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Based on what we think of when we hear the term vending machine today, some might be surprised to learn that vending machines have their historical roots in ancient Greece! The first known vending machine was invented by the Greek engineer and mathematician Hero of Alexandria around 215 BC. These first vending machines were located in Egyptian temples and dispensed holy water in exchange for coins.
Despite this early innovation, it was not until the early 1880s that the first commercial coin-operated vending machines were introduced for public use. These vending machines were found in London and dispensed post cards. Around the same time, Richard Carlisle, an English publisher and bookshop owner, invented a vending machine that dispensed books.
Vending machines finally made their United States debut in 1888 when the Thomas Adams Gum Company installed machines on subway platforms in New York City that vended Tutti-Frutti gum. In 1897, the Pulver Manufacturing Company added animated figures to their vending machines, which provided added entertainment for the customer as the figures would move once coins were deposited into the machine.
After these first vending machines were introduced in the U.S., other vending machines soon followed, offering a wide variety of items including cigars, postcards, stamps, etc. In 1902, the Horn & Hardart Baking Company opened a completely coin-operated Automat restaurant, which stayed in business until 1962.
Following is a brief timeline of historical milestones for different vending machines:
Gumball Machines
1907 - Round candy-coated gumballs and gumball machines are introduced.
Soda Machines & Soft Drink Machines
Early 1920's - The first automatic vending machines that can dispense sodas into cups are invented.
1930s Chilled bottled soft drink machines are invented, followed by the first Coca-Cola bottle vending machine built by The Vendolator Company in 1937.
1961 Canned soda machines are introduced.
1978 Soft drink machines that dispense water are introduced.
Snack Machines
1972 Polyvend introduces the first glass front snack machines.
1987 The first frozen food vending machines are introduced.
Cigarette Machines
1926 - William Rowe, an American inventor, invents the first commercial cigarette vending machine.
Coffee Vending Machines
1946 The invention of the first coffee vending machines popularizes their use for coffee breaks.
1960 The first single-cup coffee vending machines come to market.
1988 Bean-grinders are available in coffee vending machines.
1991 Coffee vending machines offer flavored coffees, espresso and cappuccino.
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gumball machines, candy machines, vending machines and other bulk vending supplies. Thanks for taking the time to learn a little more about our fun industry!
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