Embracing Technology in Commercial Kitchens
Technological advancements are increasing at an exponential rate in our modern day lives – Commercial kitchens being no exception. New culinary masterpieces are being produced as well as the equipment used to produce them. Commercial kitchen equipment is beginning to gain great advancements through integrated touch screen and smart technology. A recent report issued by the National Restaurant Association highlights the possible future of restaurants in the year 2030, stating information technology and “cloud kitchens” will be a strong factor in the restaurant industry. Below is a list of things we think will reshape the commercial kitchen sector.
1. "Cloud Kitchens" and Virtual Restaurants
The restaurant 2030 report points out that we may see an increase in restaurants that only exist online. A central kitchen would still exist, but will focus on delivery apps and social media to expand and run their business. This is due to the vast amount of online delivery services, increasing demand for convenience and a rising real estate/labor costs.
Inversely, the report also states how the importance of restaurants and cafes will grow. Community engagement and socializing will primarily be done in restaurants due to a loss of physical retail activity and an increase in online shopping. In other words, restaurant spaces providing an amazing social experience will flourish.
2. Analyze & Measure: Coffee Machines
Coffee machines have gained traction in digital measurement and data analysis – Equipment from La Cimbali boasts customizable touch screens with the ability to create your own recipes and measurements with the touch of a button. This includes things like digitally customized pressure profile and temperature for your blend of coffee. New models also have consumption monitoring to keep track of how much product is being used. The equipment also has a maintenance notification system to prevent malfunctions and unexpected breakdowns. All of these features being available remotely on your phone by connecting the machine to WiFi.
3. Seamless and Simple: Kitchen Display Systems(KDS)
Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) or Kitchen Order Systems (KOS) keep kitchens running smoothly by maintaining the food orders coming though the restaurant. These screen based systems now connect to all types of orders received. Both in-house orders and digital orders from apps such as Deliveroo and Uber Eats are sent into one central app. Some of these systems can be very detailed – updating the customer on their order as it gets processed. Other systems promote simplicity like setting up the KDS with a simple tablet and stable WiFi connection – such as SquareUp.
4. Maximize Space and Reduce Costs: Alto Shaam
For commercial kitchens, space is very valuable. Alto Shaam’s Structured Air technology is a perfect example of creating a versatile space saving product through innovation. This technology separates the oven into chambers with independent temperature, fan speed and cook time control. All chambers can be adjusted and controlled individually with no risk of cross contamination.
Additionally, Alto Shaam’s ChefLink technology provides cloud based control to their oven products. Multiple ovens can be connected to the app to easily ensure consistent settings. This can be used with multiple ovens in any location with a steady WiFi connection. Change recipes, adjust temperatures and receive performance data on one easy dashboard which can be installed on a mobile device.
5. VR: Visualizing your Restaurant and Kitchen
Many designers are looking for more ways to represent their visualizations with the help of new technology. 3D render software quickly became common place for designers. One current trend with some designs is using virtual reality to show possible design proposals. The commercial kitchen industry is no different with Kaneco looking into providing virtual tours of their commercial kitchens and interior designs.
6. Intelligent Ventilation Systems
Another article by Kaneco on Intellihood systems shows that kitchens need to efficiently ventilate their cooking process. Systems such as sensor-controlled extraction fans and ultraviolet filtration systems ensure a clean work space and an environmentally conscious business.
The Future of Kitchens is Coming!
There’s no telling where the future of commercial kitchens will ultimately go. A recent article showed the new concept of a robotic chef that could be used to increase food prep productivity. One thing we know, however, is that the desire to innovate will always be there. Where ever the future takes us in the commercial kitchen industry, we will be ready and willing to see what’s next
