beverage vending machines

There are three basic types of beverage vending machines based on what they dispense:

• Soda vending machines: These are machines specifically designed to dispense selections of soda or drinks. Since these drinks are best served chilled, these come with an in-built refrigeration function.

• Hot beverages & coffee vending machines: These are vending machines specifically designed to dispense hot beverages. The most common among are the coffee vending machines. These are of two types, freeze-dried and a fresh-brew version. The latter is a state-of-the-art brewing system featuring precise ingredient controls to ensure quality and taste of the coffee. The fresh brew versions incorporate a coffee bean grinder in them so as to roast and grind the beans in real time. In addition to delicious fresh-brewed gourmet coffee, vending machines of this type can also dispense hot chocolate, soup, espresso, and cappuccino. Some of these can dispense over 70 different hot beverage combinations

• Combo soda / snack vending machines: These machines are used to dispense a combination of snacks and drinks with separate compartments for beverages and snacks.

Beverage vending machines can also be categorized based on the kind of features they support

• Canned beverage vending machines: These vending machines only dispense cans.
• Combo CANs /bottle/snacks: These dispense bottles, cans or snack packets; these are more sophisticated in their machinery.

In addition, the vending machines can be classified into the following on the basis of size:

• Compact: These machines usually dispense only cans and are perfect for small areas and locations where space is limited but requires capacity and flexibility of movement. Such machines can handle anywhere from 100 to 175 cans with up to 5 selections of drinks to be dispensed. Their dimensions are approximately in the range of 32" H x 30" W x 22" D and weigh about 180 lbs .

• Mid-size: The midsize vending machines can accommodate more varieties to dispense, generally having a combination of snacks and drinks. These can dispense bottles, cans, and snack packages of various sizes.

Such machines can typically handle about 312 cans /144 bottles with 6-to-8 dink Selections. Their dimensions are approximately 68"H x 21" W x 33.5" D and weigh around 381 lbs.

• Large: These machines boast of the largest capacity and can usually vend multiple combinations of cans and bottles. It is quite common to see such machines dispense up to 12 selections with a capacity of 728 cans and 322 bottles. Since they take up more space, they are best suited for large commercial complexes. Their dimensions are approximately in the range 72"H x 42" W x 33.5" D and weigh around 735 lbs.

In order to have a better understanding of beverage vending machines, let us look at the various parts of a soda vending machines and their significance.

Main beverage shelf unit: The main refrigerated unit is equipped with storage bins that combine to store cans/ bottles. The main unit is designed to complement your customized display panels. The top front area on the personal beverage vendor is designed to hold beverage containers.

Power unit: The unit consists of the power assembly which powers up the machines. Some of these have backup power for the unit.

Security unit: These include a number of features so as to ensure the security of the vending machine is not compromised. It consists of:

- Coin Mechanism: Secure coin validation system to ensure that the right value of coins have been inserted

- Bill validators: To validate the bills inserted in to the slots

- Locks: To lock out the unit and secure it from being vandalized.

Safety Unit: This unit functions to ensure the safety of the customer during the process of dispensing the beverage.

Besides these features, beverage vending machines may also have the following features:

• Microprocessor-controlled, sealed refrigeration unit with adjustable internal temperatures
• Hi-gloss powder coat finish, which uses internal chrome-plated zinc cast metal component
• Removable dolly wheels and tow handle for easy moving.
• Energy efficient heated door for reduced condensation.
• LED lighting that can last up to 50,000 hour
• Removable trays with first in/first out loading capability
• Flexible stack sizes
• Braille keypad for the visually challenged
• ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerated beverage vending machines could potentially save business owners some money on utility bills.