If you run a small café, chances are you’ve thought about adding a self-ordering kiosk — especially when you’re short-staffed or trying to speed up service during the morning rush. But with so many options out there, how do you actually pick the right kiosk for your café?
Let’s break it down so you can make a smart, low-stress decision.
Why Even Consider a Kiosk?
Before diving into the details, here’s why small cafés across the U.S. are adding kiosks to their setup:
Faster service during busy hours (like the coffee-and-croissant morning wave)
Reduced pressure on staff, so they can focus on making great drinks, not juggling orders
Fewer order mistakes (no more “I said almond milk!”)
Higher ticket size thanks to automatic upsells like “add a pastry?”
Bottom line: kiosks aren’t just for big chains anymore. With the right setup, they’re perfectly suited for local cafés too.
What to Look for in a Self-Ordering Kiosk
Here are the key things to think about when choosing the right kiosk system:
1. Compact, Café-Friendly Design
Space matters in a small café. Look for a kiosk that doesn’t take up your entire counter or block foot traffic.
Wall-mounted or countertop options are ideal
Freestanding is fine too — just make sure it’s not in the way
2. Ease of Use for Customers
Your regulars might be retirees or busy parents — so the interface should be simple and intuitive.
Big buttons, clean layout, and clear categories
Visuals matter — can you add product photos?
Quick support for customizations (like iced vs hot, size, or milk options)
3. Menu Control in Real Time
Can you update your menu on the fly? Today’s out of blueberry muffins? You’ll want to hide that item fast.
Look for a kiosk that lets you:
Edit menu items from your phone or laptop
Change pricing and specials anytime
Set availability by time (like breakfast items ending at 11 AM)
4. Payment Flexibility
Customers should be able to pay however they want — card, tap, mobile wallet, gift card.
Make sure your kiosk supports:
Contactless payments
All major card providers
Tips (a simple tip prompt can boost staff earnings!)
5. Affordable for Small Businesses
Some kiosks come with hefty setup fees or monthly contracts. That might work for big restaurants, but not for smaller cafés with tighter margins.
Try to find:
No-contract options
Low or no transaction fees
Hardware and software bundled together to save cost
What About Applova?
We built our self-ordering kiosk solution with small businesses in mind — especially places like yours.
Here’s how it fits into your world:
Compact Design: Wall, counter, or standalone — whatever fits your space.
Customer-Friendly Interface: Designed so anyone can order in a few taps.
Commission-Free: Every dollar from the sale goes directly to you.
Real-Time Menu Control: Update items, hours, pricing, and promos anytime.
Integrated Loyalty & Promos: Offer discounts or freebies to keep customers coming back.
Plus, it’s easy to get started — no complicated tech setup, no giant upfront investment, and real human support to help you through it.
If you’re curious, book a quick demo and see how it works in action.
Common Questions Café Owners Ask
❓ Can I install a kiosk without replacing my POS?
Yes! Some kiosks (like Applova’s) work alongside your existing POS system or act as a standalone. You don’t need to rip out what’s already working.
❓ Will it replace my staff?
Not at all. It supports your team, not replaces them. A kiosk takes pressure off during busy times so your staff can focus on service and quality.
❓ Do I need an internet connection?
Yes, a reliable connection is needed to sync orders and process payments. Some systems support offline order-taking, but it’s best to have consistent Wi-Fi.
❓ What if I only want one kiosk?
That’s totally fine. Many small cafés start with just one — often near the entrance or on the side counter.
Final Thought
Choosing the right self-ordering kiosk for your café doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Focus on what matters most: ease of use, customer experience, cost, and flexibility.
And remember — the goal isn’t to replace people. It’s to make life easier for you and your team, serve more customers, and keep those lines moving.
If you’re ready to see how it might look in your café, let’s talk.