The Complete Guide to EPOS Hardware
Choosing EPOS hardware is one of the most important technology decisions a retailer, hospitality operator or software house will make. The right equipment keeps queues moving, reduces errors and gives staff tools they enjoy using. The wrong equipment causes slowdowns, support calls and frustrated customers. This guide explains the main categories of EPOS hardware we supply, what each one is best for and how to put together a set-up that will serve your business for years.
As the UK distributor for HiStone, B-Spoke Systems holds a broad range of EPOS hardware in our Leicester warehouse. Every product can be configured, imaged and tested by our technicians before dispatch, so it arrives ready to work.
All-in-One POS Terminals
All-in-one terminals combine the computer, touchscreen and often a customer display in a single unit. They are the most popular type of EPOS hardware for counters where space is limited and a clean, modern look matters. With fewer cables and components, they are also quick to install and easy to keep tidy.
Our all-in-one POS range includes models such as the HK788, HK960U and HK578, available with Windows, Linux or Android so they work with the leading UK EPOS software platforms.
Best for: shops, cafés, bars and restaurants that want a compact, professional counter.
Box POS Systems
A box POS system separates the computer from the display. The compact, fanless PC can sit under the counter while you choose the screens that suit your layout. This flexible style of EPOS hardware is ideal where you need multiple displays, larger screens or a particular mounting arrangement.
Explore our box POS systems, including the HK600 POS system and HK600U.
Best for: custom counter layouts, multi-screen installations and integrators building tailored solutions.
Mobile POS and Handheld Terminals
Mobile EPOS hardware lets staff take orders, process payments and check stock anywhere in the venue or shop. Handheld devices are used for order-at-table in restaurants, line-busting in busy shops, stocktakes and pop-up events.
Our mobile POS systems include the HM336 mobile terminal and the HM628N.
Best for: table service, queue-busting, stock management and events.
Self-Checkout and Self-Service Kiosks
Self-service is one of the fastest-growing categories of EPOS hardware in the UK. Kiosks let customers browse, order and pay on their own, reducing queues and freeing staff for higher-value tasks. In retail they are used for self-checkout; in hospitality they power self-ordering in quick-service restaurants, cafés and food halls.
Browse our self-checkout kiosk systems, including the HS150, HS330U, HS520 and HK568MSC.
Best for: supermarkets, convenience stores, QSR, cafés, cinemas and leisure venues.
Kitchen Display Systems
Kitchen display systems replace paper tickets with clear, colour-coded screens that show orders as soon as they are placed. This type of EPOS hardware reduces errors, speeds up ticket times and helps the pass coordinate courses. Our KDS units are built to withstand the heat, steam and grease of a commercial kitchen.
See our kitchen display systems, including the HD220E for Windows and HD220R for Android.
Best for: restaurants, takeaways, QSR and any kitchen handling high order volumes.
Scale POS Systems
Scale POS systems integrate weighing directly into the till, so loose items are priced automatically and accurately. This specialist EPOS hardware is essential for delis, butchers, greengrocers, farm shops, bakeries and bulk-food retailers.
View our scale POS systems, including the HT528L POS/EPOS scale.
Best for: fresh-food and weighed-goods retail.
Touch Screen Monitors
Touch screen monitors pair with box POS systems or existing PCs to create a responsive point of sale, or act as customer-facing displays. Our touch screen monitors include the MD15 and MD24VH.
All-in-One PCs and Touch Screen PCs
Beyond the counter, many businesses need reliable computers for back offices, receptions and classrooms. Our all-in-one touch screen PCs and all-in-one PCs offer slim, space-saving designs with Windows or Linux.
Hisense Commercial Displays and Digital Signage
Alongside our EPOS hardware we supply Hisense commercial displays, including digital signage, interactive displays and all-in-one LED displays. They are ideal for menu boards, promotions, meeting rooms and large-format video walls.
How to Choose the Right EPOS Hardware
With so many options, it helps to work through a few key questions before you buy EPOS hardware:
- What software will you run? Check that the hardware supports the operating system your EPOS software requires.
- How busy is your business? High transaction volumes need faster processors and more robust devices.
- Where will it be used? Kitchens, bars and outdoor areas need sealed, spill-resistant hardware.
- How much space do you have? All-in-one terminals save space; box POS systems offer flexibility.
- Do you need mobility? Handhelds bring the till to the customer.
- Could self-service help? Kiosks reduce queues and increase average spend.
- What support will you need? Choose a supplier with UK stock, spares and technicians.
Our team is happy to help you specify the right EPOS hardware for your business or your customers. You can also read our guide to choosing EPOS hardware for retail.
Windows, Linux or Android?
The operating system is often decided by your software, but it is worth understanding the differences.
Windows
Windows remains the most widely used platform for established retail and hospitality software. It offers broad compatibility with printers, scanners and other peripherals, and many businesses already have staff who are familiar with it. Windows-based terminals suit feature-rich applications with complex back-office functions.
Linux
Linux is popular with software developers who want a lightweight, secure and cost-effective platform. Without licence fees for the operating system, it can reduce the total cost of a multi-terminal estate, and it is well suited to dedicated, locked-down point-of-sale applications.
Android
Android has grown rapidly for mobile devices, kiosks and kitchen displays, especially where software is delivered from the cloud. It is familiar to users, quick to start up and well suited to touch-first applications. Many modern hospitality and retail apps are built specifically for Android.
If you are unsure which platform to choose, tell us about your software and we will recommend the right option.
Thinking About Total Cost of Ownership
The purchase price is only part of the cost of any point-of-sale estate. Over its working life, reliability, support and downtime matter just as much. A cheaper consumer tablet that fails after a year, or a terminal that is slow from day one, can cost far more in lost sales and engineer visits than a commercial-grade device that keeps working.
When comparing options, consider:
- Build quality – fanless, sealed designs last longer in demanding environments.
- Warranty and repairs – how quickly can a faulty unit be repaired or replaced?
- Spare parts – are parts available locally, and for how long?
- Product life cycle – will the same model be available for future expansion?
- Set-up time – pre-configured hardware reduces installation costs.
- Energy use – efficient, low-power designs reduce running costs over many years.
Taking these factors into account usually shows that well-built, well-supported equipment is the better long-term investment.
EPOS Hardware by Industry
Different sectors have different needs. Visit our dedicated pages for tailored advice:
- Retail EPOS systems – tills, self-checkout, scales and handhelds for shops of every size.
- Hospitality EPOS systems – terminals, kitchen displays, kiosks and handhelds for restaurants, pubs and cafés.
- Trade EPOS hardware – for software houses, resellers and integrators.
Peripherals and Accessories
A complete point of sale needs more than a terminal. We supply a full range of tested peripherals to complete your EPOS hardware set-up, including thermal receipt printers, kitchen printers, cash drawers, barcode scanners, customer displays, label printers, card payment integrations, mounts and cables. Buying everything from one supplier means fewer compatibility issues and one point of contact for support.
Configuration, Imaging and Asset Tagging
Every item of EPOS hardware we supply can be prepared in our ISO9001-certified Leicester workshop before it leaves us. Our technicians load your software image, configure BIOS settings, install drivers, test peripherals and apply serial-number asset tags. That means less time on site, faster installations and fewer problems on day one. For resellers and software houses, we can also kit, label and drop-ship hardware directly to end-user sites.
Warranty, Repairs and Spare Parts
Reliable support matters as much as reliable hardware. Our in-house technicians handle warranty claims, repairs and spare parts for the EPOS hardware we supply, helping to minimise downtime for you and your customers.
Why Buy EPOS Hardware from B-Spoke Systems?
- Established in 2003 – more than 20 years of experience in point-of-sale technology.
- ISO9001 certified for over 20 years – quality built into every process.
- UK distributor for HiStone – direct access to the full range and spare parts.
- UK stock – most items dispatched the next working day from Leicester.
- Configuration services – imaging, testing and asset tagging included.
- Trade-friendly – trusted by software houses and resellers across the UK.
We also partner with UK software developer ICRTouch to offer complete hardware and software bundles. Visit our Leicester showroom to see the hardware in person.
EPOS Hardware Frequently Asked Questions
Which EPOS hardware is best for a compact retail counter?
For most compact retail counters, an all-in-one terminal with a receipt printer, cash drawer and barcode scanner is ideal. It is easy to install, takes up little space and runs most popular retail EPOS software.
Can I mix EPOS hardware from different ranges?
Yes. Many businesses combine all-in-one terminals at the counter with handhelds, kiosks and kitchen displays. Because our range runs standard operating systems, the devices work well together with compatible software.
Do you supply EPOS hardware without software?
Yes. We are hardware-led and software-neutral. We can supply hardware on its own, pre-loaded with your chosen image, or through our network of software partners and resellers.
How long does EPOS hardware last?
Commercial-grade EPOS hardware is designed for continuous use and typically stays in service for several years. Regular maintenance, sensible specification and good support all help to extend its life.
Can I see products before I buy?
Yes. Our Leicester showroom displays terminals, self-checkout kiosks, kitchen displays, handhelds and Hisense screens side by side. You are welcome to book a visit, and resellers and software houses can request evaluation units to test with their own applications before committing to a larger order.
Do you deliver across the UK and Ireland?
Yes. Stock items are usually dispatched the next working day, and configured systems are scheduled to match your installation dates. We deliver to sites throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
How do I get a quote for EPOS hardware?
Call us on 0116 260 3100, email sales@b-spokesystems.com or contact us online. Tell us what you need and we will recommend the right EPOS hardware for your business.
EPOS Hardware From a Specialist EPOS Distributor
Every product on this page is supplied by B-Spoke Systems, a UK EPOS hardware distributor and the official UK distributor for HiStone. Buying EPOS hardware through a specialist EPOS distributor means UK stock, configuration before dispatch and local warranty support. Resellers and software houses can find out more about our EPOS distribution programme, or read our guide to EPOS distribution in the UK.


































































