When the term vending machine is mentioned, a majority of us only think about sodas, candies, and snacks. What you probably do not know is the fact that these machines can be designed to dispense anything. Out there, there are vending machines that dispense gold coins, cars, art pieces, crabs, gifts, among other unusual items. Some are weird but incredibly cool. Others are just beyond human comprehension. Well, you have to travel to see some of these exceptional designs to believe them. So as you can have somewhere to start from, we have compiled a top 10 list of some of the world’s most unique vending machine and where you can find them:
- Gold ATM, UAE
Who could have predicted that gold can be dispensed by a vending machine? This invention made its debut at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi. It literary works like a cash ATM, only that it dispenses gold coins instead of paper money. You can buy gold coins from different countries like South Africa and Canada through the vending machine. Recently, such machines were installed in Florida. So, you don’t have to make the trip to the United Arab Emirates if you are already in the US. Just go to Florida and you’ll have an experience of a lifetime. If you have been looking for a way to buy genuine gold coins, then the Gold ATM is the way to go.
- Gift Machine, Dubai
In any holiday season, gifting is always a special occasion. However, it can be really difficult to find the right gift to give. In Dubai, you don’t have to struggle about it. All you need to do is visit one of the gifting machines in the streets. By the touch of a button, you can buy your special gift. From underclothes to scented candles, the vending machine has it all. You don’t even have to worry about the packaging as the gift will come with its own special wrapping. The bonus is that you also get a gift bag for carrying the gift. The shopping experience is just exceptional.
- Umbrella Machine, Hong Kong
Things get really interesting when you go to Hong Kong. Sometimes, it’s hard to see the rain coming and so you may need an umbrella when in the streets. The advantage is that you don’t have to struggle looking for one as all you have to do is to approach an umbrella dispensing vending machine. This is meant to save time and to prevent you from soaking in the rain as you look for shelter. Most of the umbrellas are easy to carry and so you shouldn’t have a problem putting it into your bag when the rain stops.
- Apple Products Vending Machine, USA
If you are a fan of the iPhone, the iPad or any other Apple product, then you can view the latest designs in Las Vegas. You’ll be able to access several vending machines showing Apple products. A majority of them are located close to airports and major hotels. Though you can’t buy directly from the vending machine, it allows you to know what products are on offer when you visit an Apple outlet.
- Live Crabs Machine, China
Speaking of weird vending machines, this one definitely fits the bill. The machine sells to you live crabs that you can bring back home to keep as pets or cook them. Well, the former reason is a bizarre one. To most people, the dispensing of the crabs is just horrific. Though these vending machines are not located everywhere in China, you’ll find them on major streets. The surprising thing is that the crabs remain alive even after packing. This is because they are totally chilled. The chilling temperature makes them dormant as long as they are within the vending machine. The bonus is that the packaging is edible and so can be consumed alongside the crab.
- Used Car Selling Machine, USA
A few years back, an Arizona-based auto company going by the name Carvana Dealership launched vending machines for selling used cars. Though they have an online platform, their strongest selling point has been the dispensers. Now, the company is expanding. They have vending machines for used cars in Washington, Philadelphia, and other places. Wondering how these vending machines look? Well, they take the shape of a tall building where cars are arranged on floors. The cars are found inside glass walls and so you can see them clearly when outside the building.
- Art-O-Mat Vending Machine, USA
In the streets of North Carolina where this invention originates, you are likely to buy the best local art pieces on the streets via the vending machine. The design is an improvement of the cigarette vending machine. Each vending machine is filled with small art pieces that are created and designed by local artist. So, if you are looking for American art and you really want to support local talent, then you should buy from Art-O-Mat.
- Farmer’s Fridge, Canada & USA
Who said that healthy foods can’t be dispensed as easily as junks? The farmer’s fridge is a vending machine that allows you to buy fresh and organic vegetables. The produce is mostly local. So, you don’t have to worry about what to buy when you get the vending machine. These foods are not just nutritious but also delicious. They basically do not compromise on taste or nutritional value.
- Pharmashop24 Vending Machine, Italy
In Milan, there’s an automatic dispenser that sells to your diapers, pain killers, and contraceptives. Considering that most shops don’t run 24/7 in Milan, these vending machines allow you to get the pharmaceutical products whenever the normal outlets are closed. Besides, most people like buying pharmaceutical products discreetly. You get this advantage when buying from Pharmashop24.
- Pizza Machine, Germany
Lastly, your favorite delicacy can now be dispensed by a vending machine. You just have to make the trip to Germany to witness this incredible innovation. The interesting thing about the machine is that it allows you to pick the pizza type that you want and it’ll be ready after a few hours. What pops out of the machine is freshly-prepared and incredibly delicious. Mark you; the machine handles everything from the preparation to the serving. The innovation is just genius.
Closing Thought:
Call them weird, special or just cool; the above machines are the epitome of vending machine innovation. They make traveling to these countries exciting and shopping tempting. You can’t help but try to be a part of the lovely experience.
