying levels of contamination, sporadic
Reheating & cooking VOCs, aromas, moisture Diffuse, but odor-relevant

Why Oxytec exhaust air systems are ideal for bistros

Space-saving – for ceilings, walls, or kitchen hoods

Odorless – thanks to effective plasma technology

Low maintenance & hygienic – no activated carbon, no chemicals

Approval-ready without roof ducting

Ideal for city centers, food courts, and small dining areas

Legal requirements

VDI 2052 / VDI 3894 / TA Luft

  • Requirements for grease separation, odor reduction, air flow
  • Proof of cleaning effect recommended (e.g., olfactometry)

Building regulations / fire protection

  • No open flame
  • Systems with metal housing → suitable for fire protection
  • Optional ATEX-free version

Do you have limited space but high demands?

With Oxytec plasma technology, exhaust air purification is possible even where no conventional solution is feasible.
Contact us—we will design the right system for your kitchen.

Get a no-obligation consultation now—for clean air, even in the smallest of spaces.

oxytec technologies in use

Compact plasma units

  • Neutralize grease, VOCs, and odors directly in the air stream
  • Installation in or above the hood, no external technical center required
  • No flame, no chemical additives – safe to operate
  • Optional pre-filter for aerosols

Odorless outlet

  • The purified air can be discharged indoors or at a low level
  • No chimney or external air shaft required
  • Odorless thanks to controlled oxidation

The technical solution from Oxytec

Typical areas of application

Small bistros and cafés with open kitchens

Indoor dining areas without ventilation shafts

Mobile kitchens, food containers, event catering

Food courts, train stations, airports, shopping centers

Company restaurants in offices or hotels

Your advantages with oxytec

No ductwork required – ideal for existing kitchens

Space-saving, can be integrated directly into the cooking area

Clean air even without an external chimney

Low maintenance, no filter replacement

High odor reduction, legally compliant, and sustainable

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

How does exhaust air purification work without an external chimney or roof duct?

With oxytec’s compact plasma technology, kitchen exhaust air is purified directly at the source—e.g., above the hood or in a recirculation module. The purified air can then:

  • remain in the room (recirculation mode)
  • or be discharged odor-free at a low height (e.g., facade, inner courtyard)

No roof access or external exhaust air duct is required.

What does the system remove from the air?

The plasma system reliably neutralizes:

  • Grease mist and aerosols
  • Odors and VOCs (e.g., from oil, meat, spices)
  • Smoke and vapors from frying or deep-frying

Pre-separators or filter stages can be added as an option – for kitchens with intensive use.

How much space does the system require?

The compact units are:

  • space-saving and can be mounted directly above or behind the hood
  • available in various modules for wall, ceiling, or base cabinet mounting
  • also suitable for container kitchens, food trucks, or small spaces

oxytec designs the system to fit your space perfectly.

How loud is it during operation?

Oxytec systems are very quiet. There is:

  • No noise from combustion
  • only low operating noise from air flow and filtering
  • Soundproofed versions are available on request

Ideal for open kitchen areas in bistros and cafés.

How often does maintenance need to be performed?

  • The plasma unit requires little maintenance (no activated carbon!).
  • Depending on the duration of use, we recommend:
    Cleaning the pre-filters: every 2–6 weeks
    Inspecting the system: every six months
  • Optional: automatic filter check or service contract

What about permits and regulations?

The systems meet all requirements for bistros in accordance with:

  • VDI 2052 (Ventilation and air conditioning systems in kitchens)
  • VDI 3894 (Odors in exhaust air systems)
  • TA Luft (emissions in sensitive environments)

On request, we can also provide you with proof of effectiveness (e.g., olfactometry or VOC measurement) for the building authority or other authorities.

What distinguishes Oxytec from conventional activated carbon?

oxytec Plasma Activated carbon filter
No consumables Regular filter replacement necessary
Compact design Bulky filter boxes
Odorless & grease-free Odors often only reduced
Flame-free & safe Rarely fireproof

Are there any subsidies available for this technology?

Yes – subsidies are available for, among other things:

  • Energy-efficient ventilation technology (BAFA, GEG-compliant)
  • Ventilation systems in the catering industry (regional programs)
  • Renovation or conversion in inner-city locations

We are happy to help with documentation and applications.