Best Self-Service Kiosks

Self-service kiosks, also known as self-ordering kiosks, are self-contained, customer-facing machines that enable consumers to place orders and pay without the help of a cashier. This may be a lifeline for restaurants with a staffing shortage, as well as a way to accommodate changing client preferences; 65 percent of customers favor self-service kiosks.

Most restaurants that wish to install self-service kiosks must use the kiosk software that comes with their POS system. If your restaurant doesn’t currently have a point-of-sale system, you’ll find several excellent choices on our list.

How Did We Assess Self-Service Kiosks?

We evaluated a dozen of the most popular POS systems based on what matters to small-business owners, such as total cost, menu features, POS and payment connections, and customer and employee ease of use. Personal assessments of each program from our retail and restaurant specialists were also taken into account.

Toast provides the finest self-service kiosk for restaurants based on the following parameters. According to our self-service software rating methodology, the program got the highest overall grade (4.39 out of 5). Toast’s user-friendly interface, complete staff management, inventory monitoring, and reporting capabilities are all included in the kiosk, which is part of the powerful, configurable Toast POS system. Toast kiosks use low-cost ELO touch-screen tablets with a variety of screen sizes to fit different restaurant sizes.

20% of the overall score

First, we looked at whether each program had a free plan and a plan that costs less than $75 per month. We also searched for kiosk systems that ran on widely accessible hardware, such as iPads, to save money on hardware. Restaurant operators may search around for the best processing rates by using systems that connect with several payment processors.

30% of the overall score

Kiosks must be able to handle complicated orders with changes and meal combinations. In order to improve check averages, we also searched for technologies that upsell onscreen. We also looked for systems that take a variety of payment methods, from credit cards to mobile wallets and cash, since consumer preferences vary. We also searched for kiosks that gather consumer data to help you with your marketing and loyalty programs and promote repeat business. We searched for kiosks that seamlessly connect with restaurant POS systems to keep your company operating efficiently.

25% of the overall score

Customers must be able to navigate kiosks without assistance. They should also be simple to update for owners and management when pricing or menu items change. We searched for systems that are simple to install yourself or come with free expert installation. Because restaurants are open outside of normal business hours, we gave points to systems that provide customer service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Finally, we looked at how the system informs consumers when their order is ready, and kiosks that offer integrated SMS text messaging received excellent ratings.

25% of the overall score

Finally, we looked at any unique features of each system, as well as if the software and hardware package provides excellent overall value for the money. To guarantee safety and security, we also assessed each system’s popularity among independent eateries. Finally, we gave scores based on our own experiences using the program and dealing with the company’s customer service.

Toast

4.39 OUT OF 5

What We Enjoy

• Customer purchase notifications through SMS
• Kiosk screen sizes come in a variety of sizes.
• Receipts with QR codes expedite cash transactions.
• Integrates with Toast POS, a top-rated point-of-sale system.

What Isn’t There

• Toast Payment Processing Is Locked In
• The kiosk does not take cash.
• In offline mode, it does not function.

Pricing

• Fee for software subscription:
  • $0 as a starter (up to two terminals)
  • $165 for the essentials (includes online ordering and delivery)
  • $272 in growth (includes gift cards, marketing, and loyalty)
• Hardware prices range from $0 to $799 for POS terminals. Kiosks are controlled by ELO touch screens, which range in price from $450 to $700.
• Installation costs are one-time and range from $0 for self-installation to $799+ for guided or in-person installation (depending on the complexity of your setup)

Toast is a highly configurable restaurant POS system that regularly ranks first in our restaurant software rankings across the board, from POS to kitchen display systems (KDSs). Toast’s self-ordering kiosk has a number of useful features, such as SMS text notifications and QR-coded receipts, which allow cash-paying customers to settle their bills with a cashier swiftly. The self-ordering kiosk, best of all, integrates easily with Toast’s inventory management, online ordering, delivery management, team management, reporting, and analytics capabilities.

On our ranking criteria, Toast’s self-ordering kiosk received a 4.39 out of 5 rating. Because of its affordable pricing, free starting hardware, and strong kiosk capabilities, the system received high marks. If the toast kiosk had accepted credit card purchases in an offline mode (like rival RedyRef) or used iPads, it would have received a better grade (like Revel Systems is a software development company that specializes on, Restaurant Lightspeed, and KioskBuddy). Overall, Toast’s self-ordering kiosks provide great value to businesses.

ELO touch displays are used in Toast’s self-ordering kiosks. (Image courtesy of Toast)

The Toast Kiosk’s screen may be modified to match your company’s identity. (Image courtesy of Toast)

Customers may simply modify their dishes at the Toast Kiosk. (Image courtesy of Toast)

Upsells for your Toast Kiosk may be programmed to propose to consumers. (Image courtesy of Toast)

Customers who pay with cash get a printed receipt with a scannable QR code to provide to the cashier. (Image courtesy of Toast)

Features

You must start with the basic POS pricing since the Toast self-service kiosk software is only accessible on the Toast POS platform. For the Starter POS, the underlying Toast POS software costs $0 per month for a single terminal. Customers who choose for pay-as-you-go may receive a free POS terminal with a cash drawer and receipt printer in exchange for consenting to slightly higher credit card processing costs.

The following are some of the outstanding characteristics of Toast’s self-ordering kiosk:

• Toast’s software price is competitive with the rest of the rivals on this list; it is less expensive than Revel Systems, RedyRef, and Crunch altogether. Only Lightspeed Restaurant and KioskBuddy, both of which use iPads, are cheaper than Toast.
• Consumers’ phone numbers are collected for kiosk orders, and automated notifications are sent to customers when their items are available.
• QR-coded receipts: Unlike the custom-quoted RedyRef system, the Toast kiosk is unable to handle cash payments independently. Toast, on the other hand, has a low-cost solution: QR codes printed at the bottom of receipts. Customers who pay with cash submit their QR-coded receipt to a central cashier, who scans it and displays it on the POS system right away. There’s no need for your employees to go through several screens of open checks in order to locate the right one.
• You have the option of requiring credit or debit card payments for all kiosk orders. You may set maximum order limitations for kiosk orders if you allow cash payments or have clients pay after their meal is cooked.
• Customer relationship management: Toast kiosks keep track of customer interaction and order information, resulting in a useful database for focused marketing efforts.
• Ease of Use: The whole Toast ecosystem was created by former restaurant employees to solely assist businesses. You’ll never have to tinker with a system to make it work for you. Toast is one of the most user-friendly restaurant software programs you, your employees, and your customers will ever encounter.

Lightspeed Restaurant

Overall Score: 4.30 OUT OF 5

What We Enjoy

• Allows for the use of a room fee as a method of payment.
• iPads are required for operation.
• It synchronizes with a barcode scanner.
• Kiosks may be set up for counter or table service.

What Isn’t There

• If you lose internet connection, the whole app and web-based system becomes useless.
• Many sophisticated functions may only be purchased as add-ons.
• In a kiosk, cash is not accepted.

Pricing

• Subscription cost for software: $59 per month for the first terminal, plus $34 per month for each subsequent terminal; self-order option is an extra $39 per month.
• Costs of hardware: Runs on iPads, although users may supply their own suitable devices.
• Lightspeed may be self-installed; there are no one-time installation costs.

Lightspeed Restaurant is an iPad-based cloud-based point-of-sale system. A kiosk solution with a basic integration that rivals lack is included in Lightspeed’s complete front- and back-end management features: Customers may shut out tabs as a room fee thanks to Lightspeed’s integration with hotel property management software. Lightspeed is also a good match for food and beverage operations in other member-based venues, such as coworking spaces and private clubs.

Lightspeed’s kiosk received a 4.30 out of 5 rating, placing it just behind Toast. Lightspeed received marks for using accessible hardware, allowing various payment processors, and offering certain unique features such as property management software connections. Lightspeed might have gotten a better grade if it included more comprehensive cash management tools like Toast and RedyRef, as well as a cheaper monthly fee for the self-ordering kiosk. However, for small businesses seeking for an accessible kiosk option, these minor drawbacks will not be a deal-breaker.

The Lightspeed kiosk has a beautiful sidebar navigation system. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

Customers may read an item description and view a full-screen picture by clicking on an information icon. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

On pop-up displays, you may make changes. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

You may assign a kiosk to a particular table in Table Mode so that your staff knows where to bring the food. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

Customers may check orders on an order summary screen before placing them. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

Customers may hail a waiter or request their bill from the kiosk screen while in Table Mode. (Photo courtesy of Lightspeed)

Features

Lightspeed’s kiosk, like Toast and Revel Systems’, is self-contained and runs on its own POS. The Self-Order Menu add-on module for Lightspeed’s kiosk software is available. Self-Order Menu may be added to any Lightspeed POS tablet by downloading the software from the Apple App Store, but it costs $39 per month. Lightspeed, like Revel Systems, has created POS systems for both retail and restaurant businesses. As a result, Lightspeed is a versatile choice for restaurant concepts that don’t fit neatly within the full-service or quick-service categories.

The following are some of the highlights of Lightspeed Restaurant:

• Kiosk mode and table mode are two order modes supported by Lightspeed’s Self-Order software. Customers order and pay for their meal in one transaction at a kiosk before the food is cooked.
• The Lightspeed Self-Ordering tablet is allocated to a particular table in table mode. Your wait staff helps customers place numerous orders and handles their payment at the conclusion of the meal. Customers may use the kiosk to summon a server and request their bill via the app. Table-service kiosk tools are only available with Lightspeed, the sole kiosk option on this list.
• Lightspeed is the only solution on our list that interacts with hotel property management software, allowing consumers to pay using room costs.
• Long-running customer tabs are supported by Lightspeed, which is a functionality that many POS systems lack. Lightspeed is an excellent match for social clubs or co-working spaces that primarily serve members who are used to paying monthly fees because of this feature. If members want to get a snack, they don’t need to bring their wallets with them. You may just charge them for their purchases on the same billing period as your membership fees.

Revel Systems

4.24 OUT OF 5

What We Enjoy

• Orders for split modifiers and combos
• Accepts payments made in person.
• Online training resources that are comprehensive
• Multiple payment processors are supported, allowing you to compare prices.

What Isn’t There

• It may be costly.
• Learning how to use a management dashboard takes time.
• In a kiosk, cash is not accepted.

Pricing

• Subscription charge for software: $99 per month for the basic POS; Kiosk XT software is an extra, custom-quoted cost.
• Hardware prices are determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Fees for one-time installation: $674

Revel Systems is a flexible hybrid POS with a comprehensive set of restaurant management features. iPads are used in both the Revel POS and the Revel Kiosk XT. The underlying Revel Systems POS enables various payment processors, online ordering, delivery tracking, inventory, and basic staff scheduling, in addition to self-ordering kiosks. The self-ordering kiosks are similar to Toast and Lightspeed’s kiosks in terms of functionality. Revel’s menu modifiers, on the other hand, are a little more robust, making it a better match for high-volume eateries that offer combinations and highly customized menu items like pizza.

On our restaurant self-service ordering kiosk evaluation criteria, Revel received a 4.24 out of 5 rating. It earned marks for allowing restaurants to shop around for the best processing prices by enabling various payment processors. The system’s powerful modification capabilities received good ratings as well. Revel’s kiosk, unlike Toast, Lightspeed, and Crunch’s, does not presently offer consumer SMS text notifications, and it is also the most costly POS-hosted kiosk on our list.

You may add enticing menu pictures to your Revel Kiosk XT displays. (Photo courtesy of Revel Systems)

All of your menu categories are shown on a single screen using Revel’s Kiosk XT platform. (Photo courtesy of Revel Systems)

If you want, you may add menu pictures to your first order screen. (Photo courtesy of Revel Systems)

With Revel’s sophisticated modifier capabilities, you may limit how much your customers can change a meal. (Photo courtesy of Revel Systems)

Combo orders and upsells are encouraged at your Revel kiosk. (Photo courtesy of Revel Systems)

Customers can make last-minute adjustments to their orders thanks to easy-to-read menu summaries. (Photo courtesy of Revel Systems)

Features

Revel is more costly than Toast, Lightspeed, and KioskBuddy since its monthly software price begins at $99 per terminal and involves a one-time installation charge of $674. The software and hardware for Revel’s Kiosk XT cost extra, but the system runs on iPads, so you may be able to reuse some old equipment if it’s compatible.

The following are some of Revel Systems’ outstanding features:

• Split modifications: With Revel systems, users may apply item modifiers to half or complete meals, such as adding pepperoni to half of a pizza. Charges for modifiers and nest modifiers may also be included to guide consumers through complicated orders such as constructing their own burgers, salads, or grain bowls.
• Combo-building: In the order screen, Revel’s kiosk capabilities enable simplified combo-building. If a customer’s order is near to one of your combos, you may configure your Revel kiosk to ask them to “make it a combo.” Combo creation is also supported by Toast and Lightspeed, but Revel Systems is somewhat more streamlined and designed for volume.
• Revel Systems kiosks can queue credit card payments in offline mode and store them to be executed when the system regains internet connection, unlike Toast, Lightspeed, KioskBuddy, and Crunch.
• Multiple payment processors are supported: The Revel Systems POS works with a number of different payment processors, including the inbuilt Revel Advantage. The kiosk, on the other hand, accepts Vantiv/TriPOS and FreedomPay. As a result, restaurant owners have a few choices when it comes to finding cheaper processing rates.

KioskBuddy

4.18 OUT OF 5

What We Enjoy

• The basic membership includes unlimited kiosks.
• It’s compatible with Square’s point-of-sale system.
• iPads are required for operation.
• Free trial for 30 days

What Isn’t There

• The pricing is transaction-based.
• Only one payment processor, Square, is supported.
• Reporting has limits
• At the kiosk, cash payments are not accepted.

Pricing

• Fee for software subscription:
  • Tier 1: $50 per month for 500 transactions; afterwards, 25 cents per transaction
  • Tier 2 – $100 per month for up to 1,500 transactions; beyond that, 20 cents per transaction
  • Tier 3 – $200 per month for up to 4,500 transactions; beyond that, 15 cents per transaction
• Users may bring their own iPads and buy $169 iPad stands from Square.
• There are no one-time installation costs; installation is a do-it-yourself project.

KioskBuddy is a self-ordering kiosk that connects to a Square for Restaurants POS system directly. KioskBuddy is a kiosk, not a complete point-of-sale system. This program is designed to enable contactless ordering and payments on-site. KioskBuddy, like Lightspeed and Revel Systems, runs on iPads. The software is available for download from the Apple App Store, and a 30-day free trial is available.

On our self-ordering kiosk ranking system, KioskBuddy received a 4.18 out of 5 rating. Our experts gave the system excellent ratings for its simplicity of use. However, KioskBuddy lost some points due to its tiered pricing structure and restricted transaction volumes, as well as its lack of connectors. The Square for Restaurants POS, which is regularly one of our top-rated free to low-cost POS systems, is supported by the system.

A menu picture may be added to your KioskBuddy sleep screen. (Photo courtesy of KioskBuddy)

The order screens on KioskBuddy are simple to use. (Photo courtesy of KioskBuddy)

Customers are prompted for add-ons like sauces, sides, and garnishes via KioskBuddy. (Photo courtesy of KioskBuddy)

Customers’ names may be requested for orders, as well as a phone number for SMS order updates. (Photo courtesy of KioskBuddy)

KioskBuddy works with Square Loyalty to notify consumers about possible rewards. (Photo courtesy of KioskBuddy)

Features

On the Square App Marketplace, KioskBuddy has a 4.9-star overall rating out of a potential 5-star user rating, while on the Apple App Store, it has a 5-star user rating. KioskBuddy’s simple interface and low cost appeal to a wide range of users, from tiny independent eateries to pop-up stores and farm stalls.

KioskBuddy does, however, have certain reporting restrictions that users should be aware of. Because Square does not allow third-party applications to transmit itemized data to the Square system, all of your KioskBuddy transactions will show in your Square POS reports as “uncategorized” sales. You’ll need to convert reports into.csv files and manually merge them in a spreadsheet to obtain integrated results from your Square POS and KioskBuddy.

The following are some of KioskBuddy’s outstanding features:

• KioskBuddy may be used on an infinite number of iPads with a single subscription. The sole constraint is the number of transactions that may be included. KioskBuddy is a great solution for pop-up events and microbusinesses such as farm stalls and market sellers that wish to provide contactless order and payment choices.
• Service fees: You may charge a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the total cost on client checks using KioskBuddy’s Service Fee feature. If you go over your monthly limit, you may utilize this feature to offset KioskBuddy transaction costs or recover credit card processing fees if you go over your monthly limit. However, verify your local regulations first; some states restrict companies from passing credit card fees on to consumers.
• Integrates with Square Loyalty: Automated incentives may give your business a professional appearance. Upon checkout, KioskBuddy will notify returning customers of any accrued points and chances to redeem them.
• If you want to utilize screens in your kitchen, KioskBuddy now connects with Fresh KDS in addition to issuing checks to kitchen printers.

Crunch

3.75 OUT OF 5

What We Enjoy

• There are no long-term commitments, and you may cancel at any moment.
• Free trial for 14 days
• Pricing that is clear
• Integrates with over 30 different point-of-sale systems.

What Isn’t There

• Expensive.
• Professional installation is required.
• It’s possible that it’s more robust than what tiny eateries need.
• The kiosk is unable to take cash.

Pricing

• Fee for software subscription:
  • Starter – for a single location, $84 per month
  • Standard – $106 per month, which provides support for numerous locations as well as loyalty rewards.
  • Premium ($126/month) features a personalized website.
• Each piece of hardware costs $3,599 – $3,999.
• Installation costs are included in the kiosk’s pricing.

In addition to its self-order kiosk, Crunch is a restaurant software company that creates solutions for online ordering, social media ordering, and optimized websites. Crunch now interfaces with over three dozen major restaurant POS systems, including Toast, Revel, and TouchBistro, three of our faves. Crunch’s kiosks may help small businesses save money on manpower while also increasing income via social media and internet ordering.

Crunch received a 3.75 out of 5 rating on our self-ordering kiosk ranking. The system received high marks for providing a 14-day free trial of the program as well as its general kiosk capabilities. It was penalized mostly because of the price. Crunch is the most costly system on our list, costing between $84 and $126 each month plus more than $3,500 per kiosk. Small restaurants, on the other hand, may find that utilizing Crunch increases their income enough to warrant the cost.

The Crunch software ecosystem comprises the Crunch mobile ordering app and the Crunch Manager dashboard, as well as Crunch kiosks. (Image courtesy of Crunch)

Crunch Kiosks are self-contained kiosks with interactive displays and pin-enabled card readers. (Image courtesy of Crunch)

The Crunch mobile ordering app aids in the acquisition of new consumers for your business. (Image courtesy of Crunch)

Customers may make purchases straight from your Instagram posts with Crunch’s integrated social media ordering capabilities. (Image courtesy of Crunch)

Crunch’s little kiosks don’t take up much room on the floor. (Image courtesy of Crunch)

Features

Crunch is not a full-fledged POS system like Toast, Revel Systems, or Lightspeed. Rather, it’s multichannel ordering software and hardware that works in tandem with and interacts with a point-of-sale system. The Crunch kiosk is a hardware add-on that takes use of Crunch’s mobile ordering capabilities to provide your customers a dynamic self-ordering experience. Crunch, like the other systems on our list, takes credit and debit cards as well as mobile wallet payments. A central cashier handles cash payments from Crunch kiosks, much like toast, Revel, and Lightspeed.

The following are some of Crunch’s notable features:

• Streamlined kiosk design: Crunch kiosk displays are vertically aligned, resulting in a streamlined appearance. This makes it easier to incorporate additional kiosks into your restaurant’s layout. The center support pillar conceals power and ethernet connections, preventing your kiosks from becoming tripping hazards.
• Crunch, like rival RedyRef, interfaces with the most common restaurant POS systems on the market. Crunch now has pre-built connections with over a third of a dozen various POS systems, with more on the way.
• White-label online buying site: Because your Crunch membership includes a white-label online ordering site, kiosk users should take use of it. You may personalize your website by adding your logo and brand colors, as well as selecting the ideal layout for your menu. Orders are shown alongside social media and kiosk orders on your Crunch Manager dashboard.
• Automated updates: Just with Toast and Lightspeed, when you designate an order as ready on the Crunch Manager dashboard, the system sends customers an automated SMS message.
• Social media ordering is included in your Crunch software subscription, just as internet ordering is. You may use it to add buy buttons to your restaurant’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. Customers won’t have to leave the social networking site to make an order; they’ll be able to purchase right away by clicking on your enticing food pictures.

RedyRef

3.66 OUT OF 5

What We Enjoy

• Processes payments in cash at a kiosk.
• Most POS systems are compatible.
• Discounts are available for large orders.
• Outdoor kiosks are supported.

What Isn’t There

• The system is costly.
• It’s possible that it’s more robust than what tiny eateries need.
• It takes time to develop and install a custom-designed system.

Pricing

• Fees for software subscriptions are determined on a case-by-case basis.
• Hardware costs: Quoted individually; we got estimates ranging from $1,900 to $2,700 per kiosk.
• Fees for one-time installations are given on a case-by-case basis.

RedyRef is a well-known technology firm that has been building self-service kiosks for a long time. It develops bespoke kiosks for companies as big as Wendy’s and as little as your local eatery. Because RedyRef manufactures its kiosks in-house and in the United States, it’s simple to modify everything from the screen size and orientation to the card reader location; it may even include a cash payment option in the kiosk. Any restaurant POS that offers kiosk features may be integrated with RedyRef. When you join up, the RedyRef staff will set up the software link for you.

On our kiosk evaluation system, RedyRef received a 3.66 out of 5 ratings. This kiosk received excellent ratings for its capacity to handle cash and its popularity among restaurant operators. The custom-quoted price, however, lost RedyRef some points since our criterion is oriented toward the requirements of small to medium restaurant companies. Kiosks that run on consumer-grade tablets are considerably more costly than custom ones. Toast or KioskBuddy will be a better match if you require a low-cost alternative.

A low-cost Elo tablet powers the RedyRef Prodigy counter-mounted kiosk. (Image courtesy of RedyRef)

The freestanding T-Flex kiosk was created with restaurants in mind. (Image courtesy of RedyRef)

The Bazooka kiosk by RedyRef is intended to take orders and payments outside. (Image courtesy of RedyRef)

Wendy’s and other major companies use RedyRef kiosks. (Image courtesy of RedyRef)

Features

Because RedyRef kiosks are tailored to your restaurant’s specific requirements, you’ll need to contact the company’s sales team for a detailed quotation. When you’re working long hours to keep your restaurant open, custom quotations may be a pain, but the RedyRef staff answers promptly and goes out of their way to make sure you don’t pay for things you don’t need. For one to two RedyRef kiosks, we got approximate estimates in the $2,700 area. The price was reduced to $1,900 when the number of kiosks was increased to ten. RedyRef may be less costly than Crunch, depending on your restaurant’s requirements.

The following are some of RedyRef’s outstanding features:

• Secure cash payments at the kiosk: RedyRef is the only kiosk on our list that accepts cash payments at the kiosk. RedyRef has a lot of expertise managing large amounts of cash since it develops kiosk solutions for a variety of industries—everything from bus terminals to stadiums.
• RedyRef produces its own kiosks and provides a broad range of configurations. Some kiosks use cheap Elo tablets (similar to Toast’s kiosks), while others use Fujitsu, Touchsource, and other brands of displays. RedyRef provides a variety of simple countertop and freestanding kiosks at custom-quoted rates, or you may have one built entirely from scratch.
• RedyRef has four production sites throughout the United States, each with its own custom POS integration. They individually build and test each kiosk before placing it at your site. Before delivering your kiosks, the RedyRef team will evaluate the software.
• Kiosks that can resist the elements: RedyRef also creates kiosks that can withstand the elements. These can be fantastic additions to a drive-thru.
• RedyRef will remotely monitor your kiosks and back up your data in the cloud, which comes in useful if your system has to be reset. You may control your kiosks remotely using a kiosk management dashboard, and RedyRef experts will inspect your kiosk system on a regular basis to verify that it is operating properly.

Alternatives to Self-Service Kiosks That Aren’t Expensive

If self-service kiosks are out of your budget, you may get a lot of the same functionality by utilizing QR codes or tablets you already have. Both of these options need the availability of a fully functional online ordering page. You may join up for a Square account and obtain a free Square Online Ordering site if you don’t already have one. The Square for Restaurants POS system, which also has a free membership tier, will easily connect with this site.

Ordering using a QR Code

You may have seen QR codes displayed in takeaway windows and on restaurant tables if you dined out between 2020 and 2021. When scanned with a smartphone, these codes take you straight to your restaurant’s online ordering page. Customers may place orders and pay for them using their cell phones. QR-code ordering essentially transforms your consumers’ cellphones into portable kiosks. We applied the same criterion for Square’s QR-code-based self-serve ordering features as we did for kiosks just for fun. It received a 3.74 out of a possible five-star rating, which is greater than RedyRef. The fact that Square isn’t a self-contained kiosk is a major drawback.

Customers’ cellphones become mini-kiosks when they use QR codes to order. (Image courtesy of Square)

QR-code orders print in your kitchen if your online ordering site is connected with your POS, exactly as if a waiter or cashier rang up the order at a terminal. Customer information and order history will be logged via an integrated POS to enable targeted marketing efforts. The advantage of this arrangement is that you won’t need to purchase any extra gear; the disadvantage is that processing costs will be greater. Online payments are usually charged a card-not-present fee since they are done on phones.

‘Guided Access’ mode

All iPads from the fourth generation and above feature a “Guided Access” option that enables you to restrict the tablet’s usage to a particular screen or website. Apple’s website has instructions for setting up supervised access. You may configure one or more iPads to exclusively access your restaurant’s online ordering site to utilize them as self-ordering kiosks. If your online ordering site connects with your POS, orders and customer data will flow straight into your POS, just as with QR-code-based ordering.

Because this setup does not allow in-person credit card readers, your guided access orders will be subject to higher card-not-present processing costs, just as QR-code orders. However, if you’re on a tight budget or just need a temporary solution, supervised access on an iPad may serve as a self-ordering kiosk at a restaurant.

Conclusion

Because of its cheap cost and comprehensive kiosk features, Toast earned the top grade in our grading methodology. Toast’s self-ordering kiosk is one of the most feature-rich systems on the list while also being one of the most affordable. Toast’s self-ordering kiosk works in tandem with the company’s high-ranking KDS and outstanding loyalty and rewards programs. Orders don’t go cold thanks to helpful text-based consumer notifications, and QR-coded receipts make taking cash payments a snap. Toast is a great place to start. for a demo to discover whether Toast’s self-ordering kiosk is right for your business.