Spiral, Side-Push, or Conveyor Belt? An Overview of the Differences.

Our vending machines can be ordered with three different dispensing mechanisms: Spiral, Conveyor Belt, or Side-Push. But which dispensing mechanism is best suited for your needs? And what else should you know about these three different dispensing methods?

Find out all this and more in this blog post.

Spirals

A metal spiral rotates, pushing the product forward, where it either falls into the dispensing compartment or is transported there by the lift.

✅ Advantages

Ideal for packaged snacks & beverages in cans/bottles
Cost-effective & proven due to its simple mechanics.
Great for single, uniform products.

❌ Disadvantages

Not suitable for delicate or irregularly shaped products
Can lead to blockages if products are not properly placed → more effort when refilling

Spirals

A metal spiral rotates, pushing the product forward, where it either falls into the dispensing compartment or is transported there by the lift.

✅ Advantages

Ideal for packaged snacks & beverages in cans/bottles
Cost-effective & proven due to simple mechanics.
Great for single, uniform products.

❌ Disadvantages

Not suitable for delicate or irregularly shaped products
Can lead to blockages if products are not properly placed → more effort when refilling

Conveyor Belt

A conveyor belt transports the product to the lift, which then delivers it to the dispensing compartment.

✅ Advantages

Ideal for large, heavy, or fragile products.
Gentle product dispensing.
Perfect for high-quality or breakable goods.

❌ Disadvantages

Higher purchase costs compared to spirals.

Conveyor Belt

A conveyor belt transports the product to the lift, which then delivers it to the dispensing compartment.

✅ Advantages

Ideal for large, heavy, or fragile products.
Gentle product dispensing.
Perfect for high-quality or breakable goods.

❌ Disadvantages

Higher acquisition costs compared to spirals.

Side-Push

A pusher (push mechanism) moves the product forward to the lift, which then transports it to the dispensing compartment.

✅ Advantages

Flexible: Works for differently shaped products.
Gentle and secure product dispensing – similar to the conveyor belt.
Ideal for delicate products.

❌ Disadvantages

Higher acquisition costs compared to spirals.

Side-Push

A pusher (push mechanism) moves the product forward into the lift, which then transports it to the dispensing compartment.

✅ Advantages

Flexible: Works for differently shaped products.
Gentle and secure product dispensing – similar to the conveyor belt.
Ideal for delicate products.

❌ Disadvantages

Higher acquisition costs compared to spirals.

Please note that the trays are not interchangeable.

Would you like to order trays as spare parts from our shop? Then make sure to order the correct trays according to the dispensing mechanism in your vending machine.