Merrychef is a globally recognized manufacturer of high-speed cooking ovens designed for commercial kitchens seeking to optimize throughput, reduce wait times, and maintain culinary excellence. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, Merrychef is a subsidiary of Welbilt Inc., and has been a pioneering force in the development of accelerated cooking technologies for over 60 years. Its ovens are widely adopted across the foodservice sector—from global QSRs to hotels, convenience stores, and ghost kitchens.
Company Overview and Core Business
Merrychef specializes in advanced high-speed ovens that combine microwave, convection, and impingement technologies to deliver rapid cooking times without compromising food quality. The company’s mission is to redefine speed and consistency in commercial cooking environments while supporting labor efficiency and energy savings.
With global distribution across 100+ countries and a well-established service network, Merrychef provides cutting-edge culinary technology backed by robust technical support and innovation.
Key business domains include:
- Development and manufacturing of compact, high-speed ovens
- Digital connectivity and smart kitchen integration
- Energy-efficient cooking solutions
- Aftermarket accessories and cleaning systems
Product Portfolio
High-Speed Ovens – eikon® Series:
- eikon® e1s: Entry-level, compact footprint, ideal for low-volume operations
- eikon® e2s: Best-selling unit, perfect balance of size, speed, and versatility
- eikon® e3 to e5: Mid-to-high volume units for complex menu items and continuous operation
Connected Ovens – conneX® Series:
- conneX® 12 / 12e: Wi-Fi-enabled smart ovens with 7" HD touchscreen and cloud sync
- conneX® 16: Larger cavity oven designed for fast-casual and high-throughput applications
Accessories:
- Oven cavity liners
- Panini press
- Cleaning kits
- Specialized trays and containers for signature menu development
Unique Selling Proposition
Merrychef's industry leadership stems from its commitment to innovation, usability, and performance. Its unique value propositions include:
- Ultra-Fast Cooking: Cook times reduced by up to 80% vs. traditional methods
- Ventless Design: No need for extraction hoods, reducing installation costs
- Plug-and-Play Functionality: 120V and 240V options with self-installing software
- Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR® certified across models
- Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: Drag-and-drop menu programming with full-color imagery
- Connected Kitchen Integration: Remote monitoring and menu syncing via conneX® cloud
Financial and Operational Metrics
As part of Welbilt Inc., Merrychef contributes to a global portfolio with annual revenues exceeding $1.4 billion (Welbilt 2023 Annual Report). While individual business unit figures are not publicly separated, market intelligence and product sales place Merrychef as a top-tier brand in the accelerated cooking segment.
- Estimated Market Share: 20%+ in global high-speed oven category (Source: Technavio)
- Installed Base: 300,000+ ovens worldwide
- Production Footprint: Manufacturing and assembly at Welbilt facilities in the U.S. and U.K.
Global Presence and Export Insights
- Export Markets: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Latin America
- Distribution Network: Over 500 certified dealers and service partners
- OEM Projects: Partnered with McDonald's, Subway, Pret A Manger, and Starbucks for equipment rollout
Target Market
Merrychef serves a wide spectrum of the foodservice industry:
- Quick-Service Restaurants (QSRs)
- Fast Casual Chains
- Coffee Shops and Cafés
- Hotel F&B Outlets
- Food Trucks and Ghost Kitchens
- Convenience Stores and Grab-and-Go Concepts
The compact design and programmable versatility make the ovens suitable for front-of-house, countertop deployment where space is limited but speed is critical.
Technology and Innovation
- Culinary Application Support: R&D teams develop custom menu programming for clients
- Digital Integration: conneX® platform with real-time diagnostics, firmware updates, and recipe uploads
- Touchscreen UI: 100+ recipe capacity with guided image-based instructions
- QuietMark Certified: Recognized for low-noise operations
Certifications and Compliance
- NSF Certified
- UL Listed
- CE Marked
- ENERGY STAR® Rated
- Ventless Certifications under UL (subject to model)
These certifications ensure safe deployment in commercial foodservice operations without additional ventilation systems.
Media and Client Feedback
“With Merrychef, we can cook flatbreads, toast sandwiches, and bake pastries — all in one unit, in under a minute. It's the most reliable piece in our kitchen.”
— Franchise Manager, Global QSR Chain
“The e2s oven helped us reduce our order wait times by 60%, improving both customer satisfaction and labor productivity.”
— Operations Director, Coffee Chain USA
Merrychef ovens have been showcased at major industry events such as the National Restaurant Association Show and HostMilano.
Videos and Demonstrations
Brochures and Product Literature
Brand Identity
- Brand: Merrychef (subsidiary of Welbilt Inc.)
- Positioning: Leader in ventless, high-speed, intelligent cooking solutions
Merrychef continues to lead the accelerated cooking revolution with smart, scalable, and sustainable solutions that help foodservice operations adapt to changing customer expectations and labor constraints.