Best Kitchen Display Systems in 2025
A kitchen display system (KDS) is a digital menu board for your kitchen staff. It acts as a traffic officer between the front of house staff and the kitchen, and replaces paper tickets and verbal chaos with digital orders that show up right on a screen in your kitchen. It keeps cooks focused, cuts down on mistakes, and moves orders out faster. A solid KDS system helps the back-of-house stay sharp and synced with the front.
When orders are flying in from the dining room, delivery apps, and online channels all at once, a solid KDS system for restaurants is the key to keeping your kitchen on track. Integration with online ordering platforms ensures synchronized order management and inventory tracking. It cuts mistakes, speeds up service, and keeps the line moving.
The best kitchen display system keeps your team synced, your stations organized, and your tickets from getting buried in the weeds.
What Is a KDS (Kitchen Display System)?
A KDS (kitchen display system) is a digital screen that replaces printed tickets and helps your kitchen stay organized. It connects directly to your POS system and updates in real time as orders come in.
Here’s what a KDS actually does:
- Displays orders on a screen. As soon as a customer places an order (dine-in, online, or delivery), it appears on the kitchen screen.
- Organizes tickets by time and station. Orders are sorted so kitchen staff can see what’s cooking, what’s next, and where each item needs to go. A KDS allows orders to be filtered based on individual kitchen stations, enhancing workflow and communication.
- Shows modifiers and special requests. No more missed “no onions” or “extra sauce” notes—everything’s clear on-screen.
- Lets staff manage tickets. Cooks can mark items as complete, bump finished orders, or recall a ticket if something needs to be fixed.
- Improves communication. Everyone on the line sees the same thing, reducing errors, confusion, and yelling across the kitchen. A KDS improves order accuracy by reducing errors and turnaround times.
Think of it as a real-time command center for your back-of-house. It replaces paper, speeds up service, and gives your team better control over the flow.
Best Kitchen Display Systems in 2025
⭐ Toast: Best for high-volume kitchens
⭐ Square: Best for small restaurants and quick-service setups
⭐ TouchBistro: Best for custom kitchen workflows
⭐ Lightspeed: Best for multi-station kitchen operations
⭐ Clover: Best for simple integration
KDS Brands Quick Comparison
| KDS System | Best For | Standout Feature | Works Offline? | KDS Add-On or Built-In? |
| Toast | Restaurants with high order volume | Ticket throttling | ✅ | Built-in |
| Square | Minimal training needed | Tablet-based KDS | ✅ | Add-on |
| TouchBistro | Table service restaurants | Course and item-level control | ✅ | Built-in |
| Lightspeed | Operations with multiple kitchen zones | Item modifiers | ✅ | Add-on |
| Clover | Affordable for small businesses | Touchscreen order visibility | ❌ | Add-on |
Our Top Picks
Kitchen display systems have become a standard in modern restaurants—almost expected. In the restaurant industry, KDS software plays a crucial role by displaying order information in real-time and enhancing operational efficiency. But just because a KDS system is common doesn’t mean it’s built well. Some are clunky, some miss the details, and only a few actually make service smoother. We broke down the top options to help you find the best kitchen display system for how your kitchen really runs.
Toast: Best for high-volume kitchens
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Customize your package Toast is built with restaurants in mind—front to back—and its KDS kitchen setup reflects that. The system is fast, reliable, and designed to keep the line moving, especially in high-volume environments. Effective management of food prep times is crucial for operational efficiency and cost tracking in quick-service restaurants. Orders flow in real time to the kitchen screens, with clear routing by prep station and built-in ticket throttling to avoid overwhelming the kitchen during a rush.
Toast’s KDS is also tightly integrated with its POS, which means fewer errors and smoother handoffs between front and back of house. If you’re running a busy operation, Toast brings the control you need without slowing anyone down. Additionally, Toast’s KDS improves communication between front of house and kitchen staff, enhancing overall operational efficiency and customer experience.
Key Features
- Real-time order updates – Orders sync instantly from POS to kitchen screens, so nothing gets missed.
- Ticket throttling – Automatically spaces out incoming orders to keep the kitchen from getting slammed.
- Color-coded ticket statuses – Clear visuals help the team see what’s in progress and what’s ready to go.
- Prep station routing – Send the right items to the right station, no manual sorting needed.
- Touchscreen controls – Bump, hold, or recall tickets with just a tap.
- POS and online order integration – Pulls in orders from dine-in, takeout, delivery apps, and more.
- Offline mode – Keeps orders flowing even if your internet takes a hit.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built specifically for restaurants, not adapted from retail tech
- Seamless integration with Toast POS and online ordering
- Reliable performance during high-volume service
- Smart features like ticket throttling and station routing
- Offline mode keeps orders coming even without internet
Cons
- Only works with Toast’s ecosystem—no third-party POS integration
- May be more than you need if you’re running a very small or low-volume operation
Who It’s For
Toast is a great fit for busy restaurants that need a KDS system built to handle serious volume and complexity. If your kitchen is juggling dine-in, takeout, delivery, and multiple prep stations, Toast keeps everything flowing without missing a beat. It’s best for operators who want an all-in-one system—POS, online orders, and KDS—all working together without patchwork integrations.
Square: Best for small restaurants and quick-service setups
Free setup & no hidden fees
Create customer profiles in seconds Square is known for being simple, flexible, and fast to set up—and that carries over to its KDS kitchen solution. Fresh KDS is also easy to set up and integrates seamlessly with existing systems. Designed with smaller restaurants, cafés, and counter-service spots in mind, Square’s KDS is tablet-based and built to get up and running with minimal friction. It syncs directly with Square POS, supports basic order routing, and helps streamline service without adding complexity. If you need a no-fuss system that just works, Square delivers a clean and functional KDS that covers the essentials.
Key Features
- Tablet-based setup – Runs on iPads for a clean, flexible, and affordable install.
- Real-time order sync – Orders push instantly from Square POS to the kitchen display.
- Ticket management tools – Mark items as complete or recall tickets with a tap.
- Order filtering by category – Send specific items to the right station (e.g., drinks, grill, fryer).
- Offline support – Keeps orders moving even if the internet drops.
- Simple integration – Works seamlessly with Square POS and online ordering.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy to set up and run on affordable hardware (iPads)
- Clean, intuitive interface with minimal learning curve
- Seamless integration with Square POS and online ordering
- Ideal for small teams and quick-service workflows
- Budget-friendly option for newer or smaller operations
Cons
- Limited advanced features compared to more robust KDS systems
- Not ideal for complex kitchens with multiple prep stations or high-volume routing needs
Who It’s For
Square is a solid choice for small restaurants, cafés, food trucks, and quick-service spots that need a simple KDS without overcomplicating things. If you’re looking for something easy to set up, easy to train on, and tightly connected to your POS, Square gets the job done—especially for teams that just need the basics to move orders fast and clean.
TouchBistro: Best for table service restaurants
Manage tables with smart floor plan tools
Boost loyalty with custom rewards plans TouchBistro is a restaurant-first POS system, and its KDS kitchen features are built to support more traditional, dine-in workflows. It’s especially useful for managing courses, coordinating multi-item orders, and keeping communication clear between front and back of house. The system is also highly effective in fine dining establishments, handling complex workflows and high order volumes with ease. TouchBistro’s KDS integrates tightly with table service features, showing item details, modifiers, and timing so dishes come out together and on time.
If your service style is structured and timing matters, TouchBistro gives you the tools to stay coordinated without chaos.
Key Features
- Course management – Organize and fire dishes by course so timing stays tight.
- Real-time order updates – Orders appear instantly on kitchen screens with item-level detail.
- Modifier visibility – Clear display of notes, add-ons, and special requests so nothing gets missed.
- Table and seat numbers – Helps staff coordinate plating and service more accurately.
- KDS-to-KDS communication – Stations can pass tickets between each other when workflows shift.
- Works offline – Kitchen keeps running even if the internet goes down.
- Full POS integration – Syncs seamlessly with TouchBistro’s table service tools and handheld ordering.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Built for full-service dining with features like course and seat tracking
- Clean integration with TouchBistro’s POS and handheld devices
- Helps improve timing and communication between FOH and BOH
- Modifier visibility reduces errors and special request issues
- Offline mode keeps service going during outages
Cons
- Less ideal for fast-casual or high-speed kitchens
- Only works within the TouchBistro ecosystem—no third-party POS compatibility
Who It’s For
TouchBistro is a great fit for full-service restaurants where timing, course control, and smooth FOH-to-BOH communication matter. If your kitchen needs to fire dishes by course, handle detailed modifiers, and stay in sync with table service, this KDS system delivers the structure and clarity to keep things moving cleanly. Best for operators who want everything—from POS to kitchen display—under one roof.
Lightspeed: Best for operations with multiple kitchen zones
Advanced inventory management capabilities
Smarter sales & reporting Lightspeed is built for complex restaurant operations, and its KDS kitchen system is designed to handle multi-station workflows without the chaos. Lightspeed’s KDS organizes kitchen operations by coordinating between kitchen stations, enhancing efficiency and streamlining order processing. Whether you’ve got a salad station, grill, fryer, or dessert line, Lightspeed routes each item exactly where it needs to go. The system updates in real time, tracks prep times, and helps your team stay on top of what’s fired, what’s pending, and what’s lagging. It’s a strong fit for kitchens that need precision, especially when handling large menus or high ticket volume.
Key Features
- Multi-station order routing – Automatically sends items to the correct prep area based on category.
- Item-level modifiers – Displays customizations and notes clearly to avoid kitchen errors.
- Prep time tracking – Helps staff monitor timing and spot bottlenecks.
- Real-time sync with POS – Orders flow instantly from server to kitchen.
- Color-coded ticket statuses – Visual cues make it easy to manage high volume.
- Hardware flexibility – Compatible with iPads and other touchscreen devices.
- Cloud-based with offline mode – Orders keep moving even if your connection doesn’t.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong multi-station routing for complex kitchen setups
- Clear modifier display helps reduce order errors
- Tracks prep times to improve efficiency and flow
- Seamlessly integrates with Lightspeed POS
- Cloud-based with offline support for reliability
Cons
- Best features require a full Lightspeed POS setup
- May be overkill for very small or single-station kitchens
Who It’s For
Lightspeed is built for restaurants with multiple prep stations and complex menus—places where precision and timing really matter. If your kitchen runs different zones (like grill, salad, dessert) and you need clean routing, modifier tracking, and prep time visibility, Lightspeed’s KDS can keep your back-of-house tight and dialed in. It’s a solid pick for operators who want data, control, and a system that scales with volume.
Clover: Best for restaurants looking for a simple, affordable solution
Cloud-hosted & accessible from anywhere
Accept payments & track inventory Clover offers a straightforward, no-fuss KDS system that’s easy to set up and use—especially for smaller operations. It’s designed to work within Clover’s ecosystem, giving restaurants a basic digital ticket board that improves order visibility without overwhelming the kitchen. While it doesn’t come with the advanced routing or timing tools found in higher-end setups, it handles the basics well and integrates cleanly with Clover POS. If you just need a simple kitchen display that keeps things moving, Clover does the job.
Key Features
- Touchscreen ticket display – View and manage orders on a simple, interactive screen.
- Basic order sync with Clover POS – Orders appear automatically when placed at the counter or online.
- Item and modifier visibility – Shows order details clearly to avoid confusion in the kitchen.
- Color-coded status indicators – Quickly see what’s been bumped or is still in progress.
- Easy hardware setup – Runs on Clover-supported devices with minimal tech hassle.
- Lightweight and fast – Ideal for small kitchens that don’t need complex routing or station control.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Super easy to set up and use—minimal training needed
- Works seamlessly with Clover POS and online ordering
- Clean interface that keeps things simple for staff
- Affordable entry point for small or new restaurants
- Good for tight spaces and single-station kitchens
Cons
- Lacks advanced routing, timing, or course management
- Limited customization compared to higher-end systems
- Only works within the Clover ecosystem—no third-party POS compatibility
Who It’s For
Clover is a solid option for small restaurants, cafés, and quick-service spots that just need a basic, reliable KDS to stay organized. If your kitchen runs a single station or doesn’t need complex routing or advanced features, Clover keeps it simple and smooth. It’s best for operators who want something affordable, functional, and easy to get up and running without a lot of tech setup.
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Key Features in a KDS
The best kitchen display system isn’t just a digital screen—it’s a control hub for your back-of-house. Here are the key features that matter, and why they’re important:
1. Real-time order syncing
A strong KDS system syncs directly with your POS. The second an order is placed, it appears on the kitchen screen—no printing, no delays. This reduces errors and keeps the kitchen working with up-to-the-second information. Real-time syncing also supports multi-channel ordering (dine-in, takeout, third-party apps), so the kitchen sees everything in one place. Additionally, integrating your KDS with POS systems ensures smooth connectivity and enhances operational efficiency.
2. Prep station routing
A good KDS kitchen setup allows routing by station—grill, fryer, cold prep, dessert, etc. This means each screen only shows the items relevant to that station, cutting down noise and keeping the workflow clean. Some systems even let you route based on item type or modifiers, giving you more control over who sees what and when.
3. Modifier and note visibility
Customizations like “no cheese” or “dressing on the side” are clearly displayed right under the item, so staff can’t miss them. This reduces mistakes and re-fires. Some systems even support color-coded modifiers or visual alerts for allergens and dietary needs.
4. Ticket throttling and load balancing
In high-volume kitchens, ticket throttling helps regulate the flow of orders by pacing how they appear on the screen. This prevents the line from getting slammed all at once. Some advanced systems also track prep time per station to automatically slow or speed up order release to balance workload. By streamlining order routing and communication, a KDS helps reduce wait times, leading to a better dining experience for customers.
5. Ticket management tools
KDS systems typically include controls for bumping (marking orders complete), recalling (pulling back a ticket), holding tickets, and more. These are usually done via touchscreen or a bump bar, allowing kitchen staff to interact with tickets quickly without leaving the line.
6. Color-coded status indicators
Most KDS systems use color changes to show ticket status—like gray for new, yellow for in progress, and green for completed. This visual system helps line cooks and expo staff quickly spot what needs attention without reading every detail.
7. Offline mode
If your internet goes down, a good KDS system keeps working. Offline functionality means orders will still appear from the local network, and everything will sync back up once you’re reconnected—no missed tickets, no chaos.
8. Hardware flexibility
Some systems run on proprietary hardware, while others support tablets (like iPads). Touchscreens are standard, but more advanced setups may support bump bars, printers for backup, and wall-mount configurations. A flexible system lets you build the setup that fits your kitchen layout.
9. Reporting and analytics
Some KDS platforms offer performance insights—average prep time, ticket completion time, bottlenecks, and more. This data can help you optimize staffing, streamline workflows, and spot issues before they become problems.
Not every restaurant needs every feature—but if you’re serious about speed, accuracy, and control, a KDS that nails these essentials can transform how your kitchen runs.
Benefits of a KDS (Kitchen Display System) for Your Business
Investing in a kitchen display system isn’t just about going digital—it’s about making your kitchen run cleaner, faster, and with fewer mistakes. Here’s what the right KDS system for restaurants can actually do for your business:
1. Cut down on errors
No more smudged tickets, missed modifiers, or “I didn’t see that” moments. A KDS displays everything clearly, so the kitchen knows exactly what to make and how to make it.
2. Speed up service
Orders hit the screen instantly—no waiting for printouts or shouted confirmations. That means food gets out faster and guests spend less time waiting.
3. Improve kitchen communication
Everyone sees the same screen. Line cooks, expediters, and even managers can track order flow without needing to ask, check, or guess.
4. Handle rushes better
During peak hours, a KDS helps manage volume by pacing orders, organizing ticket flow, and keeping things moving without the pile-up.
5. Track performance
Some systems offer data on ticket times, station delays, and more. This kind of insight can help you schedule smarter, spot weak points, and tighten up service.
6. Sync all order sources
Online, in-house, delivery apps—it all flows to one place. A KDS helps prevent missed orders and keeps the chaos under control, especially during multi-channel service.
7. Create a calmer kitchen
Less yelling, fewer misfires, and a system your team can actually trust. That adds up to better morale and a smoother shift.
Bottom line: a good KDS kitchen system isn’t just helpful—it’s a game-changer for how your kitchen operates day to day.
The Bottom Line
A good KDS system gives your kitchen structure, speed, and fewer mistakes when it matters most. Whether you’re running a fast-paced counter spot or a full-service dining room, there’s a setup that fits. These are some of the top KDS systems and what they’re best suited for:
- Toast – Best for high-volume kitchens with complex routing
- Square – Best for small restaurants and quick setup
- TouchBistro – Best for table service and course-based dining
- Lightspeed – Best for multi-station kitchens with layered workflows
- Clover – Best for simple, affordable back-of-house visibility
The right kitchen display system depends on how your kitchen runs. Choose one that fits your flow—and keeps the line moving.
FAQ
Q: What is a kitchen display system (KDS)?
A: A kitchen display system is a digital screen used in restaurant kitchens to show incoming orders in real time. It connects to your POS and replaces paper tickets, helping your kitchen stay organized, efficient, and fast.
Q: What is the best kitchen display system for restaurants?
A: The best kitchen display system depends on your setup. Toast is great for high-volume kitchens, Square works well for smaller restaurants, TouchBistro is ideal for table service, Lightspeed handles multi-station kitchens, and Clover is a solid choice for basic back-of-house visibility.
Q: How much does a kitchen display system cost?
A: Kitchen display system price varies by brand and setup. Some providers include KDS features in their POS plans, while others charge around $20–$40/month per screen. Hardware costs (like tablets or bump bars) may be extra.
Q: Can a KDS system work without the internet?
A: Many KDS systems offer offline mode, allowing orders to keep flowing even during internet outages. Brands like Toast, Lightspeed, and TouchBistro support this, but systems like Clover may have limitations.
Q: What’s the difference between a POS and a KDS system?
A: A POS is your main sales system where orders are placed and payments are processed. A KDS system is used in the kitchen to display those orders. The POS talks to the KDS so your staff sees exactly what to prep—without needing a printer or verbal communication.
Q: Do I need a KDS system if I run a small restaurant?
A: Even small kitchens can benefit from a KDS system. It speeds up service, reduces mistakes, and makes communication smoother. For simple setups, options like Square or Clover are great starting points.
Q: Does a KDS system work with online orders and delivery apps?
A: Yes. Most modern KDS restaurant systems integrate with online ordering and third-party platforms, routing all incoming orders directly to your kitchen screen.
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