2026 KI Awardees Announced

As many as 20 solutions earned a 2026 Kitchen Innovations Award, announced today by the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show.

“This year’s Kitchen Innovations recipients reflect how kitchens are using equipment and technology that support consistent execution, faster workflows, and better decision-making under real operating conditions,” says Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group, in the release.

This year’s recipients include the following:

Aqua-Pure: 3M™ ScaleGard High-Flux Reverse Osmosis System
BDGR LLC: SP Genix Bio-Degradeable Degreaser
Blendtec: Ultra Jar
CNSRV Inc.: DC:02 Food Defroster & Chiller
Ecolab: Pest Intelligence Powered by ECOLAB3D
Electrolux Professional: Randell HCI Drop-In Combination Well
Hatco Corp: 6-Burner Programmable Induction Range
Hobart: FT2000 Flight-Type Dishmachine
Hoshizaki: Pizza Prep Table with Refrigerated Catch Pans
Imperial MFG: Pro Series Electric Wafer Plate Range
Instafarm: Commercial Growing Unit
JBT Marel: Fresh’n Squeeze 1800 Citrus Juicer
Marco Beverage Systems: SYPP
MEIKO USA: M-iQ Cup Flight-Type Dishmachine
Next Robot: Al Dente AI-Powered Cooking System
Replenish: Genesis Countertop Blender
Southbend: Steam Shell Griddle
Spring USA: PowerLuxe Battery Powered Buffet Equipment
Waring Commercial Products: Planit POD Fermentation Chamber
West Star Industries: Tri-Temp Pizza Prep Table

The 2026 KI Awards recipients will be on display at the National Restaurant Association Show, taking place May 16-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.