2025 is being called another “breakout year” for light, quick-service food. From Southeast Asian street eats to U.S. food trucks and Chinese made-to-order snacks, specialty kitchen equipment is seeing strong demand worldwide. The trend? Lower startup barriers and multi-product operations—both of which are driving the need for compact, versatile machines.
1. Countertop Fryers on the Rise
Fried foods remain among the most profitable snack categories. Countertop fryers are popular in coffee shops, seafood stands, and street carts. Modern fryers offer precise temperature control and easy-to-clean oil trays, ensuring consistent results with less risk.
2. Waffle Makers, Crepe Machines, and Sandwich Presses Are Becoming “Social Media Stars”
Visual appeal matters. Waffles, crepes, and hot sandwiches not only taste great but also photograph well—perfect for Instagram and TikTok. Standardized machines allow even newcomers to produce professional-looking products with minimal training.
3. Small Soft-Serve Machines Are Popping Up Everywhere
Soft-serve has a high repeat-purchase rate, making it a profitable “secondary product.” Compact machines are easy to set up without plumbing modifications, making them perfect for corner cafes, convenience stores, or demo stations in supermarkets.
Industry commentators say:
“Equipment is lowering the barrier to entry for food entrepreneurs. With just a fryer and a small stovetop, many small vendors can get their business running quickly.”
Compact, small-footprint machines continue to be a hot category in 2025.
