Short answer
A restaurant POS needs at least one device to run the software (tablet, computer or touchscreen terminal), a receipt printer and a card terminal. Most restaurants add a kitchen display screen or kitchen printer, a cash drawer, and phones or small tablets as handhelds. With a POS like EvronDesk that runs in a browser, you can use hardware you already own.
The pieces, one by one
POS terminal (the main screen)
Where most orders are entered. Options:
- Tablet on a stand (iPad or Android, 10–13 inch): the most common choice today. Light, cheap to replace, easy to move.
- All-in-one touchscreen terminal (15 inch): sturdier and better for high-volume counters. Look for standard models that run Windows or Android rather than ones locked to a single POS brand.
- Laptop or desktop with a touchscreen monitor: fine for a manager's station or a quiet counter.
Rough cost: US$150–1,500.
Handhelds
Phones or 7–8 inch tablets that servers carry. Ordinary smartphones work well with a cloud POS; rugged handhelds survive drops and spills better. Make sure your Wi-Fi reaches every table, terrace and garden corner.
Rough cost: US$150–900 each.
Kitchen display screen (KDS)
A tablet or monitor in the kitchen showing tickets. Mount it at eye level, away from heat and grease. A 15–22 inch monitor with a small computer, or a large Android tablet, both work. Add a bump bar or keypad if cooks prefer buttons to touchscreens.
Rough cost: US$150–600 per station.
Kitchen printer
If you prefer paper tickets, or want a backup to screens, an impact printer copes better with kitchen heat than a thermal one. Many kitchens use screens on the line and a printer at the bar.
Rough cost: US$150–400.
Receipt printer
Usually an 80 mm thermal printer. Connection matters: USB for a fixed terminal, network (Ethernet or Wi-Fi) for printers shared by several devices, Bluetooth for mobile setups. Check that the printer works with your device and POS before buying.
Rough cost: US$100–350.
Cash drawer
Usually connects to the receipt printer and opens when a cash sale prints. Choose one with enough note and coin slots for your currency.
Rough cost: US$50–150.
Card terminal
Provided by your bank or payment processor, either standalone or integrated with the POS. With EvronDesk you keep your own terminal and record card payments on the POS, which leaves you free to choose your provider.
Rough cost: often rented for US$0–30 a month, or bought for US$50–500.
Extras
- Customer-facing display showing the order and total as it's rung up
- Self-order kiosk: a tablet on a floor or counter stand
- Order-ready board: any TV or monitor with a browser
- Barcode scanner for retail items or SKUs
- Router, network switch and UPS to keep everything online and powered
Three sample setups
| Café counter | 60-cover restaurant | Food truck | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal | 1 tablet on a stand | 1–2 tablets or touchscreens at bar and pass | 1 phone or 8" tablet |
| Handhelds | – | 3–4 phones | – |
| Kitchen | Printer or 1 small screen | 2 screens (kitchen, bar) | – |
| Printing | 1 receipt printer | 1–2 receipt printers | Portable printer (optional) |
| Cash drawer | 1 | 1 | Cash box |
| Card terminal | 1 | 2–3 | 1 portable |
Buying tips
- Start with what you own. A cloud POS may run on the tablet or laptop already in the office.
- Avoid lock-in. Hardware that only runs one POS is worthless if you switch.
- Plan the network. Wired connections for the main terminal and kitchen screens, and good Wi-Fi coverage for handhelds.
- Protect against power cuts. Tablets and laptops have batteries; put the router on a small UPS.
- Buy a spare. A spare tablet in a drawer turns a broken screen into a two-minute fix.
Not sure what you need? Start the free trial on whatever device you have today, and buy hardware once you know how your team uses it.
Frequently asked questions
What hardware do I need for a restaurant POS?
At minimum, one device to run the POS (a tablet, computer or touchscreen), a receipt printer and a card terminal. Most restaurants add a kitchen display or kitchen printer, a cash drawer, and handhelds for servers.
Can I use an iPad as a restaurant POS?
Yes. Many cloud POS systems, including EvronDesk, run on iPads. Put it in a sturdy stand or case, and use a printer that works with iPads (via AirPrint or the POS's supported printers).
Is it better to buy or lease POS hardware?
Buying is usually cheaper over three years, especially for standard tablets and printers. Leasing mostly makes sense for expensive proprietary terminals, and often costs more overall.