Evo

Evo has functioned as a premier authority in display cooking and ventless griddle technology since its founding in 2001. Based in Tualatin, Oregon, and operating as a division of the Middleby Corporation since 2019, the brand was established with the mission of creating a social, "around-the-grill" dining experience. It serves as a primary infrastructure provider for stadiums, luxury hotels, and corporate cafeterias where traditional overhead ventilation is either structurally impossible or aesthetically undesirable.

The brand's technical identity is defined by its mastery of the circular flattop and integrated recirculating filtration. A defining engineering hallmark is the use of dual, independently controlled temperature zones on a single circular cooking surface. Unlike traditional rectangular griddles that often suffer from cold corners, Evo’s circular geometry and high-mass oil-seasoned steel (or ceramic-clad) plates ensure edge-to-edge thermal uniformity. This allows chefs to sear proteins in the center while simultaneously holding delicate ingredients at lower temperatures on the perimeter.

Innovation at Evo is currently concentrated on "the end of the exhaust hood" through its EVent series. Key technical pillars across the 2026 portfolio include:

• EVent Ventless Technology: A self-contained, high-efficiency filtration system integrated directly into the griddle chassis. It utilizes a four-stage process—including a grease baffle, an electrostatic precipitator (ESP), and activated charcoal—to eliminate smoke and odors, complying with UL-710B standards for hoodless operation.
• Smart Heat™ Technology: A proprietary electrical management system that monitors the surface temperature and energizes individual heaters sequentially. This ensures rapid recovery times and prevents the thermal "overshoot" common in high-volume production.
• A-Series and Affinity Series: Built-in and freestanding units designed for seamless integration into custom kitchen islands. These units feature high-output burners (up to 48,000 BTUs) and electronic push-button ignition, engineered to withstand the rigors of both indoor and outdoor commercial service.
• Touch Screen Interface (2026 Standard): Modern EVent models now feature resistive touchscreen displays that provide real-time status updates on filter saturation, temperature presets, and fire suppression system readiness.

The product portfolio is categorized by its mobility and ventilation requirements:

• Ventless Cooking Stations: Including the EVent 48E and the EVent 35E, which are the industry standards for front-of-house teppanyaki and action stations.
• Built-In Cooktops: The Affinity Series, designed for permanent installation into stainless steel counters or combustible surfaces (with minimal clearance), popular in open-concept restaurant designs.
• Freestanding Wheeled Carts: The Professional Series, utilized by caterers and sports venues for flexible, high-capacity cooking at "point-of-service" locations.
• Centric Series: A specialized "plug-and-play" 120V electric series designed for smaller operations and demonstration kitchens that require the Evo experience without 208V/240V infrastructure.

The strategic value of Evo lies in its "Total Connectivity" within the Middleby ecosystem and its ability to unlock high-rent, non-traditional spaces. By eliminating the requirement for external ductwork, the brand allows operators to turn lobbies, rooftop bars, and historical buildings into high-margin revenue centers. Supported by Middleby’s global service network, Evo provides a high-yield foundation for businesses seeking to combine the theatricality of live cooking with the safety and cleanliness of advanced air filtration.