Drinks Vending Machine | Coca-Cola, Fizzy & Soft Drink Models
Drinks vending machine options for soda, water, and coffee. From Coca-Cola to fizzy soft drink models, explore costs, reviews, and the best drinks vending machines today.
Coca-Cola Drink Vending Machine
- Available in 72” and 79” models
- Designed to showcase the Coca-Cola product portfolio
- Performance tested for reliable product delivery
- UL 541 safety certified
- Anti-theft and vandal-resistant construction
- Compatible with multiple payment systems
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Stack |
| Manufacturer | Royal, Crane, Dixie Narco |
| Height (inches) | 72 |
| Width (inches) | 28–37 |
| Depth (inches) | 33.5–37 |
| Capacity (Cans) | 448–720 |
| Capacity (20oz Bottles) | 196–320 |
Dixie Narco Fizzy Drink Vending Machine – $3,495
- 45 drink selections, accommodating cans and bottles.
- 5 trays with 9 columns per tray.
- Capacity: 360–405 items depending on package size.
- Heavy-duty welded all-steel construction.
- MDB Protocol for coin changer and bill acceptor.
- Glass front live display for easy viewing.
- Multi-priced: accommodates $0.05–$99.95 pricing.
- Accepts $1/$5 bills and coins; credit card capable electronics (reader sold separately).
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Dixie Narco BevMax 2145 |
| Type | Bottle/Can Beverage Vending Machine |
| Selections | 45 |
| Trays & Columns | 5 Trays, 9 Columns per Tray |
| Capacity | 360–405 items depending on package size |
| Product Compatibility | 12 oz cans, 16 oz energy drinks, 20 oz bottles |
| Construction | Heavy-duty welded all steel |
Drinks Vending Machines — Overview
Cold-drink vending: types, capacity, models, operations and profitability.
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Drink Vending Machine
A drinks vending machine is a refrigerated kiosk that automatically dispenses packaged beverages after payment. Machines range from simple stacked-can models to glass-front units with touchscreens and telemetry. They are commonly used in offices, malls, schools and transit hubs to provide cold drinks with minimal staffing.
Types & brand-specific options
Soft-drink machines, branded dots, and freestyle fountains
- Soft-drink (fizzy) machines: stacked cans or bottles; powerful refrigeration for fizzy beverages.
- Brand-specific machines: Coca-Cola or Pepsi units that sell only branded SKUs; supply chain often handled by the distributor.
- Freestyle / fountain touchscreens: touchscreen dispensers offering many flavor combinations (e.g., Coca-Cola Freestyle).
How many drinks can a machine hold?
Typical capacity tiers — choose by site demand
Small
~50–250 cans — for small offices or low-traffic spots
Medium
~300–400 cans — good for moderate foot traffic
Large
~500–700+ cans — malls, transit hubs, large campuses
Top Drink Vending Models
Compare features and typical specs
| Brand / Model | Key features | Size (H×W×D) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Vendors — Merlin / 650 Live | Glass-front, strong refrigeration, card & bill accept | ~72″ × 32″ × 36″ | ~648 cans (model dependent) |
| Vendo 721 HVV | Slim vertical layout, spiral motors, cashless capable | Slim column footprint | ~580 cans |
| Dixie-NARCO 501E | Common glass-front soda machine; LED pricing | ~71″ × 29″ × 36″ | ~471 cans |
Note: specs vary by configuration — confirm with the vendor for power, ADA and delivery requirements.
Operating a drinks vending machine — practical steps
- Stock smart: I fill fast-moving SKUs first and balance popular sodas with bottled water and energy drinks for variety.
- Test vend & pricing: After stocking, I test 3–4 selections to ensure correct delivery and set prices to hit target margins (usually ~2× wholesale).
- Daily/weekly checks: I clean the front, check refrigeration, and respond quickly to jams or payment errors; telemetry reduces surprise outages.
- Customer support: Post a clear support number and a short refund process — it keeps users happy and adoption high.
Best locations
High-traffic places that typically perform well
Malls & transit hubs
High throughput, impulse buys.
Gyms & recreation centers
Great for sports drinks and bottled water.
Office buildings
Regular demand during work hours.
Universities & dorms
High, consistent consumption.
Legal, licensing & ADA
Common compliance notes
- Set up a legal business entity and obtain a sales-tax permit in your state.
- Sealed drinks rarely trigger food permits, but verify local health codes for specialty beverages.
- Check ADA height & placement rules for fixed machines.
FAQs
How much does a drink vending machine cost to buy?
New machines typically range $3,000–$10,000 depending on size and features; refurbished units can be significantly cheaper.
What margins can I expect?
Typical net margins on vending are roughly 20–25% after product cost, commissions and operating expenses; results depend heavily on location and procurement.
Do I need special permits to vend bottled water?
Most sealed bottled water sales are treated as retail; confirm local rules if you plan to vend purified or bulk water requiring additional licensing.
