Contactless ordering systems have changed the way restaurants serve customers. Instead of talking to staff or waiting in line, people can now order food using their phones, QR codes, or self-service kiosks. These systems became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic and have continued to grow. But for them to work smoothly, restaurants need the right commercial kitchen equipment to handle orders quickly and efficiently.
So, how does commercial kitchen equipment support contactless ordering systems? Smart tools like POS systems and QR code ordering setups help streamline service, boost order accuracy, and reduce labour costs. From speedy coffee machines to reliable commercial fridges, modern equipment keeps everything running smoothly. Let’s find out how these tools can transform your business.
What Is Contactless Ordering?
Contactless ordering means customers can order and pay for their food without direct contact with staff. This is usually done through:
- Mobile apps
- QR codes on tables
- Self-service kiosks
- Online ordering websites
For example, a customer in a café might scan a QR code on their table, view the menu on their phone, place an order, and pay—all without speaking to a staff member. The order then goes straight to the kitchen for preparation. This ordering system is intuitive and helps businesses manage demand while improving customer experience.
Contactless ordering is also being used in food trucks, aged care facilities, and other venues to enhance efficiency and accessibility.
Why Contactless Ordering Needs the Right Kitchen Equipment?
A great ordering system isn’t just about technology—it also depends on having the right commercial kitchen or catering equipment to keep up with demand. Whether it’s a QR code ordering system, table service, or traditional counter ordering, each system affects how a kitchen operates. The right tools help restaurants manage sales, improve the customer experience, and make the whole process smoother.
The new generation of ordering systems relies on QR codes, self-service kiosks, and apps. These give customers quick access to the menu, let them pay without hassle, and help restaurants control costs while handling high demand. Contactless ordering is all about making food service faster, safer, and more convenient.
But to keep up with demand and deliver great food, restaurants need the right commercial kitchen equipment. Here’s why:
1. Speed & Efficiency
When customers order online or through an app, they expect their food quickly. Without the right tools—like fast-heating ovens, efficient prep machines, and digital order screens—kitchens can struggle to keep up. The right equipment keeps everything running smoothly so customers get their food on time.
2. Accuracy & Organisation
Busy kitchens can get overwhelmed with a flood of online orders. A Kitchen Display System (KDS) shows all orders clearly in real time, reducing mistakes and keeping things organised. No more lost paper dockets or staff mishearing orders—it’s all on the screen!
3. Food Safety & Quality
Since food sometimes sits before pickup or delivery, it needs to be kept at the right temperature. Hot holding units and refrigeration systems help keep meals fresh, crisp, and safe to eat. No one wants soggy chips or lukewarm pasta!
4. Hygiene & Safety
Less contact means less risk of spreading germs. Touch-free hand sanitiser stations, automatic soap dispensers, and high-speed dishwashers help keep kitchens clean. Plus, digital order systems reduce the need to handle cash and printed receipts, making the whole process safer.
5. Keeping Up with Demand
If a kitchen isn’t equipped to handle a rush of orders, things can get chaotic fast. High-capacity fryers, multi-function ovens, and automated prep machines speed up the cooking process so staff can keep up without the stress.
The right commercial kitchen equipment supports contactless ordering by streamlining the installation of digital systems, reducing the need for less staff, and improving food availability. It also ensures that every visit to a restaurant is smooth and enjoyable for clients.
Important Kitchen Equipment for Contactless Ordering
To run a smooth and efficient contactless ordering system, restaurants need the right tools. Aside from using smart equipment, restaurants also need commercial kitchen or catering equipment that is flexible and can integrate with software or programs that streamline ordering, payment, and operations. Here are some of the most important pieces of equipment:
1. Smart POS Systems & Kitchen Display Screens (KDS)
A POS system and KDS work together to speed up orders. They provide real-time updates, track average spending, and help the kitchen maintain control over order flow. These systems offer great benefits, like improving order accuracy and reducing waste.
A Kitchen Display System (KDS) replaces paper dockets, showing all incoming orders on a screen in real-time. This keeps everything organised, reduces mistakes, and helps the kitchen team work faster.
2. High-Speed Ovens & Cooktops
Fast orders need fast cooking. High-speed ovens and induction cooktops heat up quickly and cook food evenly, helping chefs keep up with demand while maintaining food quality.
3. Automated Food Prep Machines
Chopping, slicing, and mixing take time, but food processors, dough mixers, and automatic slicers do the job faster. This means kitchen staff can focus on putting meals together rather than spending ages chopping veggies.
4. Refrigeration & Hot Holding Units
Proper supply management is key to food quality. Commercial refrigeration keeps ingredients fresh, while hot holding units ensure meals are at the right temperature and ready for pickup or delivery.
With takeaway and delivery, food often sits before it’s picked up. Commercial fridges keep ingredients fresh, while hot holding units make sure meals stay warm and ready to go when drivers arrive.
5. Contactless Pickup Stations & Warming Lockers
Some restaurants now use heated lockers or self-serve pickup stations. These let customers or delivery drivers grab their food without needing to interact with staff, keeping things efficient and hygienic. This makes it easier for house staff to focus on other tasks while ensuring a smooth customer experience.
6. Smart Dishwashers & Hygiene Stations
With more takeaway orders, hygiene is more important than ever. High-speed dishwashers clean trays, utensils, and cookware quickly, while touch-free hand sanitiser stations keep staff safe and kitchens germ-free.
So, What’s Next for Contactless Ordering?
Contactless ordering is constantly evolving. In the future, we can expect even more innovations to make ordering, preparing, and delivering food faster and easier. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- More Automation in Kitchens: From robotic chefs to AI-powered cooking assistants, automation will continue to reduce labour and speed up food prep. Smart equipment will help kitchens run with more precision and less waste.
- Better Integration with Delivery Services: Seamless connections between restaurant systems and food delivery platforms will make the process even smoother. Expect more real-time tracking, automated order updates, and smarter delivery scheduling.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: Future advancements may include personalised recommendations, voice-activated ordering, and even AI chatbots that help customers place their perfect order in seconds.
Contactless ordering is here to stay. With the right technology and equipment, restaurants can improve revenue, make jobs easier, and ensure a smooth customer experience from order to delivery.
Final Thoughts
Commercial kitchen equipment is essential for successful contactless ordering. Restaurants that invest in modern tools can speed up service, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction. With the right equipment, businesses can meet customer expectations, control costs, and stay competitive.
As technology keeps advancing, staying updated with the latest kitchen innovations will help businesses transform their processes and increase efficiency, making dining a seamless experience for both customers and staff. Whether in cafes, restaurants, or food trucks, having the right equipment is essential for success in today’s fast-paced dining industry.
