National Restaurant Association Show Names 20 Kitchen Innovations Award Recipients for 2026

CHICAGO (Feb. 18, 2026) — The National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show^® has selected 20 recipients of its 2026 Kitchen Innovations (KI) Awards, recognizing foodservice equipment and technology designed to support day-to-day foodservice execution through smarter automation, sustainability, and operational resilience.

This year’s class of awardees reflects the realities operators are managing on the ground, including workforce constraints, tighter margins, and limited room for disruption during service. The selected solutions focus on helping kitchens maintain consistency and speed during peak service, with equipment and systems designed for day-to-day use.

“Operators are no longer experimenting with technology; they are relying on it,” said Tom Cindric, president of exhibitions for Informa Connect Foodservice Group. “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.”

The 2026 Kitchen Innovations Award recipients are:

3M™ ScaleGard High-Flux Reverse Osmosis System
Aqua-Pure
Smaller than conventional RO systems, 3M™ ScaleGard High-Flux Reverse Osmosis System delivers an impressive 75% water efficiency—far surpassing the 25-50% typical of existing models—without the need for a water softener. Over five years of heavy use, that efficiency saves more than 500,000 gallons of water. Two models provide 800 or 1,200 gallons per day. A compact, integrated top housing includes a clear, intuitive display.

SP Genix Bio-Degradeable Degreaser
BDGR LLC
This innovative degreaser delivers high-performance cleaning for foodservice equipment and facilities while advancing meaningful sustainability. Made by repurposing used cooking oil, it is 100% human-safe and certified fully biodegradable within 31 days. Effective on fryers, extraction hoods, floors, and food preparation surfaces, it matches or exceeds the performance of conventional chemical degreasers—without health warnings or protective equipment requirements. Offered at the same price or less than traditional options, it removes cost as a barrier to sustainable operations.

Ultra Jar
Blendtec
The patented Ultra Jar is engineered to accelerate commercial blending while preserving drink quality. Its chamfered base enhances vortex efficiency for faster, more consistent blends, while larger side ribs reduce cavitation and keep ingredients moving. A hybrid safety blade design—blunt edges with a sharpened underside—pulverizes ingredients faster, delivering finer textures. Tests show significantly reduced blend times, by up to 50%, translating into measurable labor savings, improved throughput, and better product stability for on-premise and delivery applications.

DC:02 Food Defroster & Chiller
CNSRV Inc.
The CNSRV DC:02 gives kitchens a smarter, more controlled way to thaw frozen food and chill hot food. By replacing running faucets and manual workarounds with engineered circulation and precise temperature control, it improves operational efficiency while significantly reducing water use, saving time and money, and delivering consistent results every shift.

Pest Intelligence Powered by ECOLAB3D™
Ecolab
This comprehensive pest management solution combines proven service expertise with always‑on technology to help reduce pest risk, drive operational savings, and enhance brand protection. By continuously monitoring rodent and cockroach activity 24/7, the program delivers real‑time alerts that enable teams to act quickly and effectively. Actionable insights illuminate root causes and support faster resolution and stronger long‑term prevention.

Randell HCI Drop-In Combination Well
Electrolux Professional, Inc
Drop-in food wells offering combination hot and cold holding just got even more flexible! Randell’s new adjustable, multi-position pan ledge is a fresh approach to flexible food serving, offering both flush mount and a choice of recessed pan heights. Plus, the ability to choose flat or angled positions for ultimate flexibility. Lock-in place pan adapter bars ensure whatever pan configuration is chosen, it stays put.

6-Burner Programmable Induction Range
Hatco Corporation
No large induction range delivers the same depth of programmability and user guidance as this new offering from Hatco. It can effectively manage up to six cooking stages per program, based on time, power level, or temperature setpoint. That helps maximize cooking speed while safeguarding product integrity, regardless of the skill level of the user. The interface enables quick and easy customization of step-by-step user instructions, alerts, and the required buttons to push.

FT2000 Flight-Type Dishmachine
Hobart
The Hobart FT2000 Flight Type Dishwasher was designed using real-world insights to reduce labor time on machine cleaning and staff training with easy-open load and unload ends and removable side panels, plus color-coded parts and graphic instructions that guide staff through routine cleaning and operation. Adaptive washing evaluates incoming ware and automatically adjusts conveyor speed to optimize wash, rinse, and drying performance.

Pizza Prep Table with Refrigerated Catch Pans
Hoshizaki
This new pizza prep appeals to operators who can't afford to waste toppings. As pizzas are made, cheese and other toppings that miss, fall into the catch pans below, which are directly refrigerated and can hold ingredients at food-safe temperatures indefinitely. An updated hood design features Hoshizaki’s exclusive day-night mode that keeps ingredients at food safe temperatures when the hood is open and saves operators the need to remove food or shut down the unit at night when the hood is closed.

Pro Series Electric Wafer Plate Range
Imperial MFG
This electric flat-top range provides heavy duty, high-performance equipment delivering full versatility. Wafer-style heating elements deliver rapid startup and recovery, reaching up to 650°F to cook food up to 50% faster than traditional burners. Large, 12" x 12" solid steel plates maximize pan contact and accommodate multiple pots simultaneously, while sealed elements protect against spills. Thermostatic controls prevent overheating, ensuring durability and safety. With powerful 3.75 kW elements, the range provides heavy-duty performance with precise, consistent results.

Commercial Growing Unit
Instafarm®
The Instafarm® Commercial Growing Unit brings automated, soil-based greens production directly into commercial kitchens. Designed for chefs and foodservice operators, it holds up to 36 prefilled trays and delivers fresh, nutrient-dense harvests in as little as five to seven days. Intelligent sensors and Sun Emulation Technology automatically manage water, light, and environment, ensuring consistent results with minimal labor. With no plumbing required and a sleek, professional footprint, Instafarm® helps kitchens reduce waste, eliminate supply chain variability, and serve hyper-fresh microgreens, herbs, and wheatgrass daily.

Fresh'n Squeeze® 1800 Citrus Juicer
JBT Marel
This high-performance tabletop citrus juicer delivers the same high yield and better-tasting juice of its industrial siblings. Its Whole Fruit Extraction process pierces and presses fruit while separating juice from peel and seeds, producing smooth, fresh juice with up to 37% more yield than conventional juicers. Capable of processing 18 fruits per minute and handling most citrus varieties, it offers customizable pulp content, simple maintenance, and durable construction—helping operators reduce waste, increase efficiency, and drive fresh juice sales.

SYPP
Marco Beverage Systems
Operators craving freedom and creativity will be looking at this compact, flexible beverage dispenser. It can produce cold and sparkling beverages in up to eight flavors available as bag-in-box, bottles, or jugs. This solution is compact, sleek, and sophisticated sharing the modular design of Marco’s other undercounter hot, cold, and sparkling water systems.

M-iQ Cup Flight-Type Dishmachine
MEIKO USA, Inc.
This dishwashing machine is another milestone for MEIKO. It comes with all the benefits of the pioneering M-iQ generation of machines, plus special features for washing and drying reusable plastic dishware like cups and bowls. It delivers the perfect balance of cleaning, economy, and resource efficiency. This is a professional solution for catering companies and foodservice at festivals, ideal for quick turnarounds of clean reusable dishware or simply for storing it dry.

Al Dente AI-Powered Cooking System
Next Robot Inc.
Al Dente leverages proprietary ChefSight AI and PrecisionHeat AI to automate fine pasta, risotto, stews, and stir fry, batch after batch, eliminating overcooking and human variability. In a compact 32 inch x 32 inch footprint, two units combine to deliver four independent pots cooking four dishes simultaneously. Adaptive AI driven closed loop control continuously monitors and adjusts heat, timing, and seasoning to produce consistent chef level results, requiring only about 30 minutes of operator training.

Genesis Countertop Blender
Replenish®
Replenish® is a revolutionary, fully integrated countertop blended-beverage system that redefines convenient, healthy eating by transforming flash-frozen whole-food ingredients into smooth, delicious, and nutritious beverages in about 60 seconds. Chef-crafted, functional blends are pre-packaged and sealed in a custom-engineered cup, eliminating all prep. At the heart of the system is the Replenish Genesis™ blender, powered by patented Hydroblend™ pressure-controlled, inverted, in-cup blending, and Hydroclean™ automated self-cleaning and self-sanitizing.

Steam Shell Griddle
Southbend
This new griddle technology combines high-heat searing with integrated steam to deliver faster, more consistent cooking. An 8-inch vertically traveling, counterbalanced platen automatically accommodates products of varying thickness without manual adjustment. Steam Shell’s perimeter sealing gasket traps moisture while allowing controlled venting, accelerating cook times and improving yields. Operators have reported up to 50% faster cooking and 20% higher yields.

PowerLuxe Battery Powered Buffet Equipment
Spring USA
Take your buffet anywhere with safe, efficient warming trays and induction ranges powered by advanced battery technology. The first of its kind to be fully UL- and ETL-certified, each unit is powered by a removable, rechargeable battery to deliver reliable, precise, and safe heating without reliance on outlets or flame. Designed for optimal style and performance that outperforms traditional warming solutions, they maintain proper food-holding temperatures with durable, matte-black construction for a flexible and safe buffet solution.

Planit POD® Fermentation Chamber
Waring Commercial Products
When there's a dedicated, purpose-built solution, why entrust an improvised set up to produce healthful tempeh, koji, and plant-based proteins? While indirect heat does its gentle task, the POD Fermentation Chamber's passive convection system regulates airflow, and an A-frame humidification design directs condensation away from food. Results include 72% less labor and less expertise needed to produce great results.

Tri-Temp Pizza Prep Table
West Star Industries
West Star has greatly simplified pizza prep table design, allowing for greater energy efficiency and reliability. The key is the top pan rail, which is cooled by a single, main compressor below—the same one that provides a choice of dough proofing, cold holding or frozen storage in the compartments. By eliminating the usual top compressor and its issues with flour dust, this table holds toppings colder. Quick-disconnects allow for fast removal of the entire top section.

The 2026 Kitchen Innovations Award recipients will be showcased in the Kitchen Innovations Showroom, where attendees can see the solutions in action and assess how they perform in working kitchen environments.

For more than two decades, the Kitchen Innovations Awards have recognized foodservice equipment and technology that address real-world operational challenges. Submissions are evaluated by an independent panel of operators, consultants, and industry experts, with criteria centered on practical application, ease of implementation, and long-term value.

Reflecting on the level of competition and interest among judges, Christine Guyott, FCSI, RDN, executive principal and partner at Rippe Associates, said, “It really makes the KI awards special to capture the attention of judges from all walks of our industry,” said Christine Guyott, FCSI, RDN, executive principal and partner at Rippe Associates. “That is a special distinction.”

In addition to the KI Showroom, attendees can explore programming focused on foodservice equipment and operational decision-making, including a dedicated session tied to the Kitchen Innovations Awards taking place on Saturday, May 16, at the Discovery Theater.

The 2026 National Restaurant Association Show takes place May 16–19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.

For more information on the Kitchen Innovations Awards or to register for the National Restaurant Association Show, visit nationalrestaurantshow.com.

About The National Restaurant Association Show
Awarded by Trade Show Executive as the 2024 Gold 100 Grand winner of the largest trade show managed by an independent organizer, the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® is the Western Hemisphere's most influential foodservice event showcasing industry innovations and trends. Each year (starting in 1919), the Show brings together restaurant operators and foodservice professionals for four days of celebrity-led demos, exhibits, sampling, education, and networking. The Show unites a global community and enables exploration of the latest advancements in food, beverage, equipment, technology, and solutions driving the industry forward. The Show is owned and operated by Informa in partnership with the National Restaurant Association. Visit www.nationalrestaurantshow.com for more information.

About Informa
Informa is a leading international B2B markets, live and on-demand events and digital services group. They connect businesses and professionals in 30+ industries with the knowledge they need to learn more, know more, and do more. Informa has hundreds of global brands, products, and services and employs 11,000 employees in ~30 countries worldwide. 

Informa Connect is a content-led, live and on-demand experiences business that connects professionals with knowledge, ideas, and opportunities. Informa Connect, a community of over 1,000 colleagues globally, offers connection through events, media, and research. They service a number of different industries including Foodservice, Finance, BioTech and Pharma, Pop Culture, Marketing, Law, Energy, HR, Sustainability, and Construction. Visit www.informaconnect.com for more information.

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