If all you’ve ever bought from a vending machine is a packet of crisps, a fizzy drink or a bar of chocolate, you don’t know what you’re missing. 

For the most part, we in the UK really haven’t pushed the boat out when it comes to exploring the possibilities of vending machines. However, that’s not true in other parts of the world, with the USA, the Middle East and East Asia leading the way with the more unusual, even outlandish, ideas for exploiting their potential.

Here are just some of our favourite vending machines – selling things that really shouldn’t be available from a vending machine – that the world has to offer.

Weird vending machines from around the world graphic

Holy water

The world’s first recognised vending machine was located in Egypt in the 1st century CE and dispensed holy water (or some say wine). When a coin was inserted, it caused a lever to open a valve and let the holy water flow out. More recently – but for a few days only – a more modern holy water vending machine was installed as part of the London Dungeon’s 2023 Halloween show.

Gifts

We’ve all got to that point when Christmas or a loved one’s birthday is just around the corner, the shops are shut, and anyway, we haven’t a clue what to get them as a present. If you’re in Dubai and find yourself in that very situation, you don’t need to panic because there’s a vending machine that dispenses ready-wrapped gifts like scented candles, perfume and lingerie (because, of course, it will always be men in this position…). In fact, exactly the sort of things that will tell the receiver that this was a last-minute choice because they couldn’t think of anything better. 

Love

Getting strange objects from a vending machine is one thing; getting a concept is on a whole new level. We covered this Japanese machine in more detail in this previous blog, so we’ll just mention here that technically you’re not actually buying love from the machine (because that would be really weird). You’re basically securing a date by inserting 3000 yen (about £20) in return for details of a possible match.

Weird vending machines from around the world graphic

Cars

This is another one we’ve covered in more depth previously, but it’s worth returning to if only to once more admire the sheer scale of the concept. For in some cases, the way they work is closer to traditional vending machines than you might think. In return for your payment, you are given a token that you deposit into a slot, causing the car of your choice to be transported (sometimes from somewhere several storeys high) ready for you to collect.

Art

We’re all for recycling and we love old-style vending machines, so we’re big fans of these former cigarette vending machines that have been repurposed to sell art. Originally the idea of artist Clark Whittington in 1997, each machine sells original works of art by local artists for $1 a go. There are now some 200 machines around the world, although most are to be found in the US. If you’re in the UK, the nearest art vending machine is in Vienna.

Mashed potato

We’re immensely disappointed to discover that this machine has now been decommissioned, because it’s almost worth going all the way to Singapore – where it was found – just to try it out. It was made in collaboration with Maggi (better known for their seasoning and sauces, but also makers of powdered mash) and would deliver a dollop of mash complete with hot gravy. Whether it was closed due to food safety concerns or just because the result was more disappointing than the concept has not been established.

Gold

There aren’t many vending machines that require armed guards, but then there aren’t many vending machines that dispense bars of gold bullion. The first gold vending machines were opened in 2010 in Germany, Italy and at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, with the first UK machine being installed at London’s Westfield Shopping Centre in 2013. Alongside bars of gold, you can also buy gold coins, with prices being updated every ten minutes in line with the latest market prices.

Hair extensions

We’ve all been there. You’ve got an important meeting or date coming up and your hair just isn’t as long as you’d like it to be. That’s not a problem if you live in the States, where vending machines selling hair extensions are increasingly becoming a thing. As usual, we may not be too far behind in the UK, where a Newcastle entrepreneur already has a vending machine that can provide you with those emergency fake eyelashes you’ve always needed.

Champagne

Having already looked at gold vending machines, let’s finish with a return to the luxury market with a double whammy of champagne and caviar. Chilled Moët & Chandon champagne is carefully delivered in 200ml bottles at a cost of $25, complete with a flute to drink it from. There are a few champagne vending machines located across the USA, with the first in New York being placed at the Lexington Hotel in Manhattan.

Caviar

Maybe it’s just us, but surely if you’re the sort of person who eats caviar, are you also likely to be the sort of person who is happy to get it from a vending machine? It doesn’t seem the type of thing you might want to snack on between meals or buy on impulse. Nevertheless, in 2013, the Beverly Hills Caviar Automated Boutique opened three ‘automatic boutiques’ across Los Angeles selling a range of caviar (including Imperial River Beluga caviar at $500 an ounce) plus blinis, escargot, flavoured salts, and Italian truffles.

At Nu Vending, we may not be able to supply you with a vending machine that dispenses cars, gold or mashed potato, but we are a leading supplier of more conventional vending machines across London and the South East.

Want to know more about how we can help you and your business? Then get in touch with us today!