Looking Ahead: Top 3 Food Service Equipment Trends for 2022
With 2021 almost in the books, we will begin 2022 in an interesting way. As the world still copes with the COVID-19 aftereffects, food service equipment will adapt accordingly. With outdoor dining & delivery becoming a permanent mainstay in several locations, there is bound to be some shifting trends in the industry.
In this article, we will look at the 3 biggest food service equipment trends to look forward to in 2022 & how they may affect your operations as a whole. Let’s jump in.
1. Easy to Clean/Sanitary Equipment
Given the emergence of COVID-19, sanitation has become the most important aspect in the food service industry. With that said, acquiring equipment that is easy to clean is at the top of the list for every commercial facility.
Stainless steel happens to be one of the easiest surfaces to clean, thanks to its inherent sanitary characteristics. Using the proper cleaning techniques can yield fantastic results, which will ensure that your equipment is clean & ready to use.
With COVID-19 being around for awhile, this drive for sanitation & safety will be popular in commercial facilities in the next few years.
2. Eco-friendly Equipment
The drive for more sustainable & “green” products is rising year after year. People are starting to become more open to low emission vehicles, non-GMO foods & biodegradable products among other things. This is especially true in the food service equipment arena. Eco-friendly disposable dinnerware (packaging, utensils, trays, etc.) & eco-friendly housekeeping chemicals is becoming a hot commodity in the industry.
Coincidentally, stainless steel is considered a “green” product in several aspects. For one, stainless steel is the world’s most recycled material. Stainless steel is also non-corrosive, so it is harmless to people who handle it & the environment. Lastly, stainless steel does not need any extra coatings such as paints or varnishes, which can release toxic chemicals into the environment.
3. Automation
If you’ve been into a restaurant recently, you may have seen self-service kiosks which can be used to answer your requests. This is useful for speeding up operations & promotes social distancing policies. Kiosks provide a unique way for you to personalize the food experience.
If you’ve been to a restaurant with a self-service kiosk, chances are you may have seen robots actually prepare the food. The trend of including robots into back-of-the-house operations will continue to rise significantly in the coming years as they are a reliable & sanitary option.
IMC/Teddy is eager to close out the year & enter into 2022 with a few exciting trends to look forward to. With the advent of COVID-19, the food service equipment industry has been at the forefront of change to promote hygiene & safety to users. To learn about other ongoing changes in the commercial kitchen, click here.
