What is a combo machine? (Definition)
A combo vending machine — also called a combination machine — splits one cabinet into a refrigerated lower zone for cans and bottles and ambient spiral trays above for snacks. A single refrigeration deck services the cold zone, and one card reader and one coin mech handle every sale.
The trade-off is straightforward: you get two product categories for one footprint and one install, at the cost of fewer selections in each category than a dedicated machine would offer.
Why Australian workplaces use a combo machine
Most Australian tea rooms have wall space for one machine, not two. A combo is the answer when staff want both a cold drink and something to eat, and the site cannot give up two metres of wall.
For operators, a combo earns from two margins into one cash box and needs only one service visit. That is why it is the most requested machine in our free placement program.
Main features
The single-deck design is what keeps running cost close to a drink-only machine while covering the snack range as well.
- Refrigerated drink zone at 2°C to 6°C plus ambient snack trays above
- 30 to 45 selections, adjustable spiral pitch for cans, bottles, bags and bars
- One payment system covering both zones — tap, mobile wallet, QR, coin and note
- Delivery sensing across the full bin so no failed vend is charged
- Telemetry reporting both zones, including refrigeration temperature
- Roughly 950 mm wall width and a standard 10 amp power point
Specifications
These are indicative Australian figures. Exact numbers for each model are on its own spec sheet.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (typical) | 1,830 mm H x 950 mm W x 880 mm D |
| Capacity | 300 to 500 items across 30 to 45 selections |
| Temperature | Drink zone 2°C to 6°C; snack zone ambient |
| Power | Single-phase 240 V, 10 amp point, 3 to 6 kWh per day |
| Payment options | Tap-and-go card, mobile wallet, QR, coin, note |
| Monitoring | Telemetry including refrigeration temperature alarms |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty on new; workshop-tested on used |
| Suits | Workplaces of roughly 20 to 120 people |
How much does it cost?
Pricing depends on the machine size, refrigeration type and payment system fitted. There are three ways to get a machine, and the cheapest one is often not a purchase at all.
Used combos are the best value on the second-hand market because one purchase covers two revenue categories. Refurbished combination machines typically run from $2,450 + GST.
| Option | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Free placement | $0 — no hire fee, no service fee | Workplaces with roughly 30+ people on site daily |
| Buy new | From $1,650 + GST | Operators and sites wanting warranty and current models |
| Buy used or refurbished | From $1,650 + GST | New operators and trial sites |
| Finance / rent-to-own | From about $25 per week | Spreading the cost over 12 to 48 months |
Indicative Australian pricing, excluding GST and delivery.
How getting a combo machine works, step by step
The process is the same whether you take a free machine or buy one. Most sites go from first enquiry to a trading machine in two to three weeks.
- Step 1 — Tell us your site: headcount, access hours, floor space and whether you want a free combo machine or a purchase.
- Step 2 — We recommend a machine size and a product planogram based on comparable sites.
- Step 3 — You confirm the machine, the product list and the payment system.
- Step 4 — We deliver, position, power up, load the price file and vend-test every selection.
- Step 5 — Telemetry reports sales and faults, and restocking follows the data rather than a fixed calendar.
Combo Vending Machines compared with the alternatives
| Option | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combo machine | 20 to 120 people, one wall space | Two categories, one install, one service visit | Fewer selections per category |
| Separate snack + drink | 120+ people | Full range in each category, no sell-outs | Two footprints, two installs |
| Snack machine only | Small offices | Cheapest option | No cold drinks |
| Smart fridge | Fresh food and mixed retail | Open-door, high basket size | Higher cost, needs account setup |
Verified business details
These details are published so they can be checked against the Australian Business Register and our other listings. Nothing on this page relies on a claim you cannot verify.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Business name | Vending Machine Australia |
| ABN | 63 099 686 608 |
| Phone | 0401 662 678 |
| sales@vending-machine.com.au | |
| Service areas | Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong |
| Coverage | Australia wide, all states and territories |
| Payment systems | Tap-and-go card, mobile wallet, QR, coin and note |
| Monitoring | Telemetry fitted as standard on placed machines |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty on new machines; workshop-tested used machines |
Vending Machine Australia — ABN 63 099 686 608
Frequently asked questions
What is a combo vending machine?
A combo vending machine holds chilled drinks and ambient snacks in one cabinet, using a single refrigeration deck and a single payment system. It is also called a combination machine.
How many people does a combo machine suit?
Roughly 20 to 120 people on site. Above that, popular lines tend to sell out mid-week and most sites move to a separate drink machine and snack machine.
Can a combo hold 600 ml bottles and cans together?
Yes. The chilled zone uses adjustable spirals or shelves, so 375 ml cans, 600 ml bottles and 500 ml sports drinks run in the same machine.
What does a combo vending machine cost?
Free placement is $0 at qualifying sites. Refurbished combos start from about $2,450 + GST and new machines are quoted per model, with finance from roughly $25 per week.
How much power does a combo use?
Typically 3 to 6 kWh a day depending on ambient temperature, door openings and whether energy-saving mode is enabled.
Is servicing included on a combo?
On a free placed machine we cover restocking, repairs, parts and refunds. On a purchased machine we supply parts and service support and you operate it.
Ask about a combo machine
One cabinet, snacks and cold drinks. Tell us your headcount and wall space and we will size it for you.