Self-service kiosks have moved from a novelty to an expectation on the UK high street. Since the major fast-food chains rolled them out nationwide, customers have grown comfortable ordering from a screen — and operators have seen the benefits in both speed and spend.
Why kiosks lift average order value
A well-designed kiosk never forgets to upsell. Prompts for a side, a dip or a larger drink appear on every order, calmly and consistently, without the time pressure a queue puts on counter staff. Across the quick-service sector, operators consistently report higher average order values once kiosks are in place, simply because the screen offers every relevant add-on at the right moment.
Shorter queues, happier customers
At peak times a single counter becomes a bottleneck. Add two or three kiosks and you multiply your order points without adding tills or staff. Customers who know exactly what they want can order in seconds, while your team concentrates on preparing food and serving tables.
Redeploying staff where they matter
Kiosks don’t replace people — they move them. Staff taken off the till can expedite orders, keep the dining area clean and look after customers who need help. For many sites that means the same headcount delivering a noticeably better experience.
What to look for in kiosk hardware
- Commercial-grade build: a kiosk runs all day, every day. Industrial components and fanless designs last far longer than repurposed consumer tablets.
- The right screen size: larger capacitive touchscreens are easier for customers of all ages and reduce mis-taps.
- Integrated card payment: a built-in contactless reader keeps the footprint tidy and the transaction secure.
- Windows or Android: choose the platform your EPOS and ordering software is built for.
Our HiStone self-service range — including the HK568MSC and the HS-series — is built specifically for UK hospitality and retail: commercial-grade, available in Windows or Android, and ready for integrated payments. If you’re weighing up kiosks for your sites, talk to our team about a specification that fits your menu and your space.