In today’s fast-paced restaurant environment, a well-organized kitchen is essential for preparing and delivering orders seamlessly. A kitchen display system (KDS), which digitally displays orders in the kitchen, can enhance order accuracy, reduce customer wait times, and improve overall operational flow.

Choosing the best kitchen display system can be challenging given the many options available. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best kitchen display systems for small businesses and compare them based on important factors such as ease of use, pricing, customization, and reporting capabilities.

What is a Kitchen Display System?

A kitchen display system (KDS) is a digital screen that replaces traditional paper tickets in a restaurant kitchen. While commonly found in full-service kitchens, a KDS can benefit all types of food service operations, including coffee shops, snack bars, and food trucks.

A KDS organizes and displays orders from the point of sale (POS) and online sources, allowing kitchen staff to quickly see what they need to prepare. These systems can improve speed of service and reduce food waste, making them a valuable asset for any restaurant.

Benefits of a Kitchen Display System for Small Businesses

Before we dive into the options, let’s discuss some of the reasons why a KDS is particularly beneficial for small businesses:

• Increased Order Accuracy – By replacing handwritten paper tickets or cup markings with an easy-to-read digital display, a KDS reduces errors and improves accuracy.
• Enhanced Efficiency – Streamlining communication between kitchen stations and between the kitchen, front-of-house (FOH), and guests leads to greater operational efficiency.
• Reduced Waste – Fewer errors result in fewer incorrectly prepared dishes. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces food waste from re-makes.
• Faster Order Fulfillment – With a KDS, orders are displayed in real-time, helping the kitchen prioritize items and minimize customer wait times.

Best Kitchen Display Systems for Small Businesses

Fresh KDS

Overview:
Fresh KDS is an iOS and Android kitchen display system app that integrates with dozens of POS systems. Lightweight and flexible, Fresh KDS offers extensive functionality and customization at a reasonable price. Unlike other systems on this list, Fresh KDS is a standalone KDS company, not an add-on to a POS.

Pros:

• Easy self-setup
• Device and POS agnostic
• High levels of customization

Cons:

• Not included in any POS package pricing
• Certain POS integrations may lack specific functionality

Best For:
Restaurants that want more functionality than native POS kitchen systems, seasonal businesses, and businesses that want hardware flexibility.

Square KDS

Overview:
Square KDS is a popular choice for small businesses thanks to its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Square POS and Square for Restaurants. It’s an excellent option for small businesses already using Square for their point of sale.

Pros:

• Intuitive setup and installation
• Included in certain Square for Restaurant plans
• Good integration with FOH operations

Cons:

• Limited customization options compared to higher-end systems
• Support can be limited unless on a paid plan

Best For:
Small restaurants with simple kitchen operations that are price-conscious.

TouchBistro KDS

Overview:
TouchBistro is a restaurant-focused POS system that offers an integrated KDS. It helps kitchen staff stay organized with color-coded orders and course firing updates.

Pros:

• Color-coded display makes prioritization easier
• Offline mode ensures functionality even without internet
• Robust reporting and analytics

Cons:

• Hardware requirements can get expensive for multi-station setups
• Requires TouchBistro POS

Lightspeed KDS

Overview:
Lightspeed KDS is designed to improve kitchen efficiency and simplify order preparation. The system is intuitive and provides detailed analytics on order times and kitchen performance.

Pros:

• Simple, intuitive interface for busy kitchens
• Web-based application works on any web-enabled device
• Strong coursing integration with FOH

Cons:

• Higher cost compared to basic KDS solutions
• Requires internet to function

Best For:
Complex kitchens that handle a lot of coursing and already use Lightspeed POS.

Toast KDS

Overview:
Toast is a leading restaurant-specific POS system with a fully integrated KDS. It offers real-time insights and detailed reporting to help track kitchen productivity and food prep times.

Pros:

• Intuitive touchscreen interface
• Highly customizable kitchen options
• Real-time tracking for order times

Cons:

• More expensive compared to other systems
• Limited to Toast POS users, making it less flexible for existing POS setups

Best For:
Restaurants that prioritize customization and have the budget for a higher-end KDS solution.

Comparison of Key Features

Choosing the Best Kitchen Display System for Your Small Business

The best KDS for your small business depends on your specific needs, budget, and current setup. Here are some final recommendations:

• For Simple Operations: Square KDS is an affordable option for small kitchens already using Square POS.
• For Flexibility: Fresh KDS offers the most customization, hardware flexibility, and POS independence, allowing you to switch systems in the future.
• For Data-Driven Insights: Fresh KDS, Toast, and Lightspeed provide strong reporting and analytics for tracking kitchen performance.

Implementing a kitchen display system can transform your kitchen operations, improving efficiency, speed of service, and order accuracy. This leads to higher customer satisfaction and greater profitability. Evaluating the pros and cons of different systems can help you select the right solution for your restaurant’s growth.