Kitchen Display System for Shopify POS: Complete Setup Guide

Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) have revolutionized restaurant operations by eliminating paper tickets, reducing errors, and speeding up service. If you're using Shopify POS for your restaurant, Flip POS provides a powerful, unlimited kitchen display solution that turns any device into a professional kitchen screen.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything about setting up and optimizing kitchen displays with Shopify POS and Flip POS.

What is a Kitchen Display System?

A Kitchen Display System (KDS) is a digital screen that displays orders in real-time to kitchen staff, replacing traditional paper tickets. Orders appear instantly when placed at the POS, show preparation status, and can be organized by station, timing, or priority.

Key Benefits of Kitchen Display Systems

• Eliminate Paper Waste: No more lost or illegible tickets
• Reduce Errors: Clear digital display shows exactly what to make
• Faster Service: Orders appear instantly, no waiting for prints
• Better Organization: Color-coded by timing, filterable by station
• Real-Time Status: Track what's being prepared, what's ready
• Order History: Review past orders for quality control

Why Use KDS with Shopify POS?

Shopify POS is a powerful platform for restaurants, but it doesn't include native kitchen display functionality. That's where the ecosystem comes in - and specifically, Flip POS.

The Shopify POS + Flip POS KDS Advantage

1. Unlimited Displays at No Extra Cost

Unlike other POS systems that charge per display ($50-$150/month each), Flip POS includes unlimited kitchen displays for one price. Set up screens for grill, fryer, bar, expo, dessert station - as many as you need.

2. Works on Any Device

No expensive proprietary hardware required. Use iPads, Android tablets, cheap monitors, old tablets, or even smart TVs. If it has a web browser, it can be a kitchen display.

3. Simple URL-Based Access

Each display gets a unique 6-character code. Just visit flip-pos.com/kds, enter the code, and you're live. No complex software installation or configuration.

4. Real-Time Sync with Shopify POS

Orders placed on Shopify POS with the Flip POS extension appear on kitchen displays instantly. No delays, no syncing issues - it just works.

5. Multi-Location Support

Each location can have its own set of kitchen displays with different configurations. Perfect for restaurant groups or multi-location operations.

How Flip POS Enables KDS for Shopify POS

Important: Flip POS's Kitchen Display System is not a standalone product. It works as part of the Shopify POS + Flip POS ecosystem. Here's how it works:

1. Orders are taken in Shopify POS using the Flip POS Quick Service or Table Service extension
2. Flip POS processes the order and routes it to the appropriate kitchen displays based on menu item configuration
3. Kitchen displays show the order in real-time with all details, modifiers, and special requests
4. Kitchen staff mark orders as preparing → ready → completed
5. Front-of-house staff see status and know when orders are ready to serve

Hardware Requirements & Recommendations

One of the biggest advantages of Flip POS's KDS is hardware flexibility. Here's what you need and what works best:

Minimum Requirements

• Device: Any tablet, computer, or smart display with web browser
• Screen Size: Minimum 10" diagonal (larger is better for busy kitchens)
• Internet: Stable WiFi connection (wired ethernet recommended for reliability)
• Browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge (Chrome recommended)
• Resolution: Minimum 1024x768 (1920x1080 or higher ideal)

Recommended Hardware Options

Budget Option: Repurpose Old Devices ($0-$100)

• Old iPads (iPad Air 2 or newer)
• Android tablets (Samsung Galaxy Tab A or better)
• Old computer monitors with cheap Raspberry Pi or Fire Stick
• Cost: Free if you have devices, or $50-$100 for basic tablets

Mid-Range Option: New Tablets ($150-$300)

• iPad 10.2" (9th generation) - $329
• Amazon Fire HD 10 - $150
• Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 - $229
• Best for: Single station displays, smaller kitchens

Professional Option: Large Displays ($300-$800)

• Elo Touch 15.6" Touchscreen Monitor - $499
• iPad Pro 12.9" - $799
• 24" Monitor + Mini PC (like Intel NUC) - $400-$600
• Best for: High-volume kitchens, expo stations, bump bars

Mounting & Protection

• Wall mounts: Keep displays out of the way, protect from spills
• Waterproof cases: Essential for high-moisture environments
• Screen protectors: Protect from grease, heat, and scratches
• Cable management: Secure power cables away from cooking areas

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Setting up kitchen displays with Flip POS takes less than 10 minutes per display. Here's the complete process:

Step 1: Configure Your Shopify POS + Flip POS System

Before setting up kitchen displays, ensure:

1. Shopify POS is installed and configured
2. Flip POS app is installed from Shopify App Store
3. Service locations are created in Flip POS
4. Menu is built with products and categories
5. Modifiers are configured (if applicable)

If you haven't done this yet, see our Complete Shopify POS Setup Guide.

Step 2: Create Kitchen Display in Flip POS

1. Log into your Flip POS dashboard
2. Navigate to Kitchen Displays in the main menu
3. Click New Kitchen Display
4. Give your display a name (e.g., "Main Grill", "Bar Station", "Expo")
5. Select the service location this display belongs to
6. Click Create Display
7. You'll receive a unique 6-character access code (like "ABC123")

Step 3: Set Up the Physical Display

1. Place your tablet/monitor in the kitchen at the appropriate station
2. Connect to power and ensure stable WiFi/ethernet connection
3. Open a web browser (Chrome recommended)
4. Navigate to flip-pos.com/kds
5. Enter your 6-character access code
6. The kitchen display will load and connect
7. Set browser to full-screen mode (F11 on most browsers)

Step 4: Test the System

1. On your Shopify POS device, open the Flip POS extension
2. Create a test order with a few items
3. Send the order (mark as paid or save for later)
4. Check that the order appears on your kitchen display within 1-2 seconds
5. Practice marking orders as "Preparing" and "Ready"

Order Routing & Station Configuration

One of the most powerful features of Flip POS's KDS is intelligent order routing. You can configure which menu items appear on which displays.

How Order Routing Works

In Flip POS, you can assign menu items or entire categories to specific kitchen displays:

• Category-based routing: All "Burgers" go to Grill display
• Item-based routing: "Fish & Chips" goes to Fryer display
• Multi-display routing: Items can appear on multiple displays (e.g., Expo sees everything)

Example: Multi-Station Kitchen Setup

Display 1 - Grill Station:

• Burgers (all items)
• Steaks (all items)
• Grilled chicken items

Display 2 - Fryer Station:

• Fries and sides
• Fried appetizers
• Fish dishes

Display 3 - Bar/Beverage:

• All alcoholic drinks
• Specialty coffee
• Smoothies and shakes

Display 4 - Expo/Expeditor:

• Shows ALL items from all stations
• Manages complete order assembly
• Coordinates service timing

Configuring Display Routing

1. In Flip POS, go to Menus
2. Click Manage on your active menu
3. Select a category or individual product
4. Click Kitchen Display Assignment
5. Check which displays should show this item
6. Save changes

Changes take effect immediately - no need to restart displays.

Workflow Optimization Tips

Getting the most out of your kitchen display system requires optimizing workflows. Here are best practices from successful Flip POS restaurants:

1. Color Coding by Order Age

Flip POS automatically color-codes orders based on how long they've been waiting:

• Green: New orders (0-5 minutes)
• Yellow: Getting old (5-10 minutes)
• Red: Urgent (10+ minutes)

Train staff to prioritize red/yellow orders to maintain service standards.

2. Order Status Management

Use the three-stage system effectively:

• New (white): Order just received, not started
• Preparing (blue): Actively being cooked
• Ready (green): Complete, ready for service/pickup

Consistent status updates help front-of-house know exactly when to serve.

3. Peak Hours Strategy

During busy periods:

• Use "bump" feature to quickly clear completed orders
• Enable sound notifications for new orders (optional setting)
• Position expo display where expeditor can see all stations
• Consider adding redundant displays for critical stations

4. Training Your Team

Successful KDS implementation requires proper training:

• Week 1: Run KDS alongside paper tickets (dual system)
• Week 2: KDS primary, paper backup only
• Week 3: KDS only, remove paper entirely

This gradual transition reduces resistance and builds confidence.

5. Special Requests & Modifications

Flip POS highlights modifiers and special requests prominently:

• Modifiers appear clearly under each item
• Order notes and item notes are bold and visible
• Allergies can be flagged (use "ALLERGY:" prefix in notes)

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Orders Not Appearing on Display

Possible causes and solutions:

• Display not assigned to menu items: Check Kitchen Display Assignment in menu settings
• Wrong service location: Ensure POS and display are using same location
• Internet connectivity: Check WiFi signal, consider ethernet cable
• Browser cache: Refresh page (Ctrl+R or Cmd+R), clear browser cache
• Display code expired: Regenerate code in Flip POS dashboard

Display Showing Old/Stuck Orders

Solutions:

• Click "Bump All" or mark each order as complete
• Check that orders were properly closed in Shopify POS
• Refresh the browser page to sync latest status

Slow Performance or Lag

Fixes:

• Close other browser tabs/apps on the device
• Use wired ethernet instead of WiFi when possible
• Update to latest browser version
• Reduce number of displayed orders (auto-clear after 30 min setting)
• Upgrade device if very old (pre-2015 tablets struggle)

Touch Screen Not Responding

Troubleshooting:

• Clean the screen (grease interferes with touch)
• Restart the device
• Use mouse/keyboard as backup
• Check for screen protector interference

Advanced Features & Customization

1. Course Management (Coming Soon)

Fire appetizers, then entrees, then desserts at the right time. Course management ensures proper pacing for multi-course meals.

2. Kitchen Display Printers

While KDS eliminates most printing, you can still configure backup printers:

• Automatically print tickets for specific stations
• Print on internet outages (fallback mode)
• Print receipts for delivery/takeout orders

See our Printer Setup Guide for details.

3. Multi-Location Display Management

For restaurant groups managing multiple locations:

• Each location has independent display configuration
• Clone display setups between locations
• Centralized monitoring dashboard (see all locations)

4. Custom Display Layouts

Flip POS offers display customization:

• Text size adjustment (for different screen sizes)
• Order count per screen (4, 6, 8, or 12 orders visible)
• Color scheme options (light/dark mode)
• Sound notification on/off

Kitchen Display System FAQs

Can Flip POS KDS work without Shopify POS?

No. Flip POS's Kitchen Display System requires Shopify POS to function. Orders must be placed through Shopify POS using the Flip POS extension, which then routes them to kitchen displays. It's an integrated system, not a standalone KDS.

How many kitchen displays can I have?

Unlimited! Flip POS includes unlimited kitchen displays at no extra cost. Set up as many as you need - most restaurants use 2-6 displays for different stations.

What happens if internet goes down?

Shopify POS continues to work offline and stores orders locally. When internet returns, orders sync to kitchen displays automatically. For critical situations, configure backup printers that work during outages.

Can displays show orders from online ordering systems?

Yes! If you use Shopify's online ordering or integrate third-party delivery (via Shopify), those orders appear on kitchen displays just like in-person orders from Shopify POS.

Do I need special tablets or can I use regular iPads?

Regular iPads, Android tablets, computers - anything with a web browser works. No special hardware or expensive proprietary devices required. Many restaurants use old iPads they already own.

How do I update the display if I change my menu?

Menu changes in Flip POS automatically reflect on all kitchen displays in real-time. No need to update displays individually or restart anything.

Next Steps

Now that you understand kitchen displays for Shopify POS with Flip POS:

• Set up your complete Shopify POS restaurant system
• View detailed KDS documentation and video tutorials
• Configure backup printers for your kitchen
• Contact us for personalized setup assistance

Ready to eliminate paper tickets and speed up your kitchen? Install Flip POS on Shopify and set up your first kitchen display in minutes!