Walk into almost any fast food restaurant in the UK and you will be greeted by a row of touch screens inviting you to order and pay. Self-ordering kiosks have moved from the big burger chains into independent restaurants, cafés, pubs, cinemas, convenience stores and even hospitals. This guide explains how a self-order kiosk works, why businesses are adopting them, and what to look for in the hardware.
What is a self-ordering kiosk?
A self-ordering kiosk (sometimes called a self-order kiosk, self-service ordering kiosk or digital ordering kiosk) is a touch screen terminal that lets customers browse a menu, customise their order, pay by card or phone and send the order straight to the kitchen or counter, without queuing at a till. Most kiosks combine four elements:
- Touch screen hardware: a large, commercial-grade display, usually 21.5 to 32 inches, in a wall-mounted, countertop or floor-standing enclosure.
- Kiosk ordering software: the menu app, often linked to your EPOS system.
- Integrated card payments: a chip and PIN / contactless payment terminal built into the kiosk.
- Receipt printer and scanners: for order numbers, loyalty QR codes and vouchers.
How a self-order kiosk works, step by step
- The customer taps the screen to start and chooses eat-in or takeaway.
- They browse menu categories, pick items and add extras or remove ingredients.
- The software suggests upsells, such as a larger drink, a side or a dessert.
- The customer pays by contactless card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- The order goes to the EPOS and kitchen display system, and a numbered ticket is printed.
- An order status screen tells the customer when their food is ready.
Why UK businesses are investing in self-ordering kiosks
Shorter queues at peak times
Several customers can order at once, so lunchtime and evening rushes move faster without opening extra tills.
Higher average order value
Kiosks never forget to offer the meal deal or the extra shot. Consistent, well-timed upsell prompts are one of the biggest reasons operators choose kiosks.
Better use of staff
With ordering automated, staff can focus on food preparation, cleanliness and hospitality, which helps with recruitment and labour costs.
Order accuracy
Customers enter their own orders and modifications, so fewer mistakes reach the kitchen.
Valuable data
Every transaction is recorded, making it easier to see best sellers, peak times and the impact of promotions.
Choosing self-ordering kiosk hardware
The software gets the attention, but the hardware decides whether a kiosk is still working reliably in five years. Look for:
- A commercial-grade, true flat capacitive touch screen that responds well to fast, repeated taps.
- Intel Core or Celeron processing with SSD storage for quick menu loading.
- Space for an integrated card payment terminal, receipt printer and 2D barcode scanner.
- A choice of wall, countertop and floor-standing mounting.
- Windows or Android options to suit your ordering software.
- UK stock, spares and local technical support.
HiStone, ranked by its own figures among the world’s leading self-ordering kiosk suppliers, offers models for every type of site, including the HS330U with a 23.8-inch Full HD screen, the HK568MSC, and the compact Windows HS150 and Android HS150K.
Which businesses use self-ordering kiosks?
Quick service restaurants, takeaways, coffee shops, pubs and bars, food halls, cinemas and leisure centres, stadiums, hotels, staff canteens, universities and hospitals all benefit. Read our sector guides to restaurant self-service kiosks, coffee shop ordering kiosks and pub and bar ordering kiosks.
Frequently asked questions
Do self-ordering kiosks replace staff?
No. Most operators redeploy staff to food preparation and customer service rather than cutting jobs. Kiosks handle the routine part of taking orders and payments.
Can a kiosk take cash?
Most self-ordering kiosks are cashless and take card and mobile payments. Cash-handling modules are available for some self-checkout models where cash is essential.
Will a kiosk work with my EPOS?
Most kiosk software integrates with leading EPOS platforms. HiStone kiosks run Windows or Android, so they support a wide choice of ordering software.
Where can I buy HiStone kiosks in the UK?
HiStone kiosks are sold through resellers and EPOS dealers, supplied by B-Spoke Systems, the UK distributor.
Source HiStone kiosks from the UK distributor
B-Spoke Systems is the UK and Ireland distributor for HiStone self-service kiosks, self-checkouts and EPOS hardware. We supply kiosk resellers, EPOS dealers and software houses from UK stock in Leicester, with demo units, imaging, staging and technical support. Become a HiStone kiosk reseller, price a system with our kiosk and EPOS configurator, visit our Leicester showroom or talk to our trade team.