It depends on what the machine does. Machines that chill or heat their stock run a compressor or heater for much of the day and use the most. Self-service kiosks that only power a screen, a computer and a short work cycle, such as a phone case printer or a helmet cleaner, usually use much less. To estimate your own, multiply the machine's power in kilowatts by the hours it runs, then by your tariff.
How do you estimate a machine's electricity use?
Use energy (kWh) = power (kW) x hours. The power rating is on the machine's label or spec sheet, in watts (W); divide by 1,000 for kilowatts. For example, a machine drawing 300 W for 12 hours uses 0.3 x 12 = 3.6 kWh that day. Multiply the kWh by your electricity rate to get the cost.
The rating on the label is usually the most the machine can draw. A kiosk that sits idle between customers draws less than that most of the time, so the label gives you a safe upper estimate rather than the real bill.
Why do chilled drink machines use more?
A refrigerated machine keeps its compressor cycling all day and night to hold the stock cold, and more so in a warm spot. A machine with no chilling or heating mainly powers its screen, lights, computer and payment terminal, plus a short burst of work for each customer, such as printing or a cleaning cycle.
What changes the bill?
Operating hours (a 24-hour site costs more than a mall that closes at 10pm), the number of customers a day, whether the machine sits in the sun or in air-conditioning, and screen and lighting brightness. Turning the machine off outside operating hours, where the site allows it, also cuts the bill.
Who pays for the electricity at a host site?
That is part of your agreement with the site owner. Some hosts include power in the rent or the share of sales; others charge it separately. Agree it in writing before the machine goes in, together with the exact spot and the power point. See how AIVS machine owners judge a location.
What about AIVS machines?
AI Printbox prints a phone case in about 3 minutes, and Topi Express cleans a helmet in about 5 minutes and runs on a standard 3-pin plug. Neither is a refrigerated machine. Ask AIVS for the power rating of the machine you are considering, and see how owning a machine works for the other running costs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out a vending machine's electricity cost?
Multiply the power in kilowatts by the hours it runs to get kWh, then multiply by your electricity rate. The label rating is the maximum draw, so the result is an upper estimate.
Do vending machines use a lot of electricity?
Refrigerated and heated machines use the most because they run a compressor or heater for much of the day. Kiosks without chilling, such as phone case printers and helmet cleaners, use much less.
Who pays for the electricity when a machine sits in a mall or shop?
It depends on the agreement with the site owner. Power may be included in the rent or share of sales, or charged separately. Agree it in writing before installation.
The machines
AI PrintboxA self-service machine that prints a customer's own photo or a design onto a phone case in about 3 minutes. 14 machines in Singapore malls and Changi Airport.From S$5,000 · More details →
Topi ExpressA plug-in machine that disinfects, deodorises and sterilises a motorcycle helmet in 5 minutes for S$5. Built for motorcycle shops, petrol kiosks and detailing centres.From S$1,800 · More details →