Food Equipment Trends 2022

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The restaurant industry has been undergoing unprecedented changes in recent times. Covid-19 has put a lot of stress on the sector, forcing people to adapt to survive and thrive. In this article, we are highlighting a few emerging food equipment trends that will affect OEMs.

Increased adoption of Robotics

Picture of Robot in Kitchen

Robotics is offering the most significant change in the restaurant industry. We’re seeing robots enter the kitchen and replace chefs. If there’s one trend that will disrupt the industry, it’s the wide use of robotics in kitchens.

We’re already seeing these robots enter the industry, including:

Miso’s Flippy can flip burgers and make French fries.

Sushiro, a semi-automated restaurant, is a concept where humans and robots work side by side to create 1,500 dishes an hour.

Chowbotics’ Sally is an automated vending machine that creates delicious salads.

Other robotic iterations are emerging, which will help move the industry forward. Robotics is a powerful tool that may become even more popular with hiring issues at the start of 2022.

Multifunctional Restaurant Equipment

Food Equipment - Multifunction ovenGhost kitchens are becoming more popular, and many restaurants are trending towards open concepts. Many restaurants are also trying to operate in smaller spaces, so there’s a shift towards multifunctional cooking equipment that will offer added functionality while taking up less space.

We’re seeing more restaurant owners opt for:

  • Dual, high-speed ovens with separate controls in one unit
  • Touchscreen controls that allow for quick changes between equipment types (Rapid temperature change can be realized by heating technologies such as Datec’s mica-TF )

Automated Technology in Restaurants

Food delivery robotAutomation is on the rise. Restaurants are dealing with significant staff shortages, yet people still want quick service. So, everything from cooking to serving is starting to move towards automation.

Dominos and Chipotle are testing out their automated delivery systems to keep food warm and deliver it without a traditional employee.

Front-of-house automation is also melding with robotics to offer table service to customers. However, there may be some pushback, as it takes away from the authentic, human experience that restaurant-goers demand.

Cloud-connected Equipment

Cloud connected technologyThanks to cloud-connected equipment, streamlining the back of the house and front of the house is becoming easier. Food equipment is going to continue to become interconnected with the ability to send alerts to staff for:

  • Issues with equipment
  • food being served
  • General maintenance and repair

Manufacturers must redevelop their products with a focus on ways in which they can develop restaurant equipment that works together within the Internet of Things and on the cloud.

If there’s one thing that we’ve learned in the past few years, it’s that the restaurant industry quickly adapts to changing industry landscapes.