Commercial Cooking Equipment Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Braising Pans/Tilting Skillets, Broilers/Char Broilers/Grills/Griddles, Cook-Chill Systems, Fryers, Cookers, Ranges, Kettles, Steamers, Ovens, Others), By End Use (Full-service Restaurants, Quick-Service Restaurants, Catering, Hotels, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 13.83 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.35%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 18.91 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Commercial Cooking Equipment Market will grow from USD 13.83 Billion in 2025 to USD 18.91 Billion by 2031 at a 5.35% CAGR. Commercial cooking equipment comprises professional-grade appliances such as ovens, ranges, fryers, and grills designed for high-volume food preparation in establishments like restaurants, hotels, and institutional kitchens. The market is primarily supported by the rapid expansion of the global foodservice industry and increasing urbanization, which necessitates robust infrastructure to meet rising consumer demand. Furthermore, a critical driver for growth is the operational requirement to replace aging machinery with energy-efficient models that reduce long-term utility expenses and comply with safety regulations. These fundamental factors sustain demand and are distinct from transient technological preferences.

However, a significant challenge impeding broader market expansion is the high initial capital investment required for premium machinery, which often deters small and medium-sized enterprises from upgrading their facilities. This financial barrier is exacerbated by economic fluctuations that delay capital expenditure decisions. According to the Manufacturers' Agents Association for the Foodservice Industry, in 2025, sales representatives forecasted a modest full-year growth of 2.7% for the commercial foodservice equipment sector. This figure reflects a cautious recovery as the industry navigates persistent economic pressures and cost sensitivities.

Key Market Drivers

The integration of smart technology and Internet of Things (IoT) in commercial kitchens acts as a primary catalyst for market development. As operators face labor shortages, there is a growing reliance on automated equipment that ensures consistency and remote monitoring capabilities. Modern programmable ovens and connected refrigeration units allow kitchen staff to control settings and track energy usage via mobile interfaces, optimizing workflow. This technological shift is substantiated by industry investment trends. According to Square, January 2024, in the '2024 Future of Restaurants' report, 54% of restaurateurs planned to increase their spending on technology and automation tools to enhance kitchen efficiency. Such innovations enable businesses to maintain high output standards with reduced manual intervention, directly influencing purchasing decisions for upgraded machinery.

Simultaneously, the proliferation of Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) and fast-casual chains creates sustained demand for high-performance appliances. This segment requires equipment capable of rapid recovery times to handle high-volume turnover. The physical expansion of major brands necessitates significant capital expenditure on standardized kitchen suites. According to Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., February 2024, in the 'Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Results', the company anticipated between 285 to 315 new restaurant openings in 2024, highlighting the scale of infrastructure investment required. This specific growth contributes to broader industry momentum. According to the National Restaurant Association, in 2024, foodservice industry sales were forecast to surpass $1.1 trillion, a milestone that underscores the massive operational capacity needed to serve a growing consumer base.

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Key Market Challenges

The high initial capital investment required for premium commercial cooking appliances constitutes a substantial barrier to broader market expansion. Professional-grade machinery, such as industrial ovens and automated frying systems, demands significant upfront financial commitment. This cost burden is particularly restrictive for small and medium-sized foodservice enterprises, which often operate on thin profit margins and possess limited liquidity. Consequently, these businesses frequently delay purchasing new machinery or upgrading existing infrastructure, opting instead to maintain older, less efficient units to preserve cash flow.

Economic volatility further complicates this landscape by creating uncertainty that discourages capital expenditure. When operational expenses rise, the allocation of funds for equipment procurement is often the first budget line to be reduced. According to the National Restaurant Association, in 2024, 98% of operators reported that higher operating costs were a moderate or significant challenge, a factor that severely constrained their ability to invest in facility improvements and new assets. This financial strain directly impacts the volume of equipment shipments, as potential buyers prioritize immediate operational solvency over long-term asset acquisition.

Key Market Trends

The widespread adoption of multifunctional combi-ovens is fundamentally restructuring commercial kitchen layouts by addressing the critical need for spatial efficiency and versatility. Operators are increasingly consolidating traditional cooklines composed of separate steamers, convection ovens, and grills into single, high-density units capable of executing diverse cooking modes simultaneously. This consolidation allows establishments to minimize their back-of-house footprint in response to rising real estate costs while eliminating the capital expenditure associated with maintaining multiple distinct appliances. The financial impact of this preference for versatile technology is evident in the performance of major industry players. According to Rational AG, March 2024, in the 'Annual Report 2023', the company reported total sales revenues of 1,126 million euros, with approximately 70% of this revenue generated specifically from its multifunctional cooking systems.

Simultaneously, equipment specialization for ghost and virtual kitchen models is reshaping procurement strategies as businesses prioritize infrastructure exclusively for off-premise fulfillment. Unlike standard restaurant designs that balance dining aesthetics with function, these delivery-centric hubs demand highly specialized, stackable, and high-speed machinery optimized for throughput per square foot rather than visual appeal. This targeted investment in production capacity allows operators to manage intense delivery windows without disrupting dine-in workflows or requiring extensive ventilation systems typical of larger facilities. This reliance on specialized off-premise infrastructure is supported by sustained consumer demand for delivery services. According to the National Restaurant Association, February 2024, in the '2024 State of the Restaurant Industry' report, 31% of restaurant operators anticipated an increase in their off-premises sales volume for the upcoming year, underscoring the permanent necessity for this segment-specific equipment.

Segmental Insights

The online segment currently represents the fastest-growing distribution channel within the Global Commercial Cooking Equipment Market. This rapid expansion is driven by the increasing reliance of foodservice operators on digital procurement platforms that offer superior convenience and efficiency. E-commerce websites allow buyers to easily compare prices and technical specifications across a wide inventory, facilitating informed decision-making without the constraints of physical showroom visits. Additionally, the streamlined logistics associated with online purchasing enable restaurant owners to access a broader range of specialized appliances, further accelerating the shift away from traditional brick-and-mortar suppliers.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the global commercial cooking equipment market due to a substantial foodservice sector and the widespread presence of quick-service restaurant chains. The region benefits from the early adoption of energy-efficient appliances driven by the need to lower operational costs. Furthermore, stringent sanitation and safety standards enforced by entities such as the National Sanitation Foundation compel facilities to regularly upgrade their machinery. This strong regulatory framework, coupled with high product replacement rates, ensures sustained demand for certified kitchen solutions across the United States and Canada.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Unox acquired Roboqbo, an Italian manufacturer specializing in robotic food processing systems, to accelerate the development of automated commercial kitchens. The acquisition aimed to integrate Roboqbo’s advanced robotics with Unox’s intelligent ovens, extending automation capabilities to cooking and preparation tasks beyond traditional baking processes. The company projected that this strategic buyout would help increase its revenue from €330m in 2024 to €400m by 2026. This development was part of a broader strategy to build a complete ecosystem for fully automated professional cooking operations, making such technology accessible to operators globally.
• In July 2024, Alto-Shaam launched a new range of heated display cases equipped with advanced LED lighting and top heat capabilities to enhance food presentation and quality. The Product and Pricing Manager at Alto-Shaam explained that the new units utilize proprietary holding technology to maintain precise temperatures without drying out food, thereby extending shelf life for items such as fried chicken and pastas. The launch addressed operator needs for reduced food waste and increased profitability by ensuring prepared foods remain visually appealing and fresh for longer periods. The cases also featured independent temperature controls for greater flexibility.
• In May 2024, Cornerstone Foodservice Group expanded its portfolio by acquiring Equipex, a well-known manufacturer of cooking, holding, and induction equipment. The CEO of Cornerstone Foodservice Group stated that this acquisition would integrate Equipex’s diverse product line, which includes panini grills, convection ovens, and ventless hood systems, into their existing collection of premium brands. This move was described as a strategic investment to strengthen the company's value proposition and offer more complete back-of-house solutions to global foodservice professionals. The founder of Equipex remained with the organization in a leadership capacity following the transaction.
• In March 2024, Ali Group North America and Welbilt finalized a strategic merger to operate under the Welbilt brand across the North American market. The Chairman and CEO of Ali Group announced that this integration was designed to leverage Welbilt’s robust brand reputation and extensive market presence, particularly within the quick-service restaurant sector. The reorganization aimed to provide a comprehensive turnkey solutions package by unifying the product portfolios, service operations, and teams of both entities. To ensure a seamless transition, the company introduced new executive roles, including a Group President position to oversee the aligned companies.

Key Market Players

• Duke Manufacturing
• Electrolux AB
• Dover Corporation
• Illinois Tool Works (ITW), Inc.
• Ali Group S.r.l
• Fujimak Corporation
• Eurotec FM Ltd.
• Alto-Shaam, Inc.
• Atosa USA, Inc.
• Comstock-Castle Stove Co., Inc.

By Type	By End Use	By Region
Braising Pans/Tilting Skillets Broilers/Char Broilers/Grills/Griddles Cook-Chill Systems Fryers Cookers Ranges Kettles Steamers Ovens Others	Full-service Restaurants Quick-Service Restaurants Catering Hotels Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Commercial Cooking Equipment Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Commercial Cooking Equipment Market, By Type:

• Braising Pans/Tilting Skillets
• Broilers/Char Broilers/Grills/Griddles
• Cook-Chill Systems
• Fryers
• Cookers
• Ranges
• Kettles
• Steamers
• Ovens
• Others

• Commercial Cooking Equipment Market, By End Use:

• Full-service Restaurants
• Quick-Service Restaurants
• Catering
• Hotels
• Others

• Commercial Cooking Equipment Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE