The KI Awards program has earned a reputation for defining the gold standard of foodservice equipment innovations. The 18 selected award recipients address operator concerns including labor, inventory management, cleanliness, energy and water efficiency, food safety, sanitation, cross-functionality, and space-saving measures.

“Blodgett has always been recognized as a durable brand and the KI Award is another example of how longevity reaches across more than the iconic build of our ovens. It is a part of our organization that is best shown through our innovation including the Ventless Convection Oven.” from Erica Havers, President of Blodgett Brands, a division of the Middleby Corporation. “It is a true testament to the start of a new decade that we as a group, as well as all of Middleby, are prepared to provide for the kitchens of the future.”

Blodgett is being recognized for the VLF, the industry’s first full-size ventless convection oven with an embedded catalyst right inside the cooking chamber. The catalyst incinerates grease laden vapors before they leave the oven, and a top-mount hood removes excess moisture and provides a filter as a second grease-vapor barrier. The configuration is approved for bone-in, skin-on, raw proteins and allows full-size stackability.

As the global restaurant and hospitality industry’s premier trade show, the National Restaurant Association Show brings together more restaurant and hospitality buyers and equipment manufacturers than any other industry event. It is owned and operated by Winsight LLC in equity partnership with the National Restaurant Association.