Fast-food ordering station: comparison of the best models

Over the past few years, ordering terminals have become a must for fast-food outlets. They streamline ordering, reduce waiting times and optimize sales thanks to automated suggestions. Today, several models can be adapted to the specific needs of fast-food outlets. From discreet wall-mounted kiosks to immersive large-format kiosks, each format meets specific requirements. Discover our comparison of the best models to choose the ideal kiosk for your fast-food outlet!

Wall-mounted control terminal: discreet and practical

Mounted directly on the wall, the wall-mounted terminal is ideal for small spaces. It features an intuitive touch interface, enabling customers to place orders independently.

Advantages:

• Space-saving: By being wall-mounted, this bollard frees up floor space, which is essential for establishments with limited floor space.
• Accessibility: Placed at eye level, it is easily accessible for most customers, including those with reduced mobility.
• Aesthetics: its wall-mounted integration gives a modern, uncluttered look to the establishment.

Contexts of use:

• Urban restaurants with limited floor space.
• Dedicated control areas where floor space must be optimized.

Sizes available: 15, 22, and 27 inches

👉 To find out more: Discover why Burgouzz managers have opted for ordering terminals in their establishments.

‍

Compact, efficient countertop control unit

Placed on a counter or table, this kiosk is compact and designed for fast interactions. It's ideal for establishments wishing to offer a stand-alone ordering option without taking up space.

Advantages:

• Easy to install: no complex assembly is required, and it can be positioned on any flat surface.
• Low cost: Generally less expensive than free-standing or wall-mounted bollards, it represents an economical solution for smaller structures.
• Accessibility: Easily usable by all customers, including children and wheelchair users.

Contexts of use:

• Cafés, bakeries or small restaurants with counter service.
• Takeaway areas where speed is of the essence.

Sizes available: 15, 22, and 27 inches

👉 To find out more: Becchi on why digital is essential in fast food

‍

Free-standing control terminal: versatility and maximum visibility

Stand-alone and mobile, the kiosk can be placed at various strategic points in the restaurant. It is often equipped with a large touch screen for optimum interaction.

Advantages:

• Flexibility: Easy to move around, it allows you to adjust the layout to suit traffic flow or specific needs.
• Visibility: Thanks to its height, it easily catches customers' attention as soon as they enter.
• Integration capability: Can include additional features such as card readers, receipt printers or QR code scanners.

Contexts of use:

• Large fast-food chains with high customer flow.
• Temporary events or pop-up restaurants requiring temporary ordering solutions.

Sizes available: 15, 22, and 27 inches

👉 Find out how Ankka has completely overhauled its point-of-sale customer experience.

‍

Articulated arm control terminal: versatility and ergonomics

The articulated-arm kiosk is mounted on a mobile stand that allows the screen to be oriented and adjusted according to customer needs. This model is designed for optimum ergonomics and maximum adaptability to available space and user position.

Advantages:

• Maximum flexibility: Thanks to its articulated arm, the bollard can be adjusted in height and inclination to suit different customer profiles (standing, wheelchair users, children, etc.).
• Improved accessibility: Ideal for establishments wishing to comply with PMR (People with Reduced Mobility) standards, making the terminal easy to use for all.
• Space optimization: unlike fixed bollards, it can be repositioned to free up space when not in use.
• Enhanced user experience: customers can adjust the screen to their preferred viewing angle, which improves user comfort and reduces light reflections that can impair legibility.
• Ideal for specific configurations: can be installed at a counter, on a wall or at the entrance to an establishment to guide customers smoothly.

Contexts of use:

• Restaurants and fast-food outlets looking to improve accessibility and offer an adjustable solution for all their customers.
• Establishments with limited space where a fixed bollard could impede traffic flow.
• Self-service ordering areas requiring modular displays for different uses (quick order, menu consultation, payment).

Sizes available: 15 and 22 inches

👉 Find out how Cot Cot always serves its customers on time thanks to its order terminals.

‍

Tap-to-pay terminals: modern and simple

The Tap to Pay kiosk integrates a contactless payment system directly into its interface. Unlike other models requiring an external payment terminal (TPE), it enables customers to order and pay in a single gesture, simply by approaching their bank card, smartphone or connected watch.

Advantages:

• Ultra-fast ordering process: Payment is made directly at the kiosk, without interaction with an external payment terminal. This reduces waiting time and streamlines the customer experience.
• Savings on equipment: No need to buy or rent an additional TPE, reducing installation and maintenance costs.
• Transaction security: NFC and contactless payment technologies enhance payment security, eliminating the need to handle cash or external devices.
• Enhanced customer experience: Enables a totally autonomous shopping experience, reducing staff intervention and avoiding queues at traditional checkouts.
• Ideal for takeaways and express sales: Suitable for fast-food outlets, bakeries, coffee shops or any establishment wishing to offer a 100% digitalized, fast and frictionless experience.

Contexts of use:

• Fast-food restaurants with a high volume of customers looking to speed up order-taking and payment.
• Establishments with few staff, wishing to automate as many stages of the customer journey as possible.
• Points of sale with a continuous flow of takeaway orders (sandwich shops, food courts, service stations).

Sizes available: 15, 22, and 27 inches

‍

Large-format control console: an immersive experience

This large-format kiosk transforms order-taking into an immersive experience, ideal for retailers who focus on visual impact. It's ideal for high-end fast-food outlets and restaurants with large seating areas.

Advantages : 

• Optimized user experience: fluid, interactive navigation.
• Chain-inspired design: reinforces the premium image of fast food.

Sizes available: 27 inch

👉 To find out more: 6advantages of the Innovorder control terminal

‍

What size kiosk should you choose for your fast-food restaurant?

15-inch format: for small spaces

ideal for restaurants with limited space or requiring a discreet terminal.

• Features: Compact, easy to integrate.
• Ideal for : Wall-mounted or articulated-arm bollards

22-inch format: the perfect balance

A compromise between size and readability, this format is suitable for most configurations.

• Features: Optimal versatility and interactivity.
• Ideal for : All types of terminals.

27-inch format: a premium experience

ensures an immersive, modern user experience.

• Features: Maximum visibility, increased attractiveness.
• Ideal for : Free-standing and large-format bollards.

‍

The benefits of fast-food ordering terminals

Ordering kiosks have revolutionized fast-food management, optimizing the customer experience and boosting profitability. By enabling autonomous order-taking, they significantly reduce waiting times, making service more fluid, especially during peak hours. Customers benefit from an intuitive interface that allows them to easily navigate the menu, explore options and personalize their dishes without pressure. Automation also limits human error, ensuring greater customer satisfaction and reducing the waste associated with incorrect orders.

In operational terms, these devices helpoptimize front-of-house staff, who can then concentrate on other essential tasks, such as preparation and service. They also integrate intelligent upselling systems that suggest accompaniments or formulas, increasing the average basket for each order by 25% to 40% on average. This optimization of sales and operating costs accelerates return on investment, making the kiosk a strategic tool for fast-food outlets. 

Faced with a clientele that is increasingly fond of digital tools, adopting these technologies is becoming a key lever for improving the efficiency and attractiveness of an establishment.

"On the kiosks, customers can see in front of them an explanation of the concept, details of all the formulas, prices and products we offer at Becchi" Matthieu and Baptiste, founders of Becchi.

👉 Find out more: Becchi explains why digital is essential in fast food

‍

How do you integrate a kiosk into your fast-food restaurant?

The adoption of digital solutions in fast-food outlets is no longer just a strategic choice, but a genuine response to consumer expectations. According to theExperience 2030 study (conducted by Futurum Research and SAS):"by 2030, 67% of interactions between brands and consumers using digital devices will be handled by 'intelligent' tools rather than today's human stakeholders". According to the same study, consumers will be more open to new technologies by 2030. Restaurant operators must therefore anticipate this evolution today, by integrating new technologies such as ordering kiosks to offer a fluid, automated customer experience. 

Here's how to integrate a kiosk into your fast food restaurant to maximize efficiency: 

Needs assessment

Before investing in a kiosk, it's essential to analyze customer flows and identify priorities: speed of service, order personalization, or payment optimization.

Installation and configuration

Installation must be designed to guarantee a seamless experience for customers. Technical assistance is essential to set up the interface correctly and ensure rapid commissioning.

Training and follow-up

Training staff to use the kiosks is a key step. The right support will enable them to take full advantage of the kiosks' functionalities, and ensure technical follow-up for updates and maintenance.

-

Want to optimize your restaurant and offer your customers a unique experience? Adopt the Innovorder order terminal and revolutionize your service today!

Contact an Innovorder expert today.