Restaurants need kitchen display systems (KDS) for accurate order tracking. Busy kitchens have harsh environments. To select durable and high-quality KDS hardware, you’ll need to understand the conditions it needs to withstand. Your customers might also require their KDS hardware to easily connect to their POS system.
KDS and POS resellers like you might need assistance selecting the best KDS hardware for your market. In this article, you’ll learn about the top 10 restaurant KDS hardware manufacturers.
Bimi
Caption: The 21.5” KDS touchscreen display manufactured by Bimi is one of its most popular hardware products [Image: Bimi KDS]
Bimi manufactures KDS hardware for hotels, restaurants, cafes, and hospitality businesses. With over 15 years of experience, its KDS hardware is built for various kitchen environments. From back-of-house with cold rooms to those with grills, Bimi’s KDS systems ensure all orders are tracked properly.
Durable Display
Resellers like you know how important it is to tailor a KDS setup to your customer’s business needs. Bimi’s KDS displays have touch panels that are oil-, water-, and dust-proof. They can also be attached to VESA mounts. This ensures your customers have a KDS display that can be installed in any kitchen station.
Each display screen is built with a high-resolution LCD to prevent dead pixels and shadows. Regardless of the kitchen’s lighting, the information displayed on-screen is easily readable. Bimi offers kitchen displays in the following sizes:
- 10.4”
- 12.1”
- 15”
- 17”
- 18.5”
- 19”
- 21.5”
Customizable Design
Caption: The enclosed KDS touchscreen hardware built by Bimi [Image: Bimi KDS]
You also have the option to choose enclosed KDS machines for your customers. This design prevents cockroaches from infiltrating the machine. In busy kitchens, an enclosed design also protects the KDS from water or oil splatters.
Bimi specializes in creating fully enclosed KDS. These highly protected machines are durable and can last at least 5 years.
Bimi is also an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM). You can customize the system’s color and packaging to suit your market.
Unit Samples and Shipment
If you want to test one of Bimi’s kitchen display systems, you can order a sample. Each sample is shipped out within 2 to 3 days after placing your order. Furthermore, you can expect large orders to be shipped out within 10 to 30 days. However, this may vary based on the order quantity.
Components
Caption: Bimi also manufactures bump bars to help kitchens manage orders [Image: Bimi bump bar for KDS]
KDS hardware manufacturers such as Bimi ensure that their systems are compatible with popular POS software. Bimi’s kitchen display systems are compatible with Windows, Android, or Linux operating systems. With this selection, you can ensure your customer’s POS system is compatible with the KDS.
Peripherals
Bimi also manufactures peripherals such as bump bars and keyboards to help your customers expand their KDS’s functionalities. Bump bars allow kitchen staff to manage orders using buttons. They can also rearrange and organize orders using a bump bar. When an order is ready to serve, they simply have to press a button to notify the front-of-house.
In addition to bump bars, Bimi creates IP65-certified keyboards. Just like its KDS hardware, these keyboards are protected against dust, water, and oil damage common in kitchens. It offers two options: 20-key and 21-key models. With these peripherals, you can further tailor KDS hardware to your market’s needs.
Quality Control
Each unit’s motherboard, RAM, SSD, display, and touch panel are made with high-quality components. Industry leaders like Bimi test each KDS thoroughly. The display and touch screen are individually tested to ensure there are no dead pixels or damage.
After a KDS is assembled, each unit undergoes a 72-hour aging test in Bimi’s factory. Even the ports and Wi-Fi are thoroughly checked.
Warranty
As a reseller, you’ll need to choose KDS hardware manufacturers with reliable after-sales customer support. Bimi’s kitchen display systems have a 3-year warranty. For any concerns, its customer service team is available 6 days a week, 10 hours per day. Regardless of your customer’s timezone, you can still contact Bimi for assistance.
MicroTouch
Caption: MicroTouch’s 10.1” LED touchscreen KDS display [Image: MicroTouch KDS]
Since 1982, MicroTouch has been creating touchscreens used in various industries, including restaurants. It is also an industry leader in projected capacitive touch technology. MicroTouch kitchen display screens are used by some of the top POS software companies such as Square. Its systems are compatible with Android or Windows.
Projected Capacitive Touchscreen
MicroTouch specializes in building projected capacitive touch displays. These 10-point touchscreens are encased in durable glass. This combination offers restaurant owners a durable and highly-responsive kitchen display system.
Each screen is enclosed and Front Panel IP65 Compliant. This assures restaurant owners that their KDS screen is protected from dust and water. These screens are built to withstand light water pressure sprays.
Its capacitive touchscreens have anti-glare and optical bonding features for reliable visibility. MicroTouch’s KDS touch displays have brightness levels ranging from 315 to 405 nits.
Each screen’s view angle is typically either 160˚ or 178˚, depending on the screen size. MicroTouch offers screen sizes that fit in any type of kitchen. These are its screen size options:
- 10.1”
- 15.6”
- 21.5”
Ports and Peripherals
Top manufacturers like MicroTouch also ensure their KDS devices are compatible with other hardware. Each unit is compatible with VESA mounts. MicroTouch KDS touchscreens include I/O ports such as:
- USB-C
- USB 3.0 Type A
- LAN
- HDMI
- Audio
- Micro SD slot
- Power input
- Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
Most MicroTouch KDS touchscreens also include speakers and cameras. Some systems also include light bars to indicate activity. You can also attach peripherals such as barcode scanners and MSR to these devices.
International Safety and Quality Standards
As mentioned above, MicroTouch ensures each KDS screen is Front Panel IP65 Compliant. In addition, its hardware follows safety regulations. Here are the international and regional safety certifications for MicroTouch touchscreens:
- CE
- FCC
- UL/cUL
- NOM
- RoHS
- UKCA
- RCM
- PSE
Warranty and Technical Support
Aside from its strict quality and safety checks, MicroTouch provides a 3-year product warranty. You can also contact its technical support team from 8 AM to 5 PM EST. In addition, it has an online knowledge base for technical resources.
Geekland
Caption: Geekland’s 13.3” Windows KDS device [Image: Geekland]
Since 2010, Geekland has been designing and manufacturing touchscreen KDS devices. It provides highly customizable KDS solutions to restaurants and other industries. Its enterprise-grade KDS screens are compatible with Windows and Android systems. Geekland is trusted by brands such as Kitchen United, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and I Heart Mac & Cheese.
Customizable KDS Solutions
Geekland provides flexibility in its KDS design so you can tailor it to your client’s preferences. Its screen size options range from 7 inches to 32 inches. All screens are compatible with Universal VESA mounts.
Restaurant owners need a versatile KDS device that is compatible with their POS and KDS software. Geekland’s KDS hardware has an open ecosystem so your customers can easily install their programs using the Play Store. If your customer prefers to use custom software, they can easily deploy it using an APK.
Durable Display Screen
You have the option to choose a KDS screen encased in aluminum, stainless steel, or metal. In addition, aluminum and stainless steel screens are IP65-rated. Because of this, each unit is protected against heat, smoke, and water.
Geekland KDS screens can be used 24/7. Demanding kitchen environments that need continuous KDS operations can rely on Geekland. Each device comes with a 2-year warranty.
Seamless Set Up
Geekland KDS hardware supports Wi-Fi and PoE connections. This makes its Zero-Touch Deployment feature possible. You can choose to pre-load your customer’s POS and KDS software.
Through an internet connection, restaurant owners can easily set up their Geekland KDS hardware. This is especially helpful for multi-location restaurants.
Elo
Elo has been an industry leader for touchscreen systems for more than 50 years. It has more than 400 patents for its top-of-the-line touch display solutions. Elo’s kitchen display systems are designed to keep up with fast-paced restaurants. Each KDS is designed with accuracy and speed in mind. This ensures restaurants can correctly track order tickets in real-time.
Durable Kitchen Display Touchscreen
Elo’s KDS hardware is designed to keep up with demanding kitchen environments. Each KDS touchscreen is protected with chemically strengthened glass to protect it from heat, water, oil, and impact. All of Elo’s KDS hardware complies with IP65, IK, and UL standards.
Customizable Setup
Its commercial kitchen-ready touchscreens are available in sizes ranging from 7 to 65 inches. Restaurant owners can further configure their KDS setup to their space using VESA mounts. This allows them to attach their KDS screen to walls, shelves, poles, and counters. Kitchens that require screens in various sizes can easily do so.
Easy Integration
Restaurant owners need KDS hardware that easily fits into their business operations. Your customers can easily connect their existing order management and POS software to Elo KDS. Even third-party online ordering platforms and delivery apps are easily integrated into the Elo KDS ecosystem.
Elo’s KDS solutions include PoE. With this, your clients won’t have to deal with complicated system installations. In addition, this reduces the exposed cables in their kitchens.
Kitchen Armor
Caption: The 10” KA-1000 model of Kitchen Armor’s KDS hardware is encased in stainless steel [Image: Kitchen Armor]
Since 1991, Kitchen Armor has been designing industrial-grade KDS hardware. It focuses on innovating kitchen solutions to help restaurants deliver top-quality customer service. Kitchen Armor KDS devices are used in Wood Ranch, Flanigan’s, Kings Seafood Company, Brigantine Family Restaurants, and other restaurants.
Stainless Steel KDS Touchscreens
All of Kitchen Armor’s KDS touchscreens are enclosed in stainless steel. This ensures each KDS unit runs smoothly even in harsh kitchen conditions. Its KDS hardware also complies with HACCP safety standards.
While each touchscreen is equipped with hardened glass, it is also designed with PCAP technology. This allows a restaurant’s kitchen staff to use the KDS without pressing the screen too hard to input commands.
You have a wide variety of KDS touchscreen sizes to choose from. The screen sizes range from 10” to 22”. There are Windows and Android versions available.
Heavy-duty Hardware
Kitchen Armor designs its hardware to protect cables attached to the KDS. It also ensures cables and other attachments can be easily concealed to reduce clutter. These KDS units also include PoE functionality for reliable performance.
If you want to further customize your customer’s KDS setup, Kitchen Armor also manufactures other hardware. It creates universal VESA mounts, stainless steel posts, pole clamps, printer trays, and more. It also offers in-house KDS installation and mounting services. Kitchen Armor’s KDS hardware has a 3-year product warranty.
6 Logic Controls
Logic Controls is one of the pioneers of kitchen display systems. It has been manufacturing KDS devices for restaurants since 1982. It is trusted by restaurants such as Pizza Hut, Panera Bread, Burger King, and Carl’s Jr. Logic Controls kitchen display systems are created to support back-of-house operations without sacrificing aesthetics.
Durable and Versatile Touchscreen Display
Logic Controls manufactures True-Flat PCAP touchscreen kitchen displays. You can choose between LED and LCD models. Each screen’s brightness can go up to 350 nits. Furthermore, it has a high-definition wide panel display. Its selection of screen sizes includes:
- 11.6”
- 15”
- 15.6”
- 17”
- 21.5”
Each touchscreen is built to perform in harsh kitchen environments. All Logic Controls KDS hardware is IP65 certified. These screens can withstand dust, humidity, and up to 60° C of heat.
Versatile Hardware
Logic Controls KDS hardware runs on Android. Its touchscreen displays include processors such as MTK 6700 for reliable performance in busy restaurant kitchens. You can customize your client’s KDS setup using ports such as:
- HDMI
- VGA
- USB
- DisplayPort
It also creates other kitchen hardware such as display controllers, kitchen bump bars, and thermal printers. Your customers can easily create a cohesive KDS setup using Logic Controls hardware. Each KDS touchscreen display also includes a Universal VESA mount. All KDS touchscreens come with a 3-year warranty.
Star Micronics
Established in 1976, Star Micronics manufactures modular KDS hardware. It specializes in creating thermal printers, scales, and other hardware designed for demanding kitchen conditions. Its KDS hardware is compatible with Windows, iOS, Android, and ChromeOS systems.
Modular KDS Hardware
Some of your clients may need additional KDS hardware for their restaurants. Star Micronics allows you to create a customized hardware ecosystem tailored to their needs. Its hardware is built to last in hot and humid kitchens. Despite continuous use in busy restaurants, its hardware won’t slow down business operations.
Its hardware is compatible with popular POS operating systems. This helps you find durable and high-quality KDS hardware that seamlessly connects to your client’s POS system. You can create custom KDS setups with hardware such as:
- Thermal printer
- Precision scale
- Wireless scanners
- Tablet stand
- Tablet mount
- Pole mount
- VESA mount
One of its standout KDS hardware options is its thermal printers, which are equipped with cloud-based printing capabilities. This allows kitchens to print order tickets using low-latency printers. Thanks to this, restaurant owners have a reliable ticketing system.
Technical Support
The cloud-based features of Star Micronics’ KDS hardware provide your clients with efficient deployment and maintenance. Multi-location restaurants can remotely and simultaneously implement updates to their KDS hardware.
Star Micronics also offers cloud-based KDS infrastructure management. Your clients can choose to manage their KDS hardware in-house or request assistance from Star Micronics. Furthermore, it provides SDKs to enable your customers to configure their KDS hardware to their needs.
Oracle
Oracle offers all-in-one kitchen display systems. You can choose hardware from an extensive list of restaurant solutions designed to centralize business operations. Oracle is trusted globally by companies such as Waffle House, Wendy’s, TGIFridays, and BurgerFi.
All-in-One KDS Hardware
Oracle’s Express Station 400 is its all-in-one kitchen display system. This hardware is protected against surface damage, heat, humidity, and water spills. Whether used in a cold station or beside an oven, it withstands temperatures between 0° and 60°C. Moreover, the Oracle Express Station 400 is IP54-certified.
Each device is equipped with an Intel Atom dual-core processor and 4GB of memory. It comes with a universal VESA mount pattern. Your customers can also add peripherals to the hardware using these I/O ports:
- USB 2.0
- USB 3.0
- USB Type-C
- Ethernet
- Alternate Display (using USB-C)
Versatile Display Options
You can choose a 24-inch model with either a touchscreen or LCD display. Each screen has a brightness of up to 250 nits and an anti-glare feature. It also comes with 1920×1080 resolution with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
If you’re looking for heavy-duty KDS hardware, Oracle is a good choice to consider. The Express Station 400 comes with a tamper detection feature to prevent unauthorized component removal. Each device includes a 1-year product warranty.
Toast
Caption: The KDS display created by Toast is built to withstand surface damage [Image: Toast KDS]
Toast’s restaurant solutions are built to provide a pleasant dining experience for every guest. Its KDS is designed to seamlessly work with a restaurant’s POS system. With Toast, restaurant owners can track dine-in, takeout, delivery, and curbside orders using one platform. It is used by restaurants such as Carmine’s, Carbone, The French Laundry, Tatiana, and Applebee’s.
Hardware for High-volume Kitchens
Toast is a great choice for your customers that service a high volume of guests. Its KDS hardware resists damage from impact, dust, heat (up to 120°F), grease, and continuous use.
Kitchen staff who need reliable KDS hardware can rely on Toast to keep up with their busy operations. Toast KDS screens are tested to ensure there is consistent responsiveness even after repeated swipes and taps. Its KDS hardware is tested using simulations of high-volume kitchens (including spills and drops).
Restaurant owners can include Toast Router as an add-on. Toast Router has a built-in cellular data connection to ensure information from front and back-of-house is always in sync.
Toast Device Hub
Device Hub is Toast’s centralized dashboard for its hardware. Your customers can easily monitor real-time reports about their Toast KDS and POS hardware. They can check information about a device’s:
- Activity status
- Alerts
- Serial numbers
Toast’s KDS hardware seamlessly integrates with Toast POS. If your customer is looking for a centralized system for their restaurant, Toast is a good fit.
PAR
PAR creates KDS hardware that connects a restaurant’s POS and KDS. More than 100,00 restaurants use PAR hardware in their daily operations. It provides hardware for restaurants such as Salsarita’s Mexican Grill, Hardee’s, Arby’s, Zaxby’s, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
High-performance KDS Hardware
PAR’s KDS hardware is tested to ensure it performs well even in hot, humid, and extremely busy kitchens. Even its KDS bump bars are protected against spills and heat. PAR ensures its KDS hardware works well in high-volume kitchens.
Plug-and-play KDS Hardware
PAR KDS hardware can be easily set up and connected to a restaurant’s existing platforms. Its industrial-grade screens have multiple mounting options. This allows restaurant owners to fit the hardware into their busy kitchens.
It includes a programmable bump bar so restaurant owners can configure it to their needs. Because of this, a restaurant’s POS and kitchen processes are easily synced. Your customers can also add peripherals and accessories like:
- Printers
- KDS bump bars
- Communication devices
- Docking stations
The Busiest Kitchens Use the Best KDS Hardware
The best restaurant KDS hardware manufacturers ensure their products are built to last in harsh kitchen environments. Despite heat, humidity, and continuous use, the top KDS hardware performs well in any setup. When choosing the right manufacturer for your customers, you’ll need to ensure the KDS hardware connects to their current system.
Bimi has been building high-quality KDS hardware for more than 15 years. It can customize KDS hardware to fit your market’s needs. Its hardware is built to keep up with harsh kitchen temperatures and conditions. Whether you’re looking for Windows, Android, or Linux KDS hardware, start your search with Bimi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do the best KDS hardware manufacturers ensure their products withstand harsh environments?
Yes, the best KDS hardware manufacturers ensure their products withstand harsh environments. Kitchens have hot, humid, and sometimes very cold conditions.
The best manufacturers ensure their KDS hardware withstands extreme temperatures, water spills, grease, impact, and surface damage. IP65, IK, and UL are certifications that show how well the KDS hardware withstands heat, impact, and other conditions. The best manufacturers enclose their KDS hardware with stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals.
2. Do all KDS hardware manufacturers offer product warranties?
No, not all KDS hardware manufacturers offer product warranties. The typical warranty period provided by the best manufacturers ranges from 1 to 3 years. This enables your customers to receive prompt repairs and maintenance within this period. Moreover, product warranties help you prolong the lifespan of your KDS hardware.
3. Should you check if a KDS hardware manufacturer complies with safety and quality regulations?
Yes, you should ensure a KDS hardware manufacturer complies with safety and quality regulations. International and regional certifications enable you and your customer to determine the hardware’s reliability.
To get these certifications, each KDS hardware unit is thoroughly tested. Afterward, it is stamped to show that it complies with CE, RoHS, and other certifications.
4. Do all restaurant KDS hardware manufacturers create touchscreen displays?
No, not all restaurant KDS hardware manufacturers create touchscreen displays. However, capacitive touchscreens are common KDS hardware. The top manufacturers design them to respond quickly, even with repetitive inputs.
Some restaurant KDS hardware manufacturers create non-touch LCD screens, too. The choice between touchscreen and non-touch options depends on the needs of your market.
5. Do all KDS hardware manufacturers provide customization options for their products?
No, not all KDS hardware manufacturers provide customization options for their products. Luckily, most of the best manufacturers do. You can customize the hardware’s color, screen size, and design. Some manufacturers also provide options for a KDS screen’s casing.
Aside from branding customization, the best KDS hardware manufacturers also create versatile products. This allows you to select KDS hardware that can be used in various kitchens. Through this flexibility, you can tailor your KDS hardware selection to your customer’s business needs.
6. Is after-sales customer support important when selecting a restaurant KDS manufacturer?
Yes, after-sales customer support is important when selecting a restaurant KDS manufacturer. First, you’ll need to ensure the manufacturer has multiple customer channels. Most manufacturers provide chat or email ticketing customer support. Some also offer online knowledge bases for tutorials and quick fixes.
You’ll also need to check the manufacturer’s customer service hours. If your client operates in a different timezone, ensure the manufacturer can be contacted during their work hours.
7. Do the best restaurant KDS hardware manufacturers create hardware that easily connects to POS systems?
Yes, the best restaurant KDS hardware manufacturers create hardware that easily connects to POS systems. In fact, the best KDS hardware is created with this in mind. When selecting a KDS hardware manufacturer, you’ll need to ensure it seamlessly integrates with your customer’s POS software.
Some of the top manufacturers design their KDS hardware to easily connect to popular POS software. This integration ensures a restaurant’s front and back-of-house work effectively with each other.
8. Do all restaurant KDS hardware manufacturers also offer in-house KDS software?
No, not all restaurant KDS hardware manufacturers offer in-house KDS software. As mentioned above, the best manufacturers ensure their hardware connects to a restaurant’s existing systems. However, some manufacturers only provide KDS hardware.
The good news is that some of the top KDS hardware manufacturers provide their own KDS software. Meanwhile, other KDS hardware manufacturers partner with popular KDS software. This gives you flexibility when choosing the right KDS hardware manufacturer for your market.
9. What operating systems are compatible with restaurant KDS hardware made by the top manufacturers?
Windows and Android are the most common operating systems that are compatible with restaurant KDS hardware. Some of the top KDS hardware manufacturers also create systems that run on Linux, iOS, or ChromeOS.
When choosing restaurant KDS hardware for your customer, you’ll need to ensure their hardware works with their current platforms. Most of the top manufacturers create devices compatible with one or more operating systems.
10. Is it easy to add accessories and peripherals to restaurant KDS hardware created by the best manufacturers?
Yes, it is easy to add accessories and peripherals to restaurant KDS hardware created by the best manufacturers. I/O ports are included by the top manufacturers so you can add functionalities to the hardware. You can add printers, display screens, cameras, and other hardware.
Most restaurant KDS hardware created by the top manufacturers is compatible with universal VESA mounts. This enables restaurant owners to attach their KDS hardware to countertops, shelves, or walls.
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