Picking the right self service kiosk isn’t just about the screen. Where it sits, on a counter, on the wall or on its own stand, changes everything from cost to how many customers actually use it. Here’s our practical guide to choosing the right format.
Once you have decided to add a self-service kiosk, the next decision is where it will physically live. The same kiosk software can run on a countertop unit, on the wall or on a floor stand – and the right choice depends on space, footfall and how visible you want self-service to be.
Countertop kiosks
Best for: cafés, bakeries, small QSR sites, pubs, reception desks and retail counters.
- Smallest footprint and lowest cost.
- Easy to move or add at peak times.
- Uses existing counter power and network.
HiStone picks: the HS150K (Android) and HS150 (Windows), both with a 15.6-inch Full HD true-flat touchscreen and a 630 x 415 mm footprint, and the stylish HK568MSC with optional second display.
Wall-mounted kiosks
Best for: narrow corridors, food court walls, hotel lobbies and clinics.
- Zero floor space used.
- Safe from knocks, trolleys and cleaning machines.
- Great for queue-side ordering.
HiStone picks: the HS150 family on a wall bracket, or a VESA-mounted touch screen all-in-one PC for check-in and information points.
Floor-standing kiosks
Best for: QSR, cinemas, stadiums, large retail and transport.
- Maximum visibility – customers see it as they walk in.
- Room for larger screens, printers and payment terminals.
- Ideal for accessibility-height designs.
HiStone picks: the 23.8-inch HS330U on a floor stand, or the 27-inch HS520 for retail self-checkout.
Quick comparison
- Footprint: wall < countertop < floor-standing.
- Visibility: floor-standing is highest.
- Cost: countertop is lowest.
- Screen size: 15.6-inch for countertop; 23.8 to 27-inch for floor-standing.
Accessibility
Whatever format you choose, place the touch area and payment terminal within comfortable reach of wheelchair users, and use software with an accessibility mode. A mix of countertop and floor-standing units is often the easiest way to serve everyone.
Self service kiosk FAQs
Can I start countertop and move to floor stands later?
Yes. Many venues trial countertop kiosks, then add floor-standing units once usage grows.
Do you supply stands and brackets?
Yes – ask us for the stand, bracket and payment terminal mount that matches your chosen model.
Related guides
- Self-ordering kiosks for restaurants
- Self-checkout kiosks for retail
- Check-in kiosks
- Mobile EPOS and self-service kiosks
Book a kiosk demo
The best way to choose a kiosk is to stand in front of one. Come and try the full HiStone kiosk range in our Leicester showroom, bring your software if you like, and we’ll help you work out the right model, stand and payment set-up.
Call us on 0116 260 3100, email sales@b-spokesystems.com or get a quote online. Prefer to see it first? Book a visit to our Leicester showroom.