Many venues now let customers order without queuing at the counter. The two main ways are QR code ordering on the customer’s own phone and self-service kiosks in the venue. Both have a place – here’s how they compare.
Head to head
| QR code ordering | Self-service kiosk | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware cost | Very low | Kiosk hardware required |
| Customer needs a phone | Yes, with data and battery | No |
| Upsell visibility | Small phone screen | Large 15.6″–27″ screen |
| Printed receipt / order ticket | No | Yes, built-in or separate printer |
| Best for | Table service | Counter service, QSR, food halls |
| Accessibility | Depends on customer’s phone | Designed in, consistent for everyone |
When QR ordering works best
Sit-down venues where customers are already at a table and comfortable using their phones.
When kiosks work best
- Counter-service and quick-service restaurants with peaks.
- Food halls, cinemas, stadiums and leisure centres.
- Venues where customers may not want to download apps or share data.
- Operators who want bigger screens for upselling – operators often see higher average order values with kiosks.
Many venues use both
QR ordering for tables and kiosks at the entrance or counter is a common combination. Both feed the same EPOS and kitchen display system.
Which HiStone kiosk?
- Small counters: HS150 (Windows) or HS150K (Android).
- Mid-size: HS330U or HS330Q at 23.8″.
- High footfall: HS520T 27″ floor-standing.
The HiStone kiosk range at a glance
| Model | Screen | OS | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS150 | 15.6″ countertop | Windows 11 | Cafés, QSR, takeaways |
| HS150K | 15.6″ countertop | Android 11 | Budget counter ordering, AI camera |
| HK568MSC | 15.6″ sealed, rotating | Windows 11 | Counter/self-service hybrid |
| HS330U | 23.8″ | Windows 11 | Ordering, payment, info points |
| HS330Q | 23.8″ | Android | Floor, desk or wall ordering |
| HS520T | 27″ floor-standing | Android 12 | High-footfall ordering |
| HS520U | 27″ self-checkout | Windows 11 | Supermarket and retail scan-and-pay |
See HiStone self-service kiosks in action
B-Spoke Systems supplies the complete HiStone self-service kiosk range from UK stock in Leicester, for kiosk software providers, EPOS resellers and operators. Book a demo at our Leicester showroom and bring your own software, configure a quote, or call 0116 260 3100 / email sales@b-spokesystems.com.