In the modern era, technology has revolutionized every sector, and the food industry is no exception. The use of kitchen printers and kitchen display systems (KDS) has become a popular trend in restaurants and bars. Both systems have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and deciding which is better depends on the specific needs of a particular establishment.
Kitchen Printer Pros A kitchen printer is a device that prints orders from the point-of-sale (POS) system in the kitchen. It operates by printing out the order on paper, which the kitchen staff can read and prepare the food accordingly. Kitchen printers are simple to use and reliable. They require minimal maintenance and can last for years without breaking down. When it comes to cost, a kitchen printer is typically cheaper compared to a KDS. The initial cost of setting up a kitchen printer is relatively low, and the maintenance costs are minimal if the printer operates in a clean environment and is serviced routinely. The paper used by kitchen printers is readily available and can add up. However, the cost of setting up a KDS can be comparatively high, especially if a restaurant has a large kitchen or several prep stations. Additionally, the cost of maintaining and updating software for the KDS can be expensive, depending on the desired software provider.
Kitchen printers are simple to use and reliable. They require minimal maintenance and can last for years without breaking down
KDS Pros On the other hand, a kitchen display system is a digital screen that displays the order information in real-time. The KDS connects to the POS system, and the orders are displayed on a monitor or tablet. KDS allows the kitchen staff to receive orders in real-time, and they can update the status of the order as they prepare it. They can also communicate with each other easily, reducing the chances of errors and increasing efficiency. In terms of efficiency, a KDS has several advantages over a kitchen printer. With a KDS, orders are received in real-time, and the kitchen staff can begin preparing the food immediately. The KDS can also communicate with other devices, such as a bump bar, allowing the staff to update the status of an order quickly. This can significantly reduce wait times and increase customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the KDS can also provide valuable data and analytics, such as order times and ticket volume, which can help restaurants optimize their kitchen operations. On the other hand, kitchen printers have their unique advantages. They are straightforward to use and do not require any technical knowledge. While printers include mechanical parts and assemblies, they are no more reliable than a KDS solution operating in harsh kitchen conditions such as heat, grease, and moisture.
KDS allows the kitchen staff to receive orders in real-time, and they can update the status of the order as they prepare it
Conclusion In conclusion, both kitchen printers and KDS have their advantages and disadvantages. The decision on which system to choose depends on the specific needs of a restaurant or bar. For smaller establishments or those with a limited budget, a kitchen printer may be the best choice. However, for larger restaurants or those looking to increase efficiency and streamline their operations, a KDS may be the way to go. Ultimately, whichever system a restaurant or bar chooses, it is essential to invest in a high-quality and reliable system to ensure that the kitchen runs smoothly and efficiently. Aldelo Express Offers the Best of Both Worlds Aldelo Express Cloud POS supports up to 20 kitchen printers in any environment. When used with Aldelo Express Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), operators further expand the operation capabilities of their restaurant or bar. The Aldelo Express KDS solution supports:
coordination with kitchen printers
color-coded modifiers, voids, and staff notes
tablet-based KDS bump bars
tablet-based KDS screens that tether to any-sized displays
integration with online orders