Short answer: A full-size snack or drinks vending machine is typically about 1.8 m tall, 0.9–1.2 m wide and 0.8–0.9 m deep and weighs roughly 250–350 kg empty. It runs from a standard grounded 220–240 V socket. Plan about one square metre of floor, space for the door to open, a ventilation gap behind the machine and a route from the entrance that the machine can pass through.
- Measure the narrowest door and the lift, not just the final position.
- Indoors or in full shade only — direct sun and UAE summer heat shorten a machine’s life.
- Exact dimensions and power ratings differ by model; check the product page or ask us.
Typical sizes by machine type
| Machine type | Typical footprint (W × D) | Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snack / combo machine | 0.9–1.2 m × 0.8–0.9 m | ≈ 1.8 m | Heaviest type; needs a level floor |
| Cold-drinks machine | 0.7–1.0 m × 0.8–0.9 m | ≈ 1.8 m | Very heavy when loaded with cans and bottles |
| Floor-standing coffee machine | 0.6–0.7 m × 0.7–0.8 m | ≈ 1.7–1.8 m | May need a water connection |
| Table-top coffee machine | 0.3–0.5 m × 0.5–0.6 m | 0.6–0.9 m | Needs a strong counter or base cabinet |
| Change machine | Compact; wall or stand mounted | — | Must be fixed securely |
These are typical ranges, not specifications. The exact figures for each model are listed on its page in our catalogue.
Space around the machine
- Door swing: the front door opens the full width of the machine for refilling. Keep that area clear.
- Ventilation: refrigerated machines need a gap behind and above them so warm air can escape — follow the distance in the manual.
- Level floor: an uneven floor causes delivery faults and door problems. Machines have adjustable feet for small differences.
- Customer space: leave room for someone to stand and for others to pass, especially in corridors.
Want us to check your site? Send photos and measurements of the spot on WhatsApp, or ask for a site survey with your quote.
Power and water
- Socket: one grounded 220–240 V outlet for each machine, within about 1.5 m. Avoid extension leads and shared multi-plugs.
- Stable supply: where power cuts or surges are common, ask about a surge protector — control boards are sensitive.
- Water: floor-standing coffee machines usually connect to a cold-water line through a filter; many table-top models use a refillable tank instead.
- Signal: a cashless reader or telemetry needs mobile data or Wi-Fi at the machine’s position. Check before choosing the spot.
How much electricity does a vending machine use?
It depends on the type, the age of the machine and the room temperature:
- Refrigerated snack and drinks machines use the most, because the compressor runs through the day. Modern machines commonly use a few kilowatt-hours a day; older ones use more.
- Coffee machines use less on average — the heater works mainly when drinks are made.
- Non-refrigerated snack machines and change machines use very little.
To estimate your cost, take the daily consumption from the machine’s data plate or manual, multiply by 30 and by your electricity tariff. You reduce it by keeping the machine in a cool, shaded place, cleaning the condenser coil and using the energy-saving mode if the machine has one.
The delivery-day checklist
- Measure every door, corridor turn and lift on the route — width, height and lift weight limit.
- Book the loading bay or service lift and tell building security.
- Confirm there are no steps; if there are, tell us in advance.
- Clear the final position and check the socket works.
- Have the landlord’s permission (NOC) ready if the building asks for it.
- Choose who will be trained to refill and clean the machine.
Our delivery and installation policy explains what happens on the day, and the start-up guide covers permits.
