The future of catering equipment: new technologies for food

Cooking technology continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of professional kitchens. Keeping up with the latest innovations in cooking technology is important for any business in the catering industry. 

With the constant advancement of technology, staying informed helps restaurants to remain competitive. That’s why we’ve curated a list of some of the latest innovations in cooking technologies that benefit kitchens.

1. Energy-efficient catering equipment

Energy efficiency is a top priority in modern kitchens. Consumers increasingly demand sustainable practices from the businesses they shop with. Restaurant and hotel sustainability will grow even more in the future.

Today's customers are looking for sustainability in the wider hospitality industry. Thankfully, energy-efficient equipment and low-energy usage appliances have become more affordable and effective, due to continuing progress in technology.

Energy-efficient cooking appliances may be the most effective way for catering businesses to use less energy. These appliances reduce energy usage without compromising performance.

Energy-efficient equipment can make most kitchen tasks more affordable. Commercial kitchens use appliances are often used more frequently than domestic products. For example, cooking equipment can be used for the entire day. Another example is food processing equipment, which is often in high demand. Switching to energy-saving equipment for all these tasks can significantly reduce operational costs.

Induction cooking technology is a great example of a way to reduce energy consumption. A study shared in Scientific Research Publishing found that induction hobs were the most energy-efficient cooking appliances. This was when compared to gas and other electric cookers. When put to the test, they could save up to 140 kWh of energy per year.

Food businesses can reduce their carbon footprint while lowering utility bills, making energy-efficient appliances a clear improvement.

This advancement in technology can benefit every food industry professional. Storage solutions like fridges and freezers need to be as energy-efficient as possible. So do appliances like dishwashers that not only clean kitchen equipment, but also the crockery and cutlery used by guests. 

Finding the most efficient equipment is relatively simple. Kitchen appliances have energy efficiency ratings featured on their labels. These come with a rating based on energy use relative to the size of the machine.

Energy labels also display the expected kWh usage per year, making comparisons even easier. Energy-efficient technologies have many cost-saving and eco-friendly benefits. That's why you can expect them to remain at the core of the catering industry.

2. Smart kitchen appliances and the Internet of Things (IoT)

Just as the internet changed computers, it also allowed catering businesses to reinvent the food industry. Smart kitchen appliances are transforming the way professionals manage productivity.

What makes them so groundbreaking is their ability to connect to the Internet of Things, or IoT for short. The Internet of Things is a network of connected devices, often with sensors that read and report data. It also allows you to control kitchen appliances remotely through a smartphone or tablet.

These appliances make it easier for restaurant owners and chefs to manage restaurant operations, like inventory, maintenance and food safety. Smart cooling units can monitor their temperature and alert users if it exceeds safety levels. A smart ice maker can alert you when it needs more water, or the ice bin is full.

Imagine the benefits to efficiency when your appliances tell you what they need without you having to check.

The IoT even enables restaurants to track items going in and out of their inventories in real-time. With connected smart scales, businesses can receive precise readings on how much product they have left. This helps minimise over and understocking.

There’s no limit to what smart technology can do for commercial kitchens worldwide. Just think what voice assistants or USB ports for uploading customised programmes can offer.

3. Automation and robotics in catering equipment

Automated commercial kitchen equipment is a futuristic game-changer in the catering industry. These appliances allow you to automate restaurant tasks. This helps by lowering production time and improving quality control.

For example, smart kitchen appliances can use precise sensors. You can be notified the minute food is perfectly cooked.

Producing consistent menu quality improves the customer experience because everyone tastes your recipe at its best. In addition, automated cooking allows chefs more time to prepare the next orders, experiment with recipes, or develop new menu items.

Self-service kiosks are a recent advancement that have become a staple in many restaurants. Kiosks allow customers to place orders by pressing buttons on an interactive touchscreen display. The information is sent to the kitchen staff. They can prepare it according to the customer’s preference.

Self-service kiosks can provide various benefits, including:

• lower labour costs
• shorter customer waiting times
• more efficient order tracking
• increased order-taking volume and accuracy

The newest AI-enabled technology to enter the hospitality industry is robotic chefs. These robots can perform various tasks, from chopping vegetables to mixing ingredients. You can even programme them with recipes and instructions to prepare meals without any human assistance.

While some businesses have experimented with complete restaurant automation, robots and automated appliances can support your staff instead of replacing them. A combination of human and automated efforts is likely the most efficient.

This way, you’ll decrease hiring and training costs since automation reduces repetitive tasks. You may also enjoy a lower utility bill since smart appliances often have energy-saving functions, like automatic shut-offs.

More importantly, your restaurant can expand its menu options without too much worrying about staffing constraints. Automation can improve efficiency and productivity so you can serve more customers and rapidly grow your business.

4. Food safety and hygiene innovations

Hygiene is a top concern for hospitality businesses. Thankfully, progress in food safety has been helping reduce workplace injuries and foodborne illnesses. 

Prevent bacteria growth on equipment that touches food by using antimicrobial surfaces. For example, utensil holders, countertops and appliances. One example is copper and its alloys, which fight off microbes automatically. Copper releases ions that disrupt bacterial cell walls, eventually killing them.

Stainless steel is another popular option due to its durability and resistance to rust and corrosion. Stainless steel is not an active antimicrobial surface, but it can also be sterilised easily because of its smoothness. Stainless steel is also a top choice for professional kitchens because it doesn’t affect the taste or colour of food in the way copper can.

Another innovation in food safety is touchless dispensers. From sanitiser to cutlery and condiments, touch-free systems lower the risk of food contamination, helping maintain a healthy environment.

Electrolysed water sanitation is a more advanced cleaning system gaining popularity. These systems pass an electric current through water to destroy harmful contaminants on cutlery, tools and raw ingredients. This method removes the need for harsh chemicals and uses little energy.

Self-cleaning kitchen equipment is another time-saving technology that’s constantly advancing. For instance, many new ovens have self-cleaning elements that automatically burn off residues to prevent build-up.

These improvements in cooking technology make it easier to maintain safe and healthy kitchen environments. Equipment that is easily cleaned or self-cleaning will save you many hours of work. 

5. Customisable and modular catering equipment

Hospitality businesses must maintain flexibility and scalability to continue meeting their customers’ demands. In response, quality catering equipment manufacturers build equipment that can adapt to the needs of their kitchen.

Customisable catering equipment allows you to change it to suit your needs best. A simple but highly effective example is a stainless steel table. Repetitive stress injuries are serious risks in commercial kitchens. You can prevent back, shoulder and neck strain by adjusting your work area to a comfortable height.

A dishwasher table is another good example of how equipment can improve your workflow. These can be added to a dishwashing line streamlining the process for employees. Modular equipment allows you to create a seamless flow from one part of a work process to the rest, saving time and energy for everyone.

The best benefit of modular catering equipment is that it provides complete adaptability in your kitchen. If part of your kitchen is too cramped, modular equipment is easily rearranged and put back together. If your business grows and you need more storage or workspace, you can just add more of the same equipment you have for easy expansion.

If you own a food truck or like to serve at events, remote catering is easier with equipment built for rearrangement. Using the same items for on-site and off-site catering eliminates the need for extra equipment.

Modular and customisable catering equipment may help you keep up with an ever-changing market. Experimenting with your kitchen layout can help you find the most efficient arrangement, keeping your service top-notch and your business competitive.

Keeping up with the latest technology helps hospitality businesses adapt in this fast-paced industry. Advancements in energy efficiency, automation, food safety and customisability provide many ways for businesses to improve their operations.

Although updating equipment can come with an initial upfront cost, the savings in the long-term are worth it to keep your business agile and stand out from competitors. 

Explore Maxima’s range of products to see how state-of-the-art kitchen equipment can benefit your business.