As more restaurants turn to automation, self-order kiosks are becoming a must-have for improving speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction. But before making the switch, one key question stands out—what is the actual self-order kiosk price in 2025? Whether you run a quick-service restaurant or a casual dining spot, understanding the real cost of a kiosk system is essential to budgeting smartly and maximizing ROI. In this guide, we break down everything from upfront hardware expenses to long-term value, so you can make an informed investment in your restaurant’s future.
If you run a fast casual or quick service restaurant, you have the option of improving the customer experience by using self-order kiosks. Self-ordering kiosks can speed up ordering and make your restaurant more efficient as your team members can focus on fulfilling orders rather than helping your customers place them.
If you’re thinking about adding this technology to your business, let’s look at self-order kiosk costs and how you can start to use self-ordering kiosks at your restaurant.
What Is a self-order kiosk?
Self-order kiosks are tablets or computer systems that allow customers to place and pay for orders on their own. The customer orders their meal through the kiosk and it is sent directly to the kitchen display system in the back of the house.
Self-order kiosks can range in size and use. A kiosk could be a small mobile tablet set on a table or a large stand-alone screen.
There are many benefits of including these kiosks in a fast casual or quick service restaurant:
- Save on labor costs because you won’t need as many employees to take orders.
- Increase the average ticket by upselling meals and suggesting add-ons.
- Promote specific items and market new foods, driving sales where you need them.
- Increase guests’ ability to customize orders, creating a better experience and increasing the chances they return.
Self-ordering kiosks are easy to set up and don’t take up much space. If a customer gets stuck in the ordering process, one of your nearby employees can jump in to help everything get sorted out.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Using Self-Service Restaurant Kiosks
Self-Order Kiosk Price Breakdown: How Much Do Self-Ordering Systems Cost in 2025?
Pricing for self-order kiosks can range widely. Some kiosks can cost up to $5,000. Lavu is on the low-end of the cost range at $50 per month. Our pricing is affordable because we offer kiosks as a simple add-on to our point-of-sale (POS) system. We use accessible iPad tablets for our kiosks while some companies specialize in selling large kiosks that can be installed permanently in your establishment and come with extra software.
With Lavu, you can set up your POS system for as low as $59 per month and add on kiosk for another $50/month.
(Pricing is subject to change. Please check our pricing page for our most up-to-date pricing.)
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Self-Order Kiosk? A Complete Price Guide
Along with factoring hardware and software expenses, you may need to consider installation when you are calculating your self-order kiosk costs. Lavu self-order kiosks are easy to install—the system consists of simply an iPad and a stand. You can place them on any counter or table and could also have multiple tablets placed around the restaurant.
If you opt for a larger, more complex kiosk, you may have to pay for the installation and setup. These kiosks won’t be as mobile as Lavu tablets and you may also have to pay to have the systems removed. Some companies charge $1,000 or more for installation and delivery alone. With Lavu, you would get your whole self-ordering POS system running for a fraction of that price.
Is the Self-Order Kiosk Price Worth the Investment for Restaurants?
Investing in a self-order kiosk through Lavu is worth the cost to your business. The price is low, which means you can start taking orders without having to pay thousands of dollars to install a complex system. This means your POS system can immediately start making your company money.
Self-order kiosks are worth the price for many industries. We work with a variety of restaurant types to set up self-ordering, including:
- Food trucks
- Ice cream shops
- Coffee shops
- Delis
- Pizzerias
- Fast casual restaurants
All of these restaurants need to get food to customers fast. A customer won’t be willing to wait several minutes for an ice cream cone or a cup of coffee. While customers place their orders, employees work to fulfill them, keeping your business moving quickly throughout the day.
How much more will customers spend?
Self-service kiosks encourage customers to spend more in two ways. The systems promote add-ons that cost more (like guacamole on a burrito or extra pizza toppings) and they encourage customers to buy complementary items, like a soda or dessert, with their order. These two methods of upselling can have a marked impact on your business.
One study found that self-service kiosks lead to a 21% increase in order size with customers adding 1.4 more items to their carts at checkout. This resulted in a $5 increase per transaction on average.
When McDonalds and Taco Bell added self-service kiosks, they saw average check sizes increase by 30% and 20% respectively. McDonald’s saw an increase in drink orders while Taco Bell saw a rise in add-ons like jalapenos and sour cream—which can cost $0.30 to $0.70 per item.
Even if your kiosks can add a few dollars to each ticket, the investments can quickly pay for themselves and increase the profits for your restaurant.
Your Customers Will Appreciate Your Self-Order Kiosk
Self-order kiosks are increasingly popular across the United States. More restaurants are opting for this type of ordering system and customers are responding favorably.
To learn more about how these kiosks can help you grow, check out our eBook How the Self Ordering Restaurant Kiosk Is Changing the Way We Eat Out. This book highlights changes in the quick service restaurant industry and provides actionable tips that you can apply to your customer experience.
FAQs:
1. What is the average self-order kiosk price in 2025?
The average self-order kiosk price in 2025 ranges between $2,500 and $7,500 per unit, depending on hardware quality, software features, and support. For restaurants looking for robust reporting, payment integration, and branded UI, the cost may be on the higher end. Lavu offers customizable self-order kiosks tailored to restaurant needs, with competitive pricing and full POS integration included.
2. How does a self-service kiosk for restaurants work?
A self-service kiosk for restaurants enables customers to browse the menu, customize their orders, and pay—all without staff assistance. These kiosks integrate with your POS system to reduce errors, speed up service, and streamline kitchen operations. Lavu’s kiosks sync in real time with kitchen display systems and inventory, ensuring smooth operation.
3. How much does it cost to install a kiosk ordering system?
Installing a kiosk ordering system typically adds $500–$1,000 to the base hardware price. Costs include mounting, setup, POS integration, and staff training. With Lavu, installation and onboarding support are included, ensuring a smooth setup and minimal disruption to operations.
4. What are the benefits of self-service kiosks in restaurants?
The benefits of self-service kiosks include faster service, fewer order errors, lower labor costs, and increased order size. Customers enjoy control and convenience, while staff can focus on food quality and customer service. Lavu’s kiosks also collect valuable customer data to enhance future marketing and menu decisions.
5. Why should I choose Lavu’s self-ordering kiosk over other options?
Lavu offers a fully integrated self-ordering POS system that connects your kiosk, POS, kitchen display, and online ordering—all in one platform. With transparent self-order kiosk pricing, robust support, and real-time menu control, Lavu is a trusted choice for restaurants aiming to boost sales and modernize operations.
